A side of dark humor with an insightful look at the effects of grief… perfect for anyone who has ever experienced the pain and joy of healing from trauma.

Without giving away too many spoilers, this show is about a woman grieving the death of her soulmate. Fleabag, the name given for writer and actress Phoebe Waller-Bridge’s character, self-identifies as a sex addict with questionable relationship choices. She’s lonely, pessimistic, and struggles throughout the entire series to grieve her loss while navigating difficult family dynamics, hoping it will lead to healing. When you watch Fleabag struggle through breakups or mundane daily occurrences, you feel her exhaustion, even if it’s masked by her witty, dark humor. The show encapsulates the fear of letting go of pain and discovering a truer, less hurt version of yourself.

A bold and daring comedy, Fleabag manages to explore themes of betrayal, trauma, and fear while also pushing the boundaries of what TV can be. Phoebe Waller-Bridge—creator, star, and head-writer of Fleabag—is a genius, and no one can convince me otherwise! I have seen few instances of TV being able to delicately balance comedy and real drama, and of those that manage to hold the line, Fleabag is number one. This is largely because Fleabag is one of the most relatable characters I’ve seen on television. She’s toxic but she’s also kind, and constantly trying to do better.

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Watching Fleabag felt like watching my own life during periods of upheaval. It felt like a mirror reflecting what it's like to screw up over and over but keep trying to do right by yourself and others. The show is raw and rare. Fleabag is a real portrayal of a human experience, and especially highlights the ups and downs of navigating the world as a woman. I cannot recommend this show enough, and in fact writing this makes me want to start my third re-watch tonight.