Television series

Pulling

Name: Pulling
Genre: Comedy
Released: 2006
Cast: Sharon Horgan, Rebekah Staton, Tanya Franks, Cavan Clerkin

Comedy
Light-hearted

Pulling is a British sitcom about three women in their late twenties navigating singledom, ambition and friendship in South London. It's sharp, character-driven comedy that finds humour in genuine emotional stakes—the awkwardness of dating, the fear of settling, the loyalty that binds friendships. Warm and funny without being saccharine; for anyone who recognises themselves in these people.

TVMaze rating

3.9

If you liked this

Fleabag2016

A British comedy about a messy, funny woman figuring out her life in London, mixing sharp observation with real emotional depth. Phoebe Waller-Bridge channels similar energy to Pulling's blend of cringe and heart.

But The narrative framing device (talking to camera) might feel gimmicky on first watch, and the tone shifts dramatically as the show progresses into heavier territory.

Catastrophe2015

Sharon Horgan leads this Irish-American sitcom about two people who've just had a baby after a one-night stand. It's painfully honest about modern relationships, with the same willingness to let characters be flawed and real that makes Pulling work.

But The premise sounds darker than it plays, and the early seasons lean heavily on cringe humour that doesn't land for everyone. Later seasons shift tone quite a bit.

Miranda2009

A character-driven British sitcom about a woman refusing to grow up conventionally. Like Pulling, it finds comedy in the gap between who you're supposed to be and who you actually are, with sharp physical comedy and relatable mortification.

But The humour is very broad and slapstick-heavy compared to Pulling's subtler moments. The will-they-won't-they romance takes up more space than some viewers want.

Not sure tonight? Get a pick in a minute, starting from Pulling

The wildcard

Something you would not have found on your own.

Mistresses2013

Pulling asks what happens when women refuse conventional life paths. Mistresses shows the answer years on—the messiness and cost and occasional triumph of actually living that refusal.

Four British women in their forties navigating careers, sex, friendship and divorce. It's Pulling ten years later—same themes of refusing to settle, same focus on female bonds, but with the stakes raised and the tone matured.

But It's more soap opera than sitcom; the dramatic plotting sometimes overwhelms the character comedy, and the tone can feel melodramatic. It's also considerably darker about its subject matter.

Coupling2000

British sitcom about six friends navigating relationships and sex in their thirties. Clever, filthy, character-focused writing with real emotional beats underneath the jokes. It's what Pulling feels like it could grow into.

But It was written by a man and occasionally lands on sexist rather than insightful. Some storylines haven't aged brilliantly, and the show sometimes confuses vulgarity with depth.

Absolutely Fabulous1992

Two ageing women resisting conventional life in 1990s London. The DNA of Pulling is here—the refusal to apologise for wanting more, the irreverent friendship, the comedy rooted in recognisable emotional truths rather than contrivance.

But It's a different comedy register entirely; much broader and sometimes crueller. The dated cultural references and fashions mean some jokes land differently now.

This Way Up2019

Aisling Bea writes and stars in this comedy-drama about two sisters, one recovering from a breakdown, rebuilding their lives in Dublin. Character-focused, genuinely funny and moving, with female friendship at its heart like Pulling.

But It's much more drama than comedy; the darkness is real and never fully resolved into a neat punchline. Some find the tone inconsistent rather than deftly balanced.

Chewing Gum2015

Michaela Coel's debut series about a young woman in South London finding her voice. It's rawer and more stylised than Pulling, but shares that sense of watching someone refuse to accept less than they deserve.

But The style is very contemporary and sometimes chaotic. The comedy is often cringe-based and uncomfortable; it's not warm the way Pulling is, even when both are funny.

Getting On2009

British sitcom set in a hospital ward, led by women of various ages. Character comedy rather than gag-driven; it finds humanity and absurdity in everyday indignities. Same sensibility as Pulling just in a different setting.

But It can feel bleak and repetitive. The setting means it lacks the energy and momentum of Pulling; some will find it shapeless and slow.

Absolutely Fabulous: The Movie2016

Both are comedies made by women writers about women refusing to age gracefully or conventionally. Both find the exact tone where embarrassment and genuine affection sit side by side.

A feature film that somehow captures the exact wavelength of character-driven British female comedy. Chaotic, ridiculous, genuinely touching. If you loved Pulling's balance of cringe and heart, this proves it can sustain a feature.

But It's a continuation of the TV series rather than a standalone film; without that context it will confuse you. The style is aggressively theatrical, which reads as dated or irritating depending on your patience.