After Life: Ricky Gervais says Netflix show will end after season three

Gervais writes, directs and stars in Netflix comedy

Ricky Gervais has revealed that the upcoming third season of After Life will be its last.

The Office creator, who writes, directs, produces and stars in the dark Netflix comedy, told The Sun that he wouldn’t be taking the show beyond a third season, despite its success.

“I’ve already made my mind up – there just won’t be a fourth,” Gervais said.

“You never say never but you put those things out there to make you remember because it’s tempting, it’s very tempting.”

Comparing his role as writer to that of a conductor leading an orchestra with his back to the audience, Gervais said: “The audience think they want another one but they don’t know, they’re not sure, so you’ve got to be careful.”

Gervais stars in After Life as Tony, a widower mourning the loss of his wife Lisa (Kerry Godliman) after she dies of breast cancer.

Following the success of the British comedy’s second season, which dropped on Netflix in April, Gervais agreed to create a third season of After Life as part of a multi-project deal with the streaming service in May.

This will include developing new scripted projects for Netflix, as well as airing his stand-up specials on the platform.