Sæson
Episode
Afspillerserver
Helt hysterisk

Helt hysterisk

19928
Komedie
Udgivet
12. nov. 1992
Land
Storbritannien
Produktioner
French & Saunders ProductionsBBC
I en verden af mode og PR kører den umodne elskelige mor Edina Monsoon og hendes bedste ven Patsy. Eddies fornuftige datter, Saffron, op ad væggen med deres konstante stofmisbrug og skandaløse egoisme. Talrige in-jokes og tunge doser af grusom humor har gjort denne serie til et kult hit i Storbritannien og i udlandet.

About

Quick guide

A sharp‑witted British sitcom that follows two extravagant women in the world of fashion and PR.

Jennifer Saunders, Joanna Lumley, Julia Sawalha, and Jane Horrocks star as Edina Monsoon, her best friend Patsy Stone, Edina’s daughter Saffron, and Edina’s bungling assistant Bubble. The show, which premiered in 1992, satirises London’s fashion scene while chronicling the trio’s outrageous drug use, endless parties and attempts to stay youthful. Though the trio’s antics are often self‑absorbed, their friendship and the show’s satirical take on celebrity culture have earned a loyal cult following in the UK and abroad.

What to know

  • Original run: 1992‑2004 with a 20th‑anniversary revival in 2011‑12.
  • Premiered on BBC 2 on 12 Nov 1992 and later moved to BBC One.
  • Five series plus specials and a 2016 feature film.
  • The series is known for its rapid dialogue and strong language.
  • Edina and Patsy’s relationship is at the centre of the comedy.
  • The show is heavily satirical of the fashion and PR industries.
  • It has a cult following among LGBTQ+ audiences.
  • The humor often pushes the limits of contemporary taste.

Watch if

If you enjoy quick‑witted banter, satirical takes on fashion and PR, and unapologetic, drug‑filled humour that celebrates strong female friendship, Absolutely Fabulous offers a fast‑paced, dialogue‑heavy comedy that will keep you laughing.

Skip if

If you prefer family‑friendly sitcoms without strong language or frequent drug references, the adult‑oriented humour and occasional crude jokes in Absolutely Fabulous may feel off‑beat.

mature themeslight tonedialogue heavylanguage strongpsychological elementsfamily friendlyslow burnpolitical themes
Meet the Main Cast
Jennifer Saunders leads as Edina Monsoon, a chain‑smoking PR mogul, with Joanna Lumley playing her former model friend Patsy. Julia Sawhalas Saffron, Edina’s cynical daughter, and Jane Horrocks’ clueless assistant Bubble round out the core quartet. June Whitfield’s quirky mother also appears, adding extra spice. Their dynamic fuels the show’s rapid dialogue and satirical edge.
Setting & Premise
Set in London’s fashion and PR worlds, the series follows Edina’s failing agency and her attempts to stay hip. Patsy, a former magazine director, brings her own indulgences. Together they indulge in drugs, alcohol, and over‑the‑top fads, while Saffron’s practical concerns often clash with their chaotic lifestyle.
Humor Style
The show is fast‑paced, dialogue‑heavy, and unafraid of strong language. Its humour leans on absurd drug‑related gags, snappy one‑liners, and satirical takes on celebrity culture, making it both clever and occasionally borderline vulgar.
Cultural Impact
Absolutely Fabulous rose to cult status, ranking 17th on the BFI’s 100 Greatest British TV Programmes and amassing a devoted LGBTQ+ following. Its irreverent humour and sharp satire made it a staple of 1990s British comedy.
Series Structure
The original run consisted of five series and a two‑part finale, followed by specials and a 20th‑anniversary revival (2011‑12). A feature film, released in 2016, extended the story, while the series remains available on streaming platforms.
Where to Watch
The complete series can be streamed on Hulu and Netflix, and earlier seasons were broadcast on BBC 2 and BBC One. Availability may vary by region.

FAQ

23 Q&A
What is the premise of Absolutely Fabulous?
Absolutely Fabulous follows Edina Monsoon, a heavy‑drinking PR executive, and her best friend Patsy as they try to stay hip by indulging in drugs, alcohol and outrageous fads while navigating London’s fashion scene. Their chaotic lifestyle is balanced by their daughter Saffron’s cynical pragmatism.
Who created the show?
The series was created and written by Jennifer Saunders, with Dawn French co‑developing the original sketch that inspired the show.
How many seasons are there?
The original series ran for five seasons from 1992 to 2004, followed by specials, a 20th‑anniversary revival in 2011‑12, and a feature film in 2016.
When did it first air?
Absolutely Fabulous premiered on BBC 2 on 12 November 1992, before moving to BBC One in 1994.
Who are the main characters?
Jennifer Saunders plays Edina Monsoon, Joanna Lumley is Patsy Stone, Julia Sawhalas Saffron, and Jane Horrocks portrays the clueless assistant Bubble.
Is it still on air?
The original run ended in 2004, but the series remains available in reruns and on streaming services.
Where can I watch it now?
The full series is available on Hulu and Netflix, and earlier episodes were broadcast on BBC 2 and BBC One.
Does the show have a movie version?
Yes, a feature film titled Absolutely Fabulous: The Movie was released in 2016, continuing the adventures of the main characters.
How is the ending of the series?
The original series concluded with a two‑part special, but the finale resolves many character arcs while maintaining the show’s signature humour.
Is it suitable for kids?
The show contains strong language, drug references, and adult themes, so it is not suitable for children.
Does it contain drug references?
Yes, drug use is a recurring theme, often used for comedic effect, but it is presented in a satirical, over‑the‑top manner.
How much alcohol is shown?
Alcohol consumption is a frequent plot point, with characters often shown drinking at parties or in meetings.
Are there recurring jokes?
Many episodes feature recurring jokes about fashion fads, drug use, and the characters’ inability to lose weight.
Who are the guest stars?
Numerous celebrities such as Naomi Campbell, Idris Elba, and Madonna (in the film) have made cameo appearances.
What makes the humor unique?
Its blend of sharp dialogue, satirical industry commentary, and unapologetic adult content sets it apart from conventional sitcoms.
Is it popular in the US?
While it has a strong following in the UK, it gained a niche cult following among US audiences through cable and streaming services.
What themes does it explore?
The series examines friendship, gender roles, fame, and the pitfalls of staying trendy.
What tone does it maintain?
The tone is light and irreverent, with occasional darker moments that keep the humor grounded.
How are the episodes structured?
Episodes range from 30 to 60 minutes, with a mix of standalone plots and character‑driven storylines.
How were the special episodes released?
Specials were broadcast as one‑hour specials or two‑part films, often during holiday periods or anniversaries.
Are there any controversies?
The show’s use of strong language and drug references has sparked discussion, but it remains largely celebrated for its bold humour.
Did the creators intend a reboot?
Jennifer Saunders has confirmed that there are no plans for further series beyond the 2016 film.
Can I stream it on BBC iPlayer?
Some episodes may be available on BBC iPlayer, but the full series is primarily accessible via Hulu and Netflix.

Skuespillere

Jennifer Saunders
Jennifer Saunders
Edina
Joanna Lumley
Joanna Lumley
Patsy
Julia Sawalha
Julia Sawalha
Saffron
June Whitfield
June Whitfield
Mother
Jane Horrocks
Jane Horrocks
Bubble