In 2019, Netflix is delivering a show that manages to pull off what so many have tried to do but ultimately fail at, and that show is After Life. Ricky Gervais’ new Netflix series is dark, funny, and more reflective than anything the comedian has done before. Grief, morality, mortality, assisted suicide - these are all subjects the six-episode comedy tackles head on which can be both thought-provoking and just sad.
After Life is centered around Tony (Gervais), a journalist for a local newspaper who has decided that life without his late wife Lisa (Kerry Godliman) is meaningless.
The fascinating thing about this show is it manages to be sweet and charming while still maintaining a comedic feel - which is not something we’ve come to expect from creator and star Ricky Gervais in recent years. His stand-up has always been good, but his scripted material post-Office has often felt like it’s trying to be dark and off-putting just for the sake of it. He tries to push boundaries for no reason other than to see if he can. After Life is a big step in a new and better direction for the comedian.
The show itself is so completely emotional that it’s kind of hard to focus on anything else. The comedy in the show is definitely a subtle one, but Gervais still makes it work. The cast of great actors is another reason to watch this show. To be completely obvious, I had no idea who any of the actors were (minus Gervais), but they really stole the show.
I’m glad Netflix recommended this show to me because I probably never would have even heard of it. If you’re looking for a new show to watch and enjoy both laughing and crying in a span of minutes, then After Life is the show for you.
After Life is centered around Tony (Gervais), a journalist for a local newspaper who has decided that life without his late wife Lisa (Kerry Godliman) is meaningless.
The fascinating thing about this show is it manages to be sweet and charming while still maintaining a comedic feel - which is not something we’ve come to expect from creator and star Ricky Gervais in recent years. His stand-up has always been good, but his scripted material post-Office has often felt like it’s trying to be dark and off-putting just for the sake of it. He tries to push boundaries for no reason other than to see if he can. After Life is a big step in a new and better direction for the comedian.
The show itself is so completely emotional that it’s kind of hard to focus on anything else. The comedy in the show is definitely a subtle one, but Gervais still makes it work. The cast of great actors is another reason to watch this show. To be completely obvious, I had no idea who any of the actors were (minus Gervais), but they really stole the show.
I’m glad Netflix recommended this show to me because I probably never would have even heard of it. If you’re looking for a new show to watch and enjoy both laughing and crying in a span of minutes, then After Life is the show for you.