If you’ve been paying attention (and why would you be?), you know by now that I lurve stand-up comedy. While stand-up on teevee can never compare to seeing a brilliant comic at a live show, there are some classic stand-up specials from the likes of Eddie Murphy, Dave Chappelle, George Carlin, Chris Rock and others, that many of us peasants would never have seen if it weren’t for TV. Tonight, Ricky Gervais is trying his hand at joining that esteemed echelon of televised hilarity.

Gervais has already proven his mettle in the sitcom format, with the original The Office and later, Extras. Apparently, he’s new to doing actual stand-up comedy, so I guess he’s taken the “go big or go home” approach, by beginning his foray with an HBO special that was taped at Madison Square Garden. That’s one way to go.

The teasers for the special that I have seen look pretty effing funny, but that is what they’re meant to do. Still, I’m pretty excited for the special tonight, and I’m pretty sure it’s going to not suck. Check out Ricky’s special, Out of England: The Stand Up Special tonight at 9p eastern and 10p pacific on HBO. You already know I will be, and therefore that makes it cool.