Phoebe Waller-Bridge‘s performance as the headstrong and cynical “Fleabag” has not only thrilled the British series world. But what about Fleabag season 3 of the dramedy series? Here’s everything we know.
Fleabag is one of the most acclaimed comedy-drama series of recent years produced by Amazon, created and written by the brilliant Phoebe Waller-Bridge, who also stars as the witty, flawed and hilarious title character. The show is based on her one-woman play that debuted at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival in 2013, and has since won numerous awards, including six Primetime Emmys and two Golden Globes.
The show follows Fleabag, a young woman living in London who struggles with grief, guilt, love and sex, while breaking the fourth wall to share her thoughts and feelings with the audience. The show also features a stellar cast of supporting characters, such as Fleabag’s uptight sister Claire (Sian Clifford), her passive-aggressive godmother (Olivia Colman), her charming but troubled father (Bill Paterson), and her love interest in season two, the ‘Hot Priest’ (Andrew Scott).
The show has been praised for its sharp writing, authentic portrayal of female sexuality, dark humor and emotional depth. However, fans of the show may be disappointed to learn that there are no plans for a third season of Fleabag, as Waller-Bridge has repeatedly stated that she has concluded the story of her beloved character. Here’s everything we know about why Fleabag season 3 is not happening, and what Waller-Bridge is working on next.
What is the ending of Fleabag?
Fleabag’s second and final season ended on a bittersweet note, as Fleabag and the Hot Priest confessed their love for each other, but realized that they could not be together. The Hot Priest decided to stay faithful to his vows and asked Fleabag not to come to his church anymore. As they parted ways at a bus stop, he told her “It’ll pass”, referring to their feelings. Fleabag then walked away from the camera, breaking the fourth wall for the last time, indicating that she no longer needed the audience as a coping mechanism.
The finale also wrapped up some of the other characters’ arcs, such as Claire leaving her husband Martin (Brett Gelman) for her Finnish colleague Klare (Christian Hillborg), Fleabag’s father marrying the godmother despite their dysfunctional relationship, and Fleabag reconciling with her brother-in-law Jake (Hugh Skinner), who revealed that he was gay. The show also paid tribute to Fleabag’s best friend Boo (Jenny Rainsford), who died by suicide after finding out that her boyfriend cheated on her with Fleabag.
Why does Fleabag have a sad ending?
Fleabag may have a sad ending for some fans who wanted to see Fleabag and the Hot Priest live happily ever after, but Waller-Bridge has explained that she wanted to give her character a realistic and satisfying conclusion. In an interview with The Hollywood Reporter, she said:
“I felt like it was so important that she didn’t end up with him because it would have been too easy. It would have been too easy for her to just go off into the sunset with this guy who was going to save her from herself. And I think it was more important for me that she saved herself.”
Waller-Bridge also said that she wanted to show that Fleabag had grown as a person and learned to let go of her past traumas and self-destructive habits. She said:
“I wanted her to have this moment where she looks back at us and goes ‘I’m OK’. And I think that’s what she does at the end. She goes ‘I’m OK’. And I think that’s what we all want for her.”
Is Fleabag season 3 cancelled?
Fleabag season 3 is not cancelled per se, but rather never intended to happen. Waller-Bridge has repeatedly stated that she has no plans to continue the story of Fleabag, and that the second season was the perfect ending for her character. She told Deadline in 2020: “I haven’t changed my mind about season 3. It feels more and more about being the right decision. (These awards shows) are just beautiful goodbyes. But there’s been so many goodbyes every time.”
So, unless Waller-Bridge changes her mind or finds a new inspiration for Fleabag’s journey, we’ll have to accept that season 2 was the final chapter of this brilliant show.
Is Fleabag coming back in 2023?
Some fans might be holding on to a glimmer of hope that Fleabag could return in 2023, based on a cryptic comment that Waller-Bridge made in 2019. She told The Hollywood Reporter: “I quite like the idea of coming back to her — well, me — when I’m 50. Because I feel like she would’ve had more life then, and God knows what she would have got up to.”
