Hubbry Logo
FleabagFleabagMain
Open search
Fleabag
Community hub
Fleabag
logo
8 pages, 0 posts
0 subscribers
Be the first to start a discussion here.
Be the first to start a discussion here.
Contribute something
Fleabag
Fleabag
Fleabag
View on Wikipedia
from Wikipedia

Fleabag
Genre
Created byPhoebe Waller-Bridge
Based onFleabag
by Phoebe Waller-Bridge
Written byPhoebe Waller-Bridge
Directed by
Starring
ComposerIsobel Waller-Bridge
Country of originUnited Kingdom
Original languageEnglish
No. of series2
No. of episodes12
Production
Executive producers
Producers
  • Lydia Hampson (s. 1)
  • Sarah Hammond (s. 2)
Cinematography
Editors
Camera setupSingle-camera
Running time23–28 minutes
Production companyTwo Brothers Pictures
Original release
Network
Release21 July 2016 (2016-07-21) –
8 April 2019 (2019-04-08)

Fleabag is a British comedy-drama television series created and written by Phoebe Waller-Bridge, based on her one-woman show first performed in 2013 at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival. The series was produced by Two Brothers Pictures for digital channel BBC Three, in a co-production agreement with Amazon Studios.[1][2] Waller-Bridge stars as the title character, a free-spirited but angry and confused young woman living in London. Sian Clifford co-stars as Fleabag's sister Claire, with Andrew Scott joining in the second season; most of the show's main characters are never named, including Waller-Bridge's and Scott's. The protagonist frequently breaks the fourth wall, providing exposition, internal monologues, and running commentary to the audience.[3][4]

The show premiered on 21 July 2016 and concluded its second and final series on 8 April 2019.[5][6] It received widespread acclaim from critics, particularly for its writing, acting, and the uniqueness and personality of the title character. Many critics and viewers have called it one of the greatest comedy series of all time as well as one of the greatest television series of all time.[a] Waller-Bridge won the British Academy Television Award for Best Female Comedy Performance for the first series, with the second series earning her Primetime Emmy Awards for Outstanding Comedy Series, Outstanding Lead Actress, and Outstanding Writing for a Comedy Series; additional nominations include acting categories received by Clifford, Olivia Colman, and guest stars Fiona Shaw and Kristin Scott Thomas.[12][13] The series received the Golden Globe Awards for Best Television Series and Best Actress for Waller-Bridge, and a nomination for Scott.[14][15]

Background

[edit]

The show is adapted from Waller-Bridge's 2013 Edinburgh Festival Fringe one-woman play of the same name which won a Fringe First Award.[16][17][18] The initial idea of the character of Fleabag came from a challenge by a friend, where Waller-Bridge was given the task of creating a sketch for a 10-minute section in a stand-up storytelling night.[19]

Cast and characters

[edit]

Main

[edit]

Supporting

[edit]
  • Ben Aldridge as Arsehole Guy (series 1; guest series 2), one of Fleabag's love interests, so named for his taste for anal sex
  • Hugh Skinner as Harry, Fleabag's on-off boyfriend then eventual ex
  • Hugh Dennis as Bank Manager (series 1; guest series 2), approached by Fleabag for a loan
  • Jenny Rainsford as Boo, Fleabag's deceased best friend and business partner
  • Bill Paterson as Fleabag and Claire's father
  • Olivia Colman as Fleabag and Claire's godmother, who began a relationship with their father not long after their mother's death and eventually becomes their stepmother
  • Brett Gelman as Martin, Claire's aggressive alcoholic husband

Guest

[edit]
  • Jamie Demetriou as Bus Rodent (series 1), one of Fleabag's love interests
  • Fiona Shaw as Fleabag's counsellor (series 2)
  • Jo Martin as Pam (series 2), who works at the priest's church
  • Ray Fearon as Hot Misogynist (series 2), who serves as Fleabag's lawyer and one of her love interests
  • Angus Imrie as Jake (series 2), Martin's teenage son and Claire's stepson
  • Kristin Scott Thomas as Belinda (series 2), a successful businesswoman who meets Fleabag at an awards ceremony presented by Claire
  • Jenny Robbins as Lesley (series 2), Claire's co-worker
  • Christian Hillborg as Klare (series 2), Claire's Finnish business partner and love interest

Episodes

[edit]
SeriesEpisodesOriginally released
First releasedLast released
1621 July 2016 (2016-07-21)25 August 2016 (2016-08-25)
264 March 2019 (2019-03-04)8 April 2019 (2019-04-08)

Series 1 (2016)

[edit]
No.
overall		EpisodeDirected byWritten byOriginal release date
1Episode 1Tim KirkbyPhoebe Waller-Bridge21 July 2016 (2016-07-21)
Fleabag has a one-night stand with Arsehole Guy, before picking up another man on the bus, Bus Rodent, to whom she recounts how she split from her regular boyfriend, Harry. After being refused a business loan by Bank Manager for her failing café, she meets and argues with her high-achieving sister, Claire, at a feminist lecture. She visits her father and godmother (who is now in a relationship with her father), from whose home studio she steals a sculpture of a woman's torso. On a taxi ride home, she recounts how her best friend Boo (with whom she started the café) accidentally killed herself after her boyfriend cheated on her.
2Episode 2Harry BradbeerPhoebe Waller-Bridge28 July 2016 (2016-07-28)
Fleabag tries to sell the stolen statue to Claire's art dealer husband, Martin. She runs into Arsehole Guy, but the awkward sex that ensues makes her run back to her emotionally fragile, on-and-off boyfriend, Harry. Harry leaves her for good, however, after she scares him in the shower, and after he discovers that she has been lying about giving up masturbation.
3Episode 3Harry BradbeerPhoebe Waller-Bridge4 August 2016 (2016-08-04)
Fleabag helps Martin buy a present for Claire, who is organising her own surprise birthday party. She reconnects with Bus Rodent and takes him to the party. To Fleabag's shock, Martin gives the stolen sculpture to Claire. Later, a drunken Martin attempts to kiss Fleabag, but is rebuffed.
4Episode 4Harry BradbeerPhoebe Waller-Bridge11 August 2016 (2016-08-11)
Courtesy of their father, Fleabag and Claire reluctantly visit a female-only silent retreat, where they frequently break the rule of silence. Fleabag admits to Claire that she stole the sculpture, and Claire asks her to return it. At the retreat, Fleabag runs into Bank Manager, who is attending a neighbouring workshop following a sexual harassment scandal at work. The two bond over their shared unhappiness. Claire reveals that she has been promoted to a lucrative position in Finland, but considers turning it down for the sake of her family. Fleabag attempts to persuade her to take the job by telling her of Martin's behaviour at the party.
5Episode 5Harry BradbeerPhoebe Waller-Bridge18 August 2016 (2016-08-18)
On the anniversary of their mother's death, Fleabag and Claire return to their family home for the annual memorial lunch. Fleabag takes the opportunity to restore the sculpture to her godmother's studio. Things get heated, and plans are being made for the godmother's "sex-hibition". Claire re-steals the sculpture for Fleabag, after which Fleabag rekindles her relationship with Arsehole Guy.
6Episode 6Harry BradbeerPhoebe Waller-Bridge25 August 2016 (2016-08-25)
Fleabag goes to the "sex-hibition", and finds that she was invited to act as a waitress; she makes a scene in response. She is dumped by Arsehole Guy, and then discovers that Harry has a new girlfriend. To Fleabag's surprise, Claire has turned down the Finland offer and decides to stay with Martin, who has convinced her that Fleabag made the move at the party. Their confrontation triggers a flashback, revealing that Fleabag was the woman with whom Boo's boyfriend cheated. After being turned away by her father, a heartbroken and guilt-ridden Fleabag contemplates suicide, but is stopped by Bank Manager, who happens to pass by. After listening to her confession, Bank Manager decides to offer her another shot at the business loan for the café.

