Here are the new additions in After Life season 2, now streaming on Netflix. When he isn't busy roasting Hollywood or embarking on critically-acclaimed stand-up tours, Ricky Gervais can be found pioneering a hybrid of poignant, side-splitting sitcoms. Coming in the wake of Derek, Gervais introduced After Life in 2019; the story of a man struggling to cope with the loss of his wife. Surrounded by mostly well-meaning kooks, Tony (Gervais) accepted the kindness of his friends by the end of After Life's first season.
While Tony is still grieving in season 2, the brutally honest, dog-loving journalist has an improved outlook when After Life returns, and a greater appreciation of those around him. Fortunately, Tony's cutting insults and withering reality checks are better than ever, and the supporting cast of After Life return to cringe awkwardly during his tirades. However, season 2 also introduces a handful of new faces to the mix, some of whom Gervais fans might recognize.
New Characters In After Life Season 2
Colin Hoult as Ken - An amateur theater director with a short fuse and plenty of unlikely gossip. Hoult previously appeared in Life's Too Short as Warwick Davis' "spiritual guru."
Peter Egan as Paul - The owner of the Tambury Gazette; inadvertently causes Tony to play cupid to the town's senior citizens. A veteran of British TV, Egan appeared in 1981's Chariots of Fire and played Hugh in Downton Abbey.
Bill Ward as Simon - Not the Black Sabbath drummer, sadly, but an actor with a clean sweep of British soap roles, most notably Charlie Stubbs in Coronation Street. Simon acts as a love rival to Tony in season 2.
Seb Cardinal as Yoga Instructor - Known for his comedy series, Cardinal Burns, Seb is also a frequent collaborator of Steve Coogan's. In After Life, he plays a yoga instructor with a particularly nasty cold in one of season 2's funniest scenes.
Steve Speirs as Dog Waste Man - After Life season 2 features several fun cameos from known actors as residents of Tambury who Tony and Lenny interview for their newspaper. One of the best comes from Steve Speirs, who has appeared in a host of British comedies, including Extras. Speirs enjoyed small roles in Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest and Star Wars: The Phantom Menace.
Holli Dempsey as Plastic Surgery Woman - Although not immediately recognizable due to the plastic surgery, this botox addict will be familiar to fans of Derek. Dempsey played Vicky, a young care home worker, in Gervais' previous sitcom.
Annette Crosbie as 100-Year-Old Woman - A small but memorable cameo in After Life season 2 sees Crosbie play a foul-mouthed care home resident. The actress is best known for a starring role in classic British comedy, One Foot In The Grave.
Toby Foster as Dennis and Lucy Speed as Tracy - A couple struggling with the fact that Dennis now identifies as an 8-year-old school girl. Foster previously appeared alongside Gervais in both Extras and Derek, while Lucy Speed has featured in Holby City and The Bill. Interestingly, Speed also played the on-screen wife of a regular Gervais cohort - Barry from Eastenders.
Returning Characters In After Life Season 2
Ricky Gervais as Tony - Healthier than in season 1, but still scarred. Tony seeks to help the friends he previously ignored.
Kerry Godliman as Lisa - Tony's deceased wife continues to appear via emotional video footage. Previously played Hannah in Derek.
Ashley Jensen as Emma - Jensen starred alongside Gervais in Extras and has also featured in Ugly Betty and Accidentally On Purpose.
David Bradley as Ray - Tony's Dad will be best known as Filch from the Harry Potter films, or the latest First Doctor in Doctor Who.
Tony Way as Lenny - Tambury's resident photographer. Way has appeared in every Ricky Gervais sitcom since Extras.
Mandeep Dhillon as Sandy - The most normal of Tony's colleagues, After Life season 2 delves into Sandy's character in more detail.
Diane Morgan as Kath - The advertising expert on Team Gazette is still looking for love.
Tom Basden as Matt - Tony's brother-in-law and boss, now having his own crisis.
Paul Kaye as Psychiatrist - Fresh from playing Thoros of Myr on Game of Thrones, Kaye's character reveals his plans for Hitler in After Life season 2.
Penelope Wilton as Anne - Known as either "Shaun's mum" in Shaun of the Dead or Harriet Jones (we know who you are) in Doctor Who.
Roisin Conaty as Roxy - Tony's sex worker friend and confidant. Still on the game.
David Earl as Brian - Earl portrayed Kev in Derek, and essentially reprises that role in After Life.
Joe Wilkinson as Pat - Tony's oddball postman. Usually seen on 8 Out of 10 Cats Does Countdown.
Tracy Ann Oberman as Rebecca - Currently appearing in Friday Night Dinner, Oberman returns as Tony's failed date from After Life season 1.
After Life season 2 is currently streaming on Netflix.