'After Life' Season 3: Release date, plot, cast, trailer and everything else about Ricky Gervais' dramedy

Gervais has struck an overall deal with Netflix to bring back ‘After Life’ for its third season, more new scripted projects, as well as stand-up specials as part of the multi-year deal
Ricky Gervais and Ashley Jensen (Netflix)
Ricky Gervais and Ashley Jensen (Netflix)

Ricky Gervais’ morose dark comedy ‘After Life’ has won hearts across the globe with its two seasons. Fans have praised the show for its compassionate and realistic portrayal of grief and depression, and, of course, for Gervais’ fantastic performance. 

In an interview with Deadline in April, Gervais said, “I could see myself doing a third season for the first time ever, because I love the world. There are so many strong characters. I’d say there are six characters that could have their own sitcom; that could be the lead in a sitcom. Even the place is a character, I think. We’ve only seen five hours of all those people. That’s nothing. How well do you know someone in five hours? You know, it’s still only half a season of an American sitcom, if you count both seasons.”

And as it happens, this desire has turned into reality. According to reports, Gervais has struck an overall deal with Netflix to bring back ‘After Life’ for its third season, more new scripted projects, as well as stand-up specials as part of the multi-year deal.

Release date:

No release date for ‘After Life’ Season 3 has been announced as of yet. Watch this space for more information.

Plot:

‘After Life’ centers around Tony Johnson (Gervais), a journalist at the Tambury Gazette, who lost his wife Lisa to cancer. As Tony deals with the sorrow, he turns into a rude man, mean to everyone he comes across. He even tries to attempt suicide but decides to live instead to punish the world with his brutality. People around him try to understand his state of mind and help him try to be a better person again. But, it often does not work. 

The story is set in an idyllic village where life is slow. It often makes Tony’s job incredibly mundane. But it also provides a bunch of kooky characters that keep things interesting at all times.

Season 2 recap:

Season 2 of 'After Life' saw Tony attempt to become a better person. His companionship with Roxy (Roisin Conaty) and Postman Pat (Joe Wilkinson) softened him. As did the inkling of romantic interest in Emma (Ashley Jensen). But his journey towards happiness found another roadblock in the form of his father’s death. It was this death that opened up already raw wounds and once again, Tony contemplated suicide. 

He was almost about to but Emma, who had previously told Tony that she was not satisfied with a nameless relationship, appeared at her doorway at the opportune moment. Emma told Tony that she would at that moment settle for anything, and Tony was saved from the attempt to take his own life. She said, "I'll take 'Groundhog Day'," referring to the Bill Murray film where he relived the same day over and over again. 

Cast:

While nothing has been specified yet, it is likely that the original cast of season 1 and season 2 will return for season 3.

Penelope Wilton as Anne

Penelope Wilton. (Getty Images)

The 73-year-old British actor is best known for starring in the BBC sitcom ‘Ever Decreasing Circles’. She has also worked in shows like ‘The Borrowers’, ‘The Return of the Borrowers’, ‘Downton Abbey’, and ‘Doctor Who’. 

Ricky Gervais as Tony

Ricky Gervais. (Getty Images)

The British comedian, actor, writer, and director needs hardly any introduction. From playing David Brent in the original British version of ‘The Office’ to the BBC sitcom ‘Extras’ to several famous stand-up comedy routines, and a number of films, Gervais is undoubtedly one of the most famous comics in the world.

Tom Basden as Matt

Tom Basden. (Getty Images)

The British actor and comedy writer, and member of the British four-man sketch group Cowards, has been a writer of several acclaimed works of comedy. He was one of the writers of ‘Fresh Meat’, ‘Plebs’, ‘The Wrong Mans’, and more.

Ashley Jensen as Emma

Ashley Jensen. (Getty Images)

The Emmy-nominated 50-year-old Scottish actress and narrator has previously worked with Gervais in ‘Extras’. She is best known for her roles in ‘Ugly Betty’, ‘Accidentally on Purpose’, and as the titular lead in ‘Agatha Raisin’.

Trailer:

No trailer has been released for ‘After Life’ season 3 as of yet. Watch this space for more updates.

If you like ‘After Life’, you will also like:

‘Kidding’, ‘Back to Life’, ‘Fleabag’, ‘Dead to Me’ and ‘Barry’.

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