[1] The book was adapted for television as Funny Woman, broadcast by Sky Max in 2023 starring Gemma Arterton.

She heads for London, determined to make her mark as a television comedian, inspired by her idol Lucille Ball.

The Guardian praised the consistency of the lighthearted tone of the novel with the style of British comedy television in the 1960s, which Hornby defends resolutely.

[3] The Independent criticized the change of focus in the novel, stating "it's a shame that Hornby abandons his funny girl halfway through for more of his hapless men.

[5][6] The novel was adapted for screen by writer and comedian Morwenna Banks as the six-part Sky Max series Funny Woman (2023), starring Gemma Arterton as Barbara Parker.