Parents' Guide to

Fleabag

By Melissa Camacho, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 17+

Quirky, mature U.K. comedy; cursing, strong sexual content.

TV Amazon Prime Video Comedy 2016
Fleabag Poster Image

A Lot or a Little?

What you will—and won't—find in this TV show.

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age 18+

Based on 5 parent reviews

Mama B.
Mama B. Parent
December 13, 2020
age 18+

Too raunchy

Terribly untasteful raunchy comedy. Needs an R rating.
Alex C.
Alex C. Parent of 18+-year-old
March 29, 2023
age 18+

Genuinely Remarkable - but not for kids.

This show is not for children. Nor is it for adults offended by sex or crude language. It is however one of the finest pieces of television ever made and explores grief, guilt, relationships and sadness with a humour, piercing sincerity and breathtaking changes in mood, in a way that leaves the audience deeply moved but uncomfortable, amused and sympathetic to the deeply flawed vulnerable young woman of the story. The ultimate redemptive arc of the story and its resulting completeness make for a viewing experience that leaves you a kinder person. But NOT for kids.
See all 5 parent reviews

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?

Our review:
Parents say (5 ):
Kids say (9 ):

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

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