What to read, watch, and listen to if you lovedFleabag
Phoebe Waller-Bridge · Series · 2016
If you loved Fleabag, start with Naked (Mike Leigh, 1993) — a film on the same thread. Below: 4 books, 4 films and 2 podcasts, each matched to Fleabag across media.
If you loved Fleabag, you will appreciate these stories that balance sharp, cynical wit with the raw ache of personal grief.
Books on the same thread
Fun Home
Alison Bechdel · Book · 2007
Shares 2 threads with Fleabag: Dysfunctional Family, Grief.
Much like Fleabag, this graphic memoir uses a deeply personal, unflinching lens to dissect the messy, complicated dynamics between family members and the weight of inherited secrets.
Sharp Objects
Gillian Flynn · Book · 2018
Shares a thread with Fleabag: Dysfunctional Family.
Fans of Fleabag will recognize the protagonist’s internal struggle with past trauma and the ways she uses a cynical, sharp-edged exterior to cope with her fractured family life.
A Man Called Ove: A Novel
Fredrik Backman · Book · 2016
Explores: Grumbling protagonist, Unexpected friendship, Redemption.
While the tone differs, Ove shares the same prickly, isolated exterior as the lead in Fleabag, masking a profound sense of loss that eventually forces him toward human connection.
Kitchen (キッチン)
Banana Yoshimoto · Book · 1988
Shares a thread with Fleabag: Grief.
This story mirrors the quiet, introspective moments in Fleabag, focusing on the heavy, surreal nature of mourning and the search for comfort within the wreckage of sudden loss.
Films on the same thread
Naked
Mike Leigh · Film · 1993
Explores: Existential Angst, Social Alienation, Urban Decay.
If you enjoyed the darker, urban existentialism of Fleabag, this film provides a similarly abrasive and cynical look at a man navigating a cold, indifferent London.
In Bruges
Martin McDonagh · Film · 2008
Shares 2 threads with Fleabag: Existential Crisis, Dark Comedy.
The sharp, rapid-fire dialogue and the underlying sense of existential guilt make this film a spiritual sibling to Fleabag, exploring moral conflict with a biting, dark sense of humor.
Moonlight
Barry Jenkins · Film · 2016
Explores: identity, sexuality, self-discovery.
Like Fleabag, this film offers a deeply intimate, non-judgmental look at the complexities of human identity and the painful, transformative process of learning to love oneself.
The Whale
Darren Aronofsky · Film · 2022
Explores: Redemption, Estrangement, Obesity.
This character study echoes the emotional stakes of Fleabag, focusing on the desperate, flawed attempt to find redemption and repair a broken relationship before it is too late.
Podcasts on the same thread
Darling, Shine!
Podcast
Shares a thread with Fleabag: grief.
This podcast captures the same raw, confessional spirit found in Fleabag, unpacking the messy, unspoken realities of womanhood and grief with the same sense of desperate, necessary honesty.
Friday Night Comedy from BBC Radio 4
Podcast
Explores: current events, politics, news satire.
Those who appreciated the distinct, biting British voice of Fleabag will find a similar cultural rhythm and satirical energy in these sharp, witty radio comedy programs.
Keep exploring
Common questions
Is Fleabag a comedy about a woman living in London?
Yes, Fleabag is a portrait of a dry-witted woman trying to make sense of the world while living in contemporary London. The show captures her experiences as she navigates the city's frenetic energy, late nights, and bright lights while dealing with grief and modern living.
What is the tone of the show Fleabag?
Fleabag is characterized by a dry-witted and raw tone. It explores the mind of a woman who is sexual, angry, and grief-riddled. The series depicts her hurling herself headlong at modern life while struggling to process her emotions within the fast-paced environment of London.
Does Fleabag focus on the internal life of its protagonist?
Yes, the series provides a direct portrait into the mind of its lead character. Fleabag centers on her internal perspective as she attempts to navigate her complex feelings and the external pressures of contemporary London, including her personal struggles with grief and her daily lifestyle.
Is Fleabag about a woman dealing with grief?
Yes, Fleabag centers on a grief-riddled woman trying to make sense of the world. The show explores how she processes these feelings while living a life that involves being sexual, angry, and navigating the challenges of modern living in the city of London.