Absolutely Fabulous” Survived Hurdles to Become a British Comedy Phenomenon

The much-loved British comedy series “Absolutely Fabulous” almost never made it to air due to initial doubts from television executives on its potential success. The show, which aired in 1992, chronicled the chaotic lives of self-absorbed friends Edina "Eddie" Monsoon, played by Jennifer Saunders, and Patsy Stone, portrayed by Joanna Lumley, as they navigated the fast-paced fashion industry with copious amounts of Bollinger champagne.

In their first reunion since the 2016 movie adaptation, the cast gathered for a special documentary titled “Absolutely Fabulous: Inside Out,” airing on Gold. The program delves into behind-the-scenes anecdotes and casting revelations, with original cast members including Jennifer Saunders and Joanna Lumley exploring the show’s impact and enduring legacy.

Producer John Plowman recalled a pivotal moment when the programme’s future was uncertain. “We do the pilot and I see Robin Nash, then head of comedy at the BBC,” Plowman recounted. “And he said, ‘I’ve never found women being drunk very funny.’ I thought, ‘Well, that’s it, it’s over.'” However, the positive response from audiences helped secure the show’s future. Comedian Ben Elton was among those who believed in its potential, commenting, “I’ve seen the future of comedy and it’s that.”

The documentary features Saunders and Lumley alongside Jane Horrocks and Julia Sawalha, who played Bubble and Saffy respectively. They shared their experiences filming the show, which combined biting humor with themes of female friendship and family dynamics against a satirical backdrop of the fashion world.

Joanna Lumley praised the nostalgic documentary as “a fabulous wander down memory lane,” while Saunders remarked on her blurred memories of the time, joking that much of the retrospective was a revelation to her. The show ran for five seasons, with the final episodes aired in 2012, before spawning a feature film in 2016 featuring cameos from stars such as Kate Moss and Joan Collins.

Despite initial skepticism, “Absolutely Fabulous” appealed to global audiences. Its success was marked by its almost entirely female cast and its tendency to push the boundaries of what was deemed appropriate for women to say onscreen. Such was its influence that it even attracted praise from international figures such as Queen Noor of Jordan, who expressed her admiration directly to Lumley at a social event.