Tuesdays, Dec. 3, 2024 - Jan. 7, 2025 at 7 p.m. on KPBS 2 / Stream now with KPBS Passport!
FUNNY WOMAN is the story of Barbara Parker, a small-town beauty queen who dares to have bigger dreams. It’s the 1960s when Barbara sets off for London, determined to follow in the footsteps of her idol, American actress and comedienne Lucille Ball. Barbara packs her bags and heads off to the city where she looks to take on the male-dominated world of comedy by storm.
It’s the height of the swinging 60s and Barbara Parker has just been crowned Miss Blackpool – but she’s certain there has to be more to life than being a beauty queen in a seaside town. With the bright lights of London calling, Barbara packs her bags and heads off to the city where she looks to take on the male-dominated world of comedy by storm.
EPISODE GUIDE:
Episode 1: encore Tuesday, Dec. 3, 2024 at 7 p.m. on KPBS 2 - Beauty queen Barbara Parker sets off to London and embarks on her dream to work in show business.
Barbara, determined to be seen for the comedy playhouse, sneaks her way into an audition. Once inside, she meets the producer, writers, and star of the show – only to then realize she doesn’t have the audition material prepared. Stream Funny Woman now on pbs.org and the PBS app.
Episode 2: encore Tuesday, Dec. 10, 2024 at 7 p.m. on KPBS 2 - Barbara lands a lead role in a new TV sitcom, but just as she’s about to realize her dream, news from home threatens to derail her plans. Will she return to Blackpool or seize her moment in London?
Barbara lands a lead role in a new sitcom. But just as she’s about to realize her dream, news from home threatens to derail her plans.
Episode 3: encore Tuesday, Dec. 17, 2024 at 7 p.m. on KPBS 2 - Barbara’s life changes overnight. Intoxicated by success, she embarks on a romance with Clive.
The show is a huge hit and Barbara’s (aka Sophie Straw) life changes overnight. Intoxicated by success, she embarks on a romance with co-star, Clive.
Episode 4: encore Tuesday, Dec. 24, 2024 at 7 p.m. on KPBS 2 - Barbara and Clive’s off-screen romance is the talk of the town, but she makes a discovery that threatens to bring down the whole show.
Sophie and Clive’s off-screen romance is the talk of the town. But Sophie makes a discovery that threatens to bring down the whole show.
Episode 5: encore Tuesday, Dec. 31, 2024 at 7 p.m. on KPBS 2 - Barbara is banished to Blackpool to await her fate and wonders if her career is over. A remorseful Clive decides to win her back. Will Barbara forgive him?
Episode 6: encore Tuesday, Jan. 7, 2025 at 7 p.m. on KPBS 2 - The team reunites to record the last show. It is a triumph, but there are a few surprises still in store for Barbara as the series reaches its finale.
The team reunites to record the last show. It is a triumph. But there are a few surprises still in store for Sophie as the series reaches its finale.
Watch On Your Schedule: Binge all six episodes of this series with KPBS Passport!
Credits: Directed by Oliver Parker. Adapted for the screen by Morwenna Banks, from the best-selling Nick Hornby novel "Funny Girl."
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For Barbara (Gemma Arterton), being crowned Miss Blackpool Belle may not be enough.
© Potboiler Productions; © Sky UK Limited
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Barbara (Gemma Arterton) makes fast friends with another funny woman, the clever and sarcastic Marjorie (Alexa Davies).
© Potboiler Productions; © Sky UK Limited
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On the television set of the new sitcom, "The Jim and Barbara Show."
© Potboiler Productions; © Sky UK Limited
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Barbara (Gemma Arterton) and Clive (Tom Bateman) share a toast.
© Potboiler Productions; © Sky UK Limited
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Barbara (Gemma Arterton) and Diane (Clare-Hope Ashitey) discuss their latest career moves.
© Potboiler Productions; © Sky UK Limited
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Barbara (Gemma Arterton) and Clive (Tom Bateman) share a dance.
© Potboiler Productions; © Sky UK Limited
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Gemma Arterton as Barbara, now national muse Sophie Straw, in FUNNY WOMAN.
© Potboiler Productions; © Sky UK Limited
