‘After Life’: Netflix Series Release Date, Plot, Cast and Trailer

Jacob Robinson · @JRobinsonWoN
February 25th, 2019 - 12:00 pm ET

Picture: Netflix

Love him or hate him there’s no denying that Ricky Gervais is a massive draw. We at What’s on Netflix can’t wait for the latest Original comedy series After Life. With Gervais at the helm, we expect brutal jokes, cringe-inducing honesty, and jokes that will have us rolling with laughter. Here’s all you need to know about After Life Season 1.

After Life is a Netflix Original British comedy series created and directed by Ricky Gervais. In his third collaboration with the streaming giant, After Life looks to be Gervais’s funniest project thus far. This particularly dark comedy is set to explore similar ethical conundrums that Gervais has explored in the past, like in The Invention of Lying and Derek.

Plot: After Life Season 1

After the death of his wife, Tony’s once-perfect life unravels around him. Depressed and lonely, Tony contemplates suicide as life without his life is unbearable. Instead, Tony decides to punish the world for cruelty taking his wife away from him. The once-kind Tony now does whatever he wants and says whatever he wants regardless of the repercussions. Regarding his new outlook on life like a superpower, it’s not long before his friends try to twist him back around to become a better person again.

Cast: After Life Season 1

Role	Actor/Actress	Where have I seen/heard before?
Tony	Ricky Gervais	The Office, The Invention of Lying, Extras
Lisa	Kerry Godliman	Our Girl, Save Me, Bad Move
Matt	Tom Basden	Plebs, Fresh Meat, Derek
Lenny	Tony Way	Edge of Tomorrow, Game of Thrones, The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo
TBA	Penelope Wilton	Shaun of the Dead, Pride & Prejudice, Match Point
Tony’s Dad	David Bradley	Game of Thrones, The World’s End, Harry Potter
Tony’s Dad’s Nurse	Ashley Jensen	Arthur Christmas, The Lobster, Extras
TBA	Joe Wilkinson	Superbob, Anna & Katy, Rovers
The Psychiatrist	Paul Kaye	Game of Thrones, It’s All Gone Pete Tong, Match Point
TBA	Roisin Conaty	Gameface, David Brent: Life on the Road, Man Down
TBA	Diane Morgan	Me Before You, Alan Partridge, Cunk on Shakespeare

As the creator, writer, and director of the series, Gervais was free to cast whomever he wanted. Naturally, he turned towards talent he had previously used in titles he has starred in. Kerry Godliman will be known amongst many as portraying the care assistant Hannah on the show Derek. She also appeared in the popular comedy show Extras, also headed by Ricky Gervais.

Is Karl Pilkington in After Life?

Undoubtedly, many fans of the pair will wonder if Karl Pilkington will be appearing in the series. We are led to believe that Karl Pilkington will not be appearing in After Life. He has been working hard on his projects like Sick of It, which has been renewed for a second season.

Gervais and Netflix Working Together on Multiple Projects

The comedian and streaming giant have a pretty great working relationship. After Life is the third Original title starring Gervais. A fourth is scheduled when Gervais’ SuperNature tour begins in the near future. For some audiences around the world, David Brent: Life on the Road is listed as a Netflix Film, so depending on your region, that would be four or five titles that Netflix has available attached to Gervais.

Netflix isn’t as restrictive with creativity as other television networks appear to be. As Netflix is exclusively a streaming service, it can push the boundaries further than that of domestic television. By having this creative freedom it’s easy to see why Gervais’ most recent work has centered around Netflix. We look forward to After Life and more!