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Anybody who has seen even the first few minutes of episode one of season one of Fleabag will understand when I ask: How will this show ever work with a conservative audience such as, I don’t know… the greying members of the upper echelons of the Japanese parliament?
Well, Phoebe Waller-Bridge’s award-winning, hilarious, off-kilter (and at times deeply crass) comedy has been picked up by Japanese pay-TV outfit Wowow. Sure, the show airs on BBC Three in the UK and on Amazon in most other international markets but in a traditionally more conservative culture, how will this series really be received?
Series two of Fleabag – which wrapped in April – is the final instalment and peek into the life of Waller-Bridge’s titular character (whose name we never come to know). It explores the Londoner’s lonely life as she grapples with the death of her best friend, her troublesome family, running a rundown cafe and navigating some pretty awful and unfulfilling relationships. But the writing is absolutely brilliant and a show like you’ve never seen before. (Hello, the most confronting breakdown of the fourth wall.)
GRAZIA was on ground this year at the Emmy Awards in Los Angeles to see Waller-Bridge take home every award imaginable – Outstanding Comedy Series, Best Lead Actress, Casting In A Comedy Series, two Best Supporting Actress awards for Olivia Coleman and Sian Clifford and two Best Guest Actress awards for Kristin Scott Thomas and Fiona Shaw. “I find writing really, really hard and really painful, but I’d like to say just honestly from the bottom of my heart that the reason that I do it is this,” Waller-Bridge said on stage at the Microsoft Theatre as she held her first Emmy.
Wowow has been busy stocking up on UK-produced shows having also attained Baptise, Liar and Mrs Wilson.
Japan, I’m not sure how Fleabag will go – but I’m excited for your feedback. Get ready to rumble.
