Premise:
“After Life” follows the life of Tony Johnson, a journalist who becomes cynical and misanthropic following the death of his wife, Lisa, from cancer. Using his acerbic wit as a shield against the world, Tony navigates through grief, friendships, and awkward encounters while grappling with the question of whether life is still worth living without his soulmate.
Main Characters:
- Tony Johnson (Ricky Gervais) – A local newspaper writer coping with immense grief.
- Lisa Johnson (Kerry Godliman) – Tony’s late wife who appears in flashbacks and video messages.
- Anne (Penelope Wilton) – An elderly widow Tony befriends in the cemetery where their loved ones are buried.
- Matt (Tom Basden) – Tony’s brother-in-law and boss at the newspaper.
- Sandy (Mandeep Dhillon) – A young and optimistic reporter who works with Tony.
Themes:
The show tackles the intricacies of grief, depression, and the human capacity for resilience and change. It raises questions about how to find meaning in life after devastating loss and highlights the importance of community and human connections in navigating the darkest aspects of the human experience.
Critical Consensus & Rating:
4.5/5. The series has been widely appreciated for its emotional depth, sharp wit, and authentic portrayal of grief and healing. Ricky Gervais’s performance has been particularly lauded. Some critics have noted that the show’s dark humor may not be for everyone, but overall, it has received high praise for its daring emotional storytelling.
TV Parental Guidelines Rating:
The series is rated TV-MA for its mature themes, strong language, and some sexual content.
Broadcast Details:
The series is an original production by Netflix. It premiered its first season in 2019.
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