Series 2 (2019)

[edit]
No.
overall		EpisodeDirected byWritten byOriginal release date
7Episode 1Harry BradbeerPhoebe Waller-Bridge4 March 2019 (2019-03-04)
Having cut ties with her family and taking steps to improve her life after the events of series one, Fleabag returns after one year to join an uncomfortable family dinner, celebrating her father's engagement. She finds herself intrigued by the priest, who is to officiate at the wedding. Claire has a miscarriage during the dinner but refuses to inform anyone or seek medical help. Fleabag covers for her by claiming the miscarriage. Martin's flippant attitude angers Fleabag, who initiates a physical fight with him. The sisters proceed to go to a hospital in a cab.
8Episode 2Harry BradbeerPhoebe Waller-Bridge11 March 2019 (2019-03-11)
To Claire's surprise, Fleabag's café is now a thriving business. The sisters visit their family, where Fleabag is once again treated dismissively by their step-mother to be. Claire reveals that Martin is planning to press charges against Fleabag for assault, but she arranges legal advice for Fleabag. Fleabag goes to a mental health counselling session, which affirms her desire for the priest. She connects with him, helps him out at a garden party and attempts to flirt with him.
9Episode 3Harry BradbeerPhoebe Waller-Bridge18 March 2019 (2019-03-18)
Fleabag helps with an award event at Claire's work, where she discovers Claire's crush on a Finnish colleague, Klare. The event almost ends in disaster but Fleabag manages to salvage the situation. Claire remains angry at her nonetheless. Fleabag has a profound conversation with Claire's co-worker Belinda at a bar. She continues to flirt with the priest, but he remains unwilling to violate his vows of celibacy. In a moment of metafiction, the priest begins to notice Fleabag breaking the fourth wall.
10Episode 4Harry BradbeerPhoebe Waller-Bridge25 March 2019 (2019-03-25)
The priest and Fleabag's pleasant day together ends on an unhappy note when she rebuffs his attempt at getting to know her more and helping with her troubles. She looks back on her painful memories of her mother's funeral. At night, Fleabag goes to pray at the church, where she meets the drunken priest and they establish a closer bond. After Fleabag's confession, they succumb to a moment of passion but the priest has second thoughts and is unable to carry through.
11Episode 5Harry BradbeerPhoebe Waller-Bridge1 April 2019 (2019-04-01)
The priest informs the family that he is no longer able to officiate at the wedding, before telling Fleabag not to visit his church again. Claire falls into a state of panic after having second thoughts about her new haircut. Fleabag comforts her and Claire is further reassured when Klare declares he loves her new look. Fleabag covers for Claire and argues with Martin, who is concerned that Claire is considering leaving him. Fleabag gets a visit from the priest, who reveals his feelings for her are more than physical. The two have sex, and Fleabag pushes the audience away.
12Episode 6Harry BradbeerPhoebe Waller-Bridge8 April 2019 (2019-04-08)
On the day of the wedding, Fleabag and the priest wake up together. At the garden wedding, Fleabag returns the stolen sculpture to her godmother, who reveals the figure was based on Fleabag's mother. Claire reveals to Martin the truth about her miscarriage, before begging him to leave her. Fleabag persuades Claire to go after Klare and helps her father through the wedding. After the ceremony, the priest and Fleabag admit their love for each other at a bus stop, but he states that he has chosen God after Fleabag asks "It's God, isn't it?". The two end things on amicable terms. Fleabag sees a fox and points it towards the priest. She then walks away, leaving the audience behind at the bus stop.

Distribution and broadcast

[edit]
The women behind the Fleabag monologue interviewed at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival in 2013. Performer Phoebe Waller-Bridge is in the centre.

BBC Three was the original broadcast channel for the show with a repeat run broadcast on BBC Two between 21 August and 25 September 2016. The second series was broadcast on BBC One at the same time as being released on BBC Three, by this time only available online.[20]

It was picked up by the on-demand Amazon Prime Video (formerly Amazon Video) service and premiered in the United States on 16 September 2016.[18][21] Fleabag is also available on IFC in the US. In the Netherlands, it was picked up by Net5.[22]

The show has been remade for French television by Jeanne Herry. Titled Mouche [fr] (French for 'fly', the insect), it started airing on 3 June 2019 on pay channel Canal+. Mouche is a close remake, though set in Paris with Camille Cottin in the starring role.[23][24][25]

Production

[edit]

Filming

[edit]

Filming took place in and around London, mostly North West and Central with the primary location being Dartmouth Park, North West London. Street scenes were filmed on five main roads in the area, including Southampton Road, Laurier Road, Croftdown Road, Highgate Road, and York Rise. Other locations include Twickenham, Hampton Hill, Highgate, Tufnell Park, Belsize Park, Maida Vale, Kentish Town, Parliament Hill Fields in Hampstead Heath, Southwark, Bloomsbury, Soho, Stanmore, Lincoln's Inn Fields and Finsbury Square.

Bold Café & Restaurant in Dartmouth Park was used for Fleabag's Guinea Pig Café. Dad and Godmother's house was on Cambridge Park Road in Twickenham.The feminist lecture was at the British Museum's Lecture Theatre in Russell Square. The graveyard that Fleabag jogged through daily was at Kensal Green Cemetery. The silent retreat that Fleabag and Claire attended on Mother's Day was filmed at Hedsor House, an Italianate-style mansion used as a wedding venue in Maidenhead, Berkshire.

The second and final series premiered with a family dinner party filmed at the American steakhouse, Smith & Wollensky in Covent Garden. Hot Priest's church was the Romanian Orthodox and former Anglican church St. Andrew's in Kingsbury. Godmother's sexhibition was held at the Tate Modern in Bankside. Claire's penthouse office was filmed from Heron Tower in Bishopsgate. The funeral was filmed at St Dunstan and All Saints Church in Stepney. The hair salon was 137 – Taylor and Taylor in Shoreditch.

Filming for the first series started in late April 2016,[26] and was released from 21 July to 25 August 2016. Filming for the second and final series started in late August 2018[27] and was released from 4 March to 8 April 2019.

Music

[edit]

Waller-Bridge's sister, Isobel Waller-Bridge, composed the music for both series.[19][28]

Reception

[edit]

Critical response

[edit]
Critical response of Fleabag
SeasonRotten TomatoesMetacritic
1100% (42 reviews)[29]88 (19 reviews)[30]
2100% (99 reviews)[31]96 (21 reviews)[32]

Both series of Fleabag received widespread acclaim from television critics. At review aggregation website Rotten Tomatoes, both series received approval ratings of 100%. The first series received an average rating of 8.5/10, based on 42 reviews, with the site's critical consensus reading: "Clever and viciously funny, Fleabag is a touching, wildly inventive comedy about a complicated young woman navigating the aftermath of trauma."[29] The second series received an average rating of 9.3/10, based on 99 reviews, with the critical consensus stating: "Fleabag jumps back into the fray with a bracing second season that upholds its predecessor's frenzied wit and delicate heart, replete with Phoebe Waller-Bridge's indefatigable charisma".[31] At Metacritic, the first series received a weighted average score of 88 out of 100, based on 19 critics,[30] while the second series received a score of 96, based on 21 critics, both signifying "universal acclaim".[32]

Emily Nussbaum of The New Yorker described the first series as "a precision black-humour mechanism, a warped and affecting fable about one single woman's existence."[33] Maureen Ryan at Variety called it "scathingly funny", concluding that "long after it's pulled you in with its irreverence and jokes about sex, and beguiled you with its cutting wit and messily human characters, it reveals that it's actually a tragedy".[34] Hank Stuever of The Washington Post characterised it as a "funny, highly profane but surprisingly poignant dramedy".[35] Mike Hale in The New York Times praised the show for its "restless, almost feral energy and its slap-in-the-face attitude."[36] Mary McNamara of the Los Angeles Times commended its unpredictability, acting, and "clear eye for truth that often becomes, like all good comedy, quite devastating".[37]

The second series received unanimous acclaim and was considered a cultural phenomenon. Serena Davies of The Daily Telegraph lauded the second series as "a near-perfect work of art".[38] Mary Elizabeth Williams of Salon praised its "brilliant swan song", finding the series's conclusion satisfying and "well-earned".[39] For Rolling Stone, Alan Sepinwall wrote that the "tragicomic masterpiece reaches new heights in its second outing".[40] James Poniewozik of The New York Times wrote that "the new season feels immediately confident, if inevitably less groundbreaking. Yet it continues to push its form".[41] Hannah Jane Parkinson of The Guardian described the conclusion as "the most electrifying, devastating TV in years," writing of the second series that "it seems as though many who either did not watch the first series, or who didn't think it lived up to the hype, have been converted".[42]

