Emmy-Nominated Drama Series Wins Five of Eight Nominations Including “Outstanding Digital Drama Series,” and Reveals Details About Season Two in Wake of Critical Acclaim
This summer marks a historic moment for the LGBT community, pivoted by the 50th Anniversary Stonewall Riots on June 28th. Last weekend, Tribeca held their first “Celebrate Pride” Summit to kick off World Pride in New York City. And festivities appropriately began in the Los Angeles entertainment awards circuit, as acclaimed series “After Forever” swept the Daytime Emmy Awards, winning Five out of Eight Nominations, and setting a record high for a digital series in the LGBT genre.
At Friday night’s Creative Awards, “After Forever” took home four Digital Daytime Drama Series Categories: Outstanding Directing, Outstanding Writing, Outstanding Supporting Actress (Erin Cherry), and Outstanding Lead Actor (Kevin Spirtas). On Sunday, the triumph was completed with the big win for overall Outstanding Daytime Digital Drama Series.
Said co-creator Michael Slade in his acceptance speech, “We created this show filled with pathos and humor to show people that there is life after grief; and that you can honor the love you still have for the person who is gone and still move on to have a life as you continue.”
The first season, co-created by Emmy Award winning TV writer and playwright Michael Slade and actor-writer Kevin Spirtas (Days of Our Lives), was one of the most acclaimed web series of 2018. In addition to the Emmy success, it garnered the ISA 2018/19 Best Ensemble Award, 12 International Academy of Web Television nominations, 5 festival wins in Tuscany, Atlanta, New York and Los Angeles, and a WGA nomination for Original Short Form Writing.
The first season starred Spirtas as Brian, and Mitchell Anderson (Doogie Howser, Party of Five) as Jason, a “50-ish” gay couple living in New York City who appeared to have it all — until Jason’s untimely death forced Brian to think about his future without the love of his life. The season ended on a cliffhanger as Brian finally embarked on what appears to be a new relationship, with Jason’s “blessing.” “After Forever” was widely acclaimed in press and social media for taking on subject matter for an age group that is underrepresented in LGBT media today and for doing it with humor as well as drama in a way that has created a passionate fan base across all demographics.
A week before the Emmy Awards, “After Forever” announced plans for Season Two. Slade and Spirtas revealed plot details that will continue the series’ emotional story arc. “In Season Two we will explore Brian’s new relationship with David, which is complicated by his inability to say goodbye to Jason,” said Slade. “The overall theme of Season Two will be figuring out how, if true love transcends death, the one left behind continues to have a life.” Spirtas also hints at a celebrity cameo as part of the new season : “ We also delve into a professional relationship with Brian and one of his major celebrity clients (who will play them-self) … and we know audiences will love to hear this exciting casting to be announced soon.”
Viewers can stream the first season of “After Forever” on Amazon Prime in the US and UK, or Binge TV – Worldwide.
