Phoebe Waller-Bridge, Sian Clifford & Brett Gelman Talk Season 2 Of "Fleabag"

"Fleabag" is a hilarious and poignant window into the mind of a dry-witted, sexual, angry, grief-riddled woman, as she hurls herself at modern living in London. Award-winning playwright Phoebe Waller-Bridge writes and stars as Fleabag, an unfiltered woman trying to heal, while rejecting anyone who tries to help her and keeping up her bravado all along. Creator/star Phoebe Waller-Bridge and co-stars Sian Clifford, Brett Gelman joined BUILD to discuss season 2 of the show.
BUILD is a live interview series like no other-a chance for fans to sit inches away from some of today’s biggest names in entertainment, tech, fashion and business as they share the stories behind their projects and passions. Every conversation yields insights, inspiration and plenty of surprises as moderators and audience members ask questions. It all happens several times a day live and live-streamed on BUILDseries.com.
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[@__Agony_]

When the priest was able to "see" the camera, i felt exposed..

[@jennywen8050]

• That’s exactly how I felt!

[@lauratrezise1202]

I got a bit of a shock and rewatched every instance when he looked directly into the camera, just to make sure haha

[@hannathompson7998]

totally! I had a little gasp

[@SvetlanaKoshkareva]

Agreed. Me too

[@souljacem]

that was one of the greatest stylistic choices ever!

[@beni6063]

Fun fact: Phoebe fought to cast Sian as Claire, the producers wanted a more well known actress but Phoebe refused

[@candidlyopinionated19]

Thank God, I couldn’t imagine anyone else as Claire. Her comedic timing is just excellent.

[@NikolayIskrev]

@@candidlyopinionated19 and she did look like a pencil (with that haircut) :)

[@achillesmichael5705]

source?

[@scouser2010ify]

I actually can’t imagine anyone else playing Claire

[@marka8817]

@@NikolayIskrev i saw it somewhere that she doesn't look but emits pencil energy and i mist agree with it more 😂😂😂

[@aquablushgirl]

Fleabag is the sort of programme that comes around maybe once or twice in a lifetime. There is nothing else like it. Phoebe deserves all the praise and all the rewards and even though she says she won't bring it back, I really really hope she does.

[@courtneytunnicliffe8760]

aquablushgirl 100th like 😁

[@fayeevpt]

Try ‘Flowers’

[@travisspazz1624]

It will be great to see Fleabag and Mrs. Maisel go head to head in the comedy category at the Emmys. Both are phenomenally well done!!

[@therealgodessisis5004]

Actually it is the same format as chewing gum.

[@seabassseabass8835]

Try Pulling... it's also a BBC show

[@quietastronaut]

The entire show is amazing but Sian as Claire was the highlight for me. I got the feeling she's the kind of character that, in most shows, you're not really supposed to like (if that makes sense). But Sian just made her so genuinely funny and utterly loveable.

[@mayalucia5915]

Yessssss!!!

[@Yai94]

Yes!!!

[@MegBabel]

Phoebe Waller-Bridge is probably THE most talented writer of our time and of her generation.

[@ValerieVfc]

And when she talks about using the camera in an original way, you feel that her talent is boundless.

[@Gay-Icon]

No I am.

[@Dad-fu9gt]

Totally agree.

[@tdreamgmail]

Ugh

[@nejuw]

@@ValerieVfc didn't Miranda do it first?

[@chiedu90069]

I'm NOT surprised that Sian and Phoebe have known each other for years. Their chemistry and wordless understanding is one of the reasons I'm watching the show for the third time.

[@ValerieVfc]

"There's so much room for failure without embarassement". That really shows how much of a great leader Phoebe is.

[@sarab8712]

That stuck with me too.

[@jjgallardo02]

Her hair just keeps falling in this chic way 💗

[@Dramatis_personae09]

Sheek*

[@MsLuna-cv6lf]

That line cracks me up every time!