According to Metacritic's aggregate of decade-end lists, Fleabag was the second-highest ranked show of the 2010s.[43] It has since been considered by multiple publications to be one of the greatest television series of all time.[b]

Former United States President Barack Obama named the second season of Fleabag among his favourite films and television series of 2019. In his annual list, which he released on Twitter on 29 December 2019, he added a small addendum with the title, "and a quick list of TV shows that I considered as powerful as movies: Fleabag: Season 2, Unbelievable, and Watchmen."[49]

Accolades

[edit]
Award nominations for Fleabag
Year Award Category Nominee(s) Result Ref.
Series 1
2016 Broadcast Awards Best Comedy Programme Fleabag Nominated [50]
Best Original Programme Won
Best Multichannel Programme Won
Critics' Choice Television Awards Best Comedy Series Nominated [51]
Best Actress in a Comedy Series Phoebe Waller-Bridge Nominated
Royal Television Society Craft & Design Awards Editing – Entertainment and Comedy Gary Dollner Nominated [52]
Photography – Drama & Comedy Tony Miller Nominated
2017 British Academy Television Awards Best Scripted Comedy Fleabag Nominated [53]
Best Female Performance in a Comedy Programme Olivia Colman Nominated
Phoebe Waller-Bridge Won
British Academy Television Craft Awards Best Editing: Fiction Gary Dollner Nominated [54]
Best Writer: Comedy Phoebe Waller-Bridge Nominated
Breakthrough Talent Award Nominated
Broadcasting Press Guild Awards Best Writer Won [55]
Dorian Awards Unsung TV Show of the Year Fleabag Nominated [56]
Golden Nymph Awards Best TV Comedy Series Fleabag Won [57]
Outstanding Actress in a Comedy Series Phoebe Waller-Bridge Won
Gotham Independent Film Awards Breakthrough Series – Long Form Fleabag Nominated [58]
NME Awards Best TV Series Won [59]
Rockie Awards Best Comedy Series – English Language Won [60]
Royal Television Society Awards Best Writing – Comedy Phoebe Waller-Bridge Won [61]
Breakthrough Won
Television Critics Association Awards Outstanding Achievement in Comedy Fleabag Nominated [62]
Individual Achievement in Comedy Phoebe Waller-Bridge Nominated
Writers' Guild of Great Britain Awards Best TV Situation Comedy Fleabag (for "Episode 1") Won [63]
Series 2
2019 Primetime Emmy Awards Outstanding Comedy Series Phoebe Waller-Bridge, Harry Bradbeer, Lydia Hampson, Harry Williams, Jack Williams, Joe Lewis and Sarah Hammond Won [64][65]
Outstanding Lead Actress in a Comedy Series Phoebe Waller-Bridge (for "Episode 1") Won
Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series Sian Clifford (for "Episode 3") Nominated
Olivia Colman (for "Episode 4") Nominated
Outstanding Directing for a Comedy Series Harry Bradbeer (for "Episode 1") Won
Outstanding Writing for a Comedy Series Phoebe Waller-Bridge (for "Episode 1") Won
Primetime Creative Arts Emmy Awards Outstanding Guest Actress in a Comedy Series Kristin Scott Thomas (for "Episode 3") Nominated
Fiona Shaw (for "Episode 2") Nominated
Outstanding Casting for a Comedy Series Olivia Scott-Webb Won
Outstanding Cinematography for a Single-Camera Series (Half-Hour) Tony Miller (for "Episode 1") Nominated
Outstanding Single-Camera Picture Editing for a Comedy Series Gary Dollner (for "Episode 1") Won
Satellite Awards Best Musical or Comedy Series Fleabag Won [66]
Best Actress in a Musical or Comedy Series Phoebe Waller-Bridge Won
Best Supporting Actor in a Series, Miniseries or TV Film Andrew Scott Nominated
Best Supporting Actress in a Series, Miniseries or TV Film Olivia Colman Won
Royal Television Society Craft & Design Awards Music – Original Score Isobel Waller-Bridge Nominated [67]
Television Critics Association Awards Program of the Year Fleabag Won [68]
Outstanding Achievement in Comedy Won
Individual Achievement in Comedy Phoebe Waller-Bridge Won
2020 Art Directors Guild Awards Excellence in Production Design for a Half-Hour Single-Camera Series Jonathan Paul Green (for "Episode 5") Nominated [69]
British Academy Television Awards Best Scripted Comedy Fleabag Nominated [70]
Best Female Performance in a Comedy Programme Sian Clifford Won
Phoebe Waller-Bridge Nominated
Virgin TV's Must-See Moment "The Confessional Scene" Nominated
British Academy Television Craft Awards Best Director: Fiction Harry Bradbeer Nominated
Best Editing: Fiction Gary Dollner Nominated
Best Writer: Comedy Phoebe Waller-Bridge Nominated
Cinema Audio Society Awards Outstanding Achievement in Sound Mixing for Television Series – Half Hour Christian Bourne, David Drake and James Gregory (for "Episode 6") Won[c] [71]
Costume Designers Guild Awards Excellence in Contemporary Television Ray Holman (for "Episode 2") Nominated [72]
Critics' Choice Television Awards Best Comedy Series Fleabag Won [73]
Best Actress in a Comedy Series Phoebe Waller-Bridge Won
Best Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series Andrew Scott Won
Best Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series Sian Clifford Nominated
Dorian Awards TV Comedy of the Year Fleabag Won [74]
TV Performance of the Year—Actress Phoebe Waller-Bridge Won
Golden Globe Awards Best Television Series – Musical or Comedy Fleabag Won [75]
Best Actress – Television Series Musical or Comedy Phoebe Waller-Bridge Won
Best Supporting Actor – Series, Miniseries or Television Film Andrew Scott Nominated
Peabody Awards Entertainment Fleabag Won [76]
Producers Guild of America Awards Outstanding Producer of Episodic Television – Comedy Phoebe Waller-Bridge, Harry Bradbeer, Lydia Hampson, Harry Williams, Jack Williams, Joe Lewis and Sarah Hammond Won [77]
Royal Television Society Awards Scripted Comedy Fleabag Won [78]
Comedy Performance: Female Phoebe Waller-Bridge Nominated
Writer: Comedy Won
Screen Actors Guild Awards Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Comedy Series Sian Clifford, Olivia Colman, Brett Gelman, Bill Paterson, Andrew Scott and Phoebe Waller-Bridge Nominated [79]
Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Comedy Series Andrew Scott Nominated
Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Comedy Series Phoebe Waller-Bridge Won
Live show
2020 Laurence Olivier Awards Best Entertainment or Comedy Play Fleabag Nominated [80]
Best Actress Phoebe Waller-Bridge Nominated
Notes:
  1. ^ Attributed to multiple sources.[7][8][9][10][11]
  2. ^ Attributed to multiple sources.[44][45][46][47][48]
  3. ^ Tied with Barry.

Home media

[edit]
Home media releases for Fleabag
Series Episodes Release date Additional Ref(s)
Region 2 DVD (UK) Region B Blu-ray (UK) Region 4 DVD (AU)
1 6 3 October 2016 15 October 2018 28 March 2018

Distributor

  • Dazzler Media (UK)
  • ABC DVD (Australia)

Information

  • 1 disc (DVD & Blu-ray)
  • 153 minutes
  • 16:9 (2.35:1)
  • 16:9 (cropped 1.78:1) (Australia)
  • Dolby Digital 2.0 (DVD)
  • DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 (Blu-ray)
  • English subtitles (SDH)

Rating

[82][83][84]
2 6 6 May 2019 TBA

Distributor

  • Dazzler Media (UK)

Information

  • 1 disc (DVD & Blu-ray)
  • 150 minutes
  • 16:9 (2.35:1)
  • Dolby Digital 2.0 (DVD)
  • LPCM 2.0 (Blu-ray)
  • English subtitles (SDH)

Rating

[85][86]
1 & 2 12 6 May 2019 TBA
  • 2-disc set (DVD & Blu-ray)
  • 303 minutes

See individual release for all other information

[87][88]

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Fleabag

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
Fleabag is a British comedy-drama television series created, written, and starring as the eponymous protagonist, a young woman in grappling with , familial tensions, romantic entanglements, and personal recklessness while frequently breaking the to address the audience directly. Adapted from Waller-Bridge's award-winning one-woman play of the same name, first performed in 2013, the series premiered on on 21 July 2016 and consists of two seasons, each with six episodes, with the second season co-produced by Amazon Studios and airing in 2019. The show explores themes of loss, sexuality, and emotional vulnerability through Fleabag's chaotic , including her strained relationships with her sister Claire, godmother/stepmother, and a pivotal encounter with a in the second season, all delivered with sharp wit, raw honesty, and innovative narrative techniques. Critically acclaimed for its writing, Waller-Bridge's performance, and boundary-pushing storytelling, Fleabag holds a 100% approval rating on for both seasons based on aggregated reviews. It received widespread recognition, including four in 2019—making it the first British series to win Outstanding Series—as well as wins for Outstanding Lead in a Series for Waller-Bridge, Outstanding Writing, and Outstanding Casting. The series has been praised for its intimate portrayal of female experience, blending humor and heartbreak, and influencing contemporary television with its style.

