Ricky Gervais' After Life: Trailer, plot, reactions & how to watch
16 January 2019, 06:00 | Updated: 11 March 2019, 12:52
The six-part Netflix series sees the comedian return to acting, playing widower Tony in the dark comedy.
Ricky Gervais' new sitcom only came out on Friday 8 March, but it's already had people talking.
The six-part Netflix series, which sees the British comedian play a widower called Tony, has been released to rave reviews - leaving fans in fits of laughter as well as tears.
Watch its trailer above, courtesy of Netflix.
Find out everything you need to know about the show, including its plot, cast and characters, how to watch it and its reactions so far...
How can I watch Ricky Gervais' After Life series?
After Life is available exclusively to stream on Netflix here.
What is After Life about?
Explaining the plot in a press release, Netflix said: "Tony (Ricky Gervais) had a perfect life. But after his wife Lisa suddenly dies, Tony changes. After contemplating taking his own life, he decides instead to live long enough to punish the world by saying and doing whatever he likes from now on. He thinks it’s like a Super Power — not caring about himself or anyone else — but it turns out to be tricky when everyone is trying to save the nice guy they used to know."
Ricky Gervais plays Tony, a guy who's lost his wife and is trying to punish the world one savage put-down at a time. He's joined by a cast of hilarious British comedians and actors on an emotional rollercoaster. After Life is coming 8 March pic.twitter.com/Klel5YUrmg
— Netflix UK & Ireland (@NetflixUK) January 14, 2019
Who stars in After Life?
Some of the cast include:
Ricky Gervais as Tony
Tom Basden as Matt
Tony Way as Lenny
Diane Morgan as Kath
Mandeep Dhillon as Sandy
David Bradley as Tony's Dad
Kerry Godliman as Lisa
Paul May as the psychiatrist
What are the reactions so far?
People are very positive about the show so far, with some calling it one of the best things Gervais has ever done and others admitting it moved them to tears.
Just watched episode two of @rickygervais #AfterLife crying like a baby as credits rolled. Funny, real and heartfelt comedy at its best👏🏻 ✌🏻
— craig thomas (@thesid180) March 10, 2019
Just binge watched #AfterLife, had me craughing the whole way through. I’d go as far to say the best series I’ve ever watched. Amazing
— Katie Owers (@katieowersx) March 10, 2019
What an emotional rollercoaster. The best thing I never knew I needed. Therapy in a tv series #AfterLife
— Vicky (@vickyyhannah) March 11, 2019
#AfterLife snottery sobbing on a Monday morning..I’m going to look a right treat for work...brilliant show, sorry it ended
— Pulp Monkey (@monkey_pulp) March 11, 2019
Ricky Gervais has taken to social media to thank fans and critics for the response, writing: "I obviously love all the 5 star reviews of #AfterLife from the posh papers, but I'm still more moved by your lovely comments about it. Thank you."
Radio X DJ Gordon Smart wrote: "Yer man @rickygervais is on The Evening Show tonight @radiox. We broke the world record for swearing in an interview. If you haven’t seen #afterlife on @netflixuk yet, make sure you do. Six perfect episodes on grief, love, drugs, mild work place bullying and a masterclass in cursing, all wrapped up in outstanding acting from a great cast."
Hear Ricky Gervais talk to Gordon Smart on Radio X tonight (Monday 11 March) from 7pm.
Watch Ricky Gervais discuss his relationship with David Bowie below:
