Desiree Akhavan
- Actor
Press clippings
The strongest instalment of Desiree Akhavan's on-point comedy flashed back to 2005, tracing the beginnings of Leila (Akhavan) and Sadie's (Maxine Peake) relationship, while offering a note-perfect representation of mid-noughties student life, a wistful world of snakebite, black-coated floors and landfill indie. Lovely.
Gwilym Mumford, The Guardian, 19th December 2018The best new TV comedies of October-December (Part 1)
Here's part 1 of the best new TV comedies that have aired in the UK over the last three months...
Sophie Davies, Cult Box, 15th December 2018Desiree Akhavan on finding slapstick in The Bisexual
Recently, Vulture spoke with Akhavan about her new show, filming awkward sex scenes, and why the term "bisexual" makes her uncomfortable.
Pilot Viruet, Vulture, 15th November 2018Why it took an American to talk about sex in UK comedy
As The Bisexual comes to a close on Channel 4, Gerard Gilbert explores how sex remains a deliciously bad-taste joke in British comedy.
Gerald Gilbert, The Independent, 14th November 2018The Bisexual, episode 6 review
A fearless, taboo-breaking comedy that's too light on jokes.
Michael Hogan, The Telegraph, 14th November 2018The Bisexual: review
The Bisexual will hopefully be the start of dispelling the myths and stigma surrounding bisexuality, and will open people's eyes to the wonderfully diverse spectrum that is sexuality and gender.
Samantha Yates, Telly Binge, 27th October 2018Groundbreaking comedy or a gag-light slog? Your mileage may vary on Desiree Akhavan's sexcom of manners, although the plot at least is moving at a decent clip. This week, Leila (Akhavan) wrestles with her newfound bisexuality, Sadie (Maxine Peake) makes a major life decision and home truths are divulged.
Gwilym Mumford, The Guardian, 24th October 2018The Bisexual: A comedy that wants to have it both ways
Brian Gleeson is the straight man in a sex comedy set among millennial Londoners.
Peter Crawley, The Irish Times, 18th October 2018Episode two of the comedy of awkwardness starring and co-created by the Iranian-American writer and actor Desiree Akhavan sees Leila fumble her way into the world of straight dating. Evidently, she is not over Sadie (Maxine Peake), who has taken up with another colleague - much to Leila's unconcealed chagrin. She is forced to endure some performance art involving a tarred and feathered self-thumper, while a scene on the London Overground highlights the pratfalls of giving up your seat.
David Stubbs, The Guardian, 17th October 2018The Bisexual is an empathetic portrait of friendship
Akhavan gently teases her characters, where a lazier comedy would rely on straightforward mockery.
Anna Leszkiewicz, The New Statesman, 17th October 2018