User reviews

My favourite line .......

"I'd rather be nowhere with her than somewhere without her"

I stumbled across After Life when I wasn't interested in anything on My List and I didn't care to Continue Watching anything either. I've never been married and I've never lost the love of my life, mainly because I haven't met them, but I have struggled with depression for years now and this past year has been a particularly hard battle. The portrayal of grief and depression I found to be very relatable, the story was told very realistically and the cast were brilliant. I particularly loved Anne and Daphne. Perfect show to binge watch and just allow yourself to feel all of the emotions and then share it with someone because nothing's as good if you don't share it.

An almost unbelievable mix of beauty, sadness, and laughs. The characters are well cast and have great chemistry. The premise is heartbreaking but so many beautiful moments happen, you can almost forget. A lovely show on loss, love, and keeping going.

My wife and I watched Season 1 and laughed and cried our way through it. I'm having to do Season 2 on my own as my wife's three year struggle with cancer recently ended. I find his detailed understanding of the grief amazingly accurate. Tony's pain seeps through the screen. Ricky is a genius and an authentic human being.

Ricky Gervais knows how to make you laugh and ugly cry, sometimes together. I think this is my favorite of his series. He speaks right to the dark, sad, and angry part in all of us. He also shows us that everyone is beautiful.

The series is beautifully shot, the cast is fantastic and each character has a slow reveal from who they are in Tony's eyes to who they really are. It's beautifully done.

Only Ricky Gervais can pull off shows like After Life and Derek. I hope he gives us more.

Easily his best work since 'The Office', maybe even his best work. Poignant, funny, heart warming and beautifully acted. If you watch one thing this year make it this (clearly you won't just watch one thing but not matter how many it is, make sure After Life is included). It is 6 episodes of the most beautifully crafted television on a subject matter that has no right to be this funny. However, the humour is always tinged with sadness (and vice versa) and the balance between the two is perfect.

Just watch it and prepare to cry, laugh and maybe just put a little bit of perspective into your life.

I watched the show in one sitting. It is challeging. It makes you think with great humor. It has its dramas. It will make you almost cry while making you laugh. It's genius and I recommend you watch it if you think you are depressed or you see no point in life. And I guess it's greatest characteristic is that its honest.

I have to be honest, this is one of the best series I have watched in some time, it really is Gervais at his very best.

This five part series is moving, funny, poignant, and intensely thought provoking, it forces you to think of death, loss, dementia, and of course the force of life.

The characters are absolutely glorious, each and every one, and despite some of my absolute favourite talents being here, such as Penelope Wilton, David Bradley and Ashley Jensen, it's the performance of Roisin Conaty that I enjoyed most of all, I adored Daphne.

I know many of us wish the series was longer, but in this instance I'd say the standard is so high, leave it be.

This was magical. 10/10

Ricky Gervais is a divisive character but I've always been a big fan of his. I love his style of comedy and have always enjoyed his shows in the past. However, I think with 'After Life' Gervais has achieved more than just another great show and has exceeded even my very high expectations.

This series covers a topic that few would dare go - the story of a man grieving after the loss of his lifelong partner. It could have made for thoroughly miserable viewing. Instead, Gervais has given us a truly thought-provoking, touching show that manages to perfectly balance dark, sad themes with some classic Gervais-style humour.

It feels so real and so relatable, from the story to the character and dialogue - you forget you are watching a work of fiction. Gervais also does a great job at pushing some important messages (though never too forcefully), the most important being to take nothing in life for granted and to enjoy the short time we have on this planet. I can't recommend this show enough - a must watch!

Season 1 was "brilliant" as Tony says, but season 2 was a clear step down for me. Right away, the basic plot line has been reset - which makes the whole season feel very repetitive. As some other reviewers have also pointed out, I also am beginning to find Tony's two tones of self sorrow or overzealous spieling to be getting a little repetitive and borderline annoying too (although sometimes funny).

Definitely the worst part of the season is this psychiatrist character being continually incorporated. He's a disgusting character (which is fine) but doesn't really add anything at all to show - zero comedy effect, zero character development for Tom (who's seeing him now), and he's not really even an antagonist. So, he just seems like a filler character who's extremely unpleasant to watch.

I was hoping Season 2 would be the next phase of Tony's grieving as he starts to overcome his loss while trepidly beginning to see a new woman, but no, it's all just reset - and I wouldn't be surprised if it's just to squeeze an extra season out of this premise, as I'm sure this was renewed for at least two more seasons from Netflix after the first one was such a success - and once his "grieving" is gone, it's not really the same show anymore, is it?

Ricky Gervais does it again. Makes me laugh, makes me cry and makes me think! I rather have six brilliant episodes than 20 so and so!

Series 1 was excellent. Refreshing, funny, clever, excellent characterisations.

Series 2 was good, Refreshing, funny, clever, excellent characterisations. But whilst S1 felt like it covered some ground and made some conclusions, S2 took a step back and treaded water.

Series 3 was the same as S1 and S2 but nowhere near as refreshing, funny or clever. The characterisations were not as good. Several of the best characters are no longer there, replaced by crude characterisations that appear unrealistic and over the top, and a bit nasty.

