BBC Is Preparing a Major Sitcom and the Company Shortlist Has Been Revealed

I’ve got some exciting news! It seems that the BBC is edging nearer to greenlighting its upcoming major sitcom. Recently, Deadline has disclosed some intriguing details about the production companies under consideration for this project.

In May, Jon Petrie, the comedy chief at the BBC, disclosed that his team would provide financial support for brainstorming sessions focused on new sitcom concepts. According to Deadline, the chosen studios include BBC Studios, Big Talk Studios, Various Artists Limited, Roughcut, and Hat Trick.

These businesses are responsible for creating some of the recently successful British sitcoms, such as “Derry Girls”, “Two Doors Down”, “Friday Night Dinner”, “Stath Lets Flats”, and “Such Brave Girls”. All these series have been awarded BAFTAs.

Although specifics have not been revealed yet, it’s been confirmed that the writers’ rooms for these projects are now operational and gathering their respective teams. Each organization is planning to produce a pilot script, episode plots, and a complete writing crew. There’s a possibility of multiple new sitcoms making their way onto our TV screens in the near future.

In May 2024, during a talk at the BBC Comedy Festival in Glasgow, Petrie shared that each concept would be steered by an accomplished showrunner and backed by both established and emerging writers. He emphasized the achievements of shows such as Ghosts, Motherland, Here We Go, and Two Doors Down, aiming to mimic their triumphs.

For more than three years, Petrie has played a significant role in molding the landscape of British humor. So far, he’s given the go-ahead for several new sitcoms like “The Power of Parker” and “We Might Regret This“. He strongly favors traditional sitcoms over dramedies, as he believes that the latter are overly produced due to being perceived as more financially viable in the current economic situation.

As the year 2025 commences, tight budget limitations continue to pose a significant hurdle for the BBC, as underscored by renowned drama producer Jane Featherstone, who recently disclosed that the network is grappling with financing issues regarding several of its intended scripted programs.

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2025-01-14 18:13