Fleabag left a gaping hole in my life. When we found out it wouldn’t get another series, every millennial woman in the UK simultaneously let out a scream. But don’t fear, I’ve done the research for you, and here are some of the best British woman-centric shows about right now. Now, to note, I’m not pitting these women against each other, just simply trying to bring your attention to some truly great pieces of work.
This Way Up, By Aisling Bea
Any series with Aisling Bea AND Sharon Horgan is pretty much a sure-winner for me. All 6 episodes are now on Channel 4, so naturally, I spent an entire hungover morning watching them back-to-back. The show is based on a sister-dynamic between Bea’s character Aine, who has just come out of Rehab after having a nervous breakdown, and the competent older sister Shona (played by Sharon). Aisling is best known as a comic, but don’t go into watching this expecting a comedy – it’s more sadcom than sitcom. It’s funny, of course, but it’s poignant and self-deprecating more than anything else.
It’s a tricky one to get your head around, tbf #ThisWayUp continues tonight at 10pm. Also stream the entire series on All 4 now! pic.twitter.com/r5g3rC66BQ
— Channel 4 (@Channel4) August 15, 2019
Game Face, By Roisin Conaty
Game Face took me by surprise, with the second series surpassing all my expectations. Roisin has established herself as a regular on panels like 8 Out of 10 Cats, and smashed it in After Life, but her own creation is without a doubt the best thing she’s been in. It’s absurd at points, relatable at others, and can have you going from belly-laughing to snot-crying in a matter of seconds. Game Face focuses on Roisin’s character Marcella navigating single-London-life, as she attempts to make it as an Actress, whilst dealing with her chaotic parents and drug-addict brother.
Even if you never watch Game Face (you should), please at least take away this super romantic line from the last episode of season 2: “A bad day with you is still better than a good day with anyone else.”
Sometimes only a dog cuddle will do 💕 #GameFace continues tonight 10pm. @Roisinconaty pic.twitter.com/2BxzeI3VTU
— Channel 4 (@Channel4) August 7, 2019
Crazy-Ex Girlfriend, Rachel Bloom
At face-value, this show is nothing like Fleabag: it’s a musical and hyper American. But, give it a few episodes and you’ll see why they are comparative – both focus on mental health, a leading woman who embraces her sexuality, and it also breaks the fourth wall (but via song, not monologues).
Pure, Based on the Memoir by Rose Cartwright
Pure takes us into the mind or Marie, played by Charly Clive, who has a condition known as “Pure O”. This is a form of OCD, that is obsessive without the compulsions – Marie has a sex obsession, that exists purely in her mind: “I don’t see dead people, I see naked ones.”
Pure sheds a light on a mental health condition that is rarely discussed, and widely misunderstood, whilst also making you laugh and invest in the other aspects of her life.
Happy binge-watching! We’d love to hear your recommendations too, let us know @fgrlsclub
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