Ricky Gervais, who redefined the television sitcom with his portrayal of the cringe-inducing boss David Brent in The Office, has another reason to smile. His hit series After Life has been named the best British modern comedy in a Radio Times poll.
After Life Tops the Poll
The show, which Gervais wrote, directed, and starred in, came first in the survey. The black comedy aired from 2019 until its third and final series in 2022. In it, Gervais plays Tony, a misanthropic local newspaper reporter grappling with the death of his beloved wife Lisa, played by Kerry Godliman, from cancer. The widower contemplates suicide before deciding to punish the world in his grief, all while being supported by his dog Brandy.
Gervais, 64, attributed the bittersweet series' success to its pickup by streaming giant Netflix. He added: 'But I also think it resonated because everyone has been through something like it.' He recalled that a friend working for the Samaritans begged him not to let Tony go through with his suicide, which made him 'bothered' about a role for the first time. He said: 'This time, I thought, "I've got to do this right."'
A Tear-Jerking Finale
In the emotional final episode, Tony reflects on his relationship with Lisa by her graveside and finally comes to terms with her untimely death. After Life, which also starred Diane Morgan, Mandeep Dhillon, Joe Wilkinson, and Tom Basden, won the award for Best Comedy at the National Television Awards in 2021 and 2022.
Other Top Contenders
Detectorists – written, directed by, and starring Gervais's Office co-star Mackenzie Crook – came second in the Radio Times poll. The BBC show, also starring Toby Jones, follows two main characters as they travel the countryside in search of treasures with their metal detectors. BBC comedy Ghosts ranked third, followed by Peter Kay's Car Share.
Readers were asked to vote on their favourite show from 2010 onwards only, meaning classics such as Only Fools And Horses and Fawlty Towers were excluded.
