After Life

:

Season 1
  • Network: Netflix
  • Series Premiere Date: Mar 8, 2019
Season #: 3, 2, 1
User Score
8.1

Universal acclaim- based on 111 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 91 out of 111
  2. Mixed: 11 out of 111
  3. Negative: 9 out of 111
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  1. debmo
    Mar 24, 2019
    6
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. I watched this with some trepidation, because I lost one of my closest friends to cancer last year, and anything that even vaguely touches on that topic has a tendency to reduce me to blubbering mess--Which is why I was surprised at how little this series affected me. I shed a couple of tears here and there-- but the emotional beats of this series felt off somehow.

    That isn't to say I didn't enjoy elements of it, but I felt it skated over the surface of the issues at times without ever really plumbing the depths?

    But I'll focus on the good stuff first: I thought the relationship between Tony (Ricky Gervais' character) and his wife was beautifully portrayed through a series of flashbacks and video footage. And I really enjoyed Ashley Jenson as the nurse who is caring for Tony's father, she exuded warmth and compassion. Those two characters and their relationships to Tony stood out to me as the most well realized. I also enjoyed his interactions with Anne, an older woman who he meets at the graveyard who was recently widowed, and with whom he developed a good friendship.

    However, the series starts with the premise that Tony now feels he has a 'superpower' where doesn't have to care about anything any more. This is set up using a series of situations that felt progressively more and more contrived. The situation in the cafe where a waitress refuses to serve him a child's meal, and the postman who refuses to deliver his mail, were just two examples-- both of which had me frowning and saying, "People aren't really this petty, are they?" And if they are, it isn't something you come across three or four times a day.

    Diane Morgan is woefully underused as a one dimensional character whose only purpose seems to be to allow Ricky to insert long rants about why atheism is amazing. He seems entirely uninterested in examining why people might draw comfort from faith or the thought of an afterlife at all, and while that's his prerogative, having such a one dimensional character represent that side of the debate lent a lack of balance to the whole thing-- and created a hollowness that didn't ring true. It would have been braver if he'd had a character who he could really engage with on it-- who challenged him-- even if he still 'won' the debate.

    Then there's Tony's brother in law, who is tirelessly supportive of him, but who is revealed (predictably) to have problems of his own as the season progresses. My biggest problem with the way that character was written is that we never got to see any of the grief he must feel for the loss of a sister who he seems to have been very close to.

    There were a strange mixture of supporting characters including a drug addict and a sex worker-- and while their arcs were fine-- the absence of other significant supporting characters, like inlaws (other than the brother), and close friends, for a widower who has lost his wife of 20+ years, really struck me. It seemed like an odd choice to include such random supporting cast members but not even mention in passing people who they would have presumably been close to, too? His wife was portrayed as a warm, kind woman-- and we are constantly told that Tony is nice even though there's precious little evidence of it. They must have had people in their life who would still be looking out for him? If they're not there, then why aren't they? That needs to be explained, even if it's just in passing.

    Don't get me wrong, there were some beautiful poignant moments, but there were times when things felt heavy handed. Dialogue that was a little too on the nose. And I frequently felt I was being told rather than shown. It felt sincere, but also saccharine, and occasionally even preachy.

