The Making of Fabulous Funeral Parlour

ChatterBox Media is proud to have produced Channel 4’s latest acclaimed documentary The Fabulous Funeral Parlour which offers viewers an intimate, compassionate and often startlingly original journey into a world we rarely see on screen: the funeral business, reimagined. What could be a sombre subject instead becomes an uplifting, deeply human study of loss, love and the ways we choose to remember those we’ve lost.

At the heart of this series is Hayley McCaughran, founder of Butterflies Rising Funeral Care, a Liverpool-based funeral home that is rewriting the rulebook on what a farewell can look like. Having left a 20-year career in the beauty industry following the death of her own mother, Hayley set out to transform grief into something personal, warm and authentic, breaking away from the traditional, muted approach to death that many of us have grown used to.

A New Vision for Farewell

Rather than presenting funerals as uniformly solemn, The Fabulous Funeral Parlour explores how personalised services can help families truly celebrate a unique life. Hayley and her team work closely with each family, listening carefully to stories, preferences and quirks before crafting bespoke ceremonies that reflect the personality of the deceased. From vivid clothing choices to bespoke epitaphs, including delicately humorous ones – the funerals on display are something far beyond the expected.

One standout story features Marion, a woman with terminal illness who, with characteristic wit and courage, plans her own vibrant farewell complete with singer, disco and rave-style celebration. These moments underscore how, even in the face of great loss, joy and individuality can coexist with grief, helping loved ones process their emotions with both laughter and tears.

Redefining Funeral Care

Butterflies Rising’s funeral home breaks free from the stereotypical image of funeral parlours. Inside, the space is calming and welcoming, described by McCaughran as feeling more like a spa than a chapel. There’s an emphasis on aesthetics and comfort, from soft scents and relaxing ambience to lovingly cared-for presentation of the deceased. McCaughran’s approach, often light-hearted but always respectful, normalises emotional conversation around death and challenges viewers to rethink societal taboos.

Another striking feature of the documentary is how it balances humour with poignancy. In one scene, Hayley chats gently to a deceased client as if greeting a friend, lovingly noting that “your tea’s on the side.” In another, families openly laugh while planning details that truly reflect their loved one’s personality. These touches aren’t merely camp, they’re deeply human, highlighting how emotional connection can transcend convention.

Universal Stories, Deep Impact

Directed by Lydia Noakes, the documentary doesn’t just stay confined to Liverpool – it taps into universal experiences of grief, healing and the search for meaning in loss. While there’s a distinctly Liverpudlian spirit in the way some people express themselves, the themes here resonate widely: remembrance, individuality, and the importance of human connection.

Critics praised the film for its sensitivity and originality, noting how it turns the camera on the “taboo buster” at the centre of this unique story, without ever making light of the profound journeys families undertake. Viewers are invited not just to witness funerals, but to appreciate how our final goodbyes can be as diverse as the lives they honour.

A Story Worth Telling

For ChatterBox Media, The Fabulous Funeral Parlour exemplifies bold, thoughtful storytelling that enriches public conversation. This is television that doesn’t shy away from complexity, it embraces it. In presenting such deeply personal stories with honesty, warmth and creativity, the documentary opens a space for audiences everywhere to reflect on how we live, how we love, and how we remember.

Whether you’ve experienced loss firsthand, are curious about contemporary approaches to memorialisation, or simply appreciate powerful human narratives, The Fabulous Funeral Parlour stands out as a moving testament to the resilience of the human spirit.

ChatterBox Media continues to champion distinctive voices and stories that matter, amplifying narratives that shift perceptions and touch hearts.