I`m responsible for rise in cynical comedy: Ricky Gervais

London: Comic actor Ricky Gervais says he feels responsible for a rise in `cynical` comedy shows.The 52-year-old actor said that he has tried to leave "cynicism and irony" behind with his series `Derek`, reportedly. "I think what makes Derek a different type of sitcom - if it is even a sitcom - is the sincerity. Certainly in the last few years - and I`m responsible for a lot of it - there`s been this comedy of cynicism and irony and I`ve tried to leave that behind," he said. Gervais compared the modern comedy landscape to "a student`s bedroom" with "ironic" posters. "Just say what you do like. I think people are afraid to do that." The second series of `Derek` begins from April 23 and will be available to US residents via from May 30.