Funny Woman Season 2: Release date, cast, plot, Trailer, & Everything we know so far

Get ready to rejoin the witty and determined Barbara Parker, also known as Sophie Straw, in the much-anticipated second season of Funny Woman! Portrayed by the talented Gemma Arterton, Sophie made waves in the 1960s TV landscape, rising to fame despite the challenges faced by women in a male-dominated industry. 

After a dramatic first season showcasing her struggles and triumphs in the comedy world, viewers were left eager to see how Sophie navigates her newfound celebrity. As the story continues, Sophie grapples with the pressures of fame and the longing to tell her own stories in a society that often reduces her to a mere comic muse.

Recent news has teased fans with the release of stunning first-look images from the new season and a trailer that hints at the exciting challenges and adventures awaiting Sophie.

In this article, we’ll uncover everything you need to know about Funny Woman season two, from its intriguing plot developments to exclusive insights behind the scenes. Prepare for surprises and twists as we keep you informed about this captivating journey's latest updates and revelations!

Release date & Where to Watch

Funny Woman season two premieres in the UK on Sky Max, Sky Showcase, and NOW on Friday, Sept. 6, 2024, at 9 pm GMT. Viewers can catch up on season one across the same platforms before the new series begins. Sky Max is free of cost in the UK, whereas a subscription for NOW starts at £6.99 a month.

While PBS has yet to announce a release date for season two in the US, it is anticipated to arrive in early 2025. This season features four episodes, slightly shorter than the first. 

How to Watch Funny Woman Season 2 Online from Anywhere

You can catch Funny Woman season two on NOW if you're in the UK. However, if you’re traveling abroad, geo-restrictions may prevent you from accessing the service. To circumvent these limitations, consider using a fast VPN to unblock NOW and stream the show from anywhere.

When picking the best VPN, prioritize one that offers fast and secure connections. NordVPN is an excellent choice, known for its reliability and robust privacy features, including a kill switch, DNS leak protection, threat protection, and a strict no-logs policy. What sets NordVPN apart is its risk-free 30-day trial and money-back guarantee.

Plot

In season two of Funny Woman, Sophie Straw finds herself increasingly frustrated with her role as the comic muse in traditional comedy shows. Seeking a more progressive avenue, she attempts to branch into art house cinema but discovers that the landscape isn't much different. Undeterred, Sophie decides to create her own comedy show, aiming to share her stories and amplify her authentic voice.

As the nation’s beloved TV comedy star, Sophie enjoys a close-knit group of friends and a promising romance with Dennis. However, challenges loom on the horizon: Dennis is going through a three-year divorce, Sophie's new sitcom fails, and she discovers a devastating family secret. In an effort to escape the chaos, she takes on a leading role in a film alongside a glamorous French heartthrob. The film becomes a hit, leading to a slick new US agent offering her a fresh start in Hollywood.

Despite this tempting opportunity, Sophie chooses to return to London, determined to reunite her friends and create a new show that reflects her real life while challenging outdated cultural norms. The synopsis highlights Sophie’s journey as she navigates personal and professional turmoil to prove that she and her friends truly embody what it means to be Funny Women.

Cast

• Gemma Arterton (Strawberry Fields in the Bond, Quantum of Solace, and The King’s Man) as Barbara Parker 
• Arsher Ali as Dennis Mahindra 

• Alistair Petrie as Ted Sargeant
• David Threlfall as Barbara’s father/George Parker
• Rosie Cavaliero as Barbara’s aunt/Marie Parker
• Alexa Davies as Marjorie Harrison
• Leo Bill as Tony 
• Clare-Hope Ashitey as Diane
• Steve Zissis (The Changeling, Togetherness)
• Marcus Rutherford (The Wheel of Time, Obey)
• Tim Key (The Witchfinder, This Time with Alan Partridge)
• Gemma Whelan (Game of Thrones, Cristóbal Balenciaga, The Tower) 
• Roisin Conaty (GameFace, Man Down)
• Rory Keenan (Somewhere Boy)
• Lydia Wilson (About Time)
• Lydia Leonard (The Crown)
• Jack Docherty (Scot Squad)
• Josie Lawrence (Father Brown)

Trailer

How did Funny Woman Season 1 end?

Based on Nick Hornby’s bestselling novel Funny Girl, season one of Funny Woman follows the journey of the brash, brainy, and beautiful Barbara as she leaves Blackpool for London to pursue her dreams of becoming an actress. However, the 1960s were not a supportive time for women in the industry, and Barbara faced pervasive misogyny at every turn. Undeterred by the challenges, her natural humor and charm helped her break into a mainstream TV sitcom, leading to the creation of her alter ego, Sophie Straw. Although Barbara fell for her egotistical co-star, Clive Richardson (Tom Bateman), she ultimately left him after his infidelity. In the end, she realizes that her true match is her kind-hearted producer, Dennis Mahindra (Arsher Ali).

Behind the Scenes

Funny Woman season two is produced by Potboiler and Rebel Park Productions in collaboration with Sky Studios. Anil Gupta serves as the Executive Producer for Sky Studios. The new series boasts an impressive team of executive producers, including Nick Hornby, Morwenna Banks, Gemma Arterton, Andrea Calderwood, Gail Egan, Jessica Parker, and Jessica Malik, with Ross Williams as the series producer. The writing team features multi-award-winning Morwenna Banks (Slow Horses) alongside BAFTA and Emmy winners Kevin Cecil and Andy Riley (both from Veep). Directing the series is BAFTA nominee Oliver Parker (The Great Escaper).

Morwenna Banks, the writer and Executive Producer for Funny Woman season two, expresses her excitement: “It’s a thrill to dive back into the world of 1960s London with the extraordinary cast and crew of Funny Woman series two. Thanks to the genius of Gemma Arterton as Nick Hornby’s heroine Sophie Straw, we have a whole host of new guest stars joining us, including stellar performances from Steve Zissis, Marcus Rutherford, Tim Key, Gemma Whelan, Roisin Conaty, and many more. Tune in, turn on, and don’t drop out!”