Common Sense Media Review
By Melissa Camacho
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Quirky, mature U.K. comedy; cursing, strong sexual content.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 17+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
Fleabag
What's the Story?
FLEABAG is a dark British comedy about a woman trying to pull her life back together after the loss of her best friend while she navigates the modern world of London. It stars playwright Phoebe Waller-Bridge as Fleabag, who's grief-stricken after her best friend and business partner Boo (Jenny Rainsford) died of an accidental death. Now broken up with her pathetic boyfriend Harry (Hugh Skinner), she finds herself broke, confused, and trying to enjoy a more prolific sex life. While her family, including her estranged father (played by Bill Patterson), her stepmother (Olivia Colman), and her wealthy, uptight sister, Claire (Sian Clifford), knows that she's struggling, Fleabag refuses their help and pushes back against the world with anger and a willful, dry sense of humor.
Is It Any Good?
This quirky, dark series, written and created by its star, is a powerful story about a depressed, emotionally vulnerable woman who is looking for ways to cope with the broken pieces of her life. The narrative style, which features Fleabag addressing audiences directly as events are unfolding, gives the show a creative flair that's enhanced by the strong writing and robust characters. Its decidedly British humor also gives the series a lot of edge.
Fleabag isn't always likable, and there are lots of awkward, uncomfortable scenes that will leave viewers both entertained and slightly troubled. But in between the lines of unapologetic wit and raunchiness is a strong undercurrent of sadness that invites audiences to view her situation with compassion. This emotional tension adds depth to the series, even if viewers aren't quite sure how they're supposed to feel about it. All of these details are what make Fleabag a well-crafted and complex series worth tuning in to.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the challenges that come with importing a show from another country to the United States (and vice versa). Would Fleabag have been a good choice for American network or cable TV?
Fleabag makes a lot of decisions that are sometimes mean and potentially destructive. Does the fact that she's grieving justify her behavior? Why, or why not?
TV Details
- Premiere date : September 15, 2016
- Cast : Phoebe Waller-Bridge , Jenny Rainsford , Sian Clifford , Andrew Scott
- Network : Prime Video
- Genre : Comedy
- TV rating :
- Awards : Emmy - Emmy Award Winner , Golden Globe - Golden Globe Award Winner
- Last updated : October 4, 2025
Did we miss something on diversity?
Research shows a connection between kids' healthy self-esteem and positive portrayals in media. That's why we've added a new "Diverse Representations" section to our reviews that will be rolling out on an ongoing basis. You can help us help kids by
Suggest an Update
Common Sense Media's unbiased ratings are created by expert reviewers and aren't influenced by the product's creators or by any of our funders, affiliates, or partners.
See how we rate