Ricky Gervais headed to HBO in an animated series

NEW YORK (AP) -- HBO says Ricky Gervais will be a star voice in a 13-episode animated comedy series early next year.

The cable network said Tuesday that "The Ricky Gervais Show" will be based on his wildly popular podcasts.

Voices will include Gervais, longtime collaborator Stephen Merchant and their friend Karl Pilkington. Pilkington's musings often inspire the series' offbeat storylines.

Gervais has appeared on HBO in the series "Extras," which won him an Emmy as best comedy actor. He also created and starred in the British TV series "The Office," from which the hit NBC version was adapted.

His new show will debut Feb. 19. He is also hosting the Golden Globes Awards on Jan. 17.