BBC Comedy Unveils Ambitious Slate of New Shows and Talent Initiatives

The BBC has announced a significant investment in British comedy, revealing a slate of ten new and returning shows alongside initiatives to nurture emerging talent. The announcements were made at the BBC Comedy Festival in Belfast, underscoring the BBC's commitment to distinctive, affordable, and homegrown comedy.

Key Takeaways

• Ten new and returning comedy shows announced.

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

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

• New sitcom "Push" commissioned as part of the BBC Comedy Sitcom Project.

• A report highlights the vital role of Public Service Broadcasters in supporting the UK comedy industry and calls for urgent action.

New and Returning Comedy Shows

BBC Director of Comedy, Jon Petrie, revealed ten star-studded new and returning shows at the BBC Comedy Festival. These include:

• Ann Droid (w/t): A sitcom starring Diane Morgan as a social humanoid robot designed for elderly companionship.

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

• Bill's Included: Rob Brydon stars as a man renting rooms to students to avoid financial ruin.

• Small Prophets: Created by Mackenzie Crook, with Pearce Quigley, Sir Michael Palin, and Sophie Willan.

• 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.

Petrie emphasized the BBC's position as the largest single investor in original comedy content in the UK, noting that eight out of the top ten scripted comedies last year were on the BBC. He stressed the importance of brilliant characters, sharp jokes, and unique voices over elaborate productions, advocating for affordable and distinctive comedy.

Supporting Emerging Talent

The third cohort of the BBC Comedy Collective has been announced, comprising ten creatives—writers, producers, directors, editors, and writer/performers—selected from over 1600 applicants. This bursary scheme provides paid shadowing, mentorship, and development grants to help mid-level creatives advance their careers. The initiative is supported by various BBC departments and industry partners, including BBC Northern Ireland, BBC Scotland, and BBC Wales.

New Sitcom "Push"

Jessica Knappett's new workplace ensemble comedy, Push, has been commissioned for BBC iPlayer and BBC One. Set in a rural West Yorkshire maternity unit, the series follows an eccentric team of midwives. Push is the first commission from the BBC Comedy Sitcom Project, a development opportunity that funded six writers' rooms. Knappett described the show as a "laugh out loud celebration of the chaotic, high-stakes reality of pulling off a miracle several times a day."

The Value 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) in talent development, with nearly every major British comedy star having begun their careers with a PSB. The report warns of significant challenges, including pressure on commissioning budgets, high inflation, and difficulties in securing third-party funding. It calls for urgent action from both industry and government to protect the sector, recommending government support for PSBs, updated tax credits for scripted comedy, increased partnerships, and investment in comedy-specific skills.

The report reveals that the UK TV comedy sector supports around 2,050 jobs, with PSB spend accounting for 45% of this. The BBC remains the largest commissioner of UK first-run comedy, investing nearly £67.1m in TV comedy in 2024, more than double the spend of other broadcasters and streamers combined. The report also notes that comedy productions often serve as crucial training grounds for new talent, citing numerous internationally successful comedians who started in the genre.

Sources

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

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

• BBC Comedy orders Jessica Knappett’s midwives sitcom Push, 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.