9 Shows Like Absolutely Fabulous (1992)

Description: Like Absolutely Fabulous, The Nanny is a comedy series centered around a strong, eccentric female lead with a flair for fashion and a larger-than-life personality. Both shows feature witty dialogue, over-the-top humor, and a satirical take on social norms and class distinctions. The Nanny's Fran Fine, much like Edina and Patsy, is unapologetically herself, embracing her quirks and using them to her advantage.

Fact: The Nanny was created by Fran Drescher and her then-husband Peter Marc Jacobson, inspired by Drescher's own life experiences. The show's iconic theme song, 'The Nanny Named Fran,' was performed by Drescher herself. The series was a hit internationally, particularly in Germany, where it was dubbed and became a cultural phenomenon.

Description: Will & Grace shares Absolutely Fabulous' sharp, irreverent humor and focus on the lives of flawed but lovable characters. Both shows broke ground in their portrayal of LGBTQ+ characters and themes, with Absolutely Fabulous featuring Patsy as a bold, unapologetic gay woman and Will & Grace centering on the friendship between a gay man and a straight woman. The shows also share a fast-paced, dialogue-driven style and a penchant for satire.

Fact: Will & Grace was one of the first mainstream TV shows to feature gay main characters. The show's success is credited with helping to shift public opinion on LGBTQ+ rights in the U.S. The series was revived in 2017 after an 11-year hiatus, with the original cast returning.

Description: Sex and the City and Absolutely Fabulous both revolve around the lives of strong, independent women navigating love, friendship, and career in a big city. While Absolutely Fabulous leans more into absurdist comedy, both shows explore themes of female empowerment, sexuality, and the challenges of modern womanhood. The characters in both series are fashion-forward and unafraid to speak their minds, often with hilarious results.

Fact: Sex and the City was based on Candace Bushnell's newspaper column and book of the same name. The show popularized the term 'Mr. Big' to describe an elusive, desirable romantic partner. The series spawned two feature films and a recent revival, And Just Like That...

Description: 30 Rock, like Absolutely Fabulous, is a fast-paced, absurdist comedy with a strong female lead (Tina Fey's Liz Lemon) and a supporting cast of eccentric characters. Both shows use satire to poke fun at the entertainment industry and societal norms, with a similar blend of slapstick and sophisticated humor. The writing in both series is sharp, self-referential, and often meta, breaking the fourth wall for comedic effect.

Fact: 30 Rock is loosely based on Tina Fey's experiences as a writer on Saturday Night Live. The show won multiple Emmy Awards, including Outstanding Comedy Series. Alec Baldwin's character, Jack Donaghy, was initially intended to be a minor role but became a central figure due to Baldwin's performance.

Description: The Mindy Project shares Absolutely Fabulous' focus on a flawed but endearing female protagonist navigating career, romance, and personal growth. Both shows blend humor with heart, featuring strong female friendships and a mix of physical comedy and witty banter. Mindy Lahiri, like Edina Monsoon, is unapologetically herself, embracing her quirks and imperfections with charm and humor.

Fact: The Mindy Project was created by and stars Mindy Kaling, who also wrote for The Office. The show was initially canceled by Fox but was picked up by Hulu for additional seasons. Kaling's character was one of the first Indian-American leads in a U.S. comedy series.

Description: Broad City and Absolutely Fabulous both feature dynamic female duos whose antics drive the comedy. While Absolutely Fabulous focuses on the older, more decadent pair of Edina and Patsy, Broad City follows the younger, scrappier Ilana and Abbi. Both shows celebrate female friendship, absurd humor, and the chaos of city life, with a similar irreverent tone and willingness to push boundaries.

Fact: Broad City started as a web series before being adapted for television by Amy Poehler. The show's creators, Ilana Glazer and Abbi Jacobson, met in an improv class. The series is known for its surreal, often drug-induced humor and its celebration of New York City.

Description: Younger, like Absolutely Fabulous, explores themes of identity, reinvention, and the challenges women face in the workplace and in their personal lives. Both shows feature strong female leads who navigate societal expectations with humor and resilience. The writing in both series is sharp and witty, with a focus on the complexities of female friendships and romantic relationships.

Fact: Younger is based on the novel of the same name by Pamela Redmond Satran. The show's creator, Darren Star, is also known for Sex and the City. The series was initially intended to be a limited run but was extended due to its popularity.

Description: Schitt's Creek shares Absolutely Fabulous' theme of wealthy, self-absorbed characters forced to confront their privilege and adapt to a more humble lifestyle. Both shows feature over-the-top characters with a penchant for fashion and a disdain for the mundane, delivering humor through their fish-out-of-water experiences. The writing in both series is sharp, with a mix of physical comedy and clever wordplay.

Fact: Schitt's Creek was created by Eugene Levy and his son, Dan Levy. The show's popularity grew significantly after it was added to Netflix. The series made history by winning all seven major comedy awards at the 2020 Emmys.

Description: The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel and Absolutely Fabulous both feature strong, witty female leads who defy societal expectations. While Mrs. Maisel is set in the 1950s and focuses on stand-up comedy, both shows explore themes of female empowerment, the challenges of balancing personal and professional life, and the importance of female friendship. The rapid-fire dialogue and comedic timing in both series are standout features.

Fact: The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel was created by Amy Sherman-Palladino, known for Gilmore Girls. The show's lead, Rachel Brosnahan, had to learn stand-up comedy for the role. The series is renowned for its meticulous period detail and fast-paced, dialogue-heavy scenes.