'Masterpiece' Netflix series that's 'super heart-warming' but makes people 'sob for days'

Netflix is home to some of the best shows ever made. The streaming service has produced some incredible comedies and some heartbreaking dramas. But there is one series written by a famous British comedian that mixes both and people cannot stop talking about it.

As some viewers said, it makes them extremely happy in certain moments, only to have them sobbing a few minutes later. One person said: "I love this show so much. It's crazy how it can make you sob for days but also smile from ear to ear in certain moments." Another added: "This show is sad as you would expect, but it is also hilarious at times and has some of the most heart-warming moments I have ever watched."

A third commented: "This show is undoubtedly one of the most well-thought-out and delivered shows I've seen in a very long time."

Someone else said: "This show definitely felt like it hit home in many ways. Even though I haven't ever experienced what Tony had to go through, I felt I could relate in many ways."

The series they are talking about is After Life. After Life is a British comedy-drama created and written by Ricky Gervais. It ran for three seasons on Netflix between 2019 and 2022.

Set in the fictional town of Tambury, the story follows local newspaper writer Tony Johnson, played by Gervais, whose life falls apart after his wife dies of cancer.

Struggling with grief and suicidal thoughts, Tony stops caring what anyone thinks.

He starts saying and doing whatever he wants, but slowly realises he still has people in his life who matter.

Over time, Tony begins to open up, show kindness, and find meaning again, partly thanks to his dog Brandy.

The supporting cast includes Tom Basden, Diane Morgan, Mandeep Dhillon, Ashley Jensen, Penelope Wilton, and Joe Wilkinson.

Among many things, viewers fell in love with the show's honesty and writing. Gervais said he wanted to explore grief in a real and human way.

One key location in the series is a park bench where Tony often speaks with Anne, a widow he meets at the cemetery.

Netflix teamed up with mental health charity CALM to install real-life versions of the bench across the UK.

Back in 2022, Gervais said: "We hope the benches will create a lasting legacy for After Life, as well as become a place for people to visit."

Benches have been placed in many towns, including Reading, Gervais's hometown, where one was installed at Henley Road Cemetery.

All three seasons of After Life are available to stream on Netflix.