Production has officially begun on Netflix's heartfelt drama After Life, which was created by Ricky Gervais. Gervais, who stars in the show in the lead role, made the announcement on social media on Monday with a photo of himself smiling ear to ear with the caption, "Action!"

　　It's also revealed in the image that Gervais himself is the director of Episode 1, while Martin Hawkins is the director of photography. Netflix UK & Ireland also reposted the image on Twitter, confirming production on Season 3 has begun. This is a big deal because no show that Gervais has created has ever run for more than two seasons.

　　NEWS: After Life S3 is officially in production, and @rickygervais looks *quite* happy about it. pic.twitter.com/AezOsoM0eL

　　— Netflix UK & Ireland (@NetflixUK) April 19, 2021

　　About a year ago, in April 2020, Gervais said he had ideas for Season 3 but wasn't sure if he would make it. All of Gervais' earlier shows, including The Office and Extras, only ran for two seasons--he has never made a show that spanned three seasons, so this is a first.

　　He explained at the time that he wanted to make After Life Season 3 because the characters he created are very interesting and worth exploring in greater depth. The setting, a small town in the UK, is also compelling enough to examine more, he said.

　　"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," he said, adding that he is not lacking for ideas. "Even the place is a character, I think. We've only seen five hours of all those people. That's nothing. How well do you know someone in five hours?"

　　Gervais also remarked that he wouldn't do a third season of After Life unless the response to Season 2 was overwhelmingly positive. "Netflix have got to say, 'We really want you to do a third season.' Then I'll do it. I won't do it for the sake of it. I won't do it to get paid," Gervais said. "I won't do it because they need another two and a half hours on their platform, you know? I've got to know that it's a pleasure for a lot of people, and then I'll do it. Otherwise, I'll do something else."

　　After Life Season 2 ended in dramatic fashion, and it set up events to come, so fans of the show are likely excited by the news that Season 3 is coming. No release date or story details are available for Season 3 yet, however.