Richy Maria Jacob
‘After Life‘ is a British comedy-drama series written and created by Ricky Gervais, who also stars in it as the lead character. The series, which saw its inception in 2019, became quite the edge cutting dark humor that is straight forward. Unlike slapstick comedy, it thrives on the dark side of human emotions.
The show revolves around the depressed life of Tony after the death of his beloved wife. However, Tony’s depression becomes the creative ground for much laughter and comedy as he now possesses the power of sharp and brutal free speech that knows no bounds. The show is well woven to make one laugh, smile, and, most definitely, think. If you are here after getting your fair share of this series and are now on the lookout for similar shows that are laced with dark and witty tones, we have got you covered. You can watch several of these shows like After Life on Netflix, Hulu or Amazon Prime.
7. This Way Up (2019)
‘This Way Up‘ is a British comedy-drama about a young Irish woman named Áine (Aisling Bea). As a Catholic who has just had a nervous breakdown, she tries to navigate through life as an ESL (English as a Second Language) teacher. Shedding light on the issues of immigrant life and moving on which has its own set of ups and lows, the show delivers its fair share of comedy that is very much grounded in reality. Much like ‘After Life,’ the show is written by the lead actor of the show.
6. Living With Yourself (2019)
Created by Timothy Greenberg, ‘Living With Yourself‘ is about the boring and mundane life of Miles, which goes for a flip when he decides to undergo a medical procedure to be a happier, successful version of himself. The glitch in the procedure, however, leaves him competing with a better version of himself. Starring Paul Rudd and Aisling Bea, the show plays on the phrase,” would you rather be someone else ?” with its hard-hitting dark humor.
5. Dead to Me (2019)
‘Dead to Me‘ starring Christina Applegate and Linda Cardellini is a comedy series whole premise is about moving on for Jen, as her husband was killed in a hit-and-run incident. However, Jen uses her seething anger to deal with the loss. She soon befriends Judy, who helps her in the process, blissfully unaware of the fact that Judy is the one who killed her husband. The series sets itself with much humor with the irony of the situation.
4. Barry (2018)
‘Barry‘ is a dark crime comedy series that follows its lead character Barry Berkman, who is a contract hitman who soon discovers his love for theatre. He finds a much-needed connection with his acting group longing for a new break in his life. The series created by Alec Berg and Bill Hader is a much interesting humanistic take on the bipolar life led by its character. It is, in many ways, quite original in its narrative too.
3. Misfits (2009)
Created by Howard Overman, the British comedy-drama is about a bunch of youth who are doing community service as a result of the crimes they committed. Their lives change dramatically as they are struck with lightning, which gives each a different superpower. Ranging from standard to bizarre, the show is quite the laugh with its undercurrent of thick dark comedy. As flawed as its characters are, one cannot help but be highly involved with them.
2. Russian Doll (2019)
‘Russian Doll‘ created by Natasha Lyonne, Leslye Headland, and Amy Poehler is about Nadia ( Lyonne), a successful game maker. However, her life is phenomenally changed when she ends up dying repeatedly in a party thrown for her. She dies differently each time only to start from a particular point all over again. The comedy lies in how Nadia tries to explore the cause behind what’s happening to her. The dark and funny series has a way of taking us back to the root of fears, addictions, and other issues Nadia grapple with.
1. Fleabag (2016)
Written and created by Phoebe Waller-Bridge, ‘Fleabag‘ is a dark British comedy-drama that centers around its witty character, known as Fleabag. The character is obsessed with sex and tries to fill in the void in her life that is brought about by an array of reasons, the main one being the death of her friend. Often breaking the fourth wall, the character keeps it interestingly funny and insanely real. As the top pick of this list, this series is a must-watch you definitely shouldn’t skip.
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