Roseanne To Produce U.S. Version Of Bbc Comedy

An American version of “Absolutely Fabulous,” the politically incorrect British television comedy that has won fans on both sides of the Atlantic, is to be produced by the actress and comedian Roseanne.

Format rights to the BBC series about a pair of narcissistic, substance-abusing middle-aged London women - were bought from the show’s creator and lead actress, Jennifer Saunders.

The American series, to be called “Abfab,” is to be produced in association with Warner Brothers Television under a production deal Roseanne has with that studio.

No cast members have been announced. Roseanne will not be starring in the show, said Leslie Moonves, the president of Warner Brothers Television.

“Abfab” has not yet been sold to a network, although both ABC, where Roseanne has series commitments, and the Fox network, which broadcasts bawdy comedies, seem to be logical candidates.

Saunders, who is now producing the final six British episodes, is to serve as a creative consultant to the American project.

“Absolutely Fabulous” chronicles the mishaps of Edina Monsoon, a whiny, New Age fad-addicted fashion publicity agent (Saunders), and her best friend, Patsy, a hedonistic fashion-magazine editor, played by Joanna Lumley.

The show has been praised by critics since last summer, when the series began running on the American cable channel Comedy Central.