Netflix has renewed Ricky Gervais’s After Life for a second season. Not only does Gervais play the main character, Tony Johnson, but he has also created, written, and directed for the series. Gervais was touched by the outpouring support from his fans.
“I have never had a reaction like this before. It’s been insane. And heartwarming. But now I have to make sure the second season is even better so I’ll probably have to work much harder than usual. Annoying really,” said Gervais.
This isn’t the first time Gervais has collaborated with Netflix on a project.
“After Life has moved audiences from laughter to tears around the world and we are thrilled to announce that Ricky Gervais will be back with a second season on Netflix,” said Netflix chief content officer Ted Sarandos. “We are so proud to play host to Ricky’s brilliant stand-up comedy, specials, original films, and series and join in the joy of the fans with his latest hit.”
After Life follows Tony Johnson who has recurring suicidal thoughts after the death of his wife. Knowing that he can eventually end his own life, he turns to chaos and an eccentric behavior as a way to punish the world for taking away his wife from him. Becoming a bit rough, his family and friends take action to save Johnson and reassure him that his life is worth living for.
Throughout the course of season one, Gervais had bonded with his fellow cast mates. “The second series is always better,” said Gervais. “Usually because you know the actors.”
After Life premiered on March 8 with six episodes to mixed reviews. The dark comedy’s second season will be released sometime in 2020. Gervais has already started writing for the new season.
You can stream season one of After Life on Netflix now.