This is everything you need to know about Ricky Gervais' new Netflix series 'After Life'

He’s fresh off his success of his record-breaking deal with Netflix for his two stand-up specials, and Ricky Gervais is continuing to expand his streaming service media empire with his latest project: After Life.

The new Netflix original series will star the British comedian, 57, who’s also serving as director and executive producer.

Here’s the intriguing-sounding premise of the show:

Tony (Ricky Gervais) had a perfect life. But after his wife Lisa suddenly dies, Tony changes. After contemplating taking his own life, he decides instead to live long enough to punish the world by saying and doing whatever he likes from now on. He thinks it’s like a Super Power — not caring about himself or anyone else — but it turns out to be tricky when everyone is trying to save the nice guy they used to know.

And, in an excellent announcement, Gervais is teaming up again with Extras co-star Ashley Jensen for the new series. Jensen pretty much stole every single scene in the BBC comedy, which ran from 2005 to 2007, as the lovably hapless Maggie Jacobs.

In a statement, the comedian said: “This cast combines the best of the new breed of great British comedy talent with some of the wonderful alumni of my previous shows.”

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Other cast-members include Penelope Wilton (Downton Abbey, Doctor Who), David Bradley (The Harry Potter series, Game of Thrones), Tom Basden (Plebs, David Brent: Life On The Road), Tony Way (Edge of Tomorrow), David Earl (Cemetery Junction, Derek), Joe Wilkinson (Him and Her), Kerry Godliman (Derek) and Roisin Conaty (David Brent: Life On The Road).

Teasing the show, Gervais said earlier on Twitter: “I start pre production on my new Netflix show tomorrow. It’s a 6 part, dark comedy, in which I play a man who, after the death of his wife, becomes suicidal but decides to live long enough to punish the world by saying and doing whatever the fuck he likes from now on.”

We are ready and waiting to receive all your comedy goodness, Ricky. 

(Image: Getty)