Netflix has commissioned a third season of Ricky Gervais' black comedy-drama series After Life as part of a new overall deal with the British actor-comedian.

After Life will be the first Gervais series to return for a third season: he halted The Office, Extras, and Derek after two seasons, while Life's Too Short ran for just one.

"This is all your fault," he told fans in a tweet confirming the show's renewal.

https://twitter.com/rickygervais/status/1258078508691140609?s=20

Season two of After Life, which follows Gervais' character Tony as he struggles to move on following the death of his wife, launched on April 24 to mostly positive reviews. The cast includes several actors familiar from previous Gervais shows, including Extras' Ashley Jensen and Derek's Kerry Godliman, plus Downton Abbey's Dame Penelope Wilton and Game of Thrones alum Paul Kaye.

You can watch Gervais talking about After Life on this recent episode of The Graham Norton Show.

According to The Hollywood Reporter, Gervais' new overall deal with Netflix will comprise scripted series and stand-up specials for the streaming service.

"I was planning to retire soon and just wander around the house drunk until I die, but I’ve grown a bit tired of doing that during the lockdown, and also Netflix made me an offer I couldn’t refuse," he told the outlet.

Last month, Gervais hinted to Deadline that he was contemplating making a third season of After Life, saying: “I could see myself doing a third season for the first time ever, because I love the world. There are so many strong characters. I’d say there are six characters that could have their own sitcom; that could be the lead in a sitcom. Even the place is a character, I think."

"We’ve only seen five hours of all those people. That’s nothing," he added. "How well do you know someone in five hours? You know, it’s still only half a season of an American sitcom, if you count both seasons."

Check out a classic clip of Ricky Gervais on The Graham Norton Show below.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BPDo7XisEKc

Are you pleased that Ricky Gervais is making more After Life?