New programmes put on hold

Comedy Central has stopped commissioning original UK programming.

Chortle understands the move may only be temporary after the broadcaster rejigged its senior team and it reconsiders its strategy – but in the short term it would leave the channel entirely dependent on imports and repeats.

In September, parent company Viacom give Ben Frow, director of programmes at sister station Channel 5,  responsibility for Comedy Central as well as MTV and Paramount Network.

Frow previously made headlines for axing Big Brother from Channel 5. Speaking at the Edinburgh TV festival this summer he said culling the show was a ‘liberation’, but expressed regret that the money he saved did not go as far as he would have like.d

The programming pause comes just two years after Comedy Central announced a major commissioning push, appointing executive Lucy Robinson as London-based vice-president  of original programming.

Their vow then was to expand its British comedy offering, with non-scripted shows, entertainment formats, animation, local versions of Comedy Central's US hits and scripted comedy.

Recent original commissions have focussed on entertainment formats, including Russell Howard & Mum: Road Trip, Your Face Or Mine, Roast Battle UK and Blockbusters.

Comedy Central declined to comment.

Published: 20 Nov 2019