Splendidly black and acerbic, 'Pulling' is like a middle-class 'Shameless', which means that equally bad behaviour is accompanied by lashings of shame and self-loathing. After a slow-ish first episode, the series really gets going, full of outrageously brilliant lines and painful situations. The acting is good, and the characters superbly created - they're close to cliché, but one key step removed - you always believe they're really living this life. And that it's a life not so dissimilar from that lived by many real people is what gives the comedy its savage edge; it's certainly the funniest thing I've seen this year.
20 Reviews
Quite droll - once you know what you are in for.
Pedro_H12 December 2006
Thirty something Donna (Sharon Horgan) has a "moment of clarity" before her wedding and suddenly realises that the Karl (her husband to be) is a bit of a dullard and she doesn't want to go through with it. Instead she decides to move in with her equally dysfunctional mates Karen (Rebekah Staton) and Louise (Tanya Franks).
What could seem -- on paper -- like a micro budget version of Sex And The City is actually a modern f-word morality play based on women that act like men and -- as a result -- have the very same problems. Drinking, casual sex and communal living have their consequences and problems, but this is played for farce and farce is generally the comedy of embarrassment.
The trio are the slut, the virgin (ok, she hasn't had sex for two years) and the confused. Modern archetypes who play modern life like a pinball machine - always trying to bounce off the cushion for the bonus, but more often going straight down the middle.
Is it funny? Yes, actually. Some really good lines in every show, although the rules of comedy are always on show: Nobody gets away with anything and the next day's breakfast table is full of regret and "never again" (as if we believe it!)
Cheap? Yes! Cheerful? Yes! Funny? See above! So there you have it. If you are up for a slightly bonkers comedy with characters from hell then it well worth a look. It may be a lads comedy in dresses, but go to big UK town on a Saturday night and you'll see plenty of this for real.
For the benefit of non UK parties, Pulling is going out and finding someone to go home with - usually aided by a few cheap drinks and a few cheap chat up lines.
What could seem -- on paper -- like a micro budget version of Sex And The City is actually a modern f-word morality play based on women that act like men and -- as a result -- have the very same problems. Drinking, casual sex and communal living have their consequences and problems, but this is played for farce and farce is generally the comedy of embarrassment.
The trio are the slut, the virgin (ok, she hasn't had sex for two years) and the confused. Modern archetypes who play modern life like a pinball machine - always trying to bounce off the cushion for the bonus, but more often going straight down the middle.
Is it funny? Yes, actually. Some really good lines in every show, although the rules of comedy are always on show: Nobody gets away with anything and the next day's breakfast table is full of regret and "never again" (as if we believe it!)
Cheap? Yes! Cheerful? Yes! Funny? See above! So there you have it. If you are up for a slightly bonkers comedy with characters from hell then it well worth a look. It may be a lads comedy in dresses, but go to big UK town on a Saturday night and you'll see plenty of this for real.
For the benefit of non UK parties, Pulling is going out and finding someone to go home with - usually aided by a few cheap drinks and a few cheap chat up lines.
Very funny sitcom
DavidYZ26 April 2017
This BBC Three series is a very funny, dark sitcom set in suburban London. It's about the lives of three very different women who are friends. The acting is very good, and many of the situations they get into are hilarious.
This was very well-written by Sharon Horgan, who also plays one of the three main characters.
This was very well-written by Sharon Horgan, who also plays one of the three main characters.
Absolutely Hilarious!
carygrantlove27 March 2007
I finally got to see the first two episodes, having seen the buzz in the press and heard about it for ages. It did not disappoint.
There were times in each episode when I roared with laughter. The break-up scene in episode one is so funny, and when Donna (played brilliantly by Sharon Horgan) is trying to bluff her way through a meeting in her new job in episode two I felt like my sides were literally splitting.
So dark at times it's harrowing, yet flat out outrageous and subtly nuanced at times too. This series is definitely cult classic material. I know I'll watch the DVD over and over.
