7.3 / 10 (based on 1684 reviews)
Ursula Todd dies one night in 1910 before she can draw her first breath. On that same night in 1910, Ursula is born and survives.
Genre: Drama, Fantasy
Main Cast: Thomasin McKenzie, Muki Zubis, Isla Johnston, Gus Turner
Creators:
Directors:
Writers:
1 season, 4 episodes, 60-minute runtime
Shows Most Like Life After Life (2022)
Sherwood (2021)
7.4 / 10 (based on 7123 reviews)
Two shocking and unexpected murders shatter an already fractured community leading to one of the largest manhunts in British history while threatening to inflame historic divisions sparked during the Miners’ Strike three decades before.
Genre: Crime
Main Cast: Adam Hugill, Sean Gilder, Tina Louise Owens, Grant Crookes
Creators:
Directors:
Writers:
6 episodes
DI Ray (2022)
6.7 / 10 (based on 1866 reviews)
Newly promoted DI Rachita Ray takes on a case that forces her to face a lifelong personal conflict.
Genre: Crime, Drama, Mystery
Main Cast: Parminder Nagra, Ian Puleston-Davies, Peter Bankole, Steve Oram
Creators: Maya Sondhi
Directors:
Writers:
2 seasons, 6 episodes, 45.0-minute runtime
The Rising (2022)
6.6 / 10 (based on 2041 reviews)
Neve Kelly discovers she is dead. She’s scared and confused by this new existence. But, when she realizes she has been murdered, she’s furious. She’s determined to find her killer and get justice, believing that it was someone she knew.
Genre: Crime, Thriller
Main Cast: Nicholas Gleaves, William Ash, Clara Rugaard, Matthew McNulty
Creators: Pete McTighe, Sanne Nuyens, Bert Van Dael
Directors:
Writers:
1 season, 8 episodes, 50.0-minute runtime
The Midwich Cuckoos (2022)
6.6 / 10 (based on 3581 reviews)
A small village in England is completely subdued by an alien presence for an entire day. Upon waking, it is discovered that numerous women in the town are pregnant.
Genre: Drama, Horror, Mystery, Sci-Fi
Main Cast: Keeley Hawes, Max Beesley, Synnove Karlsen, Indica Watson
Creators:
Directors:
Writers:
1 season, 7 episodes, 50.0-minute runtime
The Suspect (2022)
6.7 / 10 (based on 2508 reviews)
Doctor Joseph O’Loughlin a man who appears to have the perfect life and a successful career as a clinical psychologist. But nothing can be taken for granted. Even the most flawless existence is only a loose thread away from unravelling.
Genre: Drama, Mystery, Thriller
Main Cast: Imogen Daines, Tom McKay, Tara Lee, Bobby Schofield
Creators:
Directors:
Writers:
1 season, 5 episodes, 60.0-minute runtime
The Undeclared War (2022)
6.9 / 10 (based on 3975 reviews)
In 2024, a leading team of analysts buried in the heart of GCHQ secretly works to ward off a foreign cyber-attack on the country’s electoral system.
Genre: Drama, Sci-Fi, Thriller
Main Cast: Tom McKay, Charlie J. Tinson, Jamie Muscato, Alfie Friedman
Creators:
Directors:
Writers:
1 season, 6 episodes, 47.0-minute runtime
The Lazarus Project (2022)
7.1 / 10 (based on 4075 reviews)
Is a top secret organization dedicated to preventing mass extinction events and with the ability to make time go backwards.
Genre: Action, Drama, Fantasy, Thriller
Main Cast: Paapa Essiedu, Caroline Quentin, Anjli Mohindra, Rudi Dharmalingam
Creators:
Directors:
Writers:
2 seasons, 9 episodes, 45.0-minute runtime
“Life After Life” is a TV show that debuted in 2022, and it’s not your typical series. Based on the novel by Kate Atkinson, it presents an intriguing concept: what if you could live your life over and over again until you got it right? The show follows Ursula Todd, who dies and is reborn multiple times throughout the 20th century, experiencing the tumultuous events of the era in various ways.
The Show’s Unique Premise
At the heart of “Life After Life” is a premise that hooks you from the start. Ursula’s repeated lives allow the show to explore different historical events and societal changes through her eyes. Each episode feels like a fresh start, yet there’s a sense of continuity as Ursula’s experiences in past lives subtly influence her decisions in subsequent ones. This mechanism serves as a clever narrative device, allowing for a deep dive into themes of fate, free will, and the impact of individual choices.
Characters and Performances
Ursula Todd
Ursula, portrayed brilliantly by Thomasin McKenzie, is the show’s anchor. McKenzie’s performance is nuanced, capturing Ursula’s growing awareness and adaptations through her various lives. The character’s development is fascinating to watch, as she evolves with each iteration, shaped by her experiences and the historical context of her lives.
Supporting Cast
The supporting cast, including Sian Clifford as Ursula’s mother and James McArdle as her brother Teddy, provides a solid foundation for the story. Their performances add depth to the family dynamics, making the Todd family’s journey through the 20th century compelling and relatable.
Historical Context and Accuracy
“Life After Life” does an admirable job of situating Ursula’s story within the broader historical context of the 20th century. From the Spanish Flu pandemic to World War II, the show weaves historical events into the narrative seamlessly. The attention to detail in the production design and costumes adds authenticity, transporting viewers to each era Ursula lives through.
Themes and Interpretations
The show tackles several themes, with the concept of rebirth and the possibility of altering one’s destiny being central. It raises questions about the nature of existence and the extent to which we can control our fate. The idea that small changes can have significant impacts on our lives and the course of history is both fascinating and thought-provoking.
Critical Reception
“Life After Life” has received acclaim from both critics and viewers for its innovative storytelling, strong performances, and production values. It’s been praised for its emotional depth and the way it handles complex themes. However, some have found the non-linear narrative and the concept of repeated lives challenging to follow.
Comparisons to Other Works
The show often gets compared to “Groundhog Day” and “Russian Doll” due to its central premise of repeating lives. However, “Life After Life” stands out by integrating historical events and focusing on how these influence the protagonist’s development and choices. It offers a more profound exploration of its themes, setting it apart from similar narratives.
Why Watch “Life After Life”?
There are several reasons to watch “Life After Life”:
- Innovative Storytelling: The show’s unique premise and execution make it a refreshing departure from typical TV narratives.
- Strong Performances: The cast delivers compelling performances that bring depth to their characters and the story.
- Historical Depth: The integration of historical events adds layers of complexity and authenticity to the narrative.
- Thought-Provoking Themes: It offers much to ponder regarding fate, free will, and the impact of choices.
Final Thoughts
“Life After Life” is a show that stands out for its originality, depth, and execution. It’s a compelling watch that combines historical drama with speculative fiction elements, creating a unique viewing experience. Whether you’re drawn to the historical aspects, the philosophical questions, or simply the story of Ursula Todd and her many lives, there’s something in this show for everyone.