Afterlife (stylised as afterlife) is a British supernatural mystery drama created by Stephen Volk — the writer also behind the BBC's Ghostwatch — broadcast on ITV across two series from 24 September 2005 to 11 November 2006.[1]
Premise
Set in Bristol, the series follows psychic medium Alison Mundy (Lesley Sharp), cursed with the genuine ability to see and communicate with the dead, and university lecturer Robert Bridge (Andrew Lincoln), a committed sceptic whose scientific interest in Alison's claimed abilities draws him steadily deeper into her world. The two are further bound together by shared grief: Robert's young son, Josh, died before the series begins, and Alison's own claimed ability first appeared in childhood, beginning with the ghost of her grandfather.[2][1] Across its 14 episodes, the series follows the pair's difficult, evolving relationship as Robert attempts to write an academic study of Alison while his own scientific certainty is gradually shaken, addressing themes of faith, death, and grief throughout.[3]
Production
The series was produced by Clerkenwell Films, with Tammy Chopling and Murray Ferguson serving as executive producers.[1] To research the role, Andrew Lincoln consulted parapsychologist Ciarán O'Keeffe about the day-to-day working life of a real paranormal investigator.[4]
Reception
The series was well received critically, particularly for the performances of its two leads, with reviewers praising its refusal to tip into "abject silliness" despite its supernatural premise, and its unusually brutal, unflinching tone from its very first episode.[5]
See also
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 "Afterlife (TV series)."Wikipedia.
- ↑ "Afterlife (2005) (Series)."TV Tropes.
- ↑ "Looking back at ITV's Afterlife."Den of Geek.2015.
- ↑ "Dr Ciaran O'Keeffe: "I see what the killer sees"."Goldsmiths, University of London.5 March 2019.
- ↑ "TV Review: Afterlife (Series 1)."There Ought To Be Clowns.6 September 2023.