[@layma5113]

Sian aggressively complimenting Phoebe is my new favourite thing 😂😍

[@charlie5115]

Laima I love their friendship, hope she makes an appearance in Killing Eve 🤞

[@MarinaAndTheDevil]

Charlie 🤞🤞🤞🤞🤞

[@rachelchew5890]

Zip it haha

[@ogechukwuokpala9607]

It's so cute!

[@eva2s]

Can we get (at least) an hour long conversation with Phoebe and Andrew Scott please please please :)

[@anaximandros9649]

I love how Claire says "Phoebe is the least egotistical person I know" and then the camera cuts to the studio and they're just sitting under a massive poster of her as God XD

[@Valeria-98]

I think fleabag is the most well written show I've ever seen

[@lazaromurad322]

Everyone was great but I think Sian Clifford was just impeccable her performance was so real bravo to Sian!

[@kelvinlee8919]

I look like a pencil!

[@guilhermemello525]

Villanelle V 😂😂😂😂 And she really did look like a pencil! 😂😂😂

[@kelvinlee8919]

Do you have a favorite collaborative moment between you and Phoebe? SIan : Phoebe is an uncompromising artist. She’s always improving as we go along, even in a script where I genuinely can’t fathom how it can be improved. My favorite moment is when she came up with the line for Claire, “I look like a pencil.” It was only our second day filming and we were in a tent outside and someone was fiddling with my costume. I can still see this image of Phoebe sprinting across the park where we were filming, and she gets to me and says, “What about, I look like a pencil?!” We have a unique way of working together because we trust each other so much. She’ll experiment with me a lot because, having gone through drama school together, we’re not embarrassed to fail or make mistakes in front of one another. -Vulture.com interview

[@Trollika_Devi]

No its just modern

[@candidlyopinionated19]

It’s chic.

[@carolalves5779]

Claire, it's french!

[@cami.s1016]

Watched the whole interview waiting for Phoebe to look at the camera lol

[@telectronix1368]

21:14

[@kelvinlee8919]

Praise be the timestamp.

[@iksi17]

Phoebe Waller-Bridge is a bloody genius and I'll fight anyone to claim otherwise! I don't think I've ever been so curious about the future of anyone's career. She has a marvelous mind and I'm completely sure there's a lot more moving, relatable, and hilarious stuff coming from her. The way she breaks the 4th wall, where it finds its way back into the scene and influences the communication between the characters is a work of pure genius - fans will know what I'm talking about.

[@elenagobbetti3932]

I discover the 4th wall breaking with house of cards (pretty late), PWB is on another level tho!!

[@jasonclark8425]

Buster Keaton and Laurel & Hardy used to break the fourth wall regularly. Shakespeare's use of soliloquies did the same centuries before. It's a relatively good television show which is clearly well written, nothing more or less. Its constant deification is quite frankly baffling.

[@kelvinlee8919]

The good artists copy, great artists steal.

[@yomo1690]

@Maya Patel if you think Miranda was even close time of the first. Then......I don't know what to say. But even so Phoebe's use is completely different and more nuanced.

[@janeh4525]

@Maya Patel OP didn't say Phoebe pioneered the technique. Being the first at doing something doesn't make them the best. Phoebe has masterfully reinvented this common technique and OP was referring to that.

[@TrenosUK]

Can we have a hand for Sian Clifford winning a supporting actress award for a tv series Olivia Coleman was a supporting actress in?

[@toria7242]

Series two is the best thing I have ever watched. The depth and nuance of it all - that scene especially with kristin scott thomas is one of THE MOST amazing things. In short, Phoebe is a genius.

[@Gay-Icon]

'Women are born with pain built inside them'. I'll never forget those words.

[@toria7242]

CATHOLIC THOT I know exactly. It was beautiful

[@lauraindira8421]

Tori A fully agree with you!

[@starrynightmp3]

Season 2 just destroyed me, in a good way.

[@seabassseabass8835]

Try Pulling... it's a BBC show.

