If you’re still crying into your pillow over the fact that ‘Fleabag‘ isn’t getting a third season, you’re not alone. Phoebe Waller-Bridge gave us one of the rawest, most relatable female characters on TV. Who else is going to show us the messier, more humiliating sides of life with such brutal honesty?
While the chances of that are slim, there are other shows that fill that ‘Fleabag‘-shaped hole in your heart. It’s a classic dramedy about grief and sex that doesn’t shy away from showing the more humiliating sides of the titular character’s wants and needs.
10. You’re The Worst
If you’re into toxic romances, ‘You’re the Worst‘ is a wild ride you don’t want to miss. Much like ‘Fleabag‘, it dives deep into the messy lives of two self-destructive characters, Jimmy (Chris Greere) and Gretchen (Aya Cash). These two meet again at a friend’s wedding, and what follows is five seasons of pure chaos. It thrives on Jimmy and Gretchen’s flaws, giving us hilarious, cruel moments as their relationship progresses.
9. Extraordinary
The hilarious newcomer, Máiréad Tyers, plays Jen – a girl stuck in a world where everyone gets a superpower at 18… except her. Her best friend Carrie can literally talk to the dead, and her roommate used to be a cat. It’s as wild as it sounds, but the real fun is watching Jen fumble through life, making terrible decisions and somehow still being relatable.
Related: The Brilliant Symbolism Behind ‘Fleabag’ Fox In Phoebe Waller Bridge’s Iconic Show Explained
8. In Limbo
Starring ‘House of the Dragon’s’ Ryan Corr and ‘The 100’s‘ Bob Morley, this 2023 series tackles heavy themes like loss, grief, and male depression. Following Charlie (Corr) as he navigates life after the death of his best friend Nate (Morley). ‘In Limbo’ strikes the perfect balance between humor and heartbreak.
The show also digs into the pressures men face around mental health. Through Charlie and Nate’s deeply emotional, yet often chaotic conversations, the series nails what ‘Fleabag‘ did with Fleabag and Boo’s complex relationship.
7. Never Have I Ever
Devi Vishwakumar is a high schooler dealing with some heavy emotional baggage, but that’s exactly what makes her journey so hilariously relatable. Like Fleabag, she’s messy, and selfish, and often creates havoc in the lives of those around her.
6. Chewing Gum
Before Michaela Coel blew everyone’s mind with ‘I May Destroy You‘ and ‘Black Panther: Wakanda Forever‘, she had Netflix subscribers rolling with laughter in ‘Chewing Gum‘ Tracey. She’s a quirky 20-something trying to figure out life and relationships while breaking free from the constraints of her super religious, immigrant household.
In Case You Missed It: “Go Out And Get Some Fresh Air”: Andrew Scott Disses Fans Who Are Still Watching ‘Fleabag’
While ‘Chewing Gum‘ doesn’t dive too deeply into its serious topics, Tracey is in full control of her narrative. Plus, the show’s awkward charm feels a bit like ‘Fleabag‘, with both leading ladies stumbling into cringe-worthy situations and handling intimacy in hilariously extreme ways.
5. Crashing
Phoebe Waller-Bridge was already showing off her comedy chops in the lesser-known gem ‘Crashing‘. Starring alongside Jonathan Bailey and Julie Dray, this quirky series dives into the chaotic lives of six property guardians living in a rundown hospital. Between the hilarious love triangles and their nosy curiosity about each other’s sexual lives, ‘Crashing‘ brings plenty of laughter while serving up some spicy drama.
4. Poker Face
‘Poker Face‘ brings an anthology-style season where Natasha Lyonne’s character, Charlie, solves a new crime every episode. Think ‘Columbo‘ meets modern-day noir, where the crime is laid bare at the start, and Charlie’s charm, cigarettes, and quick wit handle the rest. Like ‘Fleabag‘, it’s character-driven, full of sarcasm, and packed with thrills. Honestly, watching Charlie fumble through cases feels like a win for all of us.
Related: ‘Fleabag’ Ending: Hot Priest And Fourth Wall Twist Explained
3. Feel Good
In this semi-autobiographical comedy, Mae Martin plays a nonbinary Canadian comedian who’s trying to make it big in the comedy world. Things get interesting when Mae falls for George, played by Charlotte Ritchie, who’s figuring out her own sexuality. She’s also battling drug addiction and dealing with a complicated relationship with their mother. In the second season, Mae heads to rehab and spends some time apart from George while trying to revamp their comedy act.
2. I May Destroy You
If you thought ‘Fleabag‘ hit hard with its unapologetic dive into trauma, ‘I May Destroy You‘ is here to shatter your expectations in the best way. Michaela Coel returned during the pandemic with a masterpiece that’s equal parts gut-wrenching and thought-provoking. The HBO series tackles the heavy subjects of sexual assault, consent, and mental health. Following Arabella, a rising writer who’s reeling from a traumatic night, ‘I May Destroy You’ forces us to confront the harsh realities of exploitation in every aspect of life.
1. I Hate Suzie
Co-created by star Billie Piper and ‘Succession‘ writer Lucy Prebble, the show begins with Suzie’s nude photos leaking, turning her life upside down. The show digs into the ugly side of pop culture, highlighting how the celebrity system chews women up and spits them out when they become too complicated to handle.
Billie Piper shines as Suzie, and her own past as a teen pop star and sci-fi queen makes this role hit hard. Suzie is a high-strung, impulsive wreck, constantly struggling (and mostly failing) to fix her out-of-control life. Her phone and social media might as well be the villains here. Even Lucy Prebble acknowledged that many networks passed on the show because they already had their “woman-having-a-breakdown show“. But guess what? ‘I Hate Suzie‘ didn’t just survive – it thrived.
