Funny Woman
- TV comedy drama
- Sky Max
- 2023 - 2024
- 10 episodes (2 series)
Comedy about a fictional British comedy actor, based on Nick Hornby's book Funny Girl. Also features Gemma Arterton, Rupert Everett, David Threlfall, Tom Bateman, Arsher Ali and more.
Streaming rank this week: 827
Press clippings
Period dramedy Funny Woman is back for a second four-part outing on Sky Max. Based on Nick Hornby's novel Funny Girl and developed by Morwenna Banks, it stars Gemma Arterton as Barbara (stage name Sophie Straw), a 1960s comedian yearning to be the British Lucille Ball. There's a lively sweetness to Arterton's performance, and to the ensemble cast (David Threlfall, Arsher Ali, Alexa Davies and more), that keeps you watching even as Sophie's ambitions feel underwhelming. The edgy sitcom she wants to do is effectively The Liver Birds.
As much as Funny Woman is about single life, love and societal prejudice, it's also about television history: a pastiche of old discussion shows is extremely funny. Funny Woman isn't as strong as The Marvelous Mrs Maisel, but it's not without charm.
Barbara Ellen, The Observer, 8th September 2024Funny Woman Series 2 review
Rather than a technicolour nostalgia-fest, the series reminds us of a pervasive truth: some men, it seems, cannot handle a funny woman.
Antonia Georgiou, The Upcoming, 6th September 2024Funny Woman Series 2 review
Lopsided comedy drama can't decide if it's Ken Dodd or Ken Loach. Gemma Arterton has charisma to spare as a pioneering female comedian in 1960s London, but the show can't settle on a consistent tone.
Ed Power, The Telegraph, 6th September 2024Funny Woman Series 2 review
Gemma Arterton is tediously perfect.
Rachel Aroesti, The Guardian, 6th September 2024Funny Woman Series 2 review
This second series is sweet and nostalgic - but a little more edge wouldn't go amiss.
Rachael Sigee, i Newspaper, 6th September 2024'I didn't know romcoms were so fun!': the return of Gemma Arterton's utterly charming 60s drama
Being on set for Nick Hornby's Funny Woman is so entertaining that the cast struggle to keep a straight face while filming. We spend time behind the scenes of this love letter to swinging 60s London.
Hollie Richardson, The Guardian, 29th August 2024Sky reveals Funny Woman Series 2 details
The second series of Funny Woman will launch on Sky Max early in September.
British Comedy Guide, 6th August 2024Funny Woman Series 2 begins production
Production is underway on the second series of Funny Woman, the Sky comedy drama starring Gemma Arterton. Tim Key, Gemma Whelan and Roisin Conaty are amongst those joining the cast.
British Comedy Guide, 12th January 2024Funny Woman to return for Series 2
Sky has recommissioned period comedy Funny Woman, about a female comedian and writer in the 1960s, starring Gemma Arterton.
British Comedy Guide, 24th August 2023Broadcast Digital Awards 2023 nominations
Ellie & Natasia, Extraordinary, Funny Woman, Live At The Moth Club, Plebs and We Are Not Alone are amongst the nominees for the Broadcast Digital Awards 2023.
British Comedy Guide, 22nd May 2023