Latest news with #BBCComedy
BBC News
21-05-2025
- Entertainment
- BBC News
Jon Petrie calls for producers to 'focus on the funny' as he warns that the opportunities for international investment for scripted comedy are becoming increasingly rare
Director of BBC Comedy Jon Petrie has warned that the opportunities for international investment to significantly plug the gap for scripted comedy are becoming increasingly rare. Speaking at the BBC Comedy Festival in Belfast, Jon said the TV comedy industry had been dazzled by the drama investment model, but the market reality meant that the period of Peak TV was unsustainable. Jon said: 'The opportunities for international investment to significantly plug the gap for scripted comedy are becoming increasingly rare. This might seem at odds with what I said back in 2022 about co-producing with our American friends. That door hasn't closed entirely - but it's always been narrower for comedy, and with a wider reset happening in our industry, we need to face reality head-on. 'We all got dazzled by the drama investment model - which was understandable, given the pace of change. Brilliant shows like The Outlaws and Starstruck showed what's possible when comedy attracts drama-level investment. I'm immensely proud of these shows. 'But let's be honest about the market reality – that period of Peak TV was unsustainable. Meanwhile, production costs have skyrocketed across the board, and pure comedy - the kind that defines the UK's cultural identity - simply doesn't command the same co-production interest as its glossier comedy-drama cousins.' He also pointed to research which shows that it is possible that award-winning, popular comedy can be made on a BBC budget alone. 'It's proven that popular, award-winning, comedy can be made on a BBC budget alone. The data backs up what we've always suspected - people connect with great characters and writing, not budget.' Jon said: 'We must constantly ask: 'Does this specific spend make it funnier?' We can't out-budget global streamers, but we can be smarter and funnier and speak to UK audiences more directly.' He highlighted recent successes for BBC Comedy including Gavin & Stacey: The Finale, which was the highest rated comedy since records began in 2002; Alma's Not Normal, which recently won a BAFTA for scripted comedy; Amandaland and Ludwig. And he asked producers and creatives to develop differently by thinking of cost from the moment of conception. 'And if we keep our comedy affordable and distinctive - we won't just weather this moment. We'll shape what comes next - and make it funnier, sharper, and unmistakably ours.' The BBC Director of Comedy, who has previously spoken about the importance of sitcoms, praised those who work in the scripted comedy TV industry for consistently finding brilliance even when resources were tight. 'Our focus now must be on channelling that resourcefulness smartly. Less about 'papering over cracks' and more about being strategically focused so we can make distinctive and more about being strategically focused so we can make distinctive, impactful comedy for the long haul.' 'Think about what people actually share online. The moments that go viral aren't expensive set pieces - they're laugh-out-loud writing and performances. Amandaland and Am I Being Unreasonable clips spread across social media week after week. The last Cunk special had a total of 185 million global views across our key social platforms. He committed to keep pushing for the comedy tax credit: 'We'll keep fighting for the comedy tax credit and working with the comedy community to make the economics stack up,' he said. 'But in the meantime, in every meeting with writers, producers, directors - the question has to be: does more money make it more funny? 'If it doesn't – it's not worth the spend. Because in the end, audiences watching comedy don't care how it was made. They care if it made them laugh. LH2
BBC News
21-05-2025
- Entertainment
- BBC News
BBC's Only Child returns for a second series
Gregor Fisher and Greg McHugh are to return in Only Child, the touching and funny BBC One and iPlayer sitcom following the exploits of squabbling father and son duo, Ken and Richard Pritchard. Commissioned by BBC Comedy and BBC Scotland from Happy Tramp North, Only Child will see Fisher and McHugh return to Forres for six more episodes. The first series which was loved by viewers and celebrated by critics alike, followed bit-part actor Richard's long overdue visit to his eccentric, strong-willed technophobe dad, Ken, who is recently widowed. Richard comes to the realisation that his dad may need a bit more full-time help. Domestic and inter-generational differences and neighbourly squabbles were all told through the lens of Richard and Ken's comedic relationship with son Richard's patience often tested to its limits as the father-son bonding evolved. Written once again by Bryce Hart, the second series will see the chaotic Pritchard clan return for more adventures as Richard and Ken bicker through everything from driving lessons and explaining what a QR code is to buying your own coffin. Louise Thornton, Head of Commissioning BBC Scotland says: 'The magic of Bryce's writing takes a relatable situation and packs it with warmth and love as well as plenty of laughter. We loved the relationship between father and son and Gregor and Greg brought their comedy A-game to the roles. We're thrilled to be working with the team at Happy Tramp North to bring more of this heartwarming humour to BBC audiences.' Greg McHugh says: 'I am absolutely thrilled that Only Child has been given a second series - it was an absolute hoot to shoot with an amazing cast and crew. Getting to work again with Gregor 'Loose Cannon' Fisher is the spice we all need in our lives. Thanks to all the audience who tuned in and gave us their support! Thanks also to the BBC for this amazing opportunity to return!' Gregor Fisher added: 'Well I never. Back to Forres to spend time with young McHugh and the gang. It beats working." Neil Webster, Executive Producer, Happy Tramp North said: 'It's great to be back in Forres, hanging out with our two favourite men down The Beastie. Pints of heavy all round.' Only Child will once again showcase a wealth of Scottish and Irish talent with full cast to be announced in due course. Only Child (6 x 30) is a Happy Tramp North Production for BBC One, BBC Scotland and iPlayer. It was commissioned by Jon Petrie, BBC Director of Comedy and Louise Thornton, Head of Commissioning BBC Scotland. The producer is Ursula Haworth, the director is John Addis and the executive producer is Neil Webster. The commissioning editors for the BBC are Gregor Sharp and Gavin Smith. Watch Only Child on BBC iPlayer Susan@
