BBC Director of Comedy Jon Petrie has announced 10 new and returning shows at the BBC Comedy Festival, as he “championed affordable, distinctive comedy from across the UK.”
In his speech to the festival, Petrie called for producers to develop ideas that were “affordable and distinctive” saying it was “possible that award-winning, popular comedy can be made on a BBC budget alone.”
He said: “We all got dazzled by the drama investment model – which was understandable, given the pace of change. Brilliant shows like The Outlaws and Starstruck showed what’s possible when comedy attracts drama-level investment. I’m immensely proud of these shows.
“But let’s be honest about the market reality – that period of Peak TV was unsustainable. Meanwhile, production costs have skyrocketed across the board, and pure comedy – the kind that defines the UK’s cultural identity – simply doesn’t command the same co-production interest as its glossier comedy-drama cousins.”
He said that if “we keep our comedy affordable and distinctive – we won’t just weather this moment. We’ll shape what comes next – and make it funnier, sharper, and unmistakably ours.”
He committed to keep pushing for the comedy tax credit: “We’ll keep fighting for the comedy tax credit and working with the comedy community to make the economics stack up,” he said. “But in the meantime, in every meeting with writers, producers, directors – the question has to be: does more money make it more funny?
“If it doesn’t – it’s not worth the spend. Because in the end, audiences watching comedy don’t care how it was made. They care if it made them laugh.”
Speaking at the festival in Belfast, Petrie and Eddie Doyle, Senior Head Content Commissioning BBC Northern Ireland, also announced over half a million pounds of additional, year-long funding for new comedy.
The money will be ringfenced exclusively for production spend on new comedy in Northern Ireland for 2025/2026.
The confirmed commissions are
- Diane Morgan’s sitcom Ann Droid (w/t) about a social humanoid robot designed to keep elderly people company, exploring the intersection of technology and human connection
- Supernatural family sitcom Reluctant Vampire starring BAFTA winner Lenny Rush
- Bill’s Included, which stars Rob Brydon as a middle-aged divorcee who staves off financial ruin by renting his spare rooms to students
- Small Prophets, created by BAFTA winner Mackenzie Crook, starring Pearce Quigley, BAFTA winner Sir Michael Palin and BAFTA winner Sophie Willan
- Stuffed, starring Guz Khan as an office worker who gets an unexpected Christmas bonus and takes his family to Lapland, only to find that he has to pay the money back.
- The return of Only Child, Funboys, The Young Offenders and Golden Cobra
- Ahead of the festival, BBC Northern Ireland also announced Leonard and Hungry Paul, based on the award-winning, best-selling novel by Rónán Hession
Jon Petrie said: “Great comedy always comes back to the fundamentals: brilliant characters, sharp jokes, a unique voice. Those are the elements that endure – not massive sets or casts of thousands.
“Our priority is to keep our shows affordable and distinctive, because comedy doesn’t need explosions and continuous shots, it needs punchlines, authentic voices, and that gleeful point of view that no algorithm can touch.”
Eddie Doyle, Head of Commissioning, BBC Northern Ireland, said: “We’re known in Northern Ireland for our unique and sometimes dark sense of humour, so it’s fitting that Belfast is hosting the BBC Comedy Festival this year.
“We’ve been doing our part to develop local comedians and comedy writers on and off screen at BBC Northern Ireland over the last number of years, and it’s great that network BBC Comedy is recognising the talent that’s here. The additional year-long funding of more than half a million pounds shows real faith in Northern Ireland comedy talent and will provide a decent leg up to network commissioning for the comedy sector here, like Hot House has been to factual and the Green Lit project to scripted.
“And of course, it’s been exciting to announce the commissioning of Leonard & Hungry Paul and the return of Funboys which we can’t wait to bring to audiences.”
The confirmed commissions are
Ann Droid (wt)
Diane Morgan stars as a social humanoid robot, created to keep elderly people company and monitor their health, in new BBC sitcom Ann Droid (w/t). Written by Diane (Mandy, Cunk) and Sarah Kendall (Dreamland, The Other One), the six-part series will be made by Boffola Pictures and Witchcraft Industries for BBC iPlayer and BBC One.
It’s 2029. Sue’s husband David passed away 18 months ago and her only son, Michael, is moving out – again – to try and fix his marriage – again. But the good news is he’s got Sue a surprise to help her live independently, a care provider with a difference. The latest D500 social humanoid eldercare robot. Created to keep the ageing population company and monitor their health, taking the pressure off the ever-stretched NHS.
