At a time when it feels like we’ve seen every romcom premise under the sun, the concept of two total strangers sharing a bed every night might be the first truly original idea I’ve heard in years. No wonder Beth O’Leary’s debut novel The Flatshare has been glued to the hands of train passengers and beach loungers since it was released in 2019. And now, among a sea of romantic comedies determined to deconstruct the genre, the TV adaptation on Paramount+ is charming and tightly written – knowing, but never snarky.
We open to the sight of mascara-streaked, recently dumped Tiffany (Jessica Brown Findlay), slumped on the floor as Paloma Faith warbles about how “only love can hurt like this”. In order to take control (and save money amid the hellish London rental market) post break-up, Tiffany is going to sublet a one-bed flat in south London. But this is not your average SpareRoom arrangement. Her flatmate Leon (Anthony Welsh) works night shifts at a hospice and has the flat 8am until 8pm, when he strips the bed and leaves for work. From 8pm until 8am (plus weekends), Tiffany has the flat to herself. The pair can never meet: “no crossover” is a stipulated part of their agreement.
