...and those who say it is are often unfunny comedians, says producer Jon Plowman

‘Wokeness’ isn’t killing comedy – and the people who say it is are often comedians who aren’t funny.

That’s the view of veteran TV producer Jon Plowman, who says commentators who claim comedy is overly cautious are overlooking what’s is being made.

The respected programme-maker was writing in the Radio Times as the Gold channel marks 32 years of Absolutely Fabulous – which he produced – with a reunion show later this month.

In his article, Plowman says: ‘Lots of people say we couldn’t get away with Ab Fab today, with its smoking, drinking, drug taking, jokes about weight issues, alcoholism and knitting-needle abortions. I disagree. 

'There has been a discussion about whether political correctness is killing comedy. That argument is often made by comics who aren’t funny, blaming PC.

‘Some things are never funny – like punching down. Comedy should always punch up. But otherwise, if you make people laugh, you can say anything you want. That’s as true today as it’s always been.

‘Look at Derry Girls, a filthy and brilliant comedy about Northern Irish girls during the Troubles that was rude about everything. Viewers loved it and everyone was talking about it.’

He said more challenging was building up a decent audience for comedies so they become part of the cultural conversation at a time of fragmented viewing across multiple channels and platforms.

And he said comedy was under greater budgetary restrictions, as it was harder to get backing from international co-producers as it ‘can be too British to travel’

He concluded: ’Unless we protect budgets, allow people to experiment and make sure the results get seen, we might never again see a comedy as game-changing as Absolutely Fabulous.’

Plowman's huge list of comedy credits include  W1A, Inside No. 9, The Thick of It  and The Office.

Gold will air its retrospective at 9pm on Thursday October 17.

Published: 7 Oct 2024