Background

Premise

Fleabag is a British comedy-drama series that follows an unnamed , referred to only as Fleabag, a young woman in her late twenties living in who owns and operates a struggling guinea pig-themed café. The café, which she co-founded with her late best friend, serves as the backdrop for much of her chaotic daily life, where she grapples with financial difficulties while exhibiting self-destructive behaviors, including impulsive sexual encounters and petty thefts to keep the business afloat. The narrative centers on Fleabag's fraught personal relationships and family dynamics, particularly her tense interactions with her uptight and ambitious sister Claire, an executive who prioritizes career over emotional , as well as her estranged father and manipulative godmother. Fleabag navigates a series of romantic entanglements with various love interests, often using and as mechanisms for her inner turmoil, all while attempting to maintain a facade of control amid mounting emotional pressures. These elements highlight her ongoing struggle with isolation and self-sabotage in a modern urban setting. Structured as two six-episode series, each installment offers a vignette-style exploration of Fleabag's everyday experiences, blending humor and to depict her romantic pursuits, familial conflicts, and personal reckonings without a traditional overarching arc. The show employs fourth-wall breaking as a key storytelling device, allowing Fleabag to confide directly in the audience, providing intimate insights into her unfiltered thoughts.

Development

_Fleabag originated as a one-woman stage play written and performed by , premiering at the 2013 in a at the Underbelly venue. The piece began as a 10-minute developed in 2012 and was expanded into a full one-hour show for the Fringe, funded through a successful campaign organized by Waller-Bridge and her collaborator under their DryWrite theatre company. It received critical acclaim, including a Fringe First award, and subsequently transferred to London's for runs in 2014 and beyond, solidifying its reputation as a bold, confessional work exploring themes of grief and sexuality. Following the play's success, Waller-Bridge pitched an adaptation to the in , resulting in a commission for a six-episode television series on , produced by . Waller-Bridge wrote all episodes herself, directly adapting elements from the stage monologues while transforming the solo format into a multi-character . A key creative decision was retaining the protagonist's —referred to only as "Fleabag"—to preserve the intimate, voice from the theatre, while expanding the ensemble to include supporting roles that fleshed out the story's relational dynamics. The first series aired in to strong reception, paving the way for a second series developed in its aftermath. This installment, co-produced by the and Amazon Studios, allowed Waller-Bridge to further evolve the narrative with new thematic depths, such as explorations of and , while maintaining her singular writing voice throughout.

Cast and characters

Main

Phoebe Waller-Bridge stars as the titular Fleabag, the series' unnamed protagonist—a witty yet deeply flawed young woman in her thirties navigating , failed relationships, and the chaos of in after profound personal losses. Sian Clifford plays Claire, Fleabag's ambitious and perfectionist older sister, whose high-achieving corporate career and rigid demeanor often position her as a sharp foil to Fleabag amid escalating family conflicts and sibling rivalries. Andrew Scott portrays The Priest in the second series, a charismatic and internally conflicted Catholic cleric whose unconventional wit and personal struggles draw him into a intense romantic entanglement with Fleabag, challenging his vows and faith. Bill Paterson depicts the Father, Fleabag and Claire's distant and grieving widower patriarch, who grapples with emotional detachment while attempting to mediate the family's simmering tensions following his late wife's death. Olivia Colman embodies the Godmother, the family's enigmatic and manipulative artist whose self-centered artistic pursuits and boundary-crossing behaviors foster deep-seated resentment, particularly from Fleabag, as she integrates into the household dynamics.

Supporting

Hugh Dennis portrays the Bank Manager, an awkward and well-meaning figure who becomes Fleabag's brief love interest in the first series while providing financial support for her struggling café. His interactions with Fleabag underscore her chaotic attempts at stability amid personal turmoil, appearing in key episodes where his earnest but clumsy demeanor offers fleeting . Jenny Rainsford plays Boo, Fleabag's late best friend and former business partner in the café, who appears exclusively in flashbacks throughout the series. Boo's tragic death, resulting from an accidental tied to , forms the emotional foundation of Fleabag's guilt and , with Rainsford's portrayal capturing the warmth and of their once-close bond. These retrospective scenes provide ongoing context for Fleabag's isolation without overshadowing the present-day . Brett Gelman recurs as Martin, the abrasive and alcoholic husband of Fleabag's sister Claire, whose sleazy and manipulative actions expose underlying family hypocrisies across both series. Martin's volatile presence amplifies tensions during family gatherings, serving as a catalyst for revelations about emotional neglect and relational dysfunction without driving the central plot. His character's incremental appearances build a portrait of quiet toxicity that contrasts with the show's more overt comedic elements.

Guest

In the first series, appeared as Bus Rodent, Fleabag's comically mismatched date in episode 3, where their disastrous shopping outing underscores her self-sabotaging romantic tendencies and leads to a humiliating public confrontation. The second series featured as the Hot Misogynist, a suave yet overtly sexist whom Fleabag encounters via a professional consultation that quickly escalates into a passionate but revealing sexual liaison in episode 5, catalyzing a farcical overlap with her budding romance and exposing underlying tensions in her relationships. These guest roles, limited to single episodes, inject episodic humor and thematic depth, often propelling Fleabag toward uncomfortable revelations about intimacy and without recurring presence.

Episodes

Series 1 (2016)

The first series of Fleabag consists of six episodes that aired on from 21 July to 25 August 2016, all directed by . The season introduces the titular character's chaotic life in , her failing guinea pig-themed café, strained family relationships, and asides to the audience, establishing key introductory arcs around grief, guilt, and self-sabotage. Episodes were written by , who also stars as Fleabag, and focus on her attempts to navigate personal and professional crises while breaking the . The series developed a through word-of-mouth and online buzz on iPlayer, despite modest initial linear reception.
EpisodeAir DateTitleDirected bySynopsis
121 July 2016Episode 1Fleabag juggles the daily struggles of her failing café, including a failed application and attempts to sell stolen goods, before attending an awkward dinner that highlights tensions with her father, sister Claire, and stepmother. Her direct addresses to the camera reveal her inner turmoil and sexual frustrations as she seeks fleeting connections.
228 July 2016Episode 2Dealing with a and memories of her late best friend Boo, Fleabag turns to apps and a disastrous date for distraction, underscoring her pattern of using sex to avoid emotional pain.
34 August 2016Episode 3Fleabag helps her inappropriate brother-in-law Martin shop for Claire's birthday present, attends Claire's self-organized party, and navigates tensions and an impulsive encounter that exposes her insecurities.
411 August 2016Episode 4Fleabag tries to support her sister Claire during a professional crisis involving a potential job loss and marital issues with husband Martin, but her own chaotic day—marked by theft and failed schemes—escalates the and discord.
518 August 2016Episode 5Seeking a favor from her stepmother, Fleabag instead offers unsolicited advice, leading to flashbacks revealing the tragic circumstances of Boo's death by , triggered by Fleabag's with Boo's boyfriend, and deepening her sense of guilt.
625 August 2016Episode 6In the season finale, Fleabag attends her godmother's sex-hibition as a , leading to humiliations, a scene, and revelations about her past with Boo's boyfriend, culminating in emotional confrontations with her and a tentative step toward .