There were times in each episode when I roared with laughter. The break-up scene in episode one is so funny, and when Donna (played brilliantly by Sharon Horgan) is trying to bluff her way through a meeting in her new job in episode two I felt like my sides were literally splitting.
So dark at times it's harrowing, yet flat out outrageous and subtly nuanced at times too. This series is definitely cult classic material. I know I'll watch the DVD over and over.
LOL funny
paul_j_freeman21 March 2007
The true measure of a great comedy is it's ability to stay in your mind long after the it has finished. Pulling has done just that. The wonderful characterizations of the 3 main female roles were beautifully written and acted and the comedy situations were nicely original. The acting in Pulling is never over-played and the scenes retain a hint of realism which pulls the viewer closer to the show and makes the cringing quality of the comedy much funnier. Along with Lead Balloon and Man Stroke Woman, BBC Three's current comedy output has been exceptional considering some of the other offerings (Titty Titty Bang Bang). I'd give pulling 10/10 and hopefully there'll be a second series well on the way.
Great sitcom detailing the noughties for the 30-something crowd
bgsmall5 March 2021
I came to this from 'This way up' and one episode of 'Catastrophe'.
The bulk of episodes were filmed around 2006 and this (imho) captures much of the zeitgeist around the noughties and the anxiety around being in one's thirties. Which incidentally was the decade when I too was a 30-something.
Sharon Horgan, Rebekah Staton and Tanya Parks play characters compriing the trio of women trying to play the hands they've been dealt whilst battling their own (and their other halves) demons. There's plenty of early noughties nuance here (clothes, music) which I love! A great supporting cast and scripts makes this a must watch in the UK comedy cannon.
The bulk of episodes were filmed around 2006 and this (imho) captures much of the zeitgeist around the noughties and the anxiety around being in one's thirties. Which incidentally was the decade when I too was a 30-something.
Sharon Horgan, Rebekah Staton and Tanya Parks play characters compriing the trio of women trying to play the hands they've been dealt whilst battling their own (and their other halves) demons. There's plenty of early noughties nuance here (clothes, music) which I love! A great supporting cast and scripts makes this a must watch in the UK comedy cannon.
One of the funniest shows on TV
onedarkmartian20 December 2006
Absolutely hilarious sitcom on BBC3 that revolves around that great British hangup with casual sex. Superbly written, directed and acted this really is laugh out loud comedy! I still haven't seem all of the episodes and I cant wait for the DVD. I only hope that this gets another series (or 2). My favourite character has to be the girl with the big drink problem (her name escapes me at the moment), her drunken antics have had me crying with laughter (damn, i hope I don't behave like that when I'm drunk!!!) LOL This really has to get 10 out of 10 from me, its great that there is so much new comedy coming out. What with the GLORIOUS Nighty Night, and the very pleasant Jam & Jerusalem, there has been so much to watch on TV recently.
Hysterical!
judgewashington13 September 2020
The writing and cast are brilliant and some sequences will leave you howling and gasping for air! In particular, Tanya Franks, as the alcoholic, completely inappropriate teacher, steals every single frame that's she in! Why she hasn't been invited to play in more American shows is a complete mystery. She's one of the best comedic actresses on the screen.
Noo
Headturner128 December 2020
After seeing Hogan in Catastrophe this came up as similar it is not. I could only watch about 16 minutes of the first episode. When I found myself not paying attention I gave up and looked for something else. I liked Dead boss ok ( and I forget the other I watched with Hogan in it) but this was just boring and her character wasn't the sparky spitfire that you like about her. I may try it again at a later date if I have absolutely nothing else to watch. Very Disappointed.
Hilarious and outstanding - the best British comedy I have ever seen!
carrieesson22 September 2021
I came across Pulling after watching Motherland which is also written by Sharon Horgan. By the end of the first episode I was hooked. It is absolutely hilarious, filthy, uncomfortable, morbid, yet heart warming at times. It's raw honesty was refreshing. I was sad that there wasn't more series, but the finale finished it off perfectly and I'm happy that it didn't go too far with the characters becoming caricatures of themselves. In my opinion, Pulling is the best British comedy I have seen. It is shockingly underrated and I wish more people knew about it. I will definitely be watching more of Sharon Horgan!
