'Absolutely Fabulous' 20th Anniversary Special: TV Women Inspired By Patsy & Eddy (PHOTOS) (VIDEO)

After more than seven years, Eddy (Jennifer Saunders) and Patsy (Joanna Lumley) reemerge on Sun., Jan. 8 with an "Absolutely Fabulous 20th Anniversary Special."

It's the first of three planned TV installments (though only two have been filmed) celebrating the pill-popping, alcohol-guzzling, animal print-sporting, chain-smoking ladies of London. And in the Jan. 8 episode, the duo even takes jabs at E!'s first family. "Look there's a new disease called 'the Kardashians,' darling," Eddy says.

But in actuality, since their debut two decades ago, Eddy and Patsy paved the way for people -- fictional or not -- like the Kardashians on the small screen. From one particular member of the fabulous foursome on "Sex and the City" to our favorite blonde on "30 Rock," it's clear that the "Absolutely Fabulous" pair inspired many.

See TV's "Ab Fab" women, past and present, who have Eddy and Pasty to thank.

The "Absolutely Fabulous 20th Anniversary Special" premieres Sun., Jan. 8 at 10 p.m. EST on BBC America and Logo.

Comments

[AbsoluteTruthiness]

02:35 PM on 01/15/2012

I saw the new episode last night (a week late), and it was indeed Absolutely Fabulous. My friend is looking to find when and where it's on next again. Anyone have an idea?

[MisterDude]

03:55 AM on 01/11/2012

I'm in love with these women. It was Patsy, Eddy, Erasure, Simon Rex, La Bouce, and Madonna (as well as so many others) who made "coming out" such a memorable and fun experience back in 1995!

[nbart71]

02:52 PM on 01/10/2012

Love it, love it, love it. Break out the Stoli-Boli's and enjoy sweetie-dahlings.

[ethelmertzrules]

02:18 PM on 01/10/2012

Patsy Stone 2012!

[gingersaff]

12:16 PM on 01/10/2012

Not only are they the funniest women, they are arguably the funniest people ever to be on the telly. What I loved about it was that males were parenthetical characters (unlike American comedies that rely on women as satellites around the suns that are the male leads), and they were completely powerless against the juggernaut that was Patsy and Edina. One lady you overlooked in your list of heirs to the AbFab universe is Kathy Griffin (and I acknowledge being a fan). Only her notorious frugality keeps her from being Patsy and Edina's lovechild. Otherwise her character's (yes, she's playing a character) self-absorption, cattiness, obsessive name-dropping, addiction to plastic surgery and vulgarity are perfect manifestations of the AbFab philosophy.

[ethelmertzrules]

02:19 PM on 01/10/2012

Hear hear! There is no shame in being a Kathy Griffin fan - I think she's great.

[Woodmist]

11:29 AM on 01/10/2012

Hysterically funny! I loved them both then and now! Keep making us laugh ladies. And Patsy..OMG! LMAO I laughed just thinking about the 20th anniversary return. Excellent.

[itsjules]

01:42 AM on 01/10/2012

Jeezy Creezy, one of the BEST. Shows. EVAIR. J'ADORE! (Translation: I am VERY excited!)

((James Mason voice) "What on earth is that, Jesus? Jesus Christ! What on earth is that?"

"Don't take my name in vain, Dad!"

"Jeezy Creezy, what on Earth is that?"

"Don't call me Jeezy Creezy! Look Dad, I went down there, I taught 'em to be hang out, be groovy, drink a bit of wine, they split into different groups!)

Parenthetical comedy courtesy the inimitable Eddie Izzard :-)

[bluntobject]

01:35 AM on 01/10/2012

Still funny as HE_ll! Rock on Ladies! Thank you for the countless hours of 1st class entertainment.

[itsjules]

01:42 AM on 01/10/2012

I'm SO freaking excited! :D

[AbsoluteTruthiness]

02:36 PM on 01/15/2012

If were only on every week!

[shewolf2002]

10:41 PM on 01/09/2012

Love, love, love Ab Fab! Especially Edina's "dahling, sweetie, dahling" fakeness. Hilarious!

[itsjules]

01:43 AM on 01/10/2012

'Twas sublime!

[belldn3]

09:33 PM on 01/09/2012

Lisa Turtle"Saved by the Bell"..........You brought back memories. She was so pretty. Miss her.

[kariewcpa]

07:52 PM on 01/09/2012

Sorry, but Cordelia owes NOTHING to AbFab and everything to every teenage show with the stuck up cheerleader/prom queen character. Neither Patsy or Edina could have been either. They were too busy being models and using cigs for food.

Of the others I actually know about--MaryAnn, Lisa and the Sex girls--they should be so lucky to be as hysterical as the AbFab ladies. Good thing about it being on BBCA is that it will be REPEATED. Lots. I was in Tebowland last night but will see this before Saturday's next trip.

[BklynLil]

06:54 PM on 01/09/2012

Saw it last night. Absolutely Hilarious! Jennifer and Joanna haven't lost a step since last we saw them. I thought it was very funny when Eddy frisked her mother before she could leave the room.

[OutToLunch]

06:15 PM on 01/09/2012

Spreading The Gospel of AbFab......for anyone who doesn't get BBCA or Logo, check downthread for bluetantra's links. If you can't watch it on tv, might as well watch it on your computer!

[Atwill]

05:47 PM on 01/09/2012

The funniest show to ever come out of England. and I never thought anything could topple Faulty Towers from my #1. but it did. .

[senilemomma]

07:48 PM on 01/09/2012

Nooooooo, Basil Fawlty would smack you like Manuel if he ever read your post.... ;-)

[Atwill]

07:56 PM on 01/09/2012

This is Basil. This is Basil's wife. This is smack on head.

[emlr]

05:17 PM on 01/09/2012

I adored Ab Fab when it was on and look forward to seeing the girls again!
I thought Ms Baranski was superb as MaryAnn in Cybil! I loved that character!

[itsjules]

01:47 AM on 01/10/2012

I agree, Christine Baranski is amazing! Have you seen her on Big Bang Theory? She's her usually awesome self :)

[emlr]

03:28 PM on 01/10/2012

Have only watched parts of BBT and have not seen Christine. Will look out for her. Another favorite "character"actress...Holland Taylor ever since Bosom Buddies.