Netflix announces brand new Ricky Gervais comedy set to reunite After Life cast

A brand new Ricky Gervais comedy coming to Netflix will reunite the cast of After Life, as many actors from the popular show have already signed on to the project.

The hit comedy drama series After Life became a huge hit with fans after it first aired on Netflix in 2019, created by star Ricky Gervais. It follows the heartbreaking story of Tony as he navigates life after the devastating death of his wife Lisa.

The show became hugely popular worldwide as Ricky Gervais previously took to Instagram to thank "the 160 million people who made #AfterLife the most watched British comedy in the world". And fans have said it is arguably his best work to date, even though he also co-created created and directed The Office.

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Spanning across three seasons, After Life came to an end in 2022, but now, Netflix is set to launch a brand new show that will reunite the After Life cast, and it's coming to screens in 2026. The new adult comedy series will be called Alley Cats, from Emmy and BAFTA award-winning creator Ricky Gervais.

It will also feature After Life stars Tom Basden (who played Matt), Tony Way (who played Lenny), David Earl (who played Brian), Kerry Godliman (who played Lisa), Jo Hartley (who played June), Diane Morgan (who played Kath). Fans may also recognise Natalie Cassidy (known for her role as Sonia Fowler in EastEnders) and After Life's Andrew Brooke.

The show will follow a group of feral cats and features bold 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 running at 15 minutes long. Speaking about his role on the new comedy show, creator and director Ricky 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."

Despite being released several years ago, After Life remains popular with Netflix fans as one Rotten Tomatoes viewer said: "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 of this series it perfectly blends a heartbreaking few years of a mans life with stark stubborn humour and honesty."

A 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 Ricky Gervais paid tribute to his late on screen dog who featured heavily in the show.

Taking to Instagram to share the devastating news, he wrote: "Sad News. ‘Anti’, who played ‘Brandy’ in AfterLife, has died. She was 13 and a very good girl."

Alley Cats is coming to Netflix in 2026.