Radio Times has named Ricky Gervais's After Life as the best British comedy of the modern era (post-2010), sparking debate over the selection. The Netflix series, which aired from 2019 to 2022, follows a misanthropic widower grappling with grief, and has been praised by some but criticised by others as mawkish and lacking laughs.
The poll's result has been questioned given the wealth of acclaimed British comedies from the past 16 years, including Fleabag, Derry Girls, Ghosts, and The Detectorists. Critics argue that After Life's victory may reflect Gervais's large online following and Netflix's global reach rather than comedic merit alone.
Gervais himself acknowledged the platform's influence, telling Radio Times that the show topped the poll partly 'because it's on Netflix, the biggest platform in the world, with 300 million subscribers'. The streaming giant's international distribution means After Life lacks the distinctly British flavour of shows like Stath Lets Flats or Toast of London, which were omitted from the ranking.
The list has also been criticised for overlooking quintessentially British comedies such as Him and Her and Toast of London. However, the poll highlights the enduring popularity of traditional sitcoms in the UK, contrasting with the US trend toward comedy-drama hybrids.
While the selection may be contentious, it underscores the diversity of British comedy and the ongoing appetite for pure, daft humour. Whether After Life will stand the test of time alongside classics like The Office remains to be seen.
