The Bisexual. Image shows from L to R: Gabe (Brian Gleeson), Leila (Desiree Akhavan)
The Bisexual

The Bisexual

  • TV comedy drama
  • Channel 4
  • 2018
  • 6 episodes (1 series)

A look at the difference of dating men and women from the perspective of a person who finds herself doing both. Stars Desiree Akhavan, Maxine Peake, Brian Gleeson, Saskia Chana, Michelle Guillot and more.

  • JustWatch Streaming rank this week: 4,929

Press clippings

When did television become so explicit about sex?

When did television become so explicit about sex? If you're not given to watching Channel 4 after 10pm, then recently you might have missed Pure, The Bisexual and Catastrophe - which would be a pity, as they are all superb. And then there is BBC Three's Fleabag, which returns for a second season next week.

Gerard Gilbert, i Newspaper, 1st March 2019

The strongest instalment of Desiree Akhavan's on-point comedy flashed back to 2005, tracing the beginnings of Leila (Akhavan) and Sadie's (Maxine Peake) relationship, while offering a note-perfect representation of mid-noughties student life, a wistful world of snakebite, black-coated floors and landfill indie. Lovely.

Gwilym Mumford, The Guardian, 19th December 2018

The best new TV comedies of October-December (Part 1)

Here's part 1 of the best new TV comedies that have aired in the UK over the last three months...

Sophie Davies, Cult Box, 15th December 2018

Desiree Akhavan on finding slapstick in The Bisexual

Recently, Vulture spoke with Akhavan about her new show, filming awkward sex scenes, and why the term "bisexual" makes her uncomfortable.

Pilot Viruet, Vulture, 15th November 2018

Why it took an American to talk about sex in UK comedy

As The Bisexual comes to a close on Channel 4, Gerard Gilbert explores how sex remains a deliciously bad-taste joke in British comedy.

Gerald Gilbert, The Independent, 14th November 2018

Flawed characters but near-flawless writing as the warm, often bruising, sadcom concludes. Last week, we jolted back to 2005 - when Leila and Sadie's relationship began under the glow of a Trainspotting DVD - before the pair reunited in the present. This week, a novelesque final episode follows the launch of their baby - the "Shazam for clothes" app - and Leila's realisation that there is another baby in the picture: the one Sadie is trying to conceive via donor sperm. Meanwhile, Gabe takes control of his life.

Hannah J Davies, The Guardian, 14th November 2018

The Bisexual, episode 6 review

A fearless, taboo-breaking comedy that's too light on jokes.

Michael Hogan, The Telegraph, 14th November 2018

The Bisexual: review

The Bisexual will hopefully be the start of dispelling the myths and stigma surrounding bisexuality, and will open people's eyes to the wonderfully diverse spectrum that is sexuality and gender.

Samantha Yates, Telly Binge, 27th October 2018

Groundbreaking comedy or a gag-light slog? Your mileage may vary on Desiree Akhavan's sexcom of manners, although the plot at least is moving at a decent clip. This week, Leila (Akhavan) wrestles with her newfound bisexuality, Sadie (Maxine Peake) makes a major life decision and home truths are divulged.

Gwilym Mumford, The Guardian, 24th October 2018

The Bisexual: A comedy that wants to have it both ways

Brian Gleeson is the straight man in a sex comedy set among millennial Londoners.

Peter Crawley, The Irish Times, 18th October 2018

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