BBC Comedy Unveils Ambitious Slate and Support Initiatives to Champion UK Talent

The BBC has announced a significant investment in British comedy, revealing a slate of ten new and returning shows alongside substantial funding initiatives. This move underscores the BBC's commitment to fostering homegrown talent and producing distinctive, affordable comedy for audiences across the UK. The announcements were made at the BBC Comedy Festival in Belfast, highlighting the broadcaster's dedication to the genre's future.

Key Takeaways

• Ten new and returning comedy shows announced.

• Over £500,000 in additional funding ringfenced for new comedy production in Northern Ireland.

• Third cohort of the BBC Comedy Collective announced, supporting mid-level creatives.

• A new report emphasizes the vital role of the BBC in the UK comedy industry and calls for urgent action to protect it.

New And Returning Comedy Shows

At the BBC Comedy Festival in Belfast, BBC Director of Comedy Jon Petrie unveiled a diverse range of ten new and returning comedy programmes. These include:

• Ann Droid (w/t): A sitcom starring Diane Morgan as a social humanoid robot designed for elderly companionship, exploring the intersection of technology and human connection.

• The Reluctant Vampire: A supernatural family sitcom featuring BAFTA winner Lenny Rush.

• Bill’s Included: Rob Brydon stars as a middle-aged divorcee who rents spare rooms to students to avoid financial ruin.

• Small Prophets (w/t): Created by Mackenzie Crook, this series stars Pearce Quigley, Sir Michael Palin, and Sophie Willan, and follows a man attempting to create magical prophesying spirits.

• Stuffed: Guz Khan plays an office worker whose Christmas bonus trip to Lapland takes an unexpected turn.

The festival also confirmed the return of popular shows such as Only Child, Funboys, The Young Offenders, and The Golden Cobra. Additionally, Leonard and Hungry Paul, based on Rónán Hession's novel, was announced by BBC Northern Ireland.

Petrie emphasized the BBC's position as the largest investor in original comedy in the UK, with eight of the top ten scripted comedies airing on the BBC. He stressed the importance of brilliant characters, sharp jokes, and unique voices over elaborate productions, stating, "Our priority is to keep our shows affordable and distinctive."

Supporting Northern Ireland Comedy

BBC Northern Ireland announced over half a million pounds in additional, year-long funding specifically for new comedy production in Northern Ireland for 2025/2026. Eddie Doyle, Senior Head Content Commissioning BBC Northern Ireland, highlighted this as a significant investment in the region's comedic talent.

BBC Comedy Collective Nurtures New Talent

The third cohort of the BBC Comedy Collective has been announced, comprising ten emerging creatives – writers, producers, directors, editors, and writer/performers. This bursary scheme provides paid shadowing opportunities, development grants, and dedicated mentorship to help these individuals advance their careers in scripted comedy. Over 1600 applicants vied for these ten places, demonstrating the scheme's popularity and impact.

Report Highlights Value and Challenges of UK Comedy

A recent BBC report underscores the substantial cultural and economic value of the UK comedy industry. It highlights the critical role of Public Service Broadcasters (PSBs), particularly the BBC, in nurturing talent from grassroots to established professionals. The report warns of significant challenges, including pressure on commissioning budgets, high inflation, and difficulties in securing funding and distribution, calling for urgent action from both industry and government to safeguard the future of British comedy.

The report details that the UK TV comedy sector supports approximately 2,050 jobs, with PSB spend accounting for 45% of this. It also notes that the BBC invested nearly £67.1 million in TV comedy in 2024, more than double the combined spend of other broadcasters and streamers. The report recommends government support for PSBs, updated tax credits for scripted comedy, increased partnerships, and investment in comedy-specific skills and innovation.

Sources

• BBC Director of Comedy Jon Petrie unveils 10 star-studded new and returning shows, championing affordable,distinctive, UK comedy, BBC.

• BBC commissions new Mackenzie Crook comedy Small Prophets (w/t), BBC.

• BBC Comedy announces 10 creatives joining the third cohort of the BBC Comedy Collective, BBC.

• The BBC Comedy Collective, BBC.

• BBC report into value of UK comedy industry calls for urgent action from both industry and the Government toprotect jewel in the UK’s cultural crown, BBC.