    I'm glad I watched it, but I don't feel the need to watch it again. And, honestly, if you're interested in a TV series that examines how grief can turn you into a selfish, floundering **** than Fleabag is probably a better bet. It's sharper and more uncomfortable-- but it's also funnier and the emotional beats and story telling are ultimately better imo.    … Expand
  2. raphaela28
    Apr 3, 2019
    10
    Utterly brilliant in every respect. The writing is superb, the acting is phenomenal -- from Gervais and his incredibly touching portrayal of Tony, seared with grief and wanting to hurt everyone around him so he can feel better for just one minute, to every other actor in this fabulous ensemble cast (including the ones that just show up for a line or two), to the story, to the music chosenUtterly brilliant in every respect. The writing is superb, the acting is phenomenal -- from Gervais and his incredibly touching portrayal of Tony, seared with grief and wanting to hurt everyone around him so he can feel better for just one minute, to every other actor in this fabulous ensemble cast (including the ones that just show up for a line or two), to the story, to the music chosen for every episode. One of the best series I have ever seen, on Netflix or otherwise, and another example of what a genius Gervais is when it comes to understanding the human spirit and what is really important. Hope we get a season 2, although it is hard to see where he would go with it from here, as it is so perfectly complete on its own. Well done, Ricky. I will be watching this over and over, and can definitely see why Netflix gives you the big money!… Expand
  3. UncleWillard
    Mar 27, 2019
    9
    I really enjoyed this. I love Ricky Gervais, and I think you either do or don't. For those who don't, you'll hate it. If you do, this is fantastic. The only reason i didn't give it a 10 is because it's only 6 episodes. Get your **** together, Britain! There's no character I didn't like. There's no fat on the dialogue or the story. The jokes are witty and hilarious because they drip withI really enjoyed this. I love Ricky Gervais, and I think you either do or don't. For those who don't, you'll hate it. If you do, this is fantastic. The only reason i didn't give it a 10 is because it's only 6 episodes. Get your **** together, Britain! There's no character I didn't like. There's no fat on the dialogue or the story. The jokes are witty and hilarious because they drip with sadness and truth. Not sure where a season two would go, but I like the characters and would love to go along for more.… Expand
  4. exitplanet
    Mar 10, 2019
    10
    The reviewers who gave it a negative review must be on heroin. Literally, the best thing he has done in years perfectly nails grief. Had me in tears.
  5. Morsel
    Mar 12, 2019
    9
    A must see for all christians! Where does morality come from? Ricky , don’t ever become a politician; your outlook on life too important to be disguised by B.S. politics.
  6. EludiumQ36
    Mar 20, 2019
    2
    I know I'm spitting into the wind here with all these high (shill) ratings but this is a horrible show, not entertaining in the least, a real miss for the otherwise funny Ricky Gervais. This series tries to be like "Curb Your Enthusiasm" except for some key elements: there's no light, whimsical background/theme music, there's no studio audience to nervously laugh, and there are noI know I'm spitting into the wind here with all these high (shill) ratings but this is a horrible show, not entertaining in the least, a real miss for the otherwise funny Ricky Gervais. This series tries to be like "Curb Your Enthusiasm" except for some key elements: there's no light, whimsical background/theme music, there's no studio audience to nervously laugh, and there are no appealing secondary characters; in fact, British people seem to be very plain Jane, bland, dull, etc. Ricky plays a British dude who becomes a real a-hole to those around him as a reaction to a tragic relationship event. His a-holeishness is more harsh and cutting than funny or humorous, though. And the flashbacks are supposed to be endearing, I guess, but they just don't score, they seem out of place for this. This series just fails across the board, can't find anything redeeming here.… Expand
  7. atticusdeus
    Mar 10, 2019
    10
    This is not a show, this is The Show! Smart, edgy, brilliant, dark, sad, humorous at the same time! There is no TV comedy after this! Ricky G has done it! Breaking Bad vs After Life = 2
  8. NavyBean
    Mar 11, 2019
    7
    I love Ricky Gervais and when he's ripping on people there's no one better. But he's on this streak of trying to teach us deeper lessons of life when he should just do comedy with a little bit of drama rather than drama and comedy mixed. With Derek and now After Life he gets too sentimental and while I liked the show overall, I found a lot of the dramatic parts did not land. And he'sI love Ricky Gervais and when he's ripping on people there's no one better. But he's on this streak of trying to teach us deeper lessons of life when he should just do comedy with a little bit of drama rather than drama and comedy mixed. With Derek and now After Life he gets too sentimental and while I liked the show overall, I found a lot of the dramatic parts did not land. And he's making his secondary characters too dumb and cartoon-y. It's funny when Orlando Bloom (Extras) is arrogant and clueless because the audience has certain expectations, but when Ricky makes his psychiatrist out to be arrogant and clueless it doesn't ring true.… Expand
  9. Budger
    Mar 10, 2019
    10
    Loved it. It's a really nice show. i don't get why the critics here are bashing the show. I mean one "critic" gave it a 25 out of a 100 score... 25?! Means that it's one of the worst shows he has ever seen. That isn't the case at all. I think it's a really lovely show. You will binge watch it and enjoy it.
  10. drlowdon
    Mar 16, 2019
    6
    I'll start by stating that I enjoyed After Life more than any TV show Ricky Gervais has created since Extra's but this is still a far cry from reaching the heights of that show let alone the brilliance of The Office.