Series 2 (2019)

The second series of Fleabag consists of six episodes that aired weekly on from 4 March to 8 April 2019, with simultaneous availability on and international release on . Directed entirely by , the shifts toward a more , exploring Fleabag's attempts at self-improvement amid family tensions and a burgeoning romance with a , ultimately providing emotional resolution and character arcs centered on vulnerability and letting go. The episodes emphasize Fleabag's growth from impulsive chaos to tentative maturity, particularly in her reconciliation with sister Claire and confrontation of past grief, while the Priest's presence catalyzes her confrontation with deeper insecurities.
EpisodeAir DateSynopsis
14 March 2019Fleabag attends a tense family dinner celebrating her father and godmother's engagement, where simmering resentments erupt into chaos, including a physical altercation with her brother-in-law Martin; the introduction of the sparks an immediate attraction, setting the tone for familial discord and personal upheaval.
211 March 2019A therapy session forces Fleabag to confront uncomfortable truths about her behavior, leading her unexpectedly to a ; a conversation with Claire uncovers painful secrets about their strained relationship, highlighting Fleabag's patterns of avoidance and the sisters' underlying bond.
318 March 2019Fleabag assists with a disastrous feminist panel event at Claire's , exposing Claire's hidden vulnerabilities and a workplace crush; the episode underscores the sisters' competitive dynamic while advancing Fleabag's flirtation with the , revealing layers of mutual support beneath their .
425 March 2019Flashbacks to her mother's resurface unresolved for Fleabag, leading to a church visit and a charged to the in a booth; this pivotal moment marks a turning point in Fleabag's emotional journey, blending humor with raw honesty about loss and desire.
51 April 2019After a reckless night out, Fleabag supports Claire through a personal crisis involving her marriage, while the 's shocking family announcement heightens tensions; the episode deepens themes of loyalty and self-sabotage, showing Fleabag's growth in prioritizing her sister's needs.
68 April 2019As the wedding approaches, Fleabag and the 's relationship intensifies toward an emotional climax, forcing confrontations with the godmother and farewells to key figures; the finale delivers closure through heartfelt resolutions, emphasizing Fleabag's acceptance of solitude and forward momentum.
The series achieved significant viewership, with over 20.3 million streams on BBC iPlayer throughout 2019, establishing it as the platform's top comedy that year and underscoring its cultural resonance in the UK. Its global rollout on Amazon Prime Video amplified international acclaim, drawing praise for its nuanced portrayal of female complexity and relational dynamics.

Production

Casting

Phoebe Waller-Bridge created the titular role specifically for herself, adapting it from her one-woman stage play of the same name, and cast herself as the lead without holding open auditions. For the supporting ensemble, Waller-Bridge advocated strongly for her longtime friend and drama school classmate to play Fleabag's sister Claire, writing the part with Clifford in mind after their prior theater collaborations; despite producers' preference for a more established television name, Waller-Bridge fought to secure Clifford an audition, preparing the tape together and emphasizing their natural chemistry. In series 2, Andrew Scott was selected as the Priest following a 2018 read-through that highlighted his suitability, though U.S. executives initially demanded a recast just days before filming due to concerns over his fit, a decision Waller-Bridge successfully overturned to retain him. The production faced challenges from the limited budget of series 1, originally commissioned by the low-cost digital channel , which necessitated a lean where some actors took on multiple minor roles to cover various characters. joined as the Godmother for series 1 and expanded her role in series 2, benefiting from her growing prominence after being cast as Queen Elizabeth II in . Casting decisions prioritized British talent across both series, with guest appearances allocated to comedians such as , who played the Bus Rodent in series 1.

Filming

Filming for Fleabag took place primarily in , with principal photography for the first series occurring in 2015. The production utilized various real locations across , including the Dartmouth Park area in the London Borough of Camden for street scenes and residential exteriors representing the characters' homes. The guinea pig-themed café central to the protagonist's storyline was filmed at the Village Café (later rebranded as Bold Café) on York Rise near , where the production redesigned the interior to fit the show's aesthetic. Family home interiors and exteriors drew from affluent residential spots in the vicinity, capturing the series' depiction of upper-middle-class domesticity. scenes in the second series were shot in actual churches, notably St Andrew's Church in for interactions involving the priest character. The first series was shot over an intensive schedule in , emphasizing a low-budget, guerrilla-style approach suitable for its initial digital release. Cinematographer Tony Miller employed entirely handheld camerawork using an Alexa Mini camera rigged with a custom Easyrig to achieve an intimate, verité documentary feel, allowing the camera to function almost as a character in Fleabag's chaotic world. This technique, combined with natural lighting sourced mainly from windows and practical fixtures, avoided artificial backlighting to maintain realism and underscore the show's themes of . Many scenes were captured in single takes within a 2.39:1 , leveraging the wide frame to cover multiple actions without cuts, which enhanced the fluid, unintrusive movement and heightened the direct-to-camera intimacy. Director Tim oversaw the series, focusing on this restless, handheld energy to mirror the protagonist's inner turmoil. Production for the second series ramped up in , with filming commencing on August 23 and concluding later that year to meet an early broadcast window, benefiting from an expanded budget through Amazon co-production that enabled more ambitious outdoor sequences. Notable exteriors included a poignant scene shot on location to evoke isolation, alongside continued use of streets for everyday realism. directed the series, building on the first's style but incorporating an anamorphic lens for deeper relational framing and darker, moodier natural lighting to reflect emotional progression, such as the near-dark illuminated solely by motivated practical sources. Handheld techniques persisted for organic intimacy, with minimal use, though the increased resources allowed for broader environmental integration. Challenges during filming included coordinating animal actors, particularly the guinea pigs portraying Hilary, which required auditioning multiple candidates via headshots and on-set handling to capture authentic behaviors without distress. The production navigated the animals' unpredictable movements in scenes, often necessitating multiple takes while adhering to welfare standards. Additionally, the tight turnaround for the first series' digital-first premiere demanded efficient shooting and minimal reshoots, pressuring the crew to balance the raw, improvisational energy with precise coverage under constrained timelines.

Music

The original score for Fleabag was composed by , the elder sister of the series' creator and star . Waller-Bridge's contributions emphasize emotional depth through instrumentation centered on and strings, providing subtle underscoring that amplifies the protagonist's inner turmoil amid the show's blend of humor and . The series' signature theme, featured prominently in the closing credits across both seasons, is marked by crunchy riffs that deliver a rebellious, high-energy punch, effectively punctuating episodes with a sense of chaotic release. In series 1, this theme establishes an upbeat, tone that mirrors Fleabag's impulsive nature. For series 2, Waller-Bridge introduced choral elements, particularly in tracks like "" and "Kyrie, Christe" performed by RSVP Voices, to underscore the spiritual and romantic tension of the Priest storyline; these pieces incorporate Latin with a subversive, twist, including hidden profane Greek phrases for added wit. In addition to the original score, Fleabag incorporates licensed music to heighten key moments, often used diegetically in social settings like café interactions. Representative examples include "" by Peaches, which plays during a lively scene in series 1, and "" by in an early episode to evoke raw emotion. The series 2 finale notably features "This Feeling" by , accompanying Fleabag's poignant departure from the Priest and reinforcing themes of longing and resolution. Waller-Bridge's score was crafted and recorded in with London-based ensembles, allowing seamless integration of musical cues during to juxtapose the series' comedic beats with its dramatic undercurrents. This approach ensures the music not only supports narrative transitions but also enhances the overall tonal shifts between levity and .

Distribution and release

Broadcast history

The first series of Fleabag premiered on 21 July 2016 on , the BBC's digital youth-oriented channel that had transitioned to an online-only platform earlier that year. The six-episode run aired weekly, concluding on 25 August 2016, with episodes available exclusively via to align with 's schedule-free, digital-first model that prioritized accessibility for younger audiences. This format allowed for flexible episode lengths ranging from 22 to 31 minutes, emphasizing creative storytelling over traditional broadcast constraints. The series garnered a total of 6.7 million iPlayer requests, marking it as one of 's standout successes in its inaugural online year and contributing to the channel's reputation for nurturing innovative comedy. The second series adopted a dual broadcast strategy, premiering on 4 March 2019 simultaneously on and , with weekly episodes airing Mondays at 10:35 pm on to broaden reach beyond the digital platform. This shift reflected 's evolving hybrid model, while , as co-financier, enabled a global simultaneous release of all six episodes on 17 May 2019 across over 200 countries outside the . UK TV ratings for the second series peaked at 2.5 million consolidated viewers for the premiere episode on , with the full run averaging 2.3 million and strong engagement from the 16-34 demographic across both channels. The second series also achieved 20.3 million iPlayer requests, making it one of the platform's top comedies. The Amazon partnership facilitated wider international access, contrasting the online-exclusive focus of the first series. Promotion for both series highlighted the show's signature fourth-wall breaks through BBC trailers that showcased Fleabag's direct asides to the audience, building anticipation for its confessional style. Complementary BBC podcasts, including a episode featuring creator discussing themes like and relationships, further amplified buzz by offering behind-the-scenes insights.

