History
Background (1978–1987)
''French and Saunders'' (1987–2007)
In 1987, French and Saunders created their eponymous sketch show, which carried over six series and nine specials until 2005, with compilations of previous material appearing until 2017. The show began humbly, but established its own niche. The first series was intentionally set up to look like a low-budget variety show in which the duo were constantly attempting grandiose stunts and often failing miserably. Often a "famous" guest star would be brought on but then treated badly. Also featured during this series were a troupe of geriatric dancers, called The Hot Hoofers, and aPost-show developments (2007–present)
In Christmas 2010, French and Saunders are featured in three two-hour radio shows on BBC Radio 2. This was followed by further specials in 2011 for Easter and the Bank Holidays. In 2020, the duo debuted ''French & Saunders: Titting About'' on Audible. The podcast features the pair in relaxed, often nostalgic conversations about a new topic in each episode. Series 2 was released in 2021, and Series 3 in 2022. In 2021, it was announced thatCast
In addition to French and Saunders themselves, the sketch series featured several regular and recurring cast members, who were chosen for their "funny bones" and willingness to "be part of the gang". Although the amount of music in the show decreased over time, Raw Sex remained regular cast members through series 4.Regular
Recurring
* Kevin Allen (8 episodes, 1990–1996) * Patrick Barlow (8 episodes, 1990–2003) *Episodes
''French and Saunders'' first broadcast on 9 March 1987 onLive shows
French and Saunders toured rarely, with UK tours in 1990 and 2000. They began what was announced as their final tour atRecurring sketches and characters
*Sharon and Karen (1987-1988): a pair of naughty schoolgirls with a stragegy who keep calling out "Miss!" everytime things go wrong in the classroom in one series 1 episode and on a coach trip in one series 2 episode. *The Extras (1987-2003): Unnamed extras who infuriate every director with their overacting, and every actor with their overfamiliarity. *Jim and Jim (1987-1993): Also known as "The Fat Men", the "Dirty Old Men", or simply "Men". Whether at the pub, in front of the telly, or trying out for panto, they think they're God's gift to women and sexually harass any woman they meet. *Teen Talkers (1987-1988): Dawn and Jennifer play two teenagers who have a good gynaecology obsessiveness about things that go on in a girl's life, including a talk on changes in the facilities in one series 1 episode and a talk on contraception at the bus stop in one series 2 episode. * *White Room (1988-2005): Dawn and Jennifer interact in a room with white walls and bubble-wrapped furniture. Dawn always knocks at the door and usually announces herself as "Dawn French, your comedy partner" or "Dawn French from teleovision", while Jennifer sits on the couch and tries to make her feel uncomfortable. The two sometimes impersonated celebrities or other characters within the sketch, and occasionally it was used as a springboard to another sketch, such as a parody of ''Lananeeneenoonoo
Lananeeneenoonoo was a British spoof all-girl group consisting of comediansThe Sugar Lumps
French, Saunders and Burke returned for Comic Relief in 1997 as the Sugar Lumps, along withSide projects and other appearances
Saunders won an international acclaim for writing and playing Edina Monsoon in her sitcom ''Featuring French and Saunders
*''Featuring French
*''Featuring Saunders
*''Video and DVD releases
UK video
*''French and Saunders: The Video'' (Best of Series 1 & 2) (1990) *''French and Saunders Live'' (4 Front Video) (1991) *''French and Saunders: Series 3'' (1993) *''French and Saunders at the Movies'' (Best of Series 4) (1994)UK DVD
*''French and Saunders Live'' (Universal) (2001) *''The Best of French and Saunders'' (or ''Gentlemen Prefer French and Saunders'') (2002) *''French and Saunders at the Movies'' (also includes the 1999 Christmas Special) (2005) *''French and Saunders: Complete Series 1–6'' (2008) *''French and Saunders: Still Alive'' (2008)USA video
*''French and Saunders at the Movies'' (1997) *''Gentlemen Prefer French and Saunders'' (1997) *''French and Saunders: Ingenue Years'' (1998) *''French and Saunders: Living in a Material World'' (1998)USA DVD
*''Gentlemen Prefer French and Saunders'' (2002) *''French and Saunders at the Movies'' (2002) *''French and Saunders: The Ingenue Years'' (2003) *''French and Saunders: Living in a Material World'' (2003) *''French and Saunders on the Rocks'' (2005) *''French and Saunders: Back with a Vengeance'' (2005)Australian video
*''French and Saunders: Series 3 – Complete and Un-edited(ish) – (Part One)'' (1993) *''French and Saunders: The Best of Series 4'' (1994) *''French and Saunders: Series 3 – Complete and Un-edited(ish) – (Part Two)'' (1996) *''French and Saunders: Live'' (2002)Australian DVD
*''French and Saunders: Live'' (2003) *''French and Saunders at the Movies'' (with 1999 Christmas Special) (2005) *''The Best of French and Saunders'' (2005) *''French and Saunders: Complete Series 1–6'' (2008) *''French and Saunders: Still Alive – The Farewell Tour'' (2008)International broadcasters
References
External links
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