[@InLoveWithTheRainbow]

I feel like the last scene destroyed some part of me in a rather bad way :D

[@adampickard9880]

Sian acting was golden

[@orangew3988]

1. Didn't realise Fleabag was on Amazon in the US? Just would have assumed it would have been BBC America. 2. My favourite thing of the whole series is the relationship between the sisters. It just feels so relatable, in that they obviously have such history which weighs down every conversation they have. That feelings where your family are both always there for you, but also always let you down in exactly the way you knew they would. I love it, it's a joy to watch.

[@cahinton.]

We get lots and lots and lots of British TV shows on streaming services like Amazon Prime, Netflix, and Hulu. BBC America only airs a tiny fraction of what are probably the "biggest" shows in the UK, or shows specifically made for BBC America. PBS is another station that plays a lot of British shows on Masterpiece Theatre.

[@DemonRuby]

I have watched almost everything, never seen ANYTHING like this in my life.. Every single actor is phenomenal and the characters are disgustingly real, flawed and relatable, every single scene is outstanding, almost every line is memorable, superb editing, directing, writing.. I watched the entire series twice within a week. I feel it's not the last time.

[@quietestkitten]

That moment at around 14:45 where Brett mentions that Phoebe changed the script because it was the wrong character's voice, that shows a skilled writer. I've seen plenty of shows with really clever dialogue, but you don't get the distinctness of voice between the different characters. They all kind of speak in the writer's voice.

[@Hylss]

I'm drunk back from a pop quiz night at a pub, watching this and I just love these people, this show. I love all of them. She's such a good writer.

[@romancandleofthewild]

Love the little anecdote you threw there. Hope the pop quiz night was riveting.

[@alexhenderson1838]

how did you do on the quiz? :) did you win?

[@TacoFreebiee]

I am so glad she did a second season. This show is a gem and it's one of those shows that you just adore and love because it's different.

[@celloafterdark4173]

Fleabag made me examine the way I love and care for the people close to me in my own life. It helps me accept their flaws and love their flaws because it’s a part of who they are. Really amazing, big fan!! ❤️❤️❤️

[@jxalmada66]

so weird to see Sian smile

[@mexDpeace]

The interviewer is so good! I just hate it when interviewers seem to know nothing about films or the project!

[@jenniferbond7073]

And interrupt.

[@kimmywebster]

Superb writer, actor and superb series. The sister relationship is one of the most amazing things ever. Brilliant acting.

[@GiantSandles]

The first season was already great but the second one is better and it's not even really close, probably the best season of anything I've seen in a while

[@taisthomsensilveira2312]

Same

[@charlie5115]

I literally said "YEEES" out loud when I saw this recommended, fangirling a bit now. A big fan of both Fleabag and Killing Eve, Phoebe Waller-Bridge deserves an OBE already tbh.

[@vintagemidcentury2693]

Come on she is to fucking cool for all that shite

[@jash3881]

I really saw my family in fleabag's family. I have a complicated relationship with my 2 brothers, mainly with my big sister, and she reminded me of Claire, or more specifically, they way I see her and our relationship is how fleabag sees her sister. It's a love hate relationship. Also, her dad is exactly my dad, afraid to talk about anything meaningful and emotional. I do get the feeling that he loves me, but maybe do not like me. I really love my family, but I can't stand them sometimes . The show captures this essence of family, the group of people that you might not like but you definitely love with all your heart.

[@mayalucia5915]

Wow well said

[@gianlucapapale346]

Just finished the show and it’s just GORGEOUS. I’m sad that it’s ended but at the same time happy that it exists, that we have this uncorrupted gem, only two seasons, but perfect in their own way.

[@lourianelay2731]

Phoebe Waller-Bridge is an absolute genius! And Ricky Camilleri is an amazing interviewer I think, he creates a space for his guests to dance freely but also lead them in a very witty way.

[@lennychen3294]

This is a good interview. He actually asks smart questions and all the interviewees gave brilliant answers.