It’s Sue’s worst nightmare. An overly attentive, socially inept pain in the arse. But she soon works out she can use the droid to her benefit in settling scores and doing the things her son never gets round to. What develops is a buddy comedy between an older woman and her robot who isn’t quite as advanced socially as she is technically.
Diane Morgan says: “I’m thrilled that the BBC has finally commissioned a programme about AI and how it will affect your mum.”
Shane Allen, executive producer for Boffola Pictures adds: “In a world where AI is creeping in to the creative industry, we’re fighting back in the best way we can: taking the piss out of it. The ball’s in your court Chat GPT.”
Jon Petrie, BBC Director of Comedy, adds: “Diane Morgan’s sharp comedic genius shines in Ann Droid (w/t), co-written with Sarah Kendall, as she brings to life an unlikely friendship between a feisty pensioner and her over-attentive robot. Equal parts clever and chaotic, this six-part sitcom marries heart and high-jinks in equal measure.”
Ann Droid (w/t) (6 x 30) is a Boffola Pictures and Witchcraft Industries production for BBC iPlayer and BBC One. The show was commissioned by BBC Director of Comedy Jon Petrie. It is written by Diane Morgan and Sarah Kendall, the executive producers are Shane Allen, Diane Morgan and Pippa Brown, who is also series producing. The commissioning editors for the BBC are Seb Barwell and Navi Lamba. BBC Studios, which has a minority investment stake in Boffola Pictures, will handle global sales.
Bill’s Included
Rob Brydon is set to front a brand-new comedy for BBC One and iPlayer written by Ben Ashenden and Alexander Owen and produced by Baby Cow.
Bill’s Included follows middle-aged divorcee Bill Beam (Rob Brydon), who staves off financial ruin by renting his spare rooms to students. Warm-hearted and eager but neurotic and slightly overbearing, Bill is thrilled by the youthful energy his lodgers bring – but baffled by their indifference to his laminated house rules and colour-coded cutlery. He’s torn between wanting to be part of the gang – sharing banter, keeping up with trends – and clinging to his role as responsible adult.
The students, meanwhile, aren’t exactly living the dream: a 90-minute commute to campus, a strict bin rota, and a man in his 50s who insists on a group vote before ordering a takeaway. Still, the rent’s insanely cheap (please don’t tell Bill), and somehow, through all the awkwardness, this chaotic household starts to gel. As Bill and his mismatched lodgers navigate heartbreak, reinvention, and emotional upheaval, surprising parallels emerge between university life and midlife crisis. Can they overcome their differences, embrace their found family, and help each other muddle along? Can Bill learn to be both landlord and land…friend? Probably not, because he’ll get too excited and screw everything up, but let’s see.
Rob Brydon says: “I can’t wait to get started with this, to speak the wonderful words written by Alex and Ben who’ve done such a great job on the script.”
Ben Ashenden and Alexander Owen say: “When we first met as students, we bonded over Human Remains and Marion and Geoff. To now be writing a show in which Rob Brydon lives with students is both a dream come true and a weirdly specific full circle moment. We’re thrilled to be working with the amazing teams at Baby Cow and the BBC and can’t wait to bring Bill Beam to life. Bill’s Included, you’re invited, we’re excited.”
Jon Petrie, BBC Director of Comedy says: “Rob Brydon has given us some of Britain’s most beloved TV characters over the years and we’re about to get another one! Paired with the razor-sharp writing talent of Ben Ashenden and Alexander Owen, Bill’s Included delivers exactly what audiences want – a warm, character-driven sitcom with genuine laughs and heart at its core. We’re delighted to have this on BBC iPlayer and BBC One and can’t wait for audiences to move in with Bill and his lodgers.”
Rupert Majendie, Executive Producer at Baby Cow productions says: ““From the beginning, we knew this was a show we wanted to make – a perfect sitcom set-up with a sharp, contemporary twist. With its mix of heart, originality and beautifully observed characters, it feels like a classic Baby Cow show. Ben and Alex have written something properly special, and with Rob at the centre of a brilliant ensemble, we can’t wait to bring it to life”
Bill’s Included (6 x 30) is a Baby Cow, one of BBC Studios owned production labels, production for BBC iPlayer and BBC One. It was commissioned by Jon Petrie, BBC Director of Comedy. The show is written by Ben Ashenden and Alexander Owen. The executive producers are Rupert Majendie, Ben Ashenden, Alexander Owen, Rob Brydon and Tom Basden. The commissioning editors for the BBC are Ben Caudell and Navi Lamba. BBC Studios will handle global sales.