    Throughout the six episodes there are plenty of genuine laughs to be found but, as with much of what Gervais has created over the last decade or so, the writing and most of    I'll start by stating that I enjoyed After Life more than any TV show Ricky Gervais has created since Extra's but this is still a far cry from reaching the heights of that show let alone the brilliance of The Office.

    Throughout the six episodes there are plenty of genuine laughs to be found but, as with much of what Gervais has created over the last decade or so, the writing and most of the characters lack any kind of subtlety with everything painstakingly explained to the viewer and a sudden character shift in the final episode that comes completely out of the blue. The usual topics of 'atheism' and 'causing offence' that Gervais likes to talk about on every chat show or podcast he's on are also shoehorned in in a way that just felt totally unnatural.

    With some editing (maybe from former writing partner Stephen Merchant?) this could perhaps have been Gervais' comeback but as it is it's only a small step in the right direction.    … Expand
  11. imthenoob
    Mar 15, 2019
    8
    Gervais blurs the lines between drama and comedy well with this show and I found myself really enjoying the journey that his character takes as the season progresses. And as he continues to kind of find himself and finds peace, He breaks out of that cynical shell his character starts in and slowly learns how to live again after his wife passes.

    It's a brilliant show and I'm glad I    Gervais blurs the lines between drama and comedy well with this show and I found myself really enjoying the journey that his character takes as the season progresses. And as he continues to kind of find himself and finds peace, He breaks out of that cynical shell his character starts in and slowly learns how to live again after his wife passes.

    It's a brilliant show and I'm glad I watched it. Can't wait for season 2.    … Expand
  12. SabbathMaiden
    Mar 15, 2019
    9
    This is touching and funny. That rare blend of a character drama/comedy. Ricky Gervais does it again!
  13. RONSAIDIT
    Mar 18, 2019
    9
    i liked this show and all the characters in it, its what you would imagine could happen.would have liked more episode's.
  14. bamothidru
    Mar 9, 2019
    10
    This show is brillant: humane, funny, non banal.