[@tomwilliams3342]

I hope we see alot more of Sian.. ideally playing characters written by Phoebe but either way 👏👏👏

[@ellithomas6456]

I can just tell this show is one that I will come back to and continuously binge watch as I grow older. I believe it is a once in a lifetime series and I can't wait to think about how much I appreciate it and learn/understand more about the show as I get older. Idk man but that's just what I feel. There's nothing like this and I don't think there ever will be :)

[@starrynightmp3]

Hope Phoebe can get even more recognition because she’s just absolutely a genius.

[@coffeecake8835]

She's getting massive recognition! 👍🙂

[@allaboutsunshines]

I hope the US appreciates this season as much as the UK did! It deserves all the recognition!

[@MrIcemanuk2007]

I doubt it as US comedies are soo shit with canned laughter, it won't be half as appreciated in the US as it is in the UK they just don't have the same sense of humour as we do.

[@mankoka03]

@@MrIcemanuk2007 So true!! I'm European living in the US but addicted to UK series; drama and comedy as well. Cannot even compare. The only US comedy I watch is Mom.

[@sarahcascio2222]

I'm in the US, and I love the shit out of this series. I am finding myself more and more enraptured with UK content; especially comedy. We are so watered down and pc here it is insane. Nobody understands sarcasm. It's shit.

[@cahinton.]

​@@MrIcemanuk2007 I really resent the misconception British people have about how different they think humor is in the US and the UK. Unfortunately, because the US has a massively larger media market, we also have a lot more crap (which is likely what you're basing your assessment on). However, if you sift through the trash, there is a lot of very witty, intelligent, well-written comedy coming out of the US. Phoebe Waller-Bridge said it herself in an interview with Vogue that there really isn't a difference between British and American humor; if it's truly funny, everyone laughs. I've been talking to all sorts of people I know about this show and so many of us are hooked! Comedies are the best when the characters are relatable, and this show really does that for me. I think American audiences would agree with that.

[@janeh4525]

@@cahinton. you're definitely right about having to wade through crap tv in the US. It seems easier to produce witty, smart comedies in the UK since the BBC has really set a standard. They seem to value high quality screenplay over the usual money grabbing schemes in America.

[@_enan4818]

Phoebe is the leader of our generation... Fleabag season 2 was so much better than the first one - it really dealt with so many interesting and relatable themes we often don’t get to see in television or in comedies.. also, I wanted Oliva Colman to be here but you know, she’s an Oscar winner now, she’s probably at a palace eating cake surrounded by bunnies. Lol

[@GabyBauzile]

Fleabag is a fucking gift for television and Phoebe is a fucking genius. Season two was amazeballs and the end made me cry especially the music 😢.....”it will pass”😭😭😭

[@peteradaniel]

US audiences are up for a treat! This aired in the UK and it was better than the first season. If she doesn't receive awards for this would be criminal.

[@elenagobbetti3932]

Everything this woman touches, it turns into gold. she is so damn talented, one of a kind, I’m so interested in what the future will bring to her

[@amalleey101]

please watch this show!!! It made me laugh and cry best show i've seen in agesss!!!!

[@harmanmadhok]

Part of why this interview was so interesting was because the interviewer himself has a personality and seemed to have genuine interest in the show.

[@jasonallan8009]

Insanity. When I'm not binge watching Fleabag, I watch these little nuggets in between. Always felt British television is far better, Phoebe is one of the best plays/Limited Series I've ever seen. Love you fellow fans. ♡♡♡

[@peteradaniel]

My favourite character is the hairdresser.

[@maggiemcfly5267]

"if you want to change your life, change your life!" Yeah, that one hit me hard.

[@TheRVisions]

Antony!! As soon as he's all relaxed asking the assistant to bring over the bin, you're like ohh shit, Claire.

[@Andyontherocks]

Kadiff Kirwan is a funny dude. He was in a short lived bbc comedy called Crims set in a young offenders institution. It might not be to everybody's liking but he was the best thing in it.

