BBC Comedy “Absolutely Fabulous” Almost Didn’t Get Made, Reveals New Documentary

The BBC sitcom “Absolutely Fabulous,” a beloved show recognized for its humor and influence on female comedy, almost didn’t come to fruition according to revelations made in a new BBC documentary, “Absolutely Fabulous: Inside Out.” Producer John Plowman disclosed that the initial pilot faced skepticism from then-head of comedy Robin Nash, who expressed his doubt, stating, ‘I’ve never found women being drunk very funny.’

Despite this early resistance, “Absolutely Fabulous” went on to become a major success, running for five seasons between 1992 and 2003, and spawning a feature film. With Joanna Lumley and Jennifer Saunders leading the cast, the show featured a range of A-list guest stars such as Elton John, Idris Elba, and Rosie Huntington-Whiteley.

Reflecting on the early days, Joanna Lumley, who played the iconic character Patsy Stone, recalled a discouraging review from The Times following the first episode, describing it as unfunny and doomed. Meanwhile, co-star and creator Jennifer Saunders remembered a warning from critics against shows where the writer takes a leading role.

The documentary, which also features insights from cast members Jane Horrocks, who played Bubble, and Nadia Sawalha, revisits the show’s impact on television. Horrocks explained that the show’s brash and all-female cast was seen as groundbreaking at the time, challenging the conventional roles often assigned to women.

Jennifer Saunders stated in an interview with Radio Times that there was no grand intention to be pioneers of female comedy, although she acknowledged the role the show played in pushing boundaries, noting that it was initially broadcast on BBC2, known for its edgier content.

Another perspective offered by Tom Hollander, who portrayed Saffy‘s boyfriend Paolo, highlighted the refreshing matriarchal environment during rehearsals. Hollander remembered the humorous and informal atmosphere, which contributed significantly to the show’s charm.

Despite the show’s enduring popularity, Jennifer Saunders has ruled out a revival, emphasizing that while certain elements of the show might not align with current standards of political correctness, the core humor remains valid. “Lots of people say we couldn’t get away with Ab Fab today,” said producer Jon Plowman in the Radio Times, “I disagree.”

“Absolutely Fabulous: Inside Out” is set to air on BBC’s channel Gold on Thursday, October 17 at 9pm.