BBC Comedy


BBC doubles down on comedy, with $12m investment pledge

UK pubcaster the BBC is to invest an extra £10m ($12m) in “high-impact” comedy programming over the next two years. BBC Comedy director Jon Petrie said that this will enable more “ambitious pieces” for streaming service BBC iPlayer “where our audiences are increasingly discovering our new British Comedy titles.” Petrie laid out his plans in […]

BBC Comedy commissions place emphasis on new voices and diversity

Shane Allen, controller of BBC Comedy Commissioning, has unveiled a broad slate of new comedy series for the full range of the UK broadcaster’s channels. Highlights include a 60th Birthday Special for Lenny Henry and a high-concept sitcom for BBC1 called Ghosts. Efforts to improve onscreen diversity include a BBC3 sitcom about three modern Muslim […]

In the spotlight: Ash Atalla

Ash Atalla has shows lined up for Sky, the BBC, Channel 4 and is looking at US remakes of Roughcut Television’s series. Having redefined comedy by co-creating The Office, Atalla tells TBI about the business, his career and plans TBI: Which executive helped shape your career? AA: One is Clare Pizey, a BBC exec (eds […]

Argonon poaches BBC commissioner for CCO role

UK indie production group Argonon has recruited Kristian Smith as its chief creative officer. Smith joins from UK pubcaster the BBC where he has been commissioning editor, BBC Comedy. During six years in that role he commissioned shows including the award-winning  Detectorists, Uncle and Boy Meets Girl. In the newly-created role at Argonon, Smith will […]

BBC orders Gangsta Granny

UK public broadcaster the BBC is making a TV version of kids book Gangsta Granny. The book was written by British comedian and actor David Walliams (Little Britain). The one-hour TV special based on the book will go out as part of the BBC One’s Christmas schedule. Julia McKenzie (Cranford), Joanna Lumley (Ab Fab), Rob […]