Funboys S2
Funboys is a show where frigids get their first kiss. Pigs fly in the sky. Three chubby little lads frolick fields, navigate life’s dramas, and learn how funboys become funmen. Ready to put it all on the line and die a horrific jumping death for the sake of friendship, these are a group of boys who understand the healing power of touch; touching hearts, themselves, the nation. And if you think for one second they’re afraid to talk to each other about their feelings just because they’re guys, prepare to have your f*cking lid blown off.
The series, filmed in rural Northern Ireland, started as a BBC Comedy Short Film before securing a full series commission which launched to critical acclaim in February this year.
Ryan Dylan says: “Series Two is here. We’ve learned nothing, grown less and legally can’t be left alone. Funboys forever.”
Rian Lennon says: “Our show is like what if the teletubbies took off the dang suits and got real for a second. We don’t pull punches, we’ve written a show that’s hard as rocks. And if you don’t like it you can jog the frigging hell on.”
Simon Mayhew-Archer, Executive Producer and CEO Mayhay Studios says: “We go again.”
Eddie Doyle, Head of Commissioning for BBC Northern Ireland, says: “It’s a real treat to be able to serve audiences another portion of Funboys with Ryan, Rian and Lee. This backs our commitment to giving a platform to new comedy voices and local talent, and we can’t wait to see what the boys from Ballymacnoose have up their sleeves for series two.”
The first series had critical acclaim with The Guardian describing it as “some of the most fearless comedy in years” and the London Evening Standard calling it “beautifully bonkers”.
Funboys (4 x 30) is a Mayhay Studios production for BBC Three and iPlayer. It has been commissioned by BBC Director of Comedy, Jon Petrie and BBC Head of Commissioning for Northern Ireland, Eddie Doyle. The show is written by Rian Lennon and Ryan Dylan, and directed by Lennon. They also serve as executive producers alongside Simon Mayhew-Archer. The commissioning editors for the BBC are Navi Lamba and Seb Barwell, and Jason Butler for BBC Northern Ireland.
The Golden Cobra
The Golden Cobra is an adult animated comedy set around Ebbw Vale’s worst takeaway. Basil the short-tempered owner lives at the takeaway with his level-headed wife Samita and Mona, their frustrated teenage daughter. Other regular visitors include their adult son, Jub, who isn’t the sharpest knife in the drawer, and delivery driver Nick who is fresh out of prison and trying to make amends with his estranged wife, Claire, and son, Rhys.
We return to The Golden Cobra as owner Basil grapples with the new found success of the business. A face from Nick’s past makes an unwelcome return, Jub makes some big life changes, Samita takes the law into her hands, and there’s an adventure on the high seas.
Director Adam Llewellyn says: “We’re really excited to be working on the next chapter of The Golden Cobra and to explore more of the animated world Ebbw Vale from series one with more cutting-edge animation than ever; expect to see the character’s legs actually move!”
Dan Thomas and Sarah Breese at Beastly Media say: “We’ve had an amazing response from fans of the show, especially from the people of Ebbw Vale and we’re so proud to be able to showcase the talent the region has to offer.”
Nick Andrews, Head of Commissioning BBC Cymru Wales, says: “The Golden Cobra is back by popular demand and we’re delighted to recommission it. Adam Llewellyn is a comedy genius who deserves all the plaudits he’s getting for one of the most original comedy animations in existence. Comedy in Wales is in really good shape with all of our comedy slate now co-commissioned with BBC Comedy.”
The show is set in and around Ebbw Vale, and is produced entirely in Wales.
The Golden Cobra (12 x 10’) is a Beastly Media production for BBC Three, BBC Cymru Wales and iPlayer. It was commissioned by Jon Petrie, BBC Director of Comedy and Nick Andrews, Head of Commissioning at BBC Cymru Wales. The director is Adam Llewellyn, the writers are Adam Llewellyn, James Prygodzicz and Thomas Rees, with additional material from Steve Ballinger, Adam Khan and Tirion Meredith. The producers are Sarah Breese and Dan Thomas. The commissioning editor for BBC Cymru Wales is Paul Forde, and the commissioning editors for the BBC are Ben Caudell and Navi Lamba. The Golden Cobra’s second series will be made with support from Creative Wales.
Only Child S2
Gregor Fisher and Greg McHugh are to return in Only Child, the touching and funny BBC One and iPlayer sitcom following the exploits of squabbling father and son duo, Ken and Richard Pritchard.
