Release date announced

Netflix has announced the date Ricky Gervais’s comedy After Life will return.

The second series of the show – in which the comedian plays a widower who turned against the world – will be released on the streaming service on April 24.

Netflix said the show was one of its most-watched of last year, while Gervais has previously spoken of how he was blown away by the response.

‘It’s been insane. And heartwarming,’ he said. ‘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.’

A couple of images from the second season have also been shared to mark today’s announcement.

One, above, shows Gervais’s character, Tony, in flashback enjoying a party with his wife, played by Kerry Godliman; while another depicts him enjoying a drink with Emma, his father’s carer, as played by Ashley Jensen.

In the new series, journalist Tony is trying to become a better friend to those around him, each of whom has their own problems, while facing the threat of the local newspaper he works for being shut down.

Netflix broke the news by tweeting: 'After Life returns on 24 April. Yes, the dog will be back! @rickygervais, too. but the dog!!'

The cast also includes Diane Morgan, Penelope Wilton, David Bradley, Tony Way, Paul Kaye and Tom Basden.

Published: 13 Feb 2020