After Life Ending Explained, Is After Life-Based on a True Story?
by Swetha P | Updated May 16, 2023
Is After Life Based on a True Story?
After Life is a black comedy-drama streaming television series created, written, produced, and directed by Ricky Gervais. The show stars Gervais himself as the lead character, Tony Johnson. The first series of After Life premiered on Netflix on 8 March 2019, followed by the second series on 24 April 2020. The third and final series was released on 14 January 2022.
It's important to note that After Life is not based on a true story or directly inspired by Gervais' personal life. The character of Tony Johnson was a creation of Gervais' imagination. However, as is common in Gervais' work, he drew inspiration from his own experiences and perspectives when developing the character. This lends authenticity and depth to Tony's portrayal, as Gervais often incorporates elements of his own life into his fictional characters.
After Life Ending Explained
The ending of After Life season 3 on Netflix marks the emotional culmination of Ricky Gervais' portrayal of Tony Johnson, a misanthropic widower and local journalist. After grappling with grief and seeking revenge in the previous seasons, Tony finally finds acceptance of his wife Lisa's death in the final moments of season 3.
The ending takes place at the Tambury Fair, a significant community event that brings the townsfolk together for a farewell before the series concludes. Tony, contrary to his usual behavior, attends the fair and interacts with familiar and new faces. The episode ends with an ambiguous tone, leaving the interpretation of Tony's fate up to the viewers.
In the closing scene, Tony is shown smiling as he reminisces about memories of Lisa. He leaves the fair while holding hands with the ghost of his wife. Eventually, Lisa fades away, followed by Tony and his late dog Brandy, seemingly transforming into ghosts themselves. This enigmatic conclusion has led some fans to speculate whether Tony contemplates suicide.
However, in an exclusive interview with RadioTimes.com, Gervais clarifies the true meaning behind the ending. He explains that the fair holds significance due to its long-standing tradition of 500 years, symbolizing the continuous passage of time and the cycle of life. The ending, according to Gervais, carries a message of hope rather than darkness. It suggests that although death is inevitable, it is not yet Tony's time to die, and life continues. The intention is to leave viewers with an uplifting sense of the cyclical nature of life and the potential for new beginnings.
Gervais believes the ending serves as a fitting conclusion to the series, offering a hopeful and realistic perspective. After Life explores the themes of endings and beginnings, emphasizing the random encounters and connections people experience in life. It conveys the idea that we are all souls navigating through existence without control over our circumstances or encounters. Ultimately, the ending of After Life season 3 aims to leave viewers with optimism, curiosity about the future, and an appreciation for the interconnectedness of life.
After Life Filming Locations
The fictional town of Tambury serves as the setting for the series After Life. However, the actual filming locations for the show are spread across different areas. Some scenes were shot in Hampstead, North London, particularly Tony's house near the Vale of Health. Additionally, Hemel Hempstead in Hertfordshire features prominently, with the High Street being the backdrop for various scenes, showcasing real businesses that are open to the public. According to the Radio Times, the Tambury Gazette's fictional offices are situated in the heart of Hemel Hempstead at 48 High Street. Other shooting locations include Beaconsfield in Buckinghamshire and Camber Sands in East Sussex.
After Life Cast
Ricky Gervais
Tony Johnson
Tom Basden
Matt Braden
Tony Way
Lenny
Diane Morgan
Kath
Mandeep Dhillon
Sandy
Kerry Godliman
Lisa Johnson
Ashley Jensen
Emma
Paul Kaye
Psychiatrist
Joe Wilkinson as
Pat
Penelope Wilton
Anne
David Bradley
Ray Johnson
David Earl
Brian Gittins
Jo Hartley
June
Colin Hoult
Ken Otley
Cast
Character
After Life Trailer
After Life Plot
After Life follows the story of Tony Johnson, a misanthropic widower and local journalist living in the fictional town of Tambury. Tony's life takes a devastating turn when his beloved wife, Lisa, passes away from cancer. Consumed by grief, Tony contemplates suicide but decides to live on as a means of punishing the world for his loss. With a newfound indifference toward social norms and a lack of filter, Tony sets out on a mission to say and do whatever he pleases, disregarding the consequences. He frequently engages in confrontations, pushing away friends and colleagues while struggling with his own mental health. Despite his gruff exterior, Tony finds solace in his relationships with the quirky townspeople of Tambury, who range from eccentric co-workers to a sex worker named Daphne.
Through encounters with these diverse characters, Tony begins to discover that even in the midst of despair, there are moments of kindness, connection, and humor. As the series progresses, Tony slowly learns to navigate his grief and find glimpses of joy amidst the darkness. He forms unlikely friendships, takes on unexpected responsibilities, and even attempts to help those around him find their own happiness. Ultimately, Tony's journey becomes a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the power of empathy and compassion in healing wounds. While After Life delves into heavy themes of loss, depression, and existential questions, it balances them with dark humor and poignant moments of emotional resonance. The series serves as a reminder that even in the face of tragedy, life can still offer moments of love, laughter, and hope.
After Life Where to Watch
After Life is available for streaming exclusively on Netflix. As a Netflix original series, it can be accessed by subscribers worldwide through the Netflix platform. Users can watch all three seasons of After Life, including its complete story arc and emotional conclusion, on their preferred devices such as smart TVs, computers, smartphones, and tablets that have access to the Netflix app or website.
To enjoy the British black comedy-drama series "After Life" created by Ricky Gervais, viewers can easily access it by searching for the show on the Netflix platform. Once they locate "After Life," they can start watching the series, which follows the story of a man navigating life after the loss of his wife. With its blend of humor and emotional depth, "After Life" offers a unique viewing experience for those interested in Gervais' work and compelling storytelling.
After Life Ending Explained - FAQs
After Life premiered on March 8, 2019.
After Life is available for streaming exclusively on Netflix.
No, After Life is not based on a true story.
After Life was created by Ricky Gervais.
Ricky Gervais plays the lead character, Tony Johnson, in After Life.