Comedy shows are often reassuringly predictable, so when Fleabag broke expectations, barriers, and the fourth wall, it became an instant comedy masterpiece. Fleabag stars Phoebe Waller-Bridge as a woman known as “Fleabag,” who is navigating life in the aftermath of her best friend’s death. She is messy, deeply flawed, and often unlikable, which instantly makes her an unusual comedy protagonist.
Fleabag only lasted two seasons, but it has become one of Prime Video’s best comedies, and of all the series streamed on the platform, it is a rare Prime Video show with a perfect ending. After delivering some emotional gut-punches, Fleabag ended with the character walking away, leaving the viewer behind. It has since become an iconic moment and rounds off a perfect show with no bad episodes.
Fleabag Has Only Gotten Better With Time
Fleabag has a rare 100% positive critics’ score on Rotten Tomatoes, which is well-deserved. The show has been marketed as a comedy, but it is more of an emotional character study, which casts the viewer as another character. While there are many TV shows that ingeniously break the fourth wall, Fleabag is in a league of its own,
Fleabag‘s reputation has grown since its release, and rewatching the show gives viewers more chances to appreciate the excellent writing and acting performances, especially from Waller-Bridge, who also wrote Fleabag. Comedies can be polarizing, as humor is so subjective. However, Fleabag‘s focus on universal human emotions and experiences keeps it relevant, attracting new viewers even years later.
Why Fleabag Will Never Get Old
Fleabag’s signature way of breaking the fourth wall and addressing viewers directly has often been imitated, but Fleabag is aging well because it does not just rely on this. The show centers on Fleabag’s journey, exploring grief, guilt, and forgiveness. All of these are universal experiences that are not rooted in a particular time period.
While the show’s twist is nothing short of genius for new viewers, Fleabag also holds up well on a rewatch. The heartbreaking reveal may no longer come as a surprise, but viewers can still appreciate the story itself, which is almost certain to remain relatable even decades later. With just two short seasons, Fleabag leaves us wanting more.
Will Fleabag Ever Return?
Fleabag‘s ending might have been abrupt and bittersweet as she leaves us behind, but the show’s ending had to happen this way. Fleabag leaves several unanswered questions, but the main story is resolved, with Fleabag ending up ready to move on with life after forgiving herself, and no longer needing validation from The Hot Priest or from us.
As much as we might want to know what happens to Fleabag, Phoebe Waller-Bridge has confirmed that she feels the story is complete. Many other comedies wrap their endings and loose ends fully, but Fleabag‘s lack of full closure mimics real life, making it an intentional part of the show’s brilliance. It is unlikely that this messy antihero will return.