If you thought Absolutely Fabulous was a good as Jennifer Saunders dramas get, we're about to prove you wrong. There's a reason the actress has earned national treasure status and that's because of her slew of incredible TV performances - and if you missed them the first time round, there's still time to catch up.
From an outstanding crime drama (courtesy of the master of plot twists Harlan Coben), to a period comedy that fans of Downton Abbey will love and a heart-warming drama the whole family will enjoy, we've got something for all tastes - and moods! So, remotes at the ready for the 7 superb Jennifer Saunders dramas to watch now on ITV, Netflix, the BBC and more.
Blandings
For a spot of escapism, Blandings transports us to a fictional castle in 1929 Shropshire, where we meet a wonderfully dysfunctional family of decaying aristocrats. Lord Emsworth (Timothy Spall), known as Clarence, is friendly but scatty, and wants nothing more than to be left alone with his beloved pet pig, The Empress. Unfortunately, his formidable sister, Lady Keeble, known as Connie (Jennifer Saunders), rules the roost - but she’s a frustrated battleaxe trying (and failing) to keep her disorderly clan together, including her foolish nephew, Freddie (Jack Farthing). Blandings is available to watch now on ITVX.
The Stranger
One of our favourite Harlan Coben series to date, The Stranger tells the story of an enigmatic young woman known only as The Stranger (Hannah John-Kamen), who wreaks havoc across a small community by exposing the long-buried secrets of its residents. Adam Price (Richard Armitage, a Harlan Coben regular) is one of them, a happily married father of two whose life if upended when he's told a shocking secret about his wife. Siobhan Finneran plays punchy police detective, Johanna Griffin, who finds her pragmatic approach to police work compromised when her investigation into the matter becomes deeply personal. It’s dark, but it’s also entirely believable and absolutely outstanding. The Stranger is available to watch now on Netflix.
Absolutely Fabulous
Darling… no Jennifer Saunders round-up would be complete without the iconic sitcom Absolutely Fabulous, which the star created and wrote herself. Jennifer plays the unforgettable Edina Monsoon, a middle-aged PR mogul who’s obsessed with chasing youth and remaining fashionable. Her indelible partner in crime is Patsy Stone (Joanna Lumley) an ageing former model and magazine editor and the duo drink, smoke and misbehave through London in a desperate attempt to cling on to their youth. It’s outrageous, hysterical and endlessly entertaining. Absolutely Fabulour is available to watch now on ITVX, BBC iPlayer and NOW.
The Pentaverate
This six-part comedy follows a top-secret society called The Pentaverate, inspired by conspiracy theories about shady organisations controlling world events. Mike Myers plays a whopping eight different characters, including Canadian journalist Ken Scarborough (Myers), who wants to expose the group in a last-ditch attempt to resurrect his career. But he soon becomes embroiled in a dangerous conspiracy that threatens the future of the world. Jennifer Saunders takes on a hilarious dual role as the Maester of Dubrovnik and his sister, the Saester, placing her right at the heart of the organisation’s bizarre inner workings. The Pentaverate is available to watch now on Netflix.
Jam & Jerusalem
This hysterical sitcom takes us to the West Country town of Clatterford St. Mary where everyone knows everyone else’s business. At the heart of it is the local, tight-knit Women’s Guild and its new member Sal Vine (Sue Johnston) who's been recently widowed. Jennifer plays Caroline Martin, an eccentric, privileged and rather out-of-touch mother-of-four who spends a spare time horse riding and mixing with celebrities through her rockstar son. Dawn French and Joanna Lumley are also part of the cast, making it comfort viewing at its best. Jam & Jerusalem is available to watch now on Prime Video.
Too Much
Lena Dunham’s refreshingly real romantic comedy follows bright-eyed New Yorker Jessica (Megan Stalter) who moves to London following a difficult break-up. She soon realises the capital isn’t exactly the Notting Hill fantasy she imagined, and she finds it difficult to settle in. She soon develops a spark with laidback but troubled musician Felix (Will Sharpe) but their relationship proves tumultuous, to say the least. Meanwhile, Jennifer makes an unforgettable cameo as Fiona, an old clubber friend of Felix who he reacquaints with in a self-destructive spiral. Too Much is available to watch now on Netflix.
Grandpa’s Great Escape
This heartwarming family film follows a former World War II flying ace, Grandpa (Sir Tom Courtenay), who’s living with Alzheimer’s disease. When he’s admitted to the Twilight Towers care home, he soon discovers the manager Miss Dandy (Jennifer Saunders) has sinister motives. His grandson Jack (Kit Connor) is the only person who believes him, and they hatch a grand plan to escape – giving Grandpa one last chance to relive his flying days. Grandpa's Great Escape is available to watch now on BBC iPlayer.
