By admin 
The British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) has officially announced the appointment of Chris Sussman as its new Director of Comedy, a pivotal role that will see him helm the United Kingdom’s most prolific generator of original British scripted comedy. Sussman, a seasoned executive with a distinguished track record in shaping comedy content for both global streaming giants and esteemed production houses, makes a significant return to the Beeb, where he previously served as Head of Comedy at BBC Studios. His appointment marks a new chapter for BBC comedy, signaling a commitment to nurturing and expanding its rich legacy of humorous storytelling.
Sussman steps into the role vacated by Jon Petrie, who announced his departure in June after a five-year tenure to take up the position of Creative Director at Hat Trick Productions. Petrie’s departure left a considerable void, but the BBC’s selection of Sussman suggests a strategic move to leverage his extensive experience and proven ability to identify and develop successful comedic talent and projects. Sussman’s remit will be broad, encompassing the commissioning and oversight of a diverse portfolio of comedy programming, from established, popular shows to exciting new ventures designed to capture the zeitgeist and resonate with contemporary audiences.
Reporting directly to Chief Content Officer Kate Phillips, Sussman will lead the BBC’s dedicated comedy commissioning team. His responsibilities will include steering the creative direction and strategic development of the BBC’s comedy output across its various platforms, including television and radio. This involves nurturing existing successful series while actively seeking out and championing fresh voices and innovative comedic concepts. The BBC, renowned for its commitment to original British programming, sees comedy as a cornerstone of its content offering, and Sussman’s appointment underscores the importance of this genre in maintaining its cultural relevance and audience engagement.
Under Sussman’s leadership, the BBC’s comedy slate will continue to champion a wide array of genres and styles. He will be instrumental in the continued success of current flagship shows such as "Ludwig," a sketch show known for its sharp wit and satirical edge; "Amandaland," a critically acclaimed comedy exploring themes of identity and belonging; "Small Prophets," a quirky and charming series that blends humour with poignant observations; "Ann Droid," a science fiction comedy with a unique premise; "Here We Go," a family sitcom that has resonated with viewers for its relatable characters and humorous situations; and "Black Ops," a dark comedy that delves into the world of espionage with a comedic twist.
Beyond these established hits, Sussman will also be tasked with nurturing and launching a pipeline of new comedy series. Among the anticipated new productions are "Bill’s Included," a sitcom promising to offer a fresh perspective on everyday life; "The Reluctant Vampire," a genre-bending comedy that injects humour into supernatural themes; "Better Later," a series expected to explore the complexities of relationships with a comedic touch; "Hopley Hall," a period comedy with the potential to charm audiences with its historical setting and witty dialogue; "Push," a project that hints at bold and boundary-pushing comedic storytelling; and "Opening Up," a title that suggests a narrative focused on emotional honesty and relatable experiences, all delivered with a comedic sensibility. This robust slate of both returning and brand-new shows reflects the BBC’s ongoing dedication to providing a consistent and high-quality stream of original comedy.
Sussman’s return to the BBC is particularly noteworthy given his significant contributions to the scripted comedy landscape during his tenure at Netflix U.K. As Director of Scripted Series, he played a crucial role in building and diversifying the streaming giant’s U.K. scripted offering. His influence was felt across a number of highly successful and critically lauded series, including Rowan Atkinson’s physical comedy vehicle "Man Versus Bee," the internationally acclaimed dark comedy-drama "Baby Reindeer," the gripping crime thriller "Stay Close," the mind-bending sci-fi series "Bodies," and the enduringly popular anthology "Black Mirror." His work at Netflix demonstrated an adeptness at identifying compelling narratives and fostering creative collaborations that resulted in impactful and widely discussed television.
Prior to his role at Netflix, Sussman’s foundational experience in comedy was forged at BBC Studios, where his leadership as Head of Comedy saw him overseeing both television and radio comedy slates. During this period, he was instrumental in the development and success of some of the most iconic and beloved British comedies of recent years. His portfolio at BBC Studios included such acclaimed series as the BAFTA-winning mockumentary "This Country," the darkly comedic anthology "Inside No 9," the satirical workplace comedy "W1A," the vibrant sketch show "Famalam," the historical comedy "Upstart Crow," the coming-of-age series "Ladhood," the character-driven sitcom "Two Doors Down," the surreal and eccentric "Vic & Bob’s Big Night Out," and the enduringly popular "Mrs. Brown’s Boys."
Furthermore, Sussman’s tenure at BBC Studios was marked by his pioneering efforts in securing significant international co-commissions, thereby expanding the reach and ambition of British comedy. He was instrumental in securing BBC Studios’ first commissions with Apple for the charming comedy-drama "Trying" and with Amazon for the critically acclaimed fantasy series "Good Omens." These deals not only demonstrated his commercial acumen but also his ability to forge strategic partnerships that elevated the profile of BBC content on a global scale. This experience in navigating the international market will undoubtedly prove invaluable in his new role at the BBC.
Sussman expressed his profound enthusiasm for his new position, articulating a deep-seated passion for BBC comedy that dates back to his childhood. "What a dream job!" he exclaimed. "I’ve loved BBC comedy since I was a young boy listening to tapes of ‘Hancock’ and ‘The Goons,’ and the thought of trying to make more classics for a new generation to fall in love with is a daunting but irresistible one." This personal connection to the genre’s heritage, coupled with his forward-looking ambition, bodes well for the future of BBC comedy. He added, "I’ll be joining a brilliant team who are already producing some fantastic series, so I’m looking forward to carrying on where Jon left off and defining British comedy in the coming years." His sentiment highlights a collaborative approach and a respect for the work that has already been accomplished.
Kate Phillips, Chief Content Officer at the BBC, echoed Sussman’s excitement and underscored the rigorous selection process that led to his appointment. "After a highly competitive interview process, I’m delighted that Chris will be taking up the role of the BBC’s Director of Comedy," she stated. "With a wealth of experience across multiple indies and broadcasters, he has the smarts and skills needed to lead us into a very funny future." Phillips’ endorsement emphasizes Sussman’s strategic vision and his ability to navigate the complex landscape of modern media production and commissioning. Her confidence in his leadership suggests a clear direction for BBC comedy under his stewardship.
Sussman is set to officially commence his new role next month. In the interim period, Emma Lawson will continue to serve as Acting Director, ensuring a seamless transition and the continued momentum of ongoing projects. Sussman’s arrival is anticipated with considerable optimism within the industry, given his proven ability to foster creativity, identify comedic talent, and deliver programming that not only entertains but also resonates deeply with audiences. His extensive experience across different media environments, from traditional broadcasting to global streaming platforms, positions him uniquely to adapt to the evolving demands of the comedy landscape and to continue the BBC’s legacy as a powerhouse of British humour. The BBC’s investment in a leader with such a distinguished pedigree signals a clear intent to maintain and elevate its status as a global leader in original comedy content, promising a future filled with laughter and innovative storytelling for audiences worldwide.