Parts of it are still very funny and well observed but it feels like its a downgrade on S3. Some of the observations are no longer revelations or shocking, but repeats.

After Life. Hmmmm.

Look, I'll be straight up - I don't rate After life has highly as Ricky's other work. For me it plays the melodramatic card way to much, pretty much non-stop. A massive over use of melodramatic music throughout. That said, season one and two were still better than most things on tele. There was enough funny moments, interesting characters and Ricky's usual satire to keep me engaged and entertained. One of the best things about season 1 and 2 is how they tied it all up into a poignant ending. The character arcs came to their conclusion. So overall it was good series. Solid couple of seasons despite its irritating aspects.

So why the hell did they make season 3?

Gervais only ever made two seasons of all his other shows. It's a good rule. After Life season 3 serves as irrefutable proof of that. It really should not have been made. For me it really harms the whole series legacy. Season 3 just ramps up all the annoying things about the previous two seasons - Chiefly the melodrama. Those bloody flashback videos of his wife. Sure, poignant at first, but now a broken record player. Was tiresome in season 2, let alone now. The chats with Penelope Wilton on the bench! Yawn. Does she just sit on that bench her whole life? Ricky constantly using the C-word thinking it is cool. It really isn't.

I could go on about a lot of things here but ultimately season 3 is really unnecessary and just highlights the cons of the show in general. Just feels like an excuse to give Ricky and his acting mates something to do. However, despite my criticism, season 3 still has funny moments, the cast still do well and is probably better than a lot of other comedies that are around at the moment, such is the times. But easily Ricky's most self-indulgent work.

One of the best series I've ever seen in my entire life. Sweet and fun in a shrewd and truly original way. Each episode is more and more beautiful and the whole series encourages you to go on because it never gets boring.

Best thing Gervais has ever produced and the bar was set very high. Couldn't stop watching.

(Review updated after Season 3).

Tony's wife of 25 years, Lisa, has just died of cancer, leaving Tony a shattered, suicidal wreck. He goes from happy, caring and fun-loving person to cynical, rude and self-destructive. He figures that there's no downside to acting this way: after all, if things get too dire he can always commit suicide. But what if there are things and people worth living for?

Written by, directed by and starring Ricky Gervais, After Life is a brilliant drama. Incredibly relevant, relatable, realistic and dark. Makes you think about your own life, how you handle tragedy and other setbacks, what it all means and what's important to you.

Clever, original and bold plot from Gervais. Can't think of too many movies or TV series that have captured how one deals with tragedy, and suicidal tendencies, so directly and confrontingly ('Leaving Las Vegas' would be the best example I can think of). Not at all predictable: from the outset there are several paths the plot could have taken and Gervais keeps his options open all the way through.

It's not all drama though. With Tony's character being so cynical, there is plenty of room for comedy. The humour comes thick and fast, without detracting from the seriousness of the subject matter. The jokes are woven into the dialogue so well that the humour doesn't seem forced at all.

Great work by Gervais in the lead role. We know he can do drama, from 'Derek', especially, but his work here is quite eye-opening. The casting of Ashley Jensen is a masterstroke: the two of them recapture the chemistry they had in 'Extras' to great effect. Credit too to Anti as Brandy the dog - probably my favourite character in the series!

On the negative side, Season 2 is initially a bit disappointing. Season 1 was so brilliant and self-contained the series didn't need a second season. My fears were initially justified when, instead of progressing the story, S2 seemed to almost go back to Square 1. Even worse, the tone was lowered considerably by the course, unprofessional psychologist. He wasn't even funny, so not sure what purpose he served, other than to irritate viewers. Season 2's latter half is superb, however, and more than makes up for the slow, tonally disappointing, start.

No such problems with Season 3 though which is, for me, the best season of the lot. Hilariously funny and at the same time the deepest, most profound and most emotional of all the seasons.

A superb series and evidence that Ricky Gervais is a force to be reckoned with not just in comedy but also in drama.

Season 1 - 10/10, Season 2 - 9/10, Season 3 - 10/10.

From office to Extras to stand up to Xfm/Ricky gervais show. This is unlike anything I've seen from Ricky , a complete story told so true and heart breaking to watch at times. Very funny but u kinda laugh through the pain for most of it. Encapsulating watch. Well done again that man, class.

This is the first review Ive ever written, the first Ive ever felt compelled to write. This season follows a man whose heart was broken by the death of a loved one. At times it is uproariously funny, I laughed out loud whilst alone, which for me, is very rare. But the overall feeling I was left with was uplifting. Each of the characters are believable and someone that suffers from mental illness, I found a lot of what the protagonist was feeling was relatable. I know that Ricky Gervais is a polarising figure, but even if you're not a fan, I urge you to watch.

Binch-watched it in a few hours. It's brilliant, fresh and endearing. Makes you laugh and cry at the same time.