Still enjoyable!
agyucel26 December 2020
Hilarious comedy pretty special
henryjamesabbot10 May 2022
The writing is brilliant, the actors/actresses are all superb. This is a hidden gem and will gain a following in time due to its quality. Such a shame there's only two seasons but on the other hand two seasons which are brilliant. Quite crude and some people won't like it but really captures my generation well!
What makes it good is that everyone is ugly
trollerman10 May 2011
It's no longer true, if it ever was, that British TV is better than American. But this show would be ruined in America because we just wouldn't tolerate all the ugly people. Of course, we have just as many ugly people, but we do not let them on TV. This show celebrates the British right to be unattractive yet still have an active romantic life. No one in this show is attractive, not the women, the men, not even the scenery (making London as ugly as The Shield made LA ugly. Great! It IS ugly!). The men, the men are all trolls, I'm sure meant to be horrible in every way and a typical depiction is the fiancé washing his privates in the first episode. But the women. My goodness, it's wonderful how unpleasant they not only behave, but look as well. Real life low, low standards. Brilliant, unrelenting ugliness.
following Sharon Horgan
SnoopyStyle3 September 2021
Warning: Spoilers
Donna (Sharon Horgan) is getting married to boring Karl. It feels like an obligation after five years of dating. She starts having cold feet and breaks it off the day before the wedding. She moves in with her single gal pals, Karen and Louise. Karen is an angry drunken slutty teacher. Louise is slightly dim and hasn't had sex in two years.
Pulling is apparently British slang. It means finding a hookup at a bar or party. I'm a Sharon Horgan fan from Catastrophe. Sometimes, going backwards in an actor's credits can uncover a gem and this is a sparkling gem. This is a hilarious group. The writing is irreverent fun. The second series is crazier than the first and the first already has two Hitler jokes. The mercy cat killing is the craziest. As much as Horgan's acting is great, her writing is probably even better. These are just great characters including Karl. It's too bad that British TV usually have so few episodes. I still don't understand the cancellation and haven't seen the one hour wrap-up. I wonder if they shouldn't return to the show once every few years like an AbFab.
Pulling is apparently British slang. It means finding a hookup at a bar or party. I'm a Sharon Horgan fan from Catastrophe. Sometimes, going backwards in an actor's credits can uncover a gem and this is a sparkling gem. This is a hilarious group. The writing is irreverent fun. The second series is crazier than the first and the first already has two Hitler jokes. The mercy cat killing is the craziest. As much as Horgan's acting is great, her writing is probably even better. These are just great characters including Karl. It's too bad that British TV usually have so few episodes. I still don't understand the cancellation and haven't seen the one hour wrap-up. I wonder if they shouldn't return to the show once every few years like an AbFab.
One of the great sitcom characters
EddieRash20 December 2022
Brilliant writing and acting throughout, but what elevates this to Classic status is Sharon Horgan's performance as central character Donna. Donna is one of those people who start talking before they know what they're going to say, and Horgan lets us see the whole shifting thought process as each word is delivered to her mouth.
A hilarious example is in the opening episode when she is reluctantly forced to deliver an impromptu speech at her own pre-wedding party. As she builds momentum about how they are looking forward to a lifetime of wedded bliss, she starts to beam with delight at her own eloquence. What she's not letting on is that she has already cancelled the wedding and split from the groom.
Donna is lacking in confidence, competence and direction, and most of the time she is just trying to convince herself and others that this is not the case.
Horgan played the same sort of character in the superb Dead Boss, but Catastrophe went over my head. For me, Donna is a sitcom character up there with Fawlty, Brent and Partridge.
