BBC names Chris Sussman as its new director of comedy

The BBC has named Chris Sussman as its new director of comedy, putting the former Netflix U.K. scripted chief back in charge of the U.K.'s largest original British scripted comedy slate. Sussman replaces Jon Petrie and will report to chief content officer Kate Phillips starting next month.

In a move that reunites one of British television's most experienced comedy executives with the broadcaster, the BBC names Chris Sussman to lead its comedy commissioning team after a competitive search. The appointment comes as the BBC looks to sustain its position as the dominant home for original scripted comedy in the United Kingdom.

Key Takeaways

• Chris Sussman rejoins the BBC as director of comedy, replacing Jon Petrie after his five-year tenure.
• Sussman previously led comedy at BBC Studios and most recently served as director of scripted series at Netflix U.K.
• He will oversee current hits including "Ludwig," "Amandaland," and "Black Ops" plus upcoming series such as "Bill's Included" and "Reluctant Vampire."
• Petrie is joining Hat Trick Productions as creative director after announcing his departure in June.
• Sussman begins the role next month; Emma Lawson continues as acting director in the interim.

Who Is Chris Sussman?

Chris Sussman brings a rare combination of public-service and global streaming experience to the role. Before his stint at Netflix U.K., where he helped build the platform's scripted slate across titles such as "Baby Reindeer," "Black Mirror," "Man Versus Bee," "Stay Close," and "Bodies," he served as head of comedy at BBC Studios.

During that earlier BBC Studios tenure, he oversaw TV and radio comedy including "This Country," "Inside No 9," "W1A," "Famalam," "Upstart Crow," "Ladhood," "Two Doors Down," "Vic & Bob's Big Night Out," and "Mrs Brown's Boys." He also secured BBC Studios' first commissions with Apple ("Trying") and Amazon ("Good Omens").

Why Did Jon Petrie Leave the BBC Comedy Role?

Jon Petrie announced in June that he would step down after five years as the BBC's director of comedy. He is moving to Hat Trick Productions as its new creative director, opening the door for Sussman's return.

Chief content officer Kate Phillips said Sussman emerged from a "highly competitive interview process" and praised his experience across indies and broadcasters as ideal for leading the BBC into what she called "a very funny future."

What Shows Will Sussman Oversee?

Sussman will lead the BBC comedy commissioning team and report directly to Phillips. His remit covers the broadcaster's existing comedy lineup and a pipeline of new series.

Current shows on his watch include "Ludwig," "Amandaland," "Small Prophets," "Ann Droid," "Here We Go," and "Black Ops." Upcoming projects include "Bill's Included," "Reluctant Vampire," "Better Later," "Hopley Hall," "Push," and "Opening Up."

For more on major broadcaster and streaming leadership moves, see our Streaming & TV Alerts coverage.

What Did Sussman Say About Returning?

"What a dream job! 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," Sussman said in a statement reported by Variety.

He added that he looked forward to joining a team already producing strong series and to "carrying on where Jon left off and defining British comedy in the coming years."