Ricky Gervais has created a brilliantly poignant, hilarious, and relatable look at life. All of our lives. And death. In small town UK. The characters are so well written and all of the actors do a spectacular job portraying them. You would be hard-pressed to find a better TV series than this one. Hopefully Netflix doesn't kill After Life too soon.

Last year I was raving about this. I love Ricky Gervais sense of humor. Especially here as a fresh widower who not only can't get over his wife's death, lashes out at everyone as a result. The first season was perfection.. the first three episodes showing how lost he was (and mean) and the next three showing how kind he could be on the inside. At the end it seemed he was coming to terms with life moving on even thought he still missed his darling Lisa.

Second season, yikes. I realize they had to continue things but that is just what they did, continue things. Somewhat unnecessarily. You can kind of see male narcissism on display here (which was missing from the first season) Tony (Gervais) goes on these long talks about Lisa with everyone he talks to. No concern for them, when, he might have been there initially to try to cheer them up. Lisa this, Lisa that, ... (that might be a point but it doesn't seem he ever notices or changes) He was much less affected last season. But the the thing that irritated me the most was his constant using of Anne (Penelope Wilton) his cemetery friend. Every time he sits down he starts talking about himself. Never does he ask about her. We also have a side plot that I didn't care for. Gervais is the king of lovable but over confident losers... and that plot is ok but it seems glaring that the real relationship that "Tony" needs to explore and flesh out is with Sandy. Not in a romantic way but as a mentor / mentee which might bring him out of his stupor. But that was very short shrifed in favor of other plots that were sort of retreads of the first season and cringe inducing. I never want to see the therapist again. He is only funny in small dribs with Tony.

More of the German Shepard what a sweet thing.

I just watched the entire thing in one go, and honestly think it's the best work he's ever done. Just brilliant.

The first season of After Life is probably one of the greatest TV shows I have ever seen. Gervais conjures up a perfect blend of dry humour and heartbreaking poignancy, ably assisted by his trusty accomplices Ashley Jensen and Kerry Godliman. These two women are absolutely exceptional throughout the series and both bring out the best in Gervais as an actor. There are some incredibly funny moments during the show and we are lucky to have some great comic actors like Joe Wilkinson and Tony Way to provide the lighter side to such a sad story. Gervais himself is bitingly hilarious and his morbid view of the world and its inhabitants provides the best lines and scenes of the series.

The second season however, would have to rank as one of the biggest disappointments I can remember. Firstly, I cannot see any reason for this being made in the first place. The first season ended perfectly and was wonderfully succinct. There was basically nothing left to work with. All the characters had developed satisfyingly and the finale left things nicely open to possibility. Just leave it there and you have an all-time classic stand-alone comedy. But no. Whether it be for money, attention or sheer stupidity, Gervais couldn't help but dredge up another series, despite having absolutely no basis for a story.

Season two accomplishes little more than taking the good aspects of season one and squeezing every last drop out of them and taking the worst aspects of season one and labouring them even further.

The heartwarming scenes between Gervais and Penelope Wilton at the cemetery are now pushed so far into your face you almost need to scrape them off your tonsils. Does she literally just sit there all day long waiting for him to stumble by? How many times does she need to tell him what a good man he is for us to wilt at his despair?

Then we have the romance between Gervais and Jensen. The progression of their relationship was told brilliantly in season one. It ended perfectly and nothing more needed to be known or said. Instead, we have the almost exact same scenario replayed again tiresomely over 6 episodes.

We also don't need to know anymore about Lenny and his new family, we don't care about the tedious Matt and his boring relationship breakdown and while David Earl was quite funny in season one, he certainly isn't needed here. This is all just padding resulting from the fact that there is no basis for a story.

On top of this, we have even more Roisin Conaty- comfortably the worst character in the show. Not only is she a dreadful actor, her character is ludicrously unrealistic. Are we really supposed to buy into this local friendly prostitute with a big heart who, like all the other female characters in this show, fawn over Gervais in every scene? I could just about tolerate her presence in the first season but there is no need for her to feature so prominently here.

The psychiatrist played by Paul Kaye is mildly funny in season one but degenerates into a total mess in these later episodes. His excessive lines are indicative of some of the cheap vulgarity that Gervais is guilty of in much of his work. A 100-year old woman repeatedly saying the c-word? Sorry, not having it.

By far the worst feature of the series is the inclusion of Sandy, played by Mandeep Dhillon, whose sole purpose appears to be crying meekly at poor Tony's misery. Aside from her character being completely unrealistic and misplaced, she seems to be little more than a narcissism enabler for Gervais' increasingly pompous character.

And one final gripe, something common to nearly all of Gervais' work, is his tendency to work his religious and philosophical beliefs into the script at every turn. Diane Morgan's character is little more than a prop for him to belittle with his superior intellect and understanding. This is not Tony speaking, this is Gervais plain and simple. Self-indulgence and arrogance loosely disguised as dialogue.

After Life is a stark example of why a writer should know when to quit. One of the great things about The Office was it's brevity- it ended when it needed to and, to this day, remains one of the best comedy shows ever made. It is hugely frustrating that After Life was dragged through the wringer in this manner as the first season really was something special.