A hilarious example is in the opening episode when she is reluctantly forced to deliver an impromptu speech at her own pre-wedding party. As she builds momentum about how they are looking forward to a lifetime of wedded bliss, she starts to beam with delight at her own eloquence. What she's not letting on is that she has already cancelled the wedding and split from the groom.
Donna is lacking in confidence, competence and direction, and most of the time she is just trying to convince herself and others that this is not the case.
Horgan played the same sort of character in the superb Dead Boss, but Catastrophe went over my head. For me, Donna is a sitcom character up there with Fawlty, Brent and Partridge.
A Just Wasn't Funny Enough!
martimusross15 September 2022
Pulling
Overall this was a fairly obnoxious attempt at comedy, the level of repetition within the 13 episode just indicated a lack of imagination from the script writers.
Did I laugh, yes occasionally but that was about it. The three main leads were all horrible people and as a viewer I needed to like someone. I didn't like the portrayal of men throughout, they were usually something to be laughed at, abused or despised.
I am more than a little confused as to who the target audience was meant to be for this rather nasty comedy I can't see that it would appeal to any man to watch this.
At best this is 4 outta 10 from me.
Overall this was a fairly obnoxious attempt at comedy, the level of repetition within the 13 episode just indicated a lack of imagination from the script writers.
Did I laugh, yes occasionally but that was about it. The three main leads were all horrible people and as a viewer I needed to like someone. I didn't like the portrayal of men throughout, they were usually something to be laughed at, abused or despised.
I am more than a little confused as to who the target audience was meant to be for this rather nasty comedy I can't see that it would appeal to any man to watch this.
At best this is 4 outta 10 from me.
What is this?
Simon_J_Rodgers15 August 2012
I saw a bit of this programme not so long ago and I couldn't believe what I was seeing.
Basically this was a basic sitcom with a very simplistic storyline. The only thing there which makes it worth watching for some people is the fact that the characters just really talk about what they want and there appears to be no censorship on what they want to say. Obviously there is, but the way they go on, it just feels like there isn't.
One good example of this would be a man and a woman talking in a local shop and they are discussing a one night stand that they had in quite some detail. The woman eventually invites the man back for a dinner party she is holding and asks him not to go on about, let's say some very personal activity.
There is not a lot of bad language although there is some and you can tell they're not really to bothered about using it. They are not bothered about talking about slightly morbid issues either like somebody's dead mother or a dead cat.
There is also no canned laughter which makes the programme have another twisted feel.
All in all the nature of the sitcom shocks you into laughing for a little while and then when you are used to it, it's not really that good.
Basically this was a basic sitcom with a very simplistic storyline. The only thing there which makes it worth watching for some people is the fact that the characters just really talk about what they want and there appears to be no censorship on what they want to say. Obviously there is, but the way they go on, it just feels like there isn't.
One good example of this would be a man and a woman talking in a local shop and they are discussing a one night stand that they had in quite some detail. The woman eventually invites the man back for a dinner party she is holding and asks him not to go on about, let's say some very personal activity.
There is not a lot of bad language although there is some and you can tell they're not really to bothered about using it. They are not bothered about talking about slightly morbid issues either like somebody's dead mother or a dead cat.
There is also no canned laughter which makes the programme have another twisted feel.
All in all the nature of the sitcom shocks you into laughing for a little while and then when you are used to it, it's not really that good.
Hadn't heard of this and understand why.
colinrogers111 March 2021
I do believe all three of the main characters are the antagonists and everyone else ( nearly) are the protagonists. It's a comedy of it's time and hasn't really travelled well. Series 1 is very forgettable. Series 2 brings nothing new but a conclusion. Horgan and Kelly have skills as writers without doubt. Plots are all pretty thin. There is no sudden redemption or intelligent story arcs. Donna and Carl is the only arc that sort of works. Self centered "Noughties" types who don't try and learn anything but just get more neurotic was typical of the time. Post recession changed attitudes, we were given more sympathetic characters. Not necessarily better just more relatable. It's watchable as a story but I was left indifferent. Better from all was to follow.
For anyone from the series who reads it...
shide_8511 January 2020
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