[@agentf90]

I’m stunned by how much they’ve given away in the US trailer! I’m glad the U.K. kept the surprises.

[@justhangingaround804]

He is such a well researched interviewer. Love it.

[@Ktwood1]

It took me a minute to figure out season one is online.. love the show ..

[@tomwilliams3342]

Just discovered your interviews (chanel). Such an informed and intelligent approach to the art & craft of writing, acting and other associated dark arts.. really enjoyable and informative! Great work! Loved your interview with Jodie Comer too 👏👏

[@lilia310]

Thank you for the second season!!! I find it AMAZING!!!!❤

[@r0minka]

This is by far one of the best series I know

[@hilarykoh]

I’m so glad she didn’t just stop at season 1

[@xhshan5549]

This show is just BRILLIANT! I am so happy they are doing interviews for the Amazon relese! Hope Andrew was there as well.

[@DavidChow]

A great treat given it's all done and dusted in the UK, as Ricky clearly loves this program (I watched his interview before watching season 1) and has a rapport with Phoebe. Makes for an enjoyable interview and discussion.

[@Greenhouse444]

Love this show so much, gotta be one of the best written shows in recent history. May have to go revisit

[@LauraRobayo]

OMG I loved her final comment!!! reaction from pain and fear of vulnerability!

[@barrymiller99]

Series 1 was an incredible achievement. I have been so looking forward to seeing series 2, and now even more so after watching this..

[@GuessMyName7623]

The best part of the interview is the interviewer. He was very articulate, passionate and knew just the right things to ask.

[@ericapereira2304]

the Sian's accent it's wonderful!

[@angelinafonzz6233]

Erica Pereira where is she from?

[@HeartShapedDreams]

I absolutely adore Phoebe 😍 Love from Chile 💕

[@RosablueHandMade]

The best show deserved the very best interviewer! Thank you!

[@hkearpgirl]

Fleabag is so good!!!!!

[@cilcullen129]

I’m American and think Fleabag is brilliant! I started watching the second season and was blown alway.. Phoebe is incredibly talented, as an actor and a writer.. Can’t wait for the third season..

[@dodec8449]

I doubt it will be there

[@Isleofskye]

That's not how The English do it. Invariably, 2 quality series and Goodnight like The Office UK and Fawlty Towers, which were 2 of our best comedy shows..

[@jesperjee]

There shouldn’t be a third season. That is like eating another bag of chips when your full. It was perfect!

[@encaucen222]

Best interviewer I've seen/heard in a long time!

[@srb-ef3zs]

What a fantastic interviewer. Very rare these days.

[@rainforestmints2341]

I think if there is a season 3 it should be us, the camera, kicks her door down and say nah we back.

[@williambruno392]

best tv ive EVER seen!!!!

[@KJ-je9pm]

This show is so underrated. Its so fucking good!

[@rachellebautista4971]

love the show from philippines!

[@RB-oz1mm]

Favorite show. Perfect. Also: orange curdoroy suit!!! Brett. 👍🏼

[@rishitapal4172]

Okay baby yes for season 3 please

[@gillianmaynard4468]

Loved season two so much. So many layers. I can’t imagine it coming back it ended perfectly for me.

[@uhate9559]

Love the show

[@dollyhoneypie]

She’s an actual genius

[@msvideos234]

gosh, this woman is absolutely brilliant.

[@besponja91]

I NEED SEASON 3 I DONT GIVE A F*** ABOUT ARTISTIC INTEGIRTY I NEED MORE PHOEBE XD

[@Furrylittleproblem12]

I loved Fleabag. I'm so sad it's over.

[@canttouchdylan]

Fleabag is an amazing show and it seems like it was a really satisfying project to work on! I also have to commend Ricky for a great interview - I love it when the interviewer is a huge fan and asks such interesting and intelligent questions!

[@unsung-715]

Phoebe Waller bridge is a genius ❤️😍

[@otom3487]

Phoebe Waller Bridge is what Lena Dunham tried to be but failed miserably. real talent always jumps out!

