TV fans celebrate as 'greatest show ever created' marks nine-year anniversary

TV fans have celebrated as the "greatest show ever created" marked its nine-year anniversary this week.

Groundbreaking BBC drama Fleabag was created and written by Phoebe Waller-Bridge, and centred around a free-spirited woman living in London.

The series started as a one-woman show at Edinburgh Fringe Festival before transferring to the small screen in 2016. A second season followed in 2019.

READ MORE: British Airways flight declares 'emergency' as it's forced to divert

READ MORE: Lucy Letby and jail pal Beinash Batool get private use of prison salon and cafe

The fourth-wall-breaking show stars Phoebe as the titular character, who had no filter as she navigated life and love in the capital while trying to cope with tragedy.

"The angry, grief-riddled woman tries to heal while rejecting anyone who tries to help her, but Fleabag continues to keep up her bravado through it all," the synopsis adds.

Throughout the series, viewers were introduced to a number of eccentric characters, including Fleabag's stepmother Matrigna (Olivia Colman) and her forbidden love, the Hot Priest (Andrew Scott).

The cast also included Sian Clifford, Hugh Skinner, Jenny Rainsford, Bill Paterson and Brett Gelman.

Shortly after its premiere, the show received critical acclaim, with many reviewers branding it "one the greatest television series of all time".

TV fans also fell in love with the series, with one person writing on IMDb: "I don't remember when I last laughed so much at a series. I was hooked from the first episode. This series is perfect."

Another added: "I cannot say enough about how incredible this show is. I absolutely love it. I don't think I've ever watched anything more perfect. Phoebe is an incredible actress, writer, and creator. I desperately wish there could have been more seasons."

A third said: "It's the best I have ever seen. It's magic. The characters, the performances, the editing all a masterpiece. It's so intense yet so fresh," with another similarly sharing: "It was SO well done. Everyone involved should be so proud."

A fifth fan echoed the sentiment, saying: "I truly believe this is the best British comedy since Peep show and thoroughly enjoyed it in its entirety. Couldn't recommend this show more."

As well as positive reviews, Fleabag also received several prestigious awards.

Phoebe won a BAFTA for Best Female Comedy Performance for the first series, with the second series earning her Primetime Emmy Awards for Outstanding Comedy Series, Outstanding Lead Actress and Outstanding Writing for a Comedy Series.

As Fleabag celebrated its nine-year anniversary earlier this week, several fans took to X (formerly Twitter) to pay tribute to the beloved series.

"One of the best, happy nine years Fleabag," one person wrote, with another adding: "The best show ever premiered 9 years ago today."

If you haven't seen Fleabag yet, why not let this milestone be your sign to add it to your list. You definitely won't regret it.

Fleabag is available to stream on BBC iPlayer