French & Saunders (1987)
The iconic BBC sketch comedy series from Britain's most beloved comic duo, Dawn French and Jennifer Saunders, running from 1987 to 2004.
French & Saunders - Series Information
- Original Title: French & Saunders
- First Air Year: 1987
- Last Air Year: 2004
- Created by: Jennifer Saunders, Dawn French
- Type: TV Series
- Genres: Comedy
- Episode Runtime: Average runtime per episode (30 minutes)
- Number of Seasons: 6
- Number of Episodes: 39
- Status: Ended
- Original Language: English
- Spoken Languages: English
- First Air Date: March 9, 1987 (United Kingdom - 15)
- Networks: BBC One, BBC Two
- Alternative Titles: French and Saunders (US)
French & Saunders - Plot
French and Saunders is a British sketch comedy television series written by and starring comic duo Dawn French and Jennifer Saunders. It is also the name by which the performers are known on the occasions when they appear elsewhere as a double act.
French & Saunders - Trailer
Check out a clip from the series and see what the comedy is all about.
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French & Saunders - Cast & Crew
Creator(s)
- Jennifer Saunders
- Dawn French
Main Cast
- Dawn French
- Jennifer Saunders
- Simon Brint
- Rowland Rivron
- Kirsty MacColl
- Kate Moss
- Lenny Henry
- Jane Asher
- Maggie Steed
- David Walliams
Writers
- Dawn French
- Jennifer Saunders
Executive Producers
- Jon Plowman
French & Saunders - FAQs
How did French & Saunders get their start in comedy?
Dawn French and Jennifer Saunders met at the Central School of Speech and Drama in London and began performing together on the alternative comedy circuit in the early 1980s. Their stage work caught the attention of BBC producers, leading directly to their own sketch show in 1987.
What made French & Saunders unique among sketch shows?
The duo's willingness to parody absolutely everything — from Hollywood blockbusters to pop music videos to fellow celebrities — set them apart. Their film parodies in particular became legendary, with elaborate costumes and spot-on send-ups of movies like Titanic, Silence of the Lambs, and Grease.
Where can you stream French & Saunders?
French & Saunders is currently available to watch for free on Plex Channel. For other viewing options, availability may vary by region, so it's worth checking your local streaming services for the latest updates.
Who were the regular supporting cast members?
Beyond French and Saunders themselves, the show featured a rotating ensemble that included musicians Simon Brint and Rowland Rivron, who provided comic musical support. Notable guest appearances came from Lenny Henry, David Walliams, Harry Enfield, Brian Cox, and pop icon Kate Moss, among many others.
How many series and episodes does French & Saunders have?
The show ran for six main series between 1987 and 2004, comprising 39 episodes in total. There were also 14 additional special episodes — including Christmas specials — bringing the full episode count considerably higher when all content is included.
Did French & Saunders win any major awards?
The series earned multiple BAFTA nominations throughout its run, and both French and Saunders individually received recognition for their broader comedy careers. The show is widely regarded as one of the most influential British sketch comedies ever produced, cementing the duo's status as national treasures.
Is French & Saunders based on a true story?
Not in the traditional sense — it's a sketch comedy show, not a dramatisation of real events. That said, the duo drew heavily from their own friendship, shared sensibilities, and real pop culture targets, giving the comedy an authenticity rooted in genuine creative partnership and lived experience.
What are some similar shows fans of French & Saunders enjoy?
Fans tend to love A Bit of Fry & Laurie for its similarly sharp British wit, The Two Ronnies for classic double-act comedy, and Key & Peele for inventive modern sketch work. Portlandia and A Black Lady Sketch Show also capture that same spirit of bold, character-driven comedy.
More About French & Saunders
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