[@iansmart4158]

Lena May be insufferable, but she is a good writer (some girls episodes are really spectacular). Plus she had a collaborator unlike PWB.

[@goldblumlover3037]

@@iansmart4158 Yeah I have to agree with Lena is talented but she Phoebe is so fully formed its remarkable i still think Lena has a ton of growing to do as writer and as artist.

[@iansmart4158]

@@goldblumlover3037 I get people say this because GIRLS was kind of inconsistent with quality (mostly really good tho) but if you rewatch season 1 (like I have recently)-- That show and Lena as a writer/performer is so fully formed and wonderful it's nuts. GIRLS season 1 is probably the best "comedy" the show has ever done and is on par with (if not better) than S1 of Fleabag. now S2 Fleabag is a different story; that's just perfect.

[@joehughey3213]

is it so hard to praise one without belittling the other?

[@Trollika_Devi]

Phoebe hasnt been dumbed down by the 'millenial culture' in the U.S. Dunham is talented but she wastes most of her energy trying to be woke whereas Phoebe doesnt try she just gets it right in an understated way.

[@siddharthnaagar7028]

This show is a masterpiece

[@joannelg06]

I love all of the characters, Fleabag, hot priest, the stepmother. But Claire is so special. I've never seen a character quite like her and I wish I had a sister like her IRL.

[@sassypants7536]

Honestly, Fleabag is the perfect name for Phoebe's character. She's obviously dealing with the loss of her mum and best friend in not a very healthy way. I love Phoebe's looks to camera, she's hilarious.

[@strawberrissa2769]

The interviewer is so good

[@mica1183]

The second season IS THE BEST

[@kayo4275]

SOOOOOOOO DEEEEEEEEEPLY inspired and in love this show and the rawness PWB brings to these characters. She FUCKING Executed!

[@erinmullen1229]

Where’s Claire?

[@coffeecake8835]

👀

[@tutonelylesnaranjo6311]

Bravo all. Brilliant performances. I’ve never laughed so hard. So much irony and truth. Brave script. Seems like it was improv although I know it wasn’t. So spontaneous. Please come back for Season 3 Phoebe.❤️👍☀️

[@ednaroca8447]

Favourite scene to film: “The first episode “ & “The very very last scene of the hall thing as well “. Yep. It won’t past.

[@jesperjee]

It’s so goddamn good!!

[@susanknutie270]

Phoebe waller bridge is phenomenal. I hope she does a third series. She is brilliant

[@iainrae6159]

One feels sorry for those who have not seen series 2. A work of genius and will surely win all avaiable awards .

[@Puckle6]

Why make him, "wrap"! Could have happily watched this for hours.

[@estherk5786]

Third Season ... You must have Claire with a completely shaved head. Love that she changes her hair in almost every scene! 😆

[@thebluedan]

Brett nailed it, honesty of the characters...that not easy to get at.

[@mipatataquierido]

Fantastic script, casting and performance. The last point Phoebe mentioned about people are muted or being mean and cool to those they cared, not just with British but in fact lots of us.

[@TinaTr84]

I was, for some reason unknown to me, really determined to not like Phoebe Waller-Bridge and her work. But Fleabag absolutely blew my mind. One of the very few TV series that got better with a second season. Kudos to her.

[@yanageorge2001]

Tooba Tr did you see her first in Broadchurch? I felt the same due to that character. She’s phenomenal!

[@TinaTr84]

@@yanageorge2001 Hi! I actually saw Broadchurch after Fleabag bc I became obsessed with both Olivia and Phoebe! Fleabag introduced me to some good things (like also Fiona Shaw and Andrew Scott; though I was already familiar with him from Sherlock)

[@yanageorge2001]

Tooba Tr Andrew Scott was great in fleabag, so horribly good in Sherlock. He’s lovely. And Olivia Colman is wonderful. Fabulous combination of talent in fleabag.

[@TinaTr84]

@@yanageorge2001 I agree. So many good things.