However, this was not a confirmation or a promise, but rather a hypothetical scenario that Waller-Bridge imagined. She also clarified that she was joking when she said that, and that she was not seriously considering reviving Fleabag in the future. She told The Guardian: “Oh God no! I think people have misunderstood what I meant by that. I just meant it as a joke because I think it’s funny to think about what she’d be like when she’s older.”
So, don’t get your hopes up for a Fleabag comeback in 2023. It’s very unlikely that Waller-Bridge will revisit her iconic character anytime soon.
Will there be a Fleabag Season 3?
The short answer is no. The long answer is maybe, but don’t hold your breath.
Waller-Bridge has made it clear that she is happy with how Fleabag ended in season 2, and that she doesn’t want to ruin it by adding more episodes. She told Vogue: “I feel like it’s done, but I do have a fantasy of bringing her back when I’m, like, 45 or 50. She went on such a journey over the past two seasons, and she finally got to a point where she has some sort of self-acceptance. But we know that can change for people throughout their lives.”
She also said that she would only consider writing more Fleabag if she had a really good idea for it, and if she felt like it was necessary. She told The New York Times: “I think if I had an idea that was good enough for her — that didn’t feel like an excuse just to bring her back — then maybe.”
So, while there is a slim chance that Waller-Bridge might change her mind or come up with a brilliant idea for Fleabag season 3, it’s very unlikely that we’ll see it anytime soon. For now, we’ll have to cherish our two seasons, and enjoy Waller-Bridge’s other projects, such as Killing Eve and No Time to Die.
Fleabag Season 3 Release Date: Speculation!
The first season of Fleabag premiered on BBC Three in July 2016, and the second season aired on BBC One in March 2019. Both seasons were also available on Amazon Prime Video in the US and other countries. However, Waller-Bridge has repeatedly stated that the second season was the final one, and that she has no plans to revisit the character of Fleabag anytime soon. She told The Hollywood Reporter in September 2019: “I feel like it’s done, but I do have a fantasy of bringing her back when I’m, like, 45 or 50. She went on such a journey over the past two seasons, and she started as someone who sort of hated herself and ended up as someone believing that she could love again and forgive herself. I have to respect that arc and let her go and live for a bit.”
However, fans have not given up hope that Waller-Bridge might change her mind and bring back Fleabag for another season. In June 2020, Andrew Scott, who played the “Hot Priest” in season two, hinted that there might be a possibility of a third season in the future. He told Times Radio: “I think we have to give it some time, there has to be a time [that’s] right for everybody. And who knows if that will happen or not. I think it’s important to let things percolate.” He also said he would love to work with Waller-Bridge again, whether on Fleabag or something else.
So, while there is no official confirmation or announcement of a third season of Fleabag, there is still some room for speculation and hope. The best guess is that it won’t be anytime soon if Waller-Bridge ever decides to revisit Fleabag. Maybe we’ll see her again in a few years, when she’s older and wiser (or not).
Fleabag Season 3 Plot: What’s Next?
The second season of Fleabag ended on a bittersweet note, with Fleabag saying goodbye to the Hot Priest at a bus stop, after he chose his faith over their relationship. She then walked away from the camera, breaking the fourth wall for the last time, as if to signal that she no longer needed us as her confidants. She also reconciled with her sister Claire, who decided to leave her husband Martin and pursue her crush Klare. Meanwhile, Fleabag’s father married Godmother, despite her being a manipulative and narcissistic artist.
So, what could happen next if there was a third season of Fleabag? Well, one possibility is that we could see how Fleabag copes with life after losing the love of her life (or at least one of them). Will she find someone else who can make her happy? Will she reconnect with her ex-boyfriend Harry or her one-night stand Arsehole Guy? Will she pursue her career as a cafe owner or try something new? Will she continue to deal with her grief over losing her best friend Boo?
Another possibility is that we could see how Claire’s life changes after leaving Martin and moving to Finland with Klare. Will she be happy with her new partner? Will she face any challenges or regrets? Will she keep in touch with Fleabag or drift apart? Will she have any children or adopt any?
