Netflix has gifted 25 benches to local councils around the UK as part of a mental health initiative.
The donations coincide with the launch of the third and final series of Ricky Gervais’ dark comedy After Life on the streaming channel.
In the series Ricky plays bereaved local news journalist Tony, who is plunged into suicidal grief after losing his wife to cancer.
Viewers often see him sitting on a bench as he visits his wife’s graveside as he reflects on his loss.
The benches were commissioned with suicide prevention charity Campaign Against Living Miserably ( Calm ) and feature QR codes for people to access online help and messages of support.
At one point in the series Ricky is in the bath contemplating suicide, but is saved by his German Shepherd dog Brandy.
The benches are inscribed with a quote from the third series: “Hope is everything.”
They will feature in 25 locations around the UK including Bath, Birmingham, Glasgow, Liverpool and Taunton.
Ricky, who is famous for creating hit comedy shows The Office and Extras as well as After Life, said: “We hope the benches will create a lasting legacy for After Life.
“As well as a place for people to visit, we are thrilled to be associated with Calm and the great work they do.”
Simon Gunning, chief executive of the Calm charity, added: “Park benches provide opportunities to reflect, talk to someone, sit shoulder to shoulder with someone and get things off your chest.
“That’s why we’re delighted to team up with Netflix to put benches in parks across the country – inscribed with that crucial line from the show ‘Hope is everything’ – to help people have those conversations and to show it’s normal to have those feelings.”
After Life is one of Netflix’s most popular shows and was the second most watched series of 2019, behind fantasy drama The Witcher.
The third and final season dropped on Netflix last week, going straight to number 1 in the UK.
In an exclusive interview with The Mirror 60-year-old Ricky recently revealed the inspiration behind the hit show is his partner, novelist Jane Fallon.
The pair have been together since 1982, after meeting at University College London.
Before they both became successful in their forties, the pair lived a modest life – even sharing a flat above a brothel in Kings Cross at one point.
Ricky said: “I don’t think I’ve ever been lonely. I don’t think I’ve ever suffered from depression or despair like Tony.
“I’ve seen it – you don’t get to 60 without seeing most things. I’ve lost both parents and a sibling, and all my pets and some friends.
“But the ultimate for me would be losing my soulmate. That’s the worst thing that could happen to me. So, it’s an imagination, a fiction, that stems from that.”
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