BBC Entertainment Commissioning has announced a unique opportunity aimed at redefining comedy entertainment for BBC iPlayer and BBC Two during post-watershed hours. The initiative seeks original formats for a new series consisting of 10 episodes, each lasting 30 minutes, and has the potential to be aired in a stripped format over two weeks.
The focus is on creating a format-first show that emphasizes humor and spontaneity rather than relying on heavy scripting or topical content. The ideal submission should be fresh, bold, and irresistibly funny, with the capacity to attract binge-watchers on iPlayer, enticing viewers to consume multiple episodes at once or to dip in for random laughs. The aim is to develop a show that feels unmissable and shareable, with the potential to capture the audience’s attention and become a must-watch phenomenon.
In terms of tone and style, the show should align with the wit and playfulness characteristic of successful formats like “Taskmaster,” “Would I Lie to You?,” “Last One Laughing,” “8 Out of 10 Cats Does Countdown,” or “The Roast of the Sidemen.” However, the budget constraints require a more cost-effective production approach, similar to shows like “Richard Osman’s House of Games” or “The Traitors Uncloaked,” ensuring efficiency without sacrificing quality.
Proposals should aim for a pure entertainment experience rooted in universal themes and banter that resonate across diverse audiences. There is an emphasis on making viewers laugh, with the prospect of paid development for shortlisted ideas, culminating in the commissioning of one full series.
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Casting is a crucial element of this opportunity. The ideal show should feature a blend of recognizable comedic talents and emerging voices, with at least one prominent figure guaranteed to draw in viewers, whether in a leading or supporting role.
The target demographic includes younger audiences aged 25-45, while also maintaining accessibility for BBC Two’s established fan base of viewers aged 45 and above.
Participants are encouraged to break free from traditional comedy production molds. The commissioning team seeks innovative approaches to production that allow for rapid turnaround times, enabling multiple shows to be filmed in a single day without compromising on quality. The model should incorporate editorial and production efficiencies right from the planning stages, drawing insights from successful digital platforms.
To qualify for this opportunity, production companies must be UK-based, eligible for a PiCoS account, and possess a solid track record of delivering high-volume, fast turnaround shows—either independently or in collaboration with a partner who meets these criteria.
The total budget allocated from the BBC Licence Fee for this initiative is £750,000, which will cover the 10 episodes at £75,000 each, adhering to the BBC’s standard prevailing Terms of Trade. Shortlisted ideas will be eligible for paid development.
Interested parties must submit their initial pitches through BBC PiCoS by 27 February 2026, ensuring that the subject line includes ‘BBC iPlayer & BBC Two Comedy Entertainment.’ Feedback will be provided to unsuccessful applicants upon request at the conclusion of the process.
The timeline for this project anticipates initial ideas to be evaluated by the end of April 2026, with a delivery schedule set for anticipated transmission from Autumn/Winter 2026.
