Show Snob
Fansided

Ricky Gervais Creating ‘After Life’ Comedy Series on Netflix

By Wade Wainio

facebooktwitterreddit

Comedy giant Ricky Gervais has begun pre-production on “After Life,” a Netflix show about a guy who abandons suicide and discovers brute honesty.

It’s likely not a huge departure for Ricky Gervais, who is known for his observational/insult comedy — particularly his ability to insult everyone while still being famous. Still, this is big news in an age where controversial comedians have become increasingly, well, controversial. After Life will certainly continue down this path.  People will either praise or lament his observations along the way.

More from Netflix

Why Gervais is a Comedy Giant

Ricky Gervais is famous for many reasons. One is the sheer volume of his output. His presence on Netflix is already known.  In addition to his popular stand-up, there are the TV series — The Office, Derek, Life’s Too Short and Extras, among others. Then there’s his hosting and roasting of the Golden Globes, which was sufficiently polarizing.

He has a successful podcast career.  He’s hung out with Muppets, spent 3 Nights at the Museum, participated in charity celebrity boxing.  In his first stint, he fronted a 1980s new wave group, Seona Dancing (which had one big hit in the Philippines).

After Life is just another feather in his cap, so to speak. Unless some compromising scandal emerges, it seems the Gervais insult comedy snowball is bound to grow, and Netflix wants another slice of the pie.

Ricky Gervais in “Muppets Most Wanted” (2014)

(Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures)

Variety is reporting this new series will see Ricky Gervais take on the role of a grieving widower named Tony. His perfect life is flipped upside down by the shocking death of his wife, Lisa. According to the After Life synopsis, Tony will briefly consider killing himself before deciding to “punish” the world instead. Tony’s new persona is much closer to Gervais’ comedy, as a man who starts saying and doing anything he wants.

His remaining friends and family are going to fight to keep him grounded. But it seems like Tony is going to be embracing his no-holds-barred approach to life.  Gervais will not only be creating and starring in the show, he will also be an executive producer and the director. He’ll be joined by long-time collaborator Charlie Hanson, who will also sign on as a producer.

Next: The Bluths are Back! Arrested Development Season 5 Starts Streaming May 29 on Netflix

It’s unclear when the show will air, but Netflix has ordered all six episodes of the series. The streaming giant has a long relationship with Ricky Gervais, and this show is almost guaranteed to be a hit for them.

Home/Netflix