International distribution

Following its UK premiere on BBC Three, Fleabag secured international distribution through International, with acquiring exclusive streaming rights outside the and , making it available in over 200 countries worldwide. In the United States, premiered series 1 in September 2016 as an Amazon Original Series, followed by series 2 in May 2019, which Amazon co-produced alongside the . The series also aired on IFC cable in the US starting in December 2018. Other regions saw localized broadcast deals, including a 2020 premiere on in and acquisition by Japanese pay-TV network in late 2019. In , the series was subtitled for platforms like Canal+ in and ZDF in , while a French-language adaptation titled Mouche aired on Canal+ in 2019, closely mirroring the original's structure but with cultural adjustments. Netflix held temporary licensing rights in select international markets prior to Amazon's exclusivity, but lost the global bid to Amazon Studios, as revealed by Netflix CEO in 2019. The show's international rollout emphasized subtitled versions for accessibility in and , with minimal content alterations to preserve its raw narrative style, though promotional materials were occasionally edited for sensitivity in conservative regions.

Home media

The first series of Fleabag was released on DVD in the on 3 October 2016 by . A complete series was released on Blu-ray in the UK on 6 May 2019 and in the US on 27 October 2020, presented in high definition, compiling all 12 episodes across two seasons. Digital distribution began alongside the broadcast premiere, with episodes available for purchase and download on platforms including and Amazon Video starting in 2016. Upgraded 4K versions became accessible on following its initial release, enhancing visual clarity for streaming viewers. Select physical editions also include a bundled CD highlighting key musical tracks from the series.

Reception

Critical response

Fleabag garnered widespread critical acclaim across both seasons, establishing it as a landmark in contemporary British television. On , season 1 earned a 100% Tomatometer score based on reviews, while season 2 achieved the same perfect 100% from 98 reviews, earning Certified Fresh status for its incisive wit and character work. assigned season 1 a score of 88 out of 100 from 19 critics, denoting universal acclaim for its bold exploration of and self-destruction, and season 2 a near-perfect 96 out of 100 from 21 reviews, praised for elevating the narrative's emotional precision. The first series, released in 2016, was often celebrated for its raw honesty and edgy indie sensibilities, though some UK outlets offered tempered responses. commended its unfiltered portrayal of a flawed protagonist, stating that Fleabag's "honesty becomes the point" beyond mere shock tactics, awarding it high placement among the year's best shows. Similarly, The Telegraph described it as a "gloriously rude" update to classic , highlighting its filthy humor and chaotic energy. The second series in 2019 intensified the praise, shifting consensus toward universal acclaim for its deepened and structural . hailed it as a brilliant demonstration of Phoebe Waller-Bridge's prowess in flipping female comedy tropes, allowing the protagonist to confide in viewers while confronting her inner turmoil. Critics across outlets, including Vox, lauded the season's masterful blend of humor and heartbreak, with one review calling it "gorgeous, heartbreaking—and so, so funny." Recurring commendations focused on the series' seamless humor-drama balance and its pioneering , which subverted traditional male-centric perspectives by centering unapologetic female interiority. Retrospectives in 2024 and 2025, such as The Telegraph's reflection on its decade-long influence, underscore its enduring impact.

Accolades

_Fleabag received widespread recognition for its innovative storytelling and performances, earning 11 nominations and six wins at the in 2019, including Outstanding Comedy Series, Outstanding Lead Actress in a Comedy Series for , and Outstanding Writing for a Comedy Series for Waller-Bridge's work on the second series. Additional Emmy wins that year included Outstanding Directing for a Comedy Series (), Outstanding Casting for a Comedy Series, and Outstanding Production Design for a Narrative Contemporary Program (Mimi Sandham). At the , Waller-Bridge won the award for Best Female Performance in a Programme in 2017 for the first series. In 2020, the series secured another win in the same category for Sian Clifford's portrayal of Claire. The series triumphed at the in 2020, winning Best Television Series – Musical or and Best Actress in a Television Series – Musical or for Waller-Bridge. Fleabag also garnered three wins at the 25th Critics' Choice Awards in 2020: Best Comedy Series, Best Actress in a Comedy Series for Waller-Bridge, and Best Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series for Andrew Scott. In 2019, it received a Peabody Award for its distinctive blend of humor and emotional depth in exploring modern female experiences. In retrospective assessments, Waller-Bridge's performance ranked 25th on Variety's list of the 100 Greatest TV Performances of the 21st Century in 2025. The series has continued to earn nods in critics' polls, placing 11th on Rotten Tomatoes' list of the best TV shows of the last 25 years and appearing in The Hollywood Reporter's ranking of the 50 best TV shows of the 21st century.

Themes and style

Narrative techniques

One of the defining narrative techniques in Fleabag is the frequent breaking of the , where the protagonist directly addresses the audience with asides that reveal her inner thoughts, serving as a confessional device that fosters intimacy between viewer and character. , the series' creator and star, described this as the protagonist's "secret camera friend," emphasizing its role as a primary relational dynamic throughout the show. These breaks occur frequently across both seasons, functioning as a coping mechanism that blends humor with vulnerability. In the first series, the fourth-wall addresses are nearly constant, providing rapid commentary on everyday absurdities and personal failings to maintain a comedic rhythm. By the second series, their use becomes more selective and emotionally charged, evolving to reflect the protagonist's growth and her struggle to form real connections, culminating in moments where other characters acknowledge the breaks, such as when the Priest notices her glances. Waller-Bridge explained that this technique parallels the Priest's relationship with a higher power, positioning the camera as an omnipresent witness that both characters must confront. The series employs non-linear through interspersed flashbacks that gradually unveil key elements, mirroring the fragmented nature of and guilt. These sequences, often triggered by present-day triggers, build emotional depth without disrupting the episodic flow, drawing from the show's origins as a one-woman stage play where monologue-style delivery allowed for reflective digressions. This structure enhances the protagonist's internal conflict, revealing past events piecemeal to underscore themes of loss and . Visual motifs contribute to the series' blend of and , including quick cuts that mimic the protagonist's restless mind and silent stares directly into the camera that heighten moments of isolation or . The often carries an improvised feel, achieved through Waller-Bridge's scriptwriting that encourages natural, overlapping speech patterns, creating a sense of raw authenticity amid chaotic interactions. Directorial choices, led by in the second series, emphasize immersion in the protagonist's psychological turmoil through handheld , which provides an unsteady, intimate perspective that mirrors her emotional instability. Cinematographer Tony Miller opted for entirely handheld shooting—except for select uses—to capture organic actor movements and foster closeness, complemented by long takes that allow tension to build without interruption. These techniques, including anamorphic framing to highlight relational dynamics, reinforce the narrative's exploration of vulnerability and connection.

Key themes

Fleabag grapples with profound themes of and guilt, primarily through the protagonist's unspoken for her best friend Boo, which drives her patterns of self-sabotage and strains her familial relationships. This emotional undercurrent manifests as a pervasive sense of self-loathing and , such as dissociation, as Fleabag navigates the lingering love and tied to Boo's . The series portrays not as a linear process but as an ongoing bond, where Fleabag's guilt over past actions exacerbates her isolation, reflecting creator Phoebe Waller-Bridge's intent to explore how unprocessed loss shapes . Central to the narrative is a feminist critique of societal expectations around female agency, embodied in Fleabag's unapologetic sexuality, which challenges the male gaze and slut-shaming. Waller-Bridge has described her protagonist as a "transgressive woman" who embodies conflicting feminist ideals, feeling as though she constantly lets feminism down through her desires and mistakes. The series highlights women's autonomy in a heteropessimistic landscape, using Fleabag's direct engagement with the audience to underscore relatable struggles against double standards and systemic sexism. Family dysfunction forms another core motif, depicted through toxic dynamics with the protagonist's father and stepmother (the Godmother), contrasted by her resilient bond with her sister Claire, while touching on inheritance and tentative reconciliation. Applying the Dysfunctional Family Survival Roles model, Fleabag is positioned as the scapegoat, her father as the enabler, and other members embodying complementary roles that perpetuate avoidance and competition. These interactions reveal intergenerational patterns of emotional neglect, influenced by Waller-Bridge's own observations of family as a space for both conflict and storytelling. In its second series, Fleabag delves into and redemption through the protagonist's encounters with a , questioning and the possibility of transcendence without providing easy resolutions. This exploration critiques patriarchal religious structures while positing as a subversive space for unburdening guilt and affective excess, blending feminist with a yearning for something beyond the self. The 's guidance emphasizes placing love appropriately as a path to moral clarity, yet the series underscores faith's limits in addressing personal vows and desires. Redemption emerges as an honest confrontation with one's "naughtiness" and longing for acceptance, often intertwined with the search for divine or human love.

