How to watch

Created by Jennifer Saunders from a French and Saunders sketch, Absolutely Fabulous follows Edina Monsoon, a chaotic PR agent, and her hard-partying best friend Patsy Stone, played by Joanna Lumley. Their excesses are endlessly judged by Edina's sensible daughter Saffron, played by Julia Sawalha. The show ran on and off for more than two decades on the BBC and ended with a feature film in 2016.

🕐 Release Order

Here's the franchise in release order, including the major specials.

1. Absolutely Fabulous Series 1 (1992)
2. Absolutely Fabulous Series 2 (1994)
3. Absolutely Fabulous Series 3 (1995)
4. The Last Shout (1996)
5. Absolutely Fabulous Series 4 (2001)
6. Absolutely Fabulous Series 5 (2003)
7. 20th Anniversary Specials (2011–2012)
8. Absolutely Fabulous: The Movie (2016)

The Last Shout was originally intended as the finale, but Saunders revived the show for two more series and later for three anniversary specials before taking Edina and Patsy to the big screen.

📖 Story Chronology

Story order follows release order. There are a few additional one-off specials sprinkled between series, but the main arc moves forward in time.

1. Absolutely Fabulous Series 1–3 (1992–1995)
2. The Last Shout (1996)
3. Absolutely Fabulous Series 4–5 (2001–2003)
4. 20th Anniversary Specials (2011–2012)
5. Absolutely Fabulous: The Movie (2016)

Which Order Should You Choose?

Release order is the way to go. The first three series are the strongest and most essential, and The Last Shout gives them a satisfying conclusion. Continue with Series 4 and 5 and the anniversary specials if you want more, and finish with the movie, which sends Edina and Patsy on the run to the French Riviera. Most episodes stand on their own, so dipping in and out works too.

🔗 Related Guides

• Only Fools and Horses Watch OrderGuide
• Blackadder Watch OrderGuide
• Gavin & Stacey Watch OrderGuide

Did we miss anything? Let us know and we'll keep this guide up to date!