    ..........................
  15. RozzFrost
    Mar 12, 2019
    3
    I really wanted to enjoy the show, but it felt bland and unconvincing. The six episode arc felt rushed and unrealistic. Ricky Gervais has great potential, but the show was a poorly framed argument with nothing convincing in it.
  16. gotobedforever
    Mar 17, 2019
    0
    Ricky Gervais struggles to perform his schtick in the 2019 social climate where blurting out the C word every 5 minutes and making fun of fat people would get him deplatformed and depersonned so he has to flip flop back and forth between the C-word and fat shaming then woe is me tiresome "muh dead wife" plot to try and enable him to do his offensive 2010 act in 2019, not to mention his actRicky Gervais struggles to perform his schtick in the 2019 social climate where blurting out the C word every 5 minutes and making fun of fat people would get him deplatformed and depersonned so he has to flip flop back and forth between the C-word and fat shaming then woe is me tiresome "muh dead wife" plot to try and enable him to do his offensive 2010 act in 2019, not to mention his act of a man in despair is completely unrealistic, just think he's been a celebrity so long that he can't even imagine how miserable a person can get like his idea is about 4 empty beer bottles around the house, like has he even seen an alcoholic before.… Expand
  17. jzathajenius
    Mar 11, 2019
    6
    Yeah it's enjoyable enough, but something about this show really rubbed me the wrong way. So it's OK to treat people around you like **** if someone close to you has died recently? People do not behave this way in real life. You aren't a great wonderful person (as his dead wife repeats ad nauseum in those cheesy videos) and then turn into a bitter angry suicidal **** just because someoneYeah it's enjoyable enough, but something about this show really rubbed me the wrong way. So it's OK to treat people around you like **** if someone close to you has died recently? People do not behave this way in real life. You aren't a great wonderful person (as his dead wife repeats ad nauseum in those cheesy videos) and then turn into a bitter angry suicidal **** just because someone you loved is dead. Just rang very false to me. And the way the last episode turns him suddenly into an angel and everyone forgives him is awful. Its OK to threaten to murder a child as long as you buy them a new bike afterwards??? Ricky Gervais has some messed up ideas about humanity dude.… Expand
  18. MrMoonshine
    Mar 10, 2019
    9
    A great show, let down by the final episode.
    I really like this show and, as others have said, it's one of Gervais' best. The only problem is that in the final episode the grumpy, rude Tony changes completely and the series finishes with a sickly sweet feeling.
  19. Helminen1
    Mar 10, 2019
    0
    This series is more documentary than tv show, in that sense its soo freaking real I couldn't believed I watching tv show and not some cutted view to somebody's life. This show is gem for people who suffer depression or lost somebody important, for most of this people its gonna be the best show and others gonna be pissed and don't understand that all, but that's fine, you can't make showThis series is more documentary than tv show, in that sense its soo freaking real I couldn't believed I watching tv show and not some cutted view to somebody's life. This show is gem for people who suffer depression or lost somebody important, for most of this people its gonna be the best show and others gonna be pissed and don't understand that all, but that's fine, you can't make show what please everybody, but you can make show what touch everybody who knows this **** and that's what makes a great show… Expand
  20. Planetvibz
    Apr 18, 2019
    10
    Brilliant, brave and barely disguised meditation on the turmoil in Ricky Gervais's own inner self - hardly a 'vanity' project (as misconceived by several critics). Rather, it plays as an intimate study of the struggle between the misanthropic, selfish (and self-loathing) tendencies of the human condition and its battle with the gnawing uncomfortable proposition that true 'happiness' mayBrilliant, brave and barely disguised meditation on the turmoil in Ricky Gervais's own inner self - hardly a 'vanity' project (as misconceived by several critics). Rather, it plays as an intimate study of the struggle between the misanthropic, selfish (and self-loathing) tendencies of the human condition and its battle with the gnawing uncomfortable proposition that true 'happiness' may come from embracing opposite tendencies. British audiences may more easily appreciate the 'twee' setting and nuanced cocktail of pathos and searing humour. Less self-aware U.S. viewers will possibly be challenged by the messy authenticity on display - there is no moral signalling here, just an existential proposition that you can take or leave.… Expand
  21. Evilkermit
    Mar 18, 2019
    8
    Simple, brutal, beautiful.

    Poignant comedy that calls a spade a spade.