Legacy

Cultural impact

Fleabag's iconic quotes, such as "Hair is everything" from the hairdresser scene and "It'll pass" from the series finale, have permeated , becoming viral memes shared across platforms. The phrase "Hair is everything" gained renewed traction in 2025, appearing in videos analyzing its comedic significance, highlighting the show's commentary on vanity and self-image. Similarly, "It'll pass," uttered by the Priest to Fleabag amid heartbreak, resonated deeply with audiences, inspiring discussions on transient emotions and relationships, with videos from October 2025 exploring its emotional weight in the context of personal growth. These quotes fueled a resurgence of Fleabag content on and between 2023 and 2025, often tied to conversations, where users related the protagonist's struggles to coping with anxiety and loss, as seen in threads from late 2025 emphasizing the show's portrayal of depression and self-destructive behaviors. The series sparked significant debates on female representation, praised for its authentic depiction of flawed women navigating and personal agency. In feminist , Fleabag has been cited for challenging normative through its protagonist's "unruly" behavior, as explored in a 2024 analysis of its in Spanish-speaking contexts, which found the show critiques post-feminist discourses by amplifying feminist language in some adaptations while softening it in others to address cultural sensitivities. This authenticity extended public discourse, with 2024 academic projects examining how Fleabag's portrayal of imperfect female protagonists advances discussions on sexuality and the , positioning the series as a key text in contemporary . Fleabag's stage origins as Phoebe Waller-Bridge's one-woman play have sustained its relevance through revivals and university productions from 2023 to 2025, adapting the work for live audiences. In January 2025, screened a filmed version of the 2019 West End production, drawing crowds to the Ethel M. Barber Theater for its raw exploration of intimacy and vulnerability. Similarly, hosted a one-act student performance in April 2025, adapting the script for campus theater and introducing the material to new generations. These events, including encore screenings like the broadcast at Symphony Space, underscore the play's enduring appeal in educational and performative settings. The series' broader resonance is evident in ongoing societal conversations about family and mental health, with Fleabag frequently referenced in therapeutic contexts for its depiction of coping mechanisms. A February 2025 article in The Swarthmore Phoenix highlighted the show's familial themes, such as miscommunication and reconciliation within dysfunctional dynamics, noting its continued emotional impact on viewers grappling with isolation and grief. In mental health discussions, Fleabag's avoidance strategies—like humor and dissociation—have been analyzed as case studies for therapy, as in a 2025 review applying the Dysfunctional Family Survival Roles model to illustrate grief processing and continuing bonds with lost loved ones. Psychologists have drawn on the series to address self-sabotage and emotional repression, with references persisting into 2025 as a tool for understanding relational trauma. As of November 2025, the show's influence continued in popular media, with outlets like BuzzFeed citing it among life-changing TV series that resonate with themes of personal growth and emotional resilience.

Influence on media

Fleabag's innovative use of fourth-wall breaks established a confessional style that fostered intimacy between character and audience, influencing subsequent television narratives. This technique, where the directly addresses viewers to share inner thoughts and vulnerabilities, has been echoed in shows like Russian Doll (2019), whose creator praised Fleabag for its emotional depth and narrative boldness during Emmy considerations. Similarly, the style's vibe was highlighted in a 2019 Variety analysis as a hallmark of Fleabag's adaptation from stage to screen, setting a precedent for direct-address storytelling in comedy-dramas. The series propelled creator Phoebe Waller-Bridge's career, leading to her role as head writer and executive producer for the first season of (2018) and her starring turn as Helena Shaw in (2023). This trajectory inspired a surge in female-led showrunning in television, with a 2023 analysis noting a wave of women-created series emerging in Fleabag's wake, contributing to broader industry shifts toward diverse voices in indie productions from 2023 to 2025. Fleabag boosted the format by blending sharp humor with profound emotional turmoil, a that academic analyses have linked to tendencies oscillating between and irony. A 2023 rhetorical criticism positioned the series as a dismantler of norms through , paving the way for similar explorations in shows like (2019–present) and I May Destroy You (2020), where messy female protagonists navigate trauma with wry self-awareness. Recent scholarship, including a 2025 paper, explores Fleabag's intersubjective dynamics through , emphasizing its role in evolving comedy-drama toward authentic, fragmented realities. As a BBC-Amazon co-production, Fleabag exemplified a model that gained traction post-2019, with Waller-Bridge securing multiple exclusive deals with Amazon Studios, including a first-look agreement in for new content. This partnership highlighted the viability of short, bingeable seasons—six episodes each—encouraging similar concise formats in subsequent UK-US collaborations to capitalize on global streaming audiences.

