BBC appoints Chris Sussman comedy chief to double output by 2026

The BBC has named Chris Sussman its new director of comedy, a role he held at BBC Studios before moving to Netflix UK as director of scripted series. Sussman returns to the broadcaster on 1 October to oversee the “UK’s largest generator of original British scripted content,” according to a BBC statement. The appointment follows a period of mixed ratings for the BBC’s comedy output and a push to compete with streaming giants for fresh, high‑profile projects.

Sussman’s career has been shaped by a blend of traditional television and digital distribution. He launched popular BBC comedy‑drama series such as *“The Last Kingdom”* and *“The IT Crowd”* during his time at BBC Studios, then steered Netflix’s UK scripted slate, including *“The Crown”* and *“The Witcher”* spin‑offs, which earned the platform over 500 million viewers worldwide. His return comes as the BBC seeks to revitalize its comedy brand, which has struggled with audience fragmentation and the loss of key shows to other networks and streaming services. Industry analysts note that the BBC’s comedy budget has risen to £200 million for 2025‑26, with a focus on high‑concept, genre‑blending projects that can perform well on both broadcast and global streaming platforms.

The BBC has already outlined a strategy to double its comedy output in the next two years. Sussman will lead a new “Comedy Lab” programme that will commission 20‑30 pilots, many of which will be greenlit for full series if they perform well in test markets. The broadcaster is also negotiating with major streaming partners to create co‑productions that can reach audiences outside the UK. In a statement, BBC Director General Tim Fry said the move “signals a renewed commitment to British comedy that can stand alongside the best global content.” Sussman himself has said he intends to “explore new formats, support emerging writers, and keep the BBC’s comedy voice fresh and relevant.”

What follows will be a test of whether the BBC can regain its footing in a crowded comedy landscape. Viewers will watch how the new director balances the BBC’s public‑service mandate with the need for commercially viable, binge‑worthy content. If successful, the BBC could regain its position as the world’s leading producer of original comedy, drawing talent and audiences back to its flagship channels and its new global streaming arm.