Commissioned by BBC Comedy and BBC Scotland from Happy Tramp North, Only Child will see Fisher and McHugh return to Forres for six more episodes.
The first series which was loved by viewers and celebrated by critics alike, followed bit-part actor Richard’s long overdue visit to his eccentric, strong-willed technophobe dad, Ken, who is recently widowed. Richard comes to the realisation that his dad may need a bit more full-time help.
Domestic and inter-generational differences and neighbourly squabbles were all told through the lens of Richard and Ken’s comedic relationship with son Richard’s patience often tested to its limits as the father-son bonding evolved.
Written once again by Bryce Hart, the second series will see the chaotic Pritchard clan return for more adventures as Richard and Ken bicker through everything from driving lessons and explaining what a QR code is to buying your own coffin.
Louise Thornton, Head of Commissioning BBC Scotland says: “The magic of Bryce’s writing takes a relatable situation and packs it with warmth and love as well as plenty of laughter. We loved the relationship between father and son and Gregor and Greg brought their comedy A-game to the roles. We’re thrilled to be working with the team at Happy Tramp North to bring more of this heartwarming humour to BBC audiences.”
Greg McHugh says: “I am absolutely thrilled that Only Child has been given a second series – it was an absolute hoot to shoot with an amazing cast and crew. Getting to work again with Gregor ‘Loose Cannon’ Fisher is the spice we all need in our lives. Thanks to all the audience who tuned in and gave us their support! Thanks also to the BBC for this amazing opportunity to return!”
Gregor Fisher added: “Well I never. Back to Forres to spend time with young McHugh and the gang. It beats working.”
Neil Webster, Executive Producer, Happy Tramp North said: “It’s great to be back in Forres, hanging out with our two favourite men down The Beastie. Pints of heavy all round.”
Only Child will once again showcase a wealth of Scottish and Irish talent with full cast to be announced in due course.
Only Child (6 x 30) is a Happy Tramp North Production for BBC One, BBC Scotland and iPlayer. It was commissioned by Jon Petrie, BBC Director of Comedy and Louise Thornton, Head of Commissioning BBC Scotland. The producer is Ursula Haworth, the director is John Addis and the executive producer is Neil Webster. The commissioning editors for the BBC are Gregor Sharp and Gavin Smith.
Small Prophets (w/t)
The BBC has commissioned Small Prophets (w/t), a new comedy created, written and directed by BAFTA-winning Mackenzie Crook (Detectorists, Worzel Gummidge) and produced by BAFTA-winning Gill Isles (Car Share, Alma’s Not Normal), from Treasure Trove Productions and Blue House Productions.
The six-part series is a comic tale of eccentric Michael Sleep (Pearce Quigley) who, since his darling wife Clea disappeared seven years ago, has lived a very ordinary life. He eats Shreddies, works in a DIY store, visits dad Brian (Sir Michael Palin) and hopes for Clea to return.
That is just the way it is, until one day dad Brian shares an old recipe involving rainwater, horse manure and more than a little alchemy. With recipe in hand, Michael sets out (albeit with some scepticism) to create Homunculi – magical prophesying spirits that can predict the future – in the hope they have the answer to his burning question, ‘will I ever see Clea again?’.
Michael gets help from young work mate Kacey (Lauren Patel), an unlikely friendship that blossoms partly (but not wholly) through their mutual dislike of store manager Gordon (Mackenzie Crook). Their friendship adds to the frustration and intrigue of his nosy neighbours (Sophie Willan, Jon Pointing) who are obsessed with trying to find out what the hell is going on in the garden shed.
Small Prophets (w/t) is filmed and set in and around Manchester. The series incorporates visually stunning animation elements throughout as we tell a story of friendships and hope, the magical and the mundane, and where secrets and lies lurk in a suburban cul-de-sac.
Mackenzie Crook said: “Like all my best ideas, this one has been percolating for nearly a decade and is finally ready to see the light of day. It’s wonderful to be working again with my friends Gill Isles and Pearce Quigley and to realise a long-term ambition of collaborating with animators Ainslie Henderson and Will Anderson.”
Gill Isles says: “I’m absolute thrilled to be working with Mackenzie again on such a funny, beautiful and unique show.”
Jon Petrie, BBC Director of Comedy, adds: “BBC viewers are in for a treat with BAFTA winner Mackenzie Crook’s Small Prophets. This magical comedy series brims with wit and wonder – from Mackenzie himself and Sir Michael Palin to Sophie Willan, Pearce Quigley, Lauren Patel and Jon Pointing – and is backed by a top-tier creative team and stunning animation. It’s British comedy at its finest.”
