A hard hitting drama has proved a huge hit with viewers who are discovering it after it landed on ‘s player last year. Initally released in 2023 in its native New Zealand, it hit the UK in November 2024 and people are only just catching up and hailing it as a”masterpiece”.
After The Party stars Robyn Malcolm as Penny a teacher whose life has been falling apart ever since she accused her then-husband Phil (Peter Mullan) of sexually assaulting a minor at his birthday party. At the time it landed, said: “If this had been released earlier in the year it would surely have topped the best TV of the year lists all over the world.”
Viewers agreed with this raving about the show on social media.Taking to X one said: “Absolute masterpiece. I binged it in one day. If you haven’t watched #AftertheParty yet, stop what you’re doing and start now. 100%”
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New Zealand drama After The Party was released on Channel 4 in November 2024 (Image: Channel 4)
Another wrote: “Just finished binge-watching, what I suspect (is), one of the most under-rated dramas of 2024. CH4’s NZ drama #AfterTheParty Like most dark and sinister tales the twists and turns are expected, but the ending was definitely worth the wait. Brilliant acting!”
A third chimed in: “AfterTheParty #ch4 is superb. Paedophiles want to carry on abusing children & not want get caught. They’re extremely manipulative, deeply secretive & will gaslight anyone who has suspicions. This drama has you asking questions & doubting your perception & instincts to the very end.”
A fourth gushed: “#AftertheParty fits perfectly in the ‘what would you do?’ thriller sub-genre. I’d have moved continents & given up, but this show expertly crafted a character incapable of letting injustice go unpunished, whatever the personal cost. What a role, what a performance. #RobynMalcolm.”
A fifth recommended: ” #AfterTheParty on the Channel 4 player is excellent, with an astounding central performance by Robyn Malcolm.”
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Robyn Malcolm plays Penny and Mia Blake plays Bridget in After The Party. on Channel 4 player (Image: Channel 4)
Meanwhile a sixth said: “Absolutely loved watching #Aftertheparty – it explores the power of grooming and society’s reaction to accusations of child sexual abuse #csa.”
However, not everyone was a fan with one of the few negative posts saying: “It’s had great reviews, but I found it painfully slow and it never explained a lot of the characters’ motivations.”
Despite the success of the show and an ambiguous final shot of Penny catching her breath while sitting on the beach it has been confirmed there won’t be a second season.
Producer Helen Bowden told : “There have been a lot of calls on the socials for a sequel, I think because Penny is such a great character and the world of Wellington looks so stunning, but no, After the Party is a one-off story. We don’t want to outstay our welcome.”
After The Party is available to watch on the Channel 4 .