Chris Sussman takes charge of BBC comedy with a rich Netflix and BBC Studios track record
The BBC has appointed Chris Sussman as its new director of comedy, placing a former Netflix UK executive and BBC Studios comedy chief at the centre of its commissioning strategy. Starting next month, Sussman will lead the broadcaster’s comedy team as it develops established favourites and a new generation of British series.
Key takeaways
Chris Sussman will report to BBC chief content officer Kate Phillips.
He succeeds Jon Petrie, who is moving to Hat Trick Productions.
Emma Lawson will remain acting director until Sussman starts.
His portfolio includes current hits such as Ludwig, Here We Go and Black Ops.
The appointment arrives alongside the BBC Comedy Collective’s 2026 talent announcement.
Sussman’s appointment gives him responsibility for one of the UK’s biggest sources of original scripted comedy. For audiences at Comedy in Your Eye, where professional comedians regularly appear in an intimate Camden pub setting, the move is another reminder of the strong creative pipeline connecting grassroots stages with major broadcasters.
A return to the BBC
Sussman has held senior roles across the BBC, BBC Studios and Netflix UK. As head of comedy at BBC Studios, he worked across television and radio projects including This Country, Inside No. 9, W1A, Upstart Crow, Two Doors Down and Mrs Brown’s Boys.
During an earlier spell in BBC comedy commissioning, he was involved with programmes including Fleabag, Mum, Bad Education, Cuckoo, Rev., Ambassadors and Him & Her. More recently, he worked as an executive producer on Ludwig, the BBC comedy drama that earned international recognition.
Netflix experience and a broad slate
At Netflix UK, Sussman served as director of scripted series and helped shape a slate that included Baby Reindeer, Black Mirror, Bodies and Man Versus Bee. That experience gives him insight into both traditional broadcasting and global streaming, a useful combination as viewers move freely between television, online platforms and live comedy.
His BBC brief includes current titles such as Amandaland, Small Prophets, Ann Droid, Ludwig, Here We Go and Black Ops. Upcoming projects include Bill’s Included, The Reluctant Vampire, Better Later, Hopley Hall, Push and Opening Up.
Building comedy’s next generation
BBC chief content officer Kate Phillips described the appointment as the result of a highly competitive process, praising Sussman’s experience across broadcasters and independent production companies. Sussman called the role a “dream job”, citing his early love of classic BBC comedy from Hancock to The Goons.
The BBC also announced its 2026 Comedy Collective, supporting writers, performers, directors, producers and editors from across the UK. Each participant will receive paid shadowing, mentoring and development funding—an approach that echoes Comedy in Your Eye’s enthusiasm for giving audiences a safe, welcoming space to discover professional talent before it becomes widely known.
Sussman said he was looking forward to continuing the work of predecessor Jon Petrie and helping define British comedy in the years ahead. For comedy fans, that could mean a lively mix of familiar names, bold new voices and the kind of unexpected discoveries that make both a BBC premiere and a night at a local club worth seeking out.
Sources
BBC named Chris Sussman as new Director of Comedy, Senal News.
BBC taps former Netflix exec as new comedy chief, Northeast Times.
BBC appoints Chris Sussman as director of comedy | Broadcast, Broadcast.
Chris Sussman named BBC's new director of comedy, British Comedy Guide.