Ricky Gervais has drawn the curtain on After Life, with season 3 bringing his role as Tony Johnson, the grieving journalist, to its emotional finish. The story shows him gradually coming to accept his wife Lisa’s passing, following two earlier seasons where his sorrow led him to lash out at life and everyone around him.
Although it wraps things up with warmth and emotional resolution, Gervais still finds a way to insert a mysterious moment that has left some viewers puzzled. This breakdown gives a clearer view of the ending, for anyone still unclear about it. You can also check the full season review for deeper thoughts on the show.
After Life ends not with answers but with peaceThe Ending of After Life Season 3 Explained
The last episode is set at Tambury Fair, a longstanding tradition in the town, bringing together all kinds of quirky residents for one more gathering as the story ends. Rather than avoiding the public like he usually does, Tony decides to join the event.
He shows up in good spirits, having used Lisa’s insurance payout to help those around him, and spends time with familiar faces like Kath and newer ones like Coleen, who now works at the Tambury Gazette. But the show closes on a note of uncertainty – no clear answer is given about what comes next for Tony.
Tony walks away from the fair, hand-in-hand with Lisa’s spirit. She fades, and not long after, both Tony and his dog Brandy disappear as well.
What message does the After Life season 3 ending carry?
Since Tony and Brandy seem to vanish like spirits, some viewers begin to question if Tony’s story ends with him taking his own life.
However, Ricky Gervais, while speaking with RadioTimes.com, cleared up the meaning behind that final moment, explaining that it’s not as bleak as some might have thought – in fact, it’s meant to carry a message of moving forward.
According to him, the fair’s role in the final scene is deeply symbolic, having existed for centuries and been visited by generations of different people. The idea is that while everyone dies eventually, it doesn’t have to happen now. Life continues.
Gervais explained that the conclusion wasn’t meant to be depressing. Rather, it carries a sense of peace and truth. The series as a whole talks about endings and fresh starts. It brings people together unexpectedly.
He also made it clear that people don’t get to choose their birthplace, their minds, or even the strangers they cross paths with. Life is unpredictable, and we’re all just passing through. He went on to say that when we’re lucky, we meet someone who matches us perfectly – Tony had that with Lisa.
Even though he knows it won’t happen again, he’s made peace with that. The show asks a deep question: if someone loses everything, is it still worth going on? Gervais believes the answer is yes. As long as there’s something to wake up for, life is still worth living.
