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. 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
  2. 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
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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
  6. 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
  7. 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.
  8. 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
  9. SabbathMaiden
    Mar 15, 2019
    9
    This is touching and funny. That rare blend of a character drama/comedy. Ricky Gervais does it again!
  10. 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.
  11. bamothidru
    Mar 9, 2019
    10
    This show is brillant: humane, funny, non banal.

    ..........................
  12. 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.
  13. 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
  14. 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.
  15. 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!
  16. brewersteve
    May 4, 2019
    10
    An incredible series. Gervais' best work yet. Funny, poignant it made me laugh and cry.
  17. 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
  18. 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
  19. 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.
  20. 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.
  21. jchrobson4
    Apr 6, 2019
    9
    Feel like this is the type of show Americans won't like, but this is a gem.
  22. 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
  23. 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
  24. 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
  25. 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
  26. 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!
  27. 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!
  28. chrisothen
    Nov 15, 2020
    10
    A perfect mixture between dark and funny. Covers serious topics with unique humor.
  29. 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

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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.
    Read full review
  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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