Introduction
The phrase “Better dead than single” has never sounded more disturbingly funny than in the BBC’s Bafta-winning dark comedy, Such Brave Girls. Created by Kat Sadler and co-starring her real-life sister Lizzie Davidson, this series explores the chaos of dating, sisterhood, and survival with biting satire and emotional complexity.
The Premise: When Taboo Meets Comedy
The show follows Josie and Billie, sisters trying to navigate the bleak realities of modern womanhood with their emotionally unavailable mother Deb. Mental health struggles, parental abandonment, and even abortion are tackled in outrageous ways—like going to a clinic dressed as a witch.
Despite the edgy content, the show took home two Baftas, winning praise for its originality and emotional honesty.
‘Better Dead Than Single’: A Dark Reflection on Modern Love
The titular phrase isn’t just a joke—it reflects a central anxiety many women experience in today’s dating landscape. As The Guardian review notes, the show brilliantly exposes the bleakness of dating while keeping it hilariously sharp.
Real Sisters, Real Sarcasm
Much of the humor stems from the offbeat dynamic between the sisters. Sadler and Davidson grew up in an all-women household—an experience they channel into the raw honesty of their characters. Their bathroom-planned schemes and cutting remarks are more than just punchlines—they’re reflections of deeper anxieties.
“It’s more depressing this time, but maybe more funny,” Sadler admits about Season 2.
Why the Show Resonates
- Honest portrayals of abortion and loneliness
- Unapologetically messy women characters
- Satirical takes on society’s pressure to find love
Instead of glorifying dating, Such Brave Girls mocks the desperation often hidden behind curated bios and filtered selfies. As Sadler notes, “There’s a lot of empowering things about being single—but it’s also very lonely.”
A Satire for the New Age
From a paper Bafta made by their mother to deal with sibling jealousy, to writing scenes that poke fun at maternal expectations, the show never stops blending personal truth with absurdist fiction. And it’s precisely that balance that makes it special.
Sadler’s mission is clear: “I’m sick of the idea that everyone feels a maternal instinct. That’s not reality for a lot of people.”
Conclusion
Better dead than single? Not quite. But if you’re looking for a comedy that dives head-first into the darkness of dating, familial dysfunction, and taboo-breaking humor, this is it. Such Brave Girls might not be comforting—but it’s absolutely necessary.
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