RICKY Gervais has hit back after his hit Netflix series After Life was branded ‘abysmal’ and ‘one of the worst things ever made’ by his comedy rival.
Ricky, 61, was left “genuinely overwhelmed” by the reaction to his comedy-drama from fans and critics.
After Life premiered in 2019 and follows Ricky’s character Tony as he deals with life following his wife’s death.
Ricky has written and starred in three series of the show, but it seems not everyone is such a fan of his latest work.
Speaking on Rob Brydon’s podcast Brydon &, comedian Stewart Lee described it as “abysmal”.
Stewart, 54, said: “I think Ricky’s comedy-drama work is of diminishing returns to the point where it’s now abysmal.
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“I think it must be very sad if you’re teaching drama or creative writing, how can you make a case for the things that make drama and creative writing good when After Life is a success?
“You know, ‘cause your kids could just go, ‘But none of those things happen in this,’ and yet millions of people watch it.
“I think it’s one of the worst things that’s ever been made by a human.”
Rob, 57, was taken aback by his tirade, and pointed out that Stewart had apparently been a “big influence” on Ricky.
Stewart quipped in response: “I know, it’s awful.”
Ricky has never been known to bite his tongue, and so many fans took it as a subtle dig when he tweeted on Saturday: “Watch the award-winning, record-breaking #AfterLife Now streaming on Netflix around the world.”
He also shared a clip from the series which saw his character call someone a “fat, hairy, nosy c***sucker.”
On top of that, he also hit the like button on a number of posts from his fans about Stewart including one which read: “I don’t even know who Stewart Lee is however, his comments about After Life really makes him look like a sad, bitter individual.”
After Life series 1-3 is available on Netflix now.
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