Small Prophets (w/t) (6×30) is a Treasure Trove and Blue House production. It has been commissioned by BBC Director of Comedy Jon Petrie. It is written and directed by Mackenzie Crook. The executive producers are Mackenzie Crook and Lisa Thomas for Treasure Trove Productions and Christine Gernon and Emma Strain for Blue House Productions. The commissioning editor for the BBC is Emma Lawson. Sphere Abacus is the International Distributor.
Stuffed
Guz Khan is well and truly Stuffed (1×60) this Christmas, when he stars in a new, hour-long comedy from Baby Cow and Dice Roll Productions, for BBC iPlayer and BBC One.
After he receives an unexpected £8,000 Christmas bonus at work, Arslan Farooqi (Khan) and his multi-faith family set off on the trip of a lifetime when they swap Coventry for the magic of Lapland
His wife Hannah (Morgana Robinson), his two daughters and brother-in-law Jamie (Theo Barklem-Biggs) are all set for the ultimate festive adventure. However, when office worker Arslan discovers the bonus was a mistake and must be repaid immediately, Christmas chaos ensues – and disaster follows the family at every turn.
Together with new holiday friend Lily (Sue Johnston), they must find a way out of this predicament and hope for a Christmas miracle that can save Arslan’s job and the family’s livelihood.
Stuffed is a modern-day Christmas caper for the whole family to enjoy this yuletide season.
Guz Khan, Dice Roll Productions executive producer says: “I remember telling my kids that when I was their age at Christmas, my neighbour would give me a card and tape three quid on this inside. They asked me if I’d do the same for them…I said absolutely not, you’ve got a PS5 and we celebrate Eid, do one lads…RIP Mrs Sadler. Merry Christmas. P.S Stuffed is alright ‘n’ all, watch it if you got time. Safe.”
Rupert Majendie, executive producer and Head of Development at Baby Cow, says: “Stuffed is the perfect funny Christmas treat—big laughs, big heart, and Guz Khan at his absolute best. Baby Cow couldn’t be more excited to bring this festive feast to BBC One audiences.”
Andy Milligan, writer and creator says: “The starting point for Stuffed was ‘One man is on a mission to save a Christmas he doesn’t believe in’ – and who better to be that man than Guz Khan, who apparently, has to be in everything I ever write. Our ambition was to make a show that had the spirit of classic caper movies like National Lampoon’s Vacation, but with a modern, multi-faith family at the heart of it.”
Gill Isles, Dice Roll Productions executive producer says: “Dice Roll couldn’t be more delighted to team up with Baby Cow to bring ‘Stuffed’ to the BBC at Christmas, and working with the brilliant Andy Milligan is always an absolute joy!”
Jon Petrie, BBC Director of Comedy, says: “We jumped at the chance to bring Stuffed to the BBC: from the moment Andy shared this Christmas caper, we knew it was something special. With Guz Khan’s warm humour at its heart it’s an hour-long treat bursting with warmth and laughter.”
Stuffed (1 x 60) is a Baby Cow, one of BBC Studios’ owned production labels, and Dice Roll co-production for BBC iPlayer and BBC One and was commissioned by BBC Director of Comedy Jon Petrie. Written, created and executive produced by Andy Milligan, the executive producers for Baby Cow productions are Sarah Monteith, Rupert Majendie. The executive producers for Dice Roll are Gill Isles and Guz Khan. The producer is Mollie Freedman Berthoud the director is Dave Lambert. Stuffed will be distributed internationally by BBC Studios.
The Reluctant Vampire
BAFTA winner Lenny Rush, is The Reluctant Vampire in a brand new supernatural comedy from Boffola Pictures for BBC iPlayer and BBC One. Based on the books by Eric Morecambe, written by Rob & Neil Gibbons (Alan Partridge) this coming-of-age sitcom is about a young vampire who finds out he is not in fact a vampire at all, and has to live a double life.
Set in a timeless English village, where everything is picturesque, everything, that is, except for the vampires living in the castle on the hill who come out at night for a little drink of the locals.
Val has been raised in a very typical vampire family but has always felt a bit different and hopelessly inept at rising to meet his Dad’s high standards. Following a surprise encounter with his reflection, he realises he is not undead, not in the least bit.
