The origins of the programme can be traced back to 1978 when Dawn French and Jennifer Saunders attended the Central School of Speech and Drama. Performing together on stage in front of live audiences, leading to appearances on television.
The programme under the title French and Saunders has had a run of seven series and thirteen specials over more than twenty years and is among the most successful British comedy shows. Apart from the TV programme the duo also toured in the UK and abroad performing in front of live audiences and continue the collaboration on BBC Radio 2.
Each episode is a series of sketches, including countless parodies of films, popular music performers, and other television programmes. A large number of celebrities has appeared on the show, including Rik Mayall (Filthy, Rich & Catflap), Harriet Thorpe (The Brittas Empire), Helen Mirren, Felicity Kendal (The Good Life), Dusty Springfield and many others more.