Of course, these are just some possible scenarios that could happen in a hypothetical third season of Fleabag. The beauty of the show is that it’s unpredictable and surprising, so anything could happen. The only thing we can be sure of is that it would be funny, emotional, and brilliant.
Is Fleabag’s Name Ever Mentioned?
One of the mysteries of Fleabag is that we never learn the main character’s real name. She is only called “Fleabag” by herself and others. The name comes from Waller-Bridge’s childhood nickname, which she used as the title of her one-woman show that inspired the series. She explained to The Guardian in 2016: “It was my family nickname as far back as I can remember. It was meant as an endearment but had the edge of ‘you’re disgusting’. It just stuck.”
However, some fans have speculated that Fleabag’s name might be Phoebe, after Waller-Bridge herself. They point out that in the first episode of season one, when Fleabag is on a date with Arsehole Guy, he asks her her name, and she replies: “You know my name.” The camera then cuts to a close-up of her face, and some viewers claim that they can see her mouth the word “Phoebe”. However, this is not confirmed by Waller-Bridge or anyone else involved in the show, and it could just be a coincidence or a misinterpretation.
Another theory is that Fleabag’s name might be revealed in the original script of the series, which was published as a book in 2019. However, this is also not the case, as the script only refers to her as “Fleabag” throughout. So, it seems that Fleabag’s name remains a secret, and maybe that’s for the best. As Waller-Bridge told The New York Times in 2019: “I like that her name is something I know and nobody else does.”
Fleabag Season 3 Cast: Who’s in it?
If there was a third season of Fleabag, we would expect most of the main cast to return, unless their characters died or moved away. That means we would see:
- Phoebe Waller-Bridge as Fleabag
- Sian Clifford as Claire
- Olivia Colman as Godmother
- Bill Paterson as Dad
- Brett Gelman as Martin
- Andrew Scott as the Hot Priest (maybe)
- Hugh Skinner as Harry
- Ben Aldridge as Arsehole Guy
- Jamie Demetriou as Bus Rodent
- Kae Alexander as Elaine
- Anthony Welsh as Jack
- Ray Fearon as Hot Misogynist
- Christian Hillborg as Klare
- David Hargreaves as Chatty Joe
- Angus Imrie as Jake
Depending on the third season’s plot and setting, we might also see some new characters or guest stars. For example, we could see some of Fleabag’s new love interests, friends, or enemies. We could also see some of Claire’s colleagues or neighbors in Finland. Or we could see some of Godmother’s artistic friends or rivals. The possibilities are endless.
Where can to Watch Fleabag?
If you want to watch or rewatch Fleabag, you have several options. In the UK, you can stream both seasons of Fleabag on BBC iPlayer for free. You can also buy or rent the episodes on Amazon Prime Video, iTunes, Google Play, or YouTube. With a subscription, you can stream both seasons of Fleabag on Amazon Prime Video in the US and other countries. You can also buy or rent the episodes on iTunes, Google Play, or YouTube.
Fleabag Season 3 Trailer: Is there a teaser?
Unfortunately, there is no trailer or teaser for Fleabag season 3, because there is no official confirmation or announcement of a third season yet. However, you can watch the trailers and teasers for Fleabag’s first and second seasons on YouTube or other platforms. You can also watch some clips and interviews from the show on YouTube or other platforms.
Similar Shows Like Fleabag
If you love Fleabag and want to watch some similar shows like it, here are some recommendations:
- Crashing: This is another comedy-drama series created by and starring Waller-Bridge, which aired on Channel 4 in 2016. It follows six twenty-somethings who live together as property guardians in a disused hospital.
- Killing Eve: This is a spy thriller series created by Waller-Bridge and based on the novels by Luke Jennings. It stars Sandra Oh as Eve Polastri, a bored MI5 agent who becomes obsessed with Villanelle (Jodie Comer), a psychopathic assassin.
- Catastrophe: This is a comedy series created by and starring Sharon Horgan and Rob Delaney. It follows an Irish woman and an American man who start a relationship after she gets pregnant from a one-night stand.
