Afterlife Logo PNG
The Afterlife logo resembles a rich, smooth cocktail of life, intertwining moments of joy and loss, creating a complex and multifaceted image. The emblem symbolizes the continuous process of searching for the meaning of existence, reflecting the hero’s desire to learn to accept life as it is — with its bright and dark sides. The symbol conveys gradual forward movement, step by step, despite challenges, emphasizing that embracing life fully helps to find harmony and meaning.
Afterlife: Brand overview
In 2018, British comedian, actor, and screenwriter Ricky Gervais began developing a new Netflix series, leading to Afterlife’s creation. Having already found success with Netflix through the Derek series, Gervais set out to explore themes of loss, grief, and the search for meaning in life through dark comedy.
The idea for the show emerged from Gervais’ reflections on life and death, inspired by his personal experiences. He aimed to balance humor and tragedy in a story that would be both heartfelt and funny. The series follows Tony, a local newspaper journalist struggling to cope with the death of his wife, who passed away from cancer.
Writing the script took several months. Gervais ensured the show maintained his signature sharp and thought-provoking humor while diving into deeper emotional territory. He wrote every first-season episode, allowing him complete control over the show’s tone and direction.
Filming began in 2018, primarily in Hampshire, England, with other parts of the country also serving as locations. Gervais created, wrote, and produced the series and starred as Tony, fully shaping the character and story.
The first season premiered on Netflix on March 8, 2019, and viewers and critics immediately praised it for its unique blend of humor and grief, which resonated with a broad audience.
A month later, Netflix renewed the show for a second season on April 3, 2019, driven by high viewership and positive critical reception. Production on the second season began soon after, with Gervais continuing his roles as writer, director, and star. The second season expanded on the themes and characters from the first, aiming to deepen the emotional impact.
Season two premiered on April 24, 2020, receiving acclaim for its character development and exploration of moving forward after loss. The global challenges at the time did not diminish its popularity or critical reception.
Due to the success of the second season, Netflix quickly greenlit a third and final season. Production began in late 2020, with Gervais once again at the helm. He announced that the final season would bring Tony’s story to a satisfying conclusion. Filming wrapped in early 2021, with all necessary precautions taken due to ongoing global circumstances.
The final season premiered on January 14, 2022, earning widespread praise for its emotionally resonant and heartfelt conclusion.
The series became one of Netflix’s most successful shows, receiving numerous awards and nominations, including several BAFTAs. It was celebrated for its honest portrayal of grief and ability to find humor even in difficult moments.
Though no new episodes are being produced, the series continues to be popular on Netflix as of 2023, attracting new viewers and remaining a topic of discussion. The show has had a lasting impact on the television industry and viewers, paving the way for more nuanced, emotionally complex comedies. It also marked a significant chapter in Ricky Gervais’ career, reinforcing his reputation as a versatile creator capable of producing thought-provoking and entertaining work. Its success opened new doors for Gervais, solidifying his place among the top comedians and content creators globally.
Meaning and History
What is Afterlife?
This poignant and darkly comedic British television series delves deeply into themes of grief, loss, and the human condition. The main character, Tony, a man dealing with the unbearable loss of his wife, struggles to cope with a new reality that seems meaningless to him. The story is set in the small village of Tambury, where various characters confront their personal problems and existential dilemmas. The show stands out for its raw exploration of Tony’s despair and self-destructive thoughts while unexpectedly incorporating moments of kindness and humor. The series emphasizes the importance of compassion and the power of human connections, showing that even in the darkest moments, there is always room for hope and change.
2019 – today
The series “After Life” logo is minimalist and conveys its central theme. The title is placed on a rectangular background in a muted olive color, which emphasizes the protagonist’s complex emotions and inner struggles. The olive shade can be seen as a symbol of a fading life, an intermediate state between hope and loss.
The font is simple and concise, highlighting the openness and sincerity of the story. It consists of two colors: beige and deep blue. This color choice is a metaphor for contrasting light and darkness, life and death. The beige represents the protagonist’s past, brighter moments, while the blue reflects his loss and descent into grief after his wife’s death.
Of particular interest is the small beige “dot” above the letter “I” in the word “Life.” This element can be interpreted as a ray of light in the darkness, a small but significant spark of hope that remains with the protagonist during the darkest period of his life. The closed shape of the letters suggests the isolated state in which the main character exists, trapped in his pain and losses.
The emblem reflects the deep emotional dynamic of the plot: from despair to gradual acceptance, from darkness to light, from the past to the present, making it a perfect visual representation of the series’ content.