    In the same vein as Derek, but more polished.
  22. DasBentley
    Mar 16, 2019
    7
    This was a completely new experience for me. The show documents depression perfectly with scenes where its uncomfortably sad and switching it up with good humor. When i say good humor i really mean it plus it does not have an annoying laugh track!
  23. Marilyn23
    Mar 22, 2019
    0
    What a load of rubbish! It was appalling. We only watched 2 episodes and both were torture. We only watched the second episode since someone had recommended the series - in fact we ditched it before finishing part 2. It is typical Gervais - not funny, not entertaining. Overuse of the c word adds to the disappointment - we are not narrow-minded when it comes to swearing and in fact useWhat a load of rubbish! It was appalling. We only watched 2 episodes and both were torture. We only watched the second episode since someone had recommended the series - in fact we ditched it before finishing part 2. It is typical Gervais - not funny, not entertaining. Overuse of the c word adds to the disappointment - we are not narrow-minded when it comes to swearing and in fact use swear words quite a lot but several characters were using the c word in almost every sentence which suggests a lack of story, imagination and reality.… Expand
  24. brewersteve
    May 4, 2019
    10
    An incredible series. Gervais' best work yet. Funny, poignant it made me laugh and cry.
  25. everett
    Mar 31, 2019
    9
    I know everything is about taste and what we bring to a show, including bias against some actors; but there's something about Ricky Gervais that rings true to me. This show is intelligent, perceptive and often quite funny, with characters that are richly drawn. And the central conflict - which is more about Tony's struggle with himself than his more obvious struggle with everyone else -I know everything is about taste and what we bring to a show, including bias against some actors; but there's something about Ricky Gervais that rings true to me. This show is intelligent, perceptive and often quite funny, with characters that are richly drawn. And the central conflict - which is more about Tony's struggle with himself than his more obvious struggle with everyone else - contains a real arc. In other words: Perfectly acted, and directed, but the primary accomplishment here is the writing.… Expand
  26. phil6ailey
    Mar 24, 2019
    10
    If you've watched the entire season and you're more moved by the swearing than the commentary about leaving your own little corner better than when you came, you're not a good person, nor are you righteous. As someone who has dealt with suicidal thoughts, the sentiment post realisation is what this show is all about. Heavy handed heart string pulls aside, the characters and theirIf you've watched the entire season and you're more moved by the swearing than the commentary about leaving your own little corner better than when you came, you're not a good person, nor are you righteous. As someone who has dealt with suicidal thoughts, the sentiment post realisation is what this show is all about. Heavy handed heart string pulls aside, the characters and their interactions really struck a chord with me. I thought it was hilarious.… Expand
  27. offthewall
    Mar 23, 2019
    10
    The F word, the C word, what on earth is the difference? If your fine with f-bombs being tossed about all the time but the c word is so offensive to you then you are weird. And I didn't notice that many C words during the show anyway. It's part of Ricky's routine, a bit of shock value. Anyway, I loved this show, and Mr. Gervais is hilarious. Only wish there more episodes.
  28. ponemu70
    Apr 13, 2019
    10
    It is sad comedy, very lovable and full of Ricky Gervais' in your face puns. I Loved every single second of it.
  29. jchrobson4
    Apr 6, 2019
    9
    Feel like this is the type of show Americans won't like, but this is a gem.
  30. johnzach
    Apr 5, 2019
    10
    How can it be that any time I see a low critic score, these last 5-6 years, I know the product is gonna be amazing, while the opposite holds true as well. Yes, indeed, the first season of After Life is a simple bittersweet experience that leaves you with both a sense of catharsis and a desire to follow up on the protagonist. Ricky Gervais did an amazing job with this series. It is witty,How can it be that any time I see a low critic score, these last 5-6 years, I know the product is gonna be amazing, while the opposite holds true as well. Yes, indeed, the first season of After Life is a simple bittersweet experience that leaves you with both a sense of catharsis and a desire to follow up on the protagonist. Ricky Gervais did an amazing job with this series. It is witty, funny and emotional. It is easy to sympathise with Tony and the side characters of which, each has something to offer to the story. Also, to the people complaining about the swearing: Open up and suck it up. It is supposed to depict the situation of a broken man. Hell, I swear like that each and every day. I can imagine that I would still swear had my wife just recently died. Plus, it would feel weird without it. Moreover, some complained about him turning a new leaf too quickly and having his actions forgiven; I personally thought that the transition was depicted fine and would not have it any other way. Sure, some of it was a bit unrealistic but my humble opinion is that the far fetched is more than desired in tv shows. A nice escape indeed. Watch it for yourself and do not let negative reviews decide for you. Especially, not those from the stuck up "critics" looking to nitpick individual errors disregarding the complete viewer experience.… Expand
  31. millennial94
    Mar 27, 2019
    10
    Finally a TV show that speaks volumes. Some of the themes really hit home. I may not be in the same age bracket as the protagonist but it really woke me up to a few things in my life that i took for granted or was just sweeping under the rug.
    Not sure if the negative reviewers on here were watching the same program as i was. If you're offended by swearing, you need to drink a cup of    Finally a TV show that speaks volumes. Some of the themes really hit home. I may not be in the same age bracket as the protagonist but it really woke me up to a few things in my life that i took for granted or was just sweeping under the rug.
    Not sure if the negative reviewers on here were watching the same program as i was. If you're offended by swearing, you need to drink a cup of concrete and harden the F*** up.    … Expand
  32. JakFrost
    Mar 29, 2019
    9
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. After Life will make you question what you want from comedy or if this even this show should be qualified as comedy. Is there anything about a hollow and crushingly bland life worth living? Tony's story is an atheist Dante's journey through Inferno, with Penelope Wilton in the role of Virgil. After Life is discovering that it's the small things in life that keep us alive and it always was the small things. Steve Allen said 'Comedy is tragedy plus time', by that standard as a comedy, After Life fails and wins.