References

  1. https://www.rottentomatoes.com/tv/fleabag
  2. https://www.amazon.com/Fleabag-Season-1/dp/B0875LZHVG
  3. https://www.bbc.com/news/entertainment-arts-49482752
  4. https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-49794823
  5. https://www.theguardian.com/tv-and-radio/2019/dec/18/best-tv-shows-2019-no-2-fleabag
  6. https://www.nytimes.com/2019/05/15/arts/television/fleabag-amazon-season-1-recap.html
  7. https://www.rottentomatoes.com/tv/fleabag/s01
  8. https://www.theguardian.com/tv-and-radio/2022/apr/17/life-after-fleabag-actor-sian-clifford-on-taming-her-inner-claire
  9. https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p070npjv
  10. https://www.edfringe.com/about-us/news-and-blog/phoebe-waller-bridge-and-fleabag-at-the-fringe-10-years-on/
  11. https://www.backstage.com/magazine/article/how-fleabag-got-made-70994/
  12. https://www.theguardian.com/stage/2014/feb/16/phoebe-waller-bridge-sex-laughs-wotsits
  13. https://www.bbc.com/news/entertainment-arts-49794823
  14. https://www.bbc.co.uk/mediacentre/latestnews/2016/fleabag
  15. https://www.radiotimes.com/tv/entertainment/fleabag-season-two-cast/
  16. https://www.comedy.co.uk/tv/fleabag/cast_crew/
  17. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt5687612/fullcredits/
  18. https://www.npr.org/2016/11/06/500707375/writer-created-fleabag-by-looking-at-what-she-loved-then-taking-it-away
  19. https://www.bustle.com/p/martin-from-fleabag-is-played-by-brett-gelman-heres-where-you-recognise-him-from-16910253
  20. https://www.theguardian.com/tv-and-radio/2019/aug/10/jamie-demetriou-interview-fleabag-stath-lets-flats
  21. https://www.comedy.co.uk/tv/fleabag/episodes/1/3/
  22. https://www.standard.co.uk/lifestyle/london-life/ray-fearon-fleabag-interview-a4141896.html
  23. https://www.telegraph.co.uk/tv/2019/04/01/fleabag-episode-5-review-finally-happened-now/
  24. https://www.broadcastnow.co.uk/broadcast-digital-awards-2019/best-comedy-programme-fleabag/5140814.article
  25. https://rts.org.uk/article/why-bbc-three-defying-sceptics
  26. https://www.denofgeek.com/tv/fleabag-recap-what-happened-in-season-one/
  27. https://www.comedy.co.uk/tv/fleabag/episodes/2/
  28. https://www.rottentomatoes.com/tv/fleabag/s02
  29. https://www.comedy.co.uk/tv/fleabag/episodes/2/2/
  30. https://www.comedy.co.uk/tv/fleabag/episodes/2/5/
  31. https://www.comedy.co.uk/tv/fleabag/episodes/2/6/
  32. https://www.walesonline.co.uk/news/uk-news/bbc-ranks-most-watched-iplayer-17438040
  33. https://www.stylist.co.uk/people/sian-clifford-fleabag-phoebe-waller-bridge-sunday-brunch/257134
  34. https://www.radiotimes.com/tv/comedy/fleabag-andrew-scott-recast-newsupdate/
  35. https://www.classicfm.com/discover-music/phoebe-waller-bridge-sister-composer-isobel/
  36. https://www.classicfm.com/discover-music/isobel-waller-bridge-emma-composer-phoebe-fleabag/
  37. https://composer.spitfireaudio.com/en/articles/isobel-waller-bridge-designs-sounds-to-find-the-aesthetic-of-her-scores
  38. https://www.indiewire.com/features/general/fleabag-isobel-waller-music-greek-dirty-lyrics-amazon-1202145375/
  39. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt5687612/soundtrack/
  40. https://www.popsugar.com/entertainment/what-song-end-fleabag-season-2-46180593
  41. https://www.comedy.co.uk/tv/fleabag/episodes/1/
  42. https://www.bbc.co.uk/mediacentre/latestnews/2016/most-popular-iplayer
  43. https://www.radiotimes.com/tv/comedy/fleabag-series-two-air-date-trailer-cast/
  44. https://www.theguardian.com/tv-and-radio/2019/feb/20/fleabag-released-weekly-bbc-against-boxset
  45. https://www.radiotimes.com/tv/drama/killing-eve-beats-tops-bbc-iplayer/
  46. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i3tnMesJSGk
  47. https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m000fghq
  48. https://variety.com/2016/digital/global/amazon-fleabag-phoebe-waller-bridge-1201778666/
  49. https://www.techradar.com/news/watch-fleabag-online
  50. https://deadline.com/2018/12/fleabag-dark-comedy-acquired-by-ifc-from-creator-phoebe-waller-bridge-1202520030/
  51. https://www.amcnetworks.com/press-releases/ifc-aquires-acclaimed-series-fleabag/
  52. https://deadline.com/2020/01/fleabag-comedy-central-latin-america-all3media-natpe-1202838901/
  53. https://variety.com/2019/tv/news/phoebe-waller-bridges-fleabag-japan-deal-wowow-all3media-1203422081/
  54. https://www.nytimes.com/2019/06/04/arts/mouche-french-fleabag-review.html
  55. https://deadline.com/2019/09/reed-hastings-netflix-wishes-it-had-fleabag-1202739631/
  56. https://www.theguardian.com/tv-and-radio/2019/sep/24/fleabag-creator-seals-amazon-prime-deal-for-new-show
  57. https://imusic.co/movies/5060352303643/fleabag-series-1-bbc-2016-fleabag-series-1-dvd
  58. https://www.blu-ray.com/movies/Fleabag-The-Complete-Series-Blu-ray/274140/
  59. https://hmv.com/store/film-tv/blu-ray/fleabag-series-one-two
  60. https://www.justwatch.com/us/tv-show/fleabag
  61. https://www.metacritic.com/tv/fleabag/season-1
  62. https://www.metacritic.com/tv/fleabag/season-2
  63. https://www.theguardian.com/tv-and-radio/2016/sep/11/fleabag-one-mississippi-tv-new-heroines-make-us-all-feel-better
  64. https://www.theguardian.com/tv-and-radio/2016/dec/18/fleabag-the-50-best-tv-shows-of-2016-no-2-fleabag
  65. https://www.telegraph.co.uk/on-demand/0/fleabag-a-gloriously-rude-update-of-bridget-joness-diary--review/
  66. https://www.nytimes.com/2019/05/16/arts/television/fleabag-amazon-review.html
  67. https://www.vox.com/culture/2019/5/22/18634838/fleabag-season-2-review-amazon-phoebe-waller-bridge
  68. https://medium.com/counterarts/fleabag-is-embracing-imperfect-feminism-and-the-female-gaze-d365ffbda4ef
  69. https://www.thefemalegaze.com/fleabag-female-gaze/
  70. https://www.telegraph.co.uk/theatre/what-to-see/fleabag-work-of-genius-but-has-cursed-theatre-for-a-decade/
  71. https://www.televisionacademy.com/shows/fleabag
  72. https://variety.com/2019/tv/awards/emmys-fleabag-sweeps-2019-1203343522/
  73. https://www.bafta.org/media-centre/press-releases/sian-clifford-for-fleabag-winners-acceptance-speech-female-in-a-comedy-virgin-media-british-academy-television-awards-in-2020
  74. https://goldenglobes.com/tv-show/fleabag/
  75. https://ew.com/awards/2020/01/12/critics-choice-awards-2020-winners-list/
  76. https://peabodyawards.com/award-profile/fleabag/
  77. https://variety.com/lists/greatest-tv-performances/
  78. https://editorial.rottentomatoes.com/guide/rt25-critics-top-tv-shows-of-the-last-25-years-2/
  79. https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/lists/best-tv-shows-21st-century/
  80. https://www.vulture.com/2019/05/fleabag-season-2-fourth-wall-ending.html
  81. https://www.wmagazine.com/story/phoebe-waller-bridge-fleabag-amazon-interview
  82. https://www.cincinnatireview.com/articles/breaking-the-fourth-wall-and-intimacy-in-fleabag-by-jay-franklin/
  83. https://www.radiotimes.com/tv/drama/fleabag-hot-priest-fourth-wall-phoebe-waller-bridge/
  84. https://studenttheses.uu.nl/bitstream/handle/20.500.12932/48434/Hidma%2520Laurea_6204139_MAThesis.pdf?sequence=1&isAllowed=y
  85. https://digitalcommons.lmu.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1351&context=honors-thesis
  86. https://www.awardsdaily.com/2019/08/15/tony-miller-interview/
  87. https://rais.education/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/0507.pdf
  88. https://www.theguardian.com/tv-and-radio/2018/sep/08/phoebe-waller-bridge-fleabag-killing-eve-transgressive-women
  89. https://www.vogue.com/article/phoebe-waller-bridge-fleabag-interview-vogue-december-2017-issue
  90. https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.15474688
  91. https://online.ucpress.edu/jrpc/article/37/1/21/205912/I-Don-t-Know-What-to-Do-with-It-Gender-Religion
  92. https://churchlifejournal.nd.edu/articles/fleabag-fully-clothed/
  93. https://divinity.uchicago.edu/sightings/articles/when-vow-turns-out-be-vow-fleabag
  94. https://doi.org/10.1525/fmh.2018.4.2.152
  95. https://mashable.com/article/fleabag-season-2-final-episode
  96. https://www.reddit.com/r/Fleabag/comments/1ok7324/what_am_i_not_seeing/
  97. https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/29940443.2024.2383913
  98. https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/abs/10.1177/13634607231157072
  99. https://digitalcommons.iwu.edu/jwprc/2024/schedule/110/
  100. https://wirtz.northwestern.edu/fleabag-25/
  101. https://college.lclark.edu/live/news/55726-fleabag-one-act-performance-from-jasper-prodromou
  102. https://www.symphonyspace.org/events/nt-live-fleabag-encore-3
  103. https://swarthmorephoenix.com/2025/02/13/fleabag-lets-talk-about-it/
  104. https://www.forbes.com/sites/traversmark/2023/04/08/a-psychologist-poses-3-questions-to-anyone-stuck-in-a-fleabag-era/
  105. https://www.buzzfeed.com/jenniferadams2/life-changing-tv-shows-you-need-to-watch
  106. https://www.latimes.com/entertainment-arts/tv/story/2019-09-22/emmys-2019-russian-doll-creator-leslye-headland
  107. https://variety.com/2019/tv/news/fleabag-top-10-season-2-fourth-wall-breaks-1203219021/
  108. https://faroutmagazine.co.uk/tracing-the-influence-of-fleabag-on-popular-culture/
  109. https://www.vanityfair.com/hollywood/2023/06/phoebe-waller-bridge-on-her-surreal-journey-from-fleabag-to-indiana-jones
  110. https://digitalcommons.calpoly.edu/comssp/262/
  111. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/391538564_Fleabag_and_Metamodernism_Exploring_the_Intersubjective_Space
  112. https://deadline.com/2025/04/phoebe-waller-bridge-first-look-deal-amazon-1236355735/
Add your contribution
Related Hubs
Contribute something
User Avatar
No comments yet.