A brand-new comedy from Ricky Gervais is heading to Netflix, with much of the cast from his hit series After Life reuniting for the project. Several familiar faces from the fan-favourite show have already signed on to the project.
After Life became a global hit when it premiered on Netflix in 2019. The series was created by Gervais, who also started in the show as the main character. It followed the heartbreaking story of Tony, a man struggling to cope with the devastating death of his wife Lisa.
The show became hugely popular worldwide with Gervais previously taking to Instagram to thank “the 160 million people who made #AfterLife the most watched British comedy in the world.” Many fans have even hailed it as his best work to date, despite the star being co-creator and director of The Office, the Mirror reports.
Running for three seasons, After Life came to an end in 2022, but now Netflix has confirmed a brand-new project that will reunite much of the cast. Set to premiere in 2026, the new adult comedy will be titled Alley Cats and written by Emmy and BAFTA award-winning creator Gervais.
The cast will include After Life favourites Tom Basden (Matt), Tony Way (Lenny), David Earl (Brian), Kerry Godliman (Lisa), Jo Hartley (June) and Diane Morgan (Kath). Viewers might also spot Natalie Cassidy (recognised for playing Sonia Fowler in EastEnders) alongside After Life’s Andrew Brooke.
The programme will centre on a group of feral cats and feature striking 2D animation as Netflix teases: “Alley Cats is a slacker sitcom created by and starring the multi award-winning Ricky Gervais.”
“The adult animation follows the trials and tribulations of a group of feral British cats from all walks of society, who seek companionship while ruminating on everyday life.”
“From the funny to the absurd, the series is packed with Gervais’ signature style of heart and social commentary that audiences have come to expect.”
The show will span across six episodes, each lasting 15 minutes. Discussing his part in the new comedy show, creator and director Gervais said: “I play a fat, lazy, rude, opinionated creature with fangs, who’s not as smart or brave as he thinks he is. So quite a stretch.”
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Despite debuting several years ago, After Live continues to be popular with Netflix fans as one Rotten Tomatoes viewer commented: “Not much to be said here. For me this was a perfect show with all seasons.”
Another added: “If you like Ricky Gervais’ comedy, with a bit more tameness to it and some more touching moments, this series is for you. Loved every minute I could get off this series. It perfectly blends a heartbreaking few years of a man’s life with stark stubborn humour and honesty.”
The official Netflix synopsis reads: “After his beloved wife dies from cancer, a kindhearted reporter turns sarcastic and depressed, much to the dismay of his friends and coworkers.”
It was previously reported that the dog featured on the show had passed away. With Gervais paying tribute to the furry friend, as he announced the devastating news on Instagram, writing: “Sad News. ‘Anti’, who played ‘Brandy’ in AfterLife, has died. She was 13 and a very good girl.”
