BBC Entertainment (in partnership with BBC Two and BBC iPlayer) and UKTV Comedy Entertainment are coming together to commission a high-volume, lower-cost comedy entertainment show that can work for both audiences and platforms. This is an exciting opportunity to rethink how Comedy Ents is produced, to deliver innovative, scalable content that resonates across multiple demographics.

Commissioning intent

We are seeking an undeniably intriguing, infectious concept with the power to cut through to our increasingly fragmented audiences. One that feels fresh, funny, different from what we’ve both done before, but still connects to each broadcaster’s existing audience DNA and above all, delivering on funny.

We want to:

• Innovate editorially while producing at a lower cost, with the creative concept inherently supporting that model.
• Achieve high volume (target of 10 episodes) recorded in blocks for both weekly and across-the-week scheduling.
• Drive digital and linear performance with BBC iPlayer and UKTV’s U streaming platform. On-demand viewing is a priority so how do we compel our audiences to keep watching beyond a singular episode? 

Talent approach

• Lead with a mix of well-known and emerging comedians or well-known faces with comedic tone.
• Anchor the show with at least one established, audience-drawing name.
• Primary talent must be authentically invested. More than just a name on a press release. Their passion and creative involvement should be evident and infectious.
• Would ideally include opportunities for guest appearances from recognizable U and BBC faces to create crossover appeal and bridge audiences.

Tone and format

• Light, warm, and funny: A show audiences can unwind with. “Lean-back” entertainment.
• Camaraderie and friendships should drive the energy.
• Should be easy to binge, repeatable, and work for audiences dipping in out of order, while still allowing for optional light narrative arcs.
• We are not looking for traditional panel shows or stand-up series, and studio settings must feel justified and/or reimagined. We are not looking for ‘stripped-across the week’ ideas.
• Strong format spine (even if it feels light touch to the viewer) to sustain scale and repeatability.
• Avoid heavy topicality. Evergreen or lightly topical content works best for bulk-recorded runs.

Audience

We must engage 35–54 comedy lovers who value familiarity and nostalgia but want fresh, distinctive formats and talent that feel like a natural extension of the BBC Two, BBC iPlayer and UKTV’s U comedy universes.

We also still want to attract underserved 18–34 late-peak viewers, particularly C2DE audiences who enjoy sociable, shared viewing, community-driven humour, and clippable, talk-about moments that translate well to social platforms.

Inspiration

For tone and accessibility: Taskmaster, Would I Lie To You, Last One Laughing, 8 out of 10 Cats Does Countdown, but with a lower cost production model more like ‘House Of Games’. Shows with strong identity, warmth, repeatability, and light-touch format structure. It’s also worth thinking about digital channels such as Dropout, Channel 4.0 and YouTube which demonstrate how a lower cost execution could be applied to our brief.

Production model

• Must sustain fast-turnaround, high-volume output. Minimum four episodes recorded per day.
• Demonstrate production team’s credentials in delivering at pace and scale without compromising quality.
• Cost-effective by design, not as a compromise. Editorial and production decisions should support efficiency.
• Open to new working models, collaborations, co-productions, AFP, and alternative funding routes.

Success measures

• Strong performance of 28 day consolidation figures.
• Broad appeal across the two target demos, with measurable crossover.
• High shareability and organic social engagement.
• Format durability for future recommissions at even greater volume.

Budget / tariff

The total fee will be £1,000,000 for 10 x 30’ episodes (£100,000 per ep). Shortlisted ideas will be given paid development.

Anticipated commissioning and delivery schedule

• Deadline for initial ideas: Friday 31st July 2026
• Paid development selection: Q4 2026
• Delivery for intended transmission: 2027

How to pitch

• We will only accept one submission from each production company.
• Submissions should be emailed to bbcuktvsubmissions@uktv.co.uk
• If submissions include large files, please send via WeTransfer/Dropbox and provide link.
• Please include ‘UKTV & BBC Comedy Entertainment Co-Commission’ in the subject line.
• Please provide details on submissions, about any key talent named in the treatment as to whether they are attached /have already been approached to be part of the project.
• Written feedback will be provided to unsuccessful suppliers at the end of the process on request.

Eligibility criteria

• Submissions are for content from UK based independent production companies
• A TV commission for original content from another major UK broadcaster or SVOD platform available in UK in the last three years
• Submissions made from outside these criteria will not be considered.