The answer to, “Are women funny?” is a foregone conclusion. Obviously, duh, yes, YAS! There has been an outpouring of talent in this space, with us seeing more female-driven storylines, created by women and starring women. We love to see it, and brand new music comedy We Are Lady Parts is another great example of what happens when women work together.

It follows a Muslim female punk band called Lady Parts. They want to land their most face-melting gig yet, but they need a new lead guitarist. That’s when they come across microbiology PhD student Amina Hussain (Anjana Vasan), who describes their sound as, “A confused mix of hash anthems and sour girl power”.
 

Band manager Momtaz (Lucie Shorthouse) is seconds away from shouting, “I’ve got a text!”
 

The story is told through her eyes, while the rest of the band is made up of frontwoman Saira (Sarah Kameela Impey); drummer Ayesha (Juliette Motamed); bassist and backing vocalist Bisma (Faith Omole); and band manager Momtaz (Lucie Shorthouse).

Saira is convinced of Amina’s abilities, but she has to prove herself to the rest of the girls. Will she opt for the more traditional route in life, where she focuses on her studies and finds a husband, or will she allow her anarchic side to truly rock out?

We Are Lady Parts draws on writer, creator and director Nida Manzoor’s own experiences and she takes inspiration from the diversity of London’s population and creative scene. The series is loaded with original punk songs and cover tracks, written and adapted by Manzoor and her siblings Sanya Manzoor, Benni Fregin and Shez Manzoor (who also scored the show). What a talented bunch!

Speaking of talented, check out these other female-led comedy series that truly celebrate a woman’s perspective on storytelling. 
 

Starstruck

Find series 1 in Apps & Games > BBC iPlayer

Created by and starring New Zealand comedian Rose Matafeo, Starstruck lets us into the life of Jessie (Matafeo). She works two jobs to afford her expensive rent in East London, where she lives with her best friend Kate (Emma Sidi, King Gary). Her life drastically changes when she meets Tom (Nikesh Patel, Indian Summers) on New Year’s Eve, but only realises he’s a mega-famous movie star the morning after.

Co-written by comedy performer Alice Snedden and directed by Karen Maine (Yes, God, Yes), this is a lovely bit of escapism – and let’s face it, we’ve all dreamt of finding ourselves in the same situation as Jessie. After learning that Riz Ahmed met his wife, writer Fatima Farheen Mirza, in a coffee shop… perhaps fairy tales can come true.
 

Pulling

Find series 1 & 2 in Apps & Games > BBC iPlayer

Back before writing likable unlikeable characters was the norm, Sharon Horgan and Dennis Kelly penned Pulling, about three single women who are unapologetically themselves and perpetually on the pull. Donna (Horgan) makes bad decisions, Karen (Tanya Franks) puts the brutal in brutally honest and Louise (Rebekah Staton) is earnestly… Louise – and we love them for it. There are also some brilliant cameos from the likes of Paul Ritter, Tobias Menzies, Paul Kaye and Tom Ellis.
 

Feel Good 

Find series 1 in Apps & Games > All 4

Comic Mae Martin and her best friend Joe Hampson (Skins) wrote this comedy drama loosely based on her own life (read our interviews with the cast). It’s an immensely touching portrayal of love, addiction and, potentially, love addiction. When Mae first locks eyes with George (Charlotte Ritchie, Call The Midwife), there’s an instant spark. The only problem is George has only ever dated men before…

Shrill

Find seasons 1 & 2 in Apps & Games > BBC iPlayer

Journalist Annie Easton (Aidy Bryant, Saturday Night Live) sets out to prove that she is so much more than her weight as she sticks two fingers up at a society that judges her by her appearance. The series is adapted from Lindy West’s book Shrill: Notes From A Loud Woman and will have you belly laughing.

Love Life

Find series 1 in Apps & Games > BBC iPlayer

With each episode named for someone who plays an important role in Darby Carter’s life, Love Life gives a funny, realistic and, at times, heart-breaking look at the search for “The One.” Anna Kendrick is warm and relatable as Darby as she navigates her friendships, relationships and career. This series is as bingeable as it is lovable.
 

Back To Life

Find series 1 in Apps & Games > BBC iPlayer

After spending almost two decades in prison after committing a crime in her teens, Miri (Daisy Haggard) returns to her small hometown. She moves back in with her parents and attempts to move on, which is much easier said than done. Haggard co-wrote the series (which The Guardian called “an ideal Fleabag replacement”) with Laura Solon, and they spoke to recently released prisoners as part of their research. A dark comedy with grit.
 

Broad City

Find seasons 1-5 in Apps & Games > Prime Video

Ilana Glazer and Abbi Jacobson created and star in Broad City, which they developed from their web series of the same name. Executive produced by Amy Poehler, this show follows the two relatable women as they navigate life in NYC. It’ll have you shouting, “Yas, queen!” in no time.
 

Adult Material

Find series 1 in Apps & Games > All 4

Hayley Burrows (Hayley Squires, I, Daniel Blake) is a hard-working mother-of-three who makes a living in the adult film industry under the name Jolene Dollar. While there are a few laughs along the way, don’t be fooled – it also serves up some hard truths, delivered by a dedicated cast, including Rupert Everett (My Best Friend’s Wedding), Joe Dempsie (Skins) and Kerry Godliman (After Life).
 

When is Channel 4’s We Are Lady parts on TV?

We Are Lady Parts airs on Channel 4 HD (CH 104/141) on Thursdays at 10pm, with the first episode screening on 20 May. The six-part series will subsequently air every week until Thursday 24 June.

The whole series will be available as a Box Set in Apps & Games > All 4 after the first episode has aired.