    After Life it is not funny in a laugh out loud way and I am confused that people want it to be. After Life is pain plus banal existence equals ... what exactly. Gervais' character is left to explore if he should stay or go after losing his wife to cancer, his life is gone but it won't let him stop. "Her death broke me." Tony (Gervais) says and in every moment, he proves it. Gervais' writing is not about salvation or triumph, he will never again be the nice person his late wife describes him as in a series of videos Tony watches daily, one of only three things tethering him to life. I'm unconvinced he is actually that nice as his own recorded cell phone videos have him pulling annoying stunts on his wife all the time, but she loves him anyway. Which is part of why Tony is bereft; who else is so willing to put up with his sh*t.

    I believe people are over-trained to expect dark comedy to make us laugh out loud, or chuckle knowingly with a wink and a nod to the daring of the comedian. That is not how this show works. Make no mistake, After Life is bleak and unrelenting and contradictory. Every day of Tony's banal life in Hell is bright and sunny ... in England. The town is a postcard of tourist perfection turned to eleven. The prostitutes are wise. The junkies are helpful. Even the muggers are as dangerous as a stubbed toe. There is one huge misstep Tony/Gervais makes, one that will haunt the viewer as going too far, or maybe not. it is a moral choice of a moment that is never challenged and that will frustrate the audience.

    There are stand out characters that keeps the viewer watching, but not as many as I would have enjoyed. Dame Penelope Alice Wilton, the moral heart of the show, is perfect as Tony's guide through his infernal journey. Tom Basden's character belatedly gets some depth, but not enough to make him interesting, and Mandeep Dhillon is criminally underused. But much like The Divine Comedy, there is no resolution at the end of the journey through Hell. There is just the next stage. It remains up to the audience to wonder if he remains damned or resolved to save himself.    … Expand
  33. Jamedris
    Apr 10, 2019
    10
    Bittersweet story, full of somewhat-vulgar gags and... lots of laugh! Not for everyone, but if first two or three episodes works for you, the rest will, too. One of best Netflix's releases this year IMHO. Main cast is incredibly well acted. +fav
  34. QueenGio
    Apr 18, 2019
    10
    This show is hands down a brilliant piece of work. It does an amazing job of entwining both drama and comedy elements. After Life is very raw and humorous. It’s soulful and wholesome. I enjoyed every second of the first season. Can’t wait for season two!
  35. Gentility
    May 27, 2019
    4
    Ricky Gervais offers up a thoughtful and darkly humorous account of a depressed widower and the life still existing around him. Brilliant cast, you’ll want to watch season one all at once. Can’t wait for season two.
  36. izzyy
    May 19, 2020
    9
    Baffles me how the lots of critics gave a largely negative review- it was absolutely brilliant! After Life takes you on a roller coaster of a journey which will have you laughing one minute, crying the next. If you are a fan of Ricky Gervais it's a must watch-my only criticism is there's not enough episodes!
  37. chrisothen
    Nov 15, 2020
    10
    A perfect mixture between dark and funny. Covers serious topics with unique humor.
  38. geewah
    Jun 6, 2021
    10
    Ricky Gervais' best work since The Office.
    To infused such twisted humour into what is a difficult subject matter takes skill and clever wiritng. An excellent show.

Awards & Rankings

17
#17 Most Discussed TV Season of 2019
18
#18 Most Shared TV Season of 2019

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
59

Mixed or average reviews - based on 15 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 6 out of 15
  2. Mixed: 5 out of 15
  3. Negative: 4 out of 15
  1. The Telegraph
    Reviewed by: Ed Power
    Jan 3, 2020
    80
    Under the laconic chuckles After Life is at once a scorched-earth portrait of grief and an impassioned exhortation to keep living.
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  2. The Guardian
    Reviewed by: Stuart Heritage
    Dec 3, 2019
    60
    Despite all my misgivings, After Life’s ending has managed to stay with me, for much longer than I expected. There is nothing remotely subtle about it, and it isn’t very funny, but stick with After Life to the end and the journey will have been worth it. Just.
    Read full review
  3. IndieWire
    Reviewed by: Ben Travers
    Mar 8, 2019
    67
    While After Life turn navel-gazey--with one man working out his own issues--it still makes for a thoughtful, compelling dark comedy to boot.
    Read full review
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