The BBC’s new comedy series, ‘Proper Ladies,’ is generating significant buzz, drawing parallels to the acclaimed ‘Derry Girls’ due to its vibrant depiction of a wild yet relatable group of young women. The show’s creator is candidly discussing her ambition to transform the representation of Black and Muslim characters on television.
It’s not commonplace for a comedy to feature a scene where a character attempts to strangle herself with her own hijab. Nevertheless, the BBC’s ‘Proper Ladies’ has ignited a social media sensation with its chaotic energy and astute observations of teenage dynamics, leading to comparisons with popular shows like ‘Derry Girls’ and ‘Some Girls.’
“When we saw our first fan edit, it garnered 100,000 likes,” shares writer Sabrina Ali. “It truly feels like we’ve arrived.”
Set within a faith school, ‘Proper Ladies’ is a 10-minute short film that centers on four schoolgirls serving detention. During their time together, friendships are forged, rivalries ignite, and acts of rebellion unfold. The series is characterized by its absurdity, quick wit, and rapid pacing, embracing the heightened reality of teenage life, where minor incidents rapidly escalate and every situation feels urgent.
In one memorable scene, a student delivers a dramatic monologue detailing how she intentionally set off the fire alarm to cover up the fact that she used the staff toilets for a bowel movement.