So, PBS viewers, get ready for another dose of 1960s London charm, wit, and big hair as Funny Woman returns for its second season. Gemma Arterton is back as Sophie Straw, the Blackpool beauty queen turned comedy sensation. Season 2 picks up with Sophie riding the wave of her newfound fame, but as we all know, the higher you climb, the harder you can fall (or at least stumble dramatically). Her relationship with Dennis (Arsher Ali) looks to blossom, but juggling love, career, and fame might prove more challenging than landing a punchline.
Returning alongside Arterton are Alistair Petrie, David Threlfall, and Rosie Cavaliero. Joining the cast this season are Steve Zissis and Gemma Whelan, who will undoubtedly stir the pot in their own distinctive ways. Based on Nick Hornby’s novel Funny Girl, the series attempts to capture the era’s comedic landscape with a modern sensibility.
Season 1 viewers will recall Sophie’s struggle to find her footing in the male-dominated world of comedy. One assumes the second season will tackle the ripple effects of her success. Will she become a victim of her own ambition? Will her friendships weather the storm of her changing circumstances?
Catch up on Season 1 via PBS.org, the PBS App, PBS Passport, and the PBS Masterpiece Prime Video Channel, then tune in to Season 2 which will premiere Sunday, February 2, 2025, at 10 p.m. ET on PBS.
Funny Woman is a co-production between Potboiler Television, Rebel Park Productions, and Sky Studios for PBS. Executive producers are Nick Hornby, Gemma Arterton, Morwenna Banks, Andrea Calderwood, Gail Egan, and Cindy Kerner. The series is written by Morwenna Banks, Kevin Cecil, and Andy Riley and directed by Oliver Parker. Distributed by NBCUniversal Global TV Distribution on behalf of Sky Studios.
