Netflix hit After Life is a comedy-drama series that takes an honest and realistic look at the devastating pain of losing a loved one while adding a healthy dose of friendship, hope and kindness. Despite the seriousness of the core subject, Gervais has incorporated his signature brand of brutal humor, creating a constant mix of tears and side-splitting laughter.
The third season is due next year, much to the delight of Ricky Gervais' fanbase, but if fans can't wait until the much-anticipated TV release, here are a few shows to fill the gap until then .
The Office UK (2001 - 2003) Available On Hulu
It may be 20 years old, but the sarcasm, humor, mundanity and awkwardness are no less watchable than they were two decades ago. The hit UK show that started it all, The Office is a mockumentary series focused on a paper company from Slough, England.
Although not the boss from hell, David Brent has an unquenchable need to be liked, causing him to make cringe-worthy (but hilarious) mistakes. Like After Life, The Office confronts the struggles of reality. At times, Brent's relentless antics come crashing to a halt and The Office portrays an emotional narrative.
Derek (2012 - 2014) Available On Netflix
Derek is another of Ricky Gervais' well-known projects, following the same comedic mockumentary format as The Office. The series is set in a care home, run by Hannah, a stalwart carer, whose life revolves around her work. Gervais plays an employee at the care home who truly only cares about others, and is continually thankful for everything he has in life.
His love for people invites in unlikely friends like Kev, an unemployed, crude alcoholic that some people would steer clear of. The pressure of an underfunded care home plays out amongst the stress of everyday life, as Derek and Hannah support one another throughout.
Extras (2005 - 2007) Not Currently Available To Stream In The U.S.
The unique concept of Extras follows close friends Andy (Ricky Gervais) and Maggie (Ashley Jensen) in their pursuit to become actors by starting out as extras in film and TV. Each episode includes a high-profile celebrity, from Samuel L. Jackson to Kate Winslet, and hilariously looks at how Andy and Maggie deal with their presence.
Andy chooses to push his career further by writing his own script, but Maggie remains as a background artist. The common theme of Gervais' shows is the instantaneous switch between laughter and sorrow and Extras is no exception to that.
This Country (2017 - 2020) Not Currently Available To Stream In The U.S.
Cousins Kerry and Kurtan reside in Gloucestershire, UK. The mockumentary follows the humdrum of their daily lives as they showcase their less-than-inspiring town that doesn't seem to hold much for them. Their aspirations are few and far between, with very little being expected of the pair.
Although the storyline doesn't deal with such a heartbreaking tragedy as in After Life, there are moments of feeling sorry for characters, such as Kerry, who has a tough relationship with her Dad. The comedy is subtle, but nonetheless extremely effective.
People Just Do Nothing (2014 - 2018) Available To Rent On Amazon
People Just Do Nothing is a truly original mockumentary. The series focuses on a group of friends who run a pirate radio station in Brentford, England. As MCs and DJs at Kurupt FM, their dreams and desires are high. The film People Just Do Nothing: Big In Japan shows the peak in their hopes, as they try to break into Japan's music scene.
The hilarious British comedy (that has delivered some unforgettably funny quotes) has its dark moments, with the group facing the struggles of drug addiction and relationship problems. However, the array of colorful characters makes it a must-watch, with the loveable rogues always trying their best to succeed.
Fleabag (2016 - 2019) Available On Amazon Prime
A dry sense of humor is typical of Ricky Gervais' work and is also a key element to the comedy, Fleabag. A young woman tries to come to terms with a recent tragedy along with tricky relationships and London life. Fleabag (Phoebe Waller-Bridge,) uses sarcasm as a defense mechanism, trying to deflect any pain she feels.
Waller-Bridge often breaks the fourth wall by looking at the camera and addressing the audience, something that other characters don't do in the series. Her clever use of this unique aspect is a great tool in connecting with viewers and interestingly only adds to the realism of the show.
The Outlaws (2021 - ) Not Currently Available To Stream In The U.S.
Although not seen on After Life, Stephen Merchant has worked closely with Ricky Gervais on some of his most successful work, including The Office. Consequently, it's no surprise that Merchant has created several ingenious series of his own.
The Outlaws is about a group of petty criminals who are thrown together in a community payback group. They all have very different personalities, but their commonality lies in their loyalty to one another when faced with intense issues. Just like After Life, their friendships seem unlikely, but are all significant to the brilliantly funny plotline.
Ted Lasso (2020 - ) Available On AppleTV+
The Apple TV show has proved to be increasingly popular, with a third season due to arrive next year. The American titular character accepts a job as a coach for a British football team, and against all odds, demonstrates a great talent for the role.
Ted Lasso doesn't solely focus on the rise and fall of AFC Richmond, but also delves into betrayal and trust, creating some very inspiring scenes and quotes. The happy-go-lucky nature of Ted doesn't negate the reality of life's issues and the relationships between the characters are vital, as they support each other through numerous hardships.
Stath Lets Flats (2018 - ) Available On HBO Max
The work-based sitcom, Stath Lets Flats, revolves around a family-run estate agent, "Michael and Eagle." The main character Stath strives to impress his father who owns the company in the hopes that he will one day take over as boss.
Unfortunately, Stath's inability to competently carry out his work as an estate agent doesn't bode well for him, often frustrating his father, but it does make the series uproariously funny. His ineptitude gets him into countless sticky situations, as the difficulties of his job are too much for him to handle.
Gavin And Stacey (2017 - 2019) Available On HBO Max
Gavin And Stacey has become a classic in the catalog of British comedy. Gavin, a young man from Essex in England, and Stacey, a young woman from Barry in Wales, fall in love, bringing together their very different but loving families. Their relationship comes up against plenty of trying times, but they always manage to muddle through.
The series plays on the typical characteristics of the two cultures and how the differences cause humorous incidents. The program is generally light-hearted but doesn't shy away from scenes of sadness and heartache.