The new show was added this weekend.
Ricky Gervais’ first new show Derek ended in 2014, Afterlife sees him writing, directing, and starring every episode of the new show.
The story focuses on Tony (Gervais), a nice guy who turns sour when his wife dies unexpectedly. Instead of dealing with her passing in a way most folk might consider to be “normal”, Tony turns her death into a reason to do and say whatever he feels like, every single day.
If life ends, and death is inevitable, then what does any of it matter? Why not live your life exactly the way you’d want to? These are the questions that Tony asks himself as he swears at children and is openly hateful towards pretty much everyone and anyone he crosses paths with.
While the show itself has scored only middling reviews – 57% on Metacritic at the time of writing – the audience reaction is mostly been quite different, with the majority of viewers commenting on just how much the show is making them cry their eyes out:
Just binged watched all of #AfterLife in one sitting (which I’ve never done before). Equal parts hilarious, crushingly sad, and thought provoking. Truly excellent
— Paul Southall (@pjsouthall) March 8, 2019
Just binged watch the whole of #AfterLife on @NetflixUK
We’ve only had 7-8 hours sleep in the past week with my wife being in early labour.
Both of us cried, laughed & looked down at the dog every five mins & realised how blessed we are. @rickygervais please can we be pals.
— 𝙼𝚊𝚝𝚝𝙵𝚕𝚒𝚗𝚝 | 🎮🚀®️| (@MattiFlint) March 8, 2019
#AfterLife Now that I’ve had 24 to process this gem of a show, & sorry to go on, but it truly is the most life affirming 6 eps I’ve ever seen. Beautifully acted, superb cast, brilliantly written. Full of truth & wisdom. @rickygervais Thankyou.
— James Dreyfus (@DreyfusJames) March 9, 2019
https://twitter.com/Take5Tipi/status/1104436790113550336
Watching @rickygervais's Afterlife on Netflix. One of those rare programmes that remind you that every now and then television can be wonderful.
— Kevin O'Sullivan (@TVKev) March 9, 2019
Think #afterlife is the best thing ricky gervais has ever done
— Joanne (@Joeyo1990) March 9, 2019
https://twitter.com/matthaig1/status/1104156133890162689
Check out the trailer for the series right below.
All six episodes are available to watch on Netflix right now.
Clip via Netflix UK & Ireland
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