Now with a big secret to hide, Val must navigate finding out who he truly is, by mingling with the locals to learn the intricacies of their behaviour and what it means to be human. Caught between two worlds as he loves his Mum and Dad (not so much his jealous brother) and has full vampire duties expected of him by his father, whose obsession with the traditional way of life is tricky when they’re undead and the villagers despise them.
A heart-warming show about finding your own identity while longing to fit in, and the tensions between family life and social life, and the struggle between conformity and kicking out against the path that’s been prescribed for you.
Lenny Rush says: “How lucky am I to bring to life something from the mind of comedy legend Eric Morecambe? I just love Rob and Neil’s interpretation, so many jokes and brilliant ideas. The flying might be a stretch but I’m game for anything!”
Jon Petrie, Director of Comedy, BBC says: “‘The Reluctant Vampire’ is exactly the kind of distinctive comedy we’re passionate about at the BBC. Rob and Neil Gibbons have brilliantly adapted Eric Morecambe’s work into a sharp, character-driven sitcom that delivers both big laughs and genuine emotion. With the incredibly talented Lenny Rush in the lead role, we’re confident this will become one of the standout comedies of the year.”
Shane Allen, executive producer, Boffola Pictures, says: “This book was a childhood favourite and the stars aligned the day Lenny arrived on to the AM I BEING UNREASONABLE? set. He is superb at playing the guy in a tight spot, his comic timing is second to none”
Rob and Neil Gibbons add: “According to Slavic folklore, vampires are nocturnal parasites who prey on the blood of humans. During often frenzied attacks, they target the neck, using razor sharp canine teeth to puncture the carotid artery and gorge on blood, leaving victims lifeless and defiled. We look forward to bringing their story to a BBC family audience in the new year.”
The Reluctant Vampire (6×30’) has been commissioned for BBC iPlayer and BBC One by Jon Petrie, Director of Comedy Commissioning. Written by Rob Gibbons and Neil Gibbons, the executive producer is Shane Allen. The series producer is Ali Marlow. The Commissioning Editors for the BBC are Ben Caudell and Navi Lamba.
The Young Offenders S5
The BBC, in association with RTÉ, has recommissioned hit comedy The Young Offenders for a fifth series from producers Vico Films. It will see the hilarious misadventures of hapless heroes Conor (Alex Murphy) and Jock (Chris Walley) continue, alongside their long- suffering mother/guardian Mairéad (Hilary Rose), former nemesis Garda Sergeant Tony Healy (Dominic MacHale) and the unpredictable Billy Murphy (Shane Casey).
Created by Peter Foott, and based on his original film, the new six-part series for BBC iPlayer and BBC One, sees Conor reunited with Jock in Cork after both spent series four in different prisons, in different parts of the world. Now the loveable rogues are back together, there’s nothing that they can’t do, although whether they’re successful at it is a different matter.
The critically acclaimed hit show which has reached huge audiences in Ireland, the UK and internationally, set and filmed in Cork city and county, will feature all of the other beloved and unforgettable characters who also return for more mischief and chaos, including Principal Walsh (PJ Gallagher), Siobhán (Jennifer Barry), Linda (Demi Isaac), Orla (Orla Fitzgerald) and Star (Rylee Hosford).
Peter Foott, creator and writer of The Young Offenders says: “All the original characters who audiences know and love since the show started are back in season five. We have the funniest, most heart-warming stories in the new season that will show Conor and Jock getting into scrapes like never before. We hope audiences will share our excitement to have all the gang back together, bringing more laughs, thrills and moments to remember to TV screens.”
Jon Petrie, BBC Director of Comedy, says: “We’re thrilled to reunite with Conor and Jock in Cork for more gloriously misguided misadventures. This fifth series is brimming with the wild heart, raucous charm and razor-sharp wit that have made The Young Offenders a true fan favourite.”
The Young Offenders has kept audiences entertained since 2016 with series four among the top three comedies across broadcasters for 16–34-year-olds in 2024 (excluding specials).
The Young Offenders (6 X 30) is a Vico Films production for BBC Three and iPlayer. It was commissioned by BBC Director of Comedy Jon Petrie. Peter Foott is the creator, writer and executive producer and the series producer for Vico Films is Cormac Fox. Duo Rosco 5 are directing the series. The Commissioning Editor for RTÉ Comedy is Justin Healy. The BBC Commissioning Editor is Ben Caudell. BBC Studios handles global sales for all series of The Young Offenders.
Leonard and Hungry Paul
Diane Morgan Picture credit: Ruth Crafer
Jon Creamer
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