Parents' Guide to

Absolutely Fabulous

By Emily Ashby, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 16+

Bad behavior runs rampant in outrageous UK comedy.

TV BBC America Comedy 1992
Absolutely Fabulous Poster Image

A Lot or a Little?

What you will—and won't—find in this TV show.

Community Reviews

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age 13+

Based on 1 parent review

Persoj
Persoj Adult
January 16, 2019
age 13+

Very good

Mild bad language appropriate for age 12-13
See all 1 parent review

What's the Story?

British sitcom ABSOLUTELY FABULOUS (or "Ab Fab," as it's often called) centers on the substance-ridden, self-absorbed existence of Eddy Monsoon (played by the show's writer, Jennifer Saunders) and her best pal, Patsy Stone (Joanna Lumley). The chums bond over their shared irresponsibility, fad obsession, and multiple addictions -- much to the dismay of Eddy's sensible daughter, Saffron (Julia Sawalha), who does her best to shake her maternal demons and lead an upstanding life. With the constant comings and goings of a variety of family and friends -- including Eddy's two ex-husbands, her wacky employee Bubble (Jane Horrocks), and her increasingly senile mother (June Whitfield) -- life is never dull (or sober, for that matter) in the Monsoon manor.

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say (1):
Kids say (2):

Britcom fans have long embraced the outrageous character comedy that makes Ab Fab, well, fabulous. Lumley and Saunders are so exceptional in their roles that their characters' staggering drunkenness, laziness, and general apathy almost pass as endearing qualities. The blatant character contradiction between Eddy and Saffron lays the foundation for the show's cast of over-the-top characters, each apparently existing to upstage the next with improbable eccentricity. Hilarious in jokes and off-the-wall observations on life from the two opinionated, amoral main characters top off this riotous show.

That said, the characters' excessive bad behavior ensures that it's not meant for tweens or impressionable teens. Precious little of the show's content could be construed realistic -- especially Eddy and Patsy's pampered, unfettered lives -- so there's nothing here for kids to relate to anyway. Plus, the show's comedic take on substance abuse obviously sends a poor message to youngsters, and the total dysfunction within the disjointed family unit isn't any better. Bottom line? Funny, yes, but not for kids.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about the messages kids receive about drugs and alcohol. Have you ever seen a show or movie that makes drinking, smoking, or drug use seem socially acceptable? How was the behavior addressed in the story? Did the character face any consequences for his or her actions? How realistic was the scenario? How are kids affected by what they see in the media, even if it's just in passing? How does the media (and other forms of peer pressure) affect your impression of what's right and wrong?

TV Details

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