A funny story of sadness: After Life is the brand new Netflix show audiences are obsessed with.

This post deals with themes of self harm and suicide and may be triggering to some viewers.

The word heartbreaking might be a grossly over-used term to describe anything moderately sad, but there’s no better word for Netflix’s latest series, After Life.

The Ricky Gervais directed and produced six-part dark comedy series is about a suicidal widower named Tony Johnson, who is also played by Gervais.

Tony is a cynical, angry and cruel man, who after losing his wife (and soulmate) Lisa, has resorted to living his life without a filter. At times he can be heartlessly and unnecessarily cruel, but it’s all redeemed by the love he had for Lisa, which we’re shown through a series of flashbacks in Lisa’s 13 Reason’s Why esque post-mortem, video message which she leaves for him.

Watch the heartbreakingly funny trailer for Netflix’s After Life here:

While every episode is filled with Gervais-renowned moments of sarcastic gold and comedic absurdity, they’re shared with raw, poignant and existential observations of death and grief.

There’s a particular moment Tony shares with a junior journalist at the local paper, that gives a passing glimpse into the kind of anguish he’s in.

“It’s not a waste of time, you working here. It is a good stepping stone and you can go on and do anything you want,” he says to her.

“I didn’t, because I didn’t want it. I didn’t do over time, try and get promoted or get a a better job in a better town, I just wanted to get home every night and spend every available minute I could with Lisa.

“And I made the right decision.”

The show is peppered with multiple moments like these.

From start to finish, After Life spans just three hours and you can, and will want to, binge the series in its entirety. Despite this, the scenes, quips and pieces of irreverent wisdoms will stick with you long after.

Tony handles the passing of his wife in the least graceful way possible. He's no martyr to his grief and it's this unflinching and honest portrayal of hurt, anger and gradual hope that's resonated with audiences.

Here's just some of the praise the show has garnered from fans on Twitter alone:

afterlife hit the nail on the head ‘one day you’ll eat your last meal, smell your last flower, hug your friend for the last time , but u might not know it’s the last time so do everything u love with passion, and treasure the few years you’ve got because that’s all there is’❤️tru

— Tayla???????? (@taylamoody) March 20, 2019

“I’d rather be nowhere with her, than somewhere without her.” Ricky Gervais is the last person I expected to make me cry but fucking hell #AfterLife is a masterpiece.

— Sarah (@sarah_liza21) March 22, 2019

I have one episode of #AfterLife left. I binged 5. Now I know @rickygervais is writing another series I can watch the 6th episode. I was saving it for a day when I needed a reward.
If you haven’t watched it you are so lucky you’ve still got it to come.

— Gabby Logan (@GabbyLogan) March 20, 2019

I completely agree. It’s so accurate it’s scary - but it’s brilliant - maybe my friends and family will now understand my odd behaviours 16 years ago when my husband died - I’m just glad our rabbit survived me forgetting to feed her for weeks #stillfeelguilty

— Jean Williams (@jxwiliams) March 22, 2019

Ricky's After Life breaks my heart and Mends it within seconds . Beautiful series.

— Jenny Newton (@jennynewton95) March 23, 2019

Have you watched After Life? What did you think of the show? Tell us in a comment below.

If you think you may be experiencing depression or another mental health problem, please contact your general practitioner or in Australia, contact Lifeline 13 11 14 for support or beyondblue 1300 22 4636.

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