RTÉ’s Search for the Next Hit Show: Discover the Future Derry Girls Young Offenders or Mrs Brown’s Boys
The Irish state broadcaster, RTÉ, is actively seeking to revitalize its comedy offerings amid perceptions that it has lost interest in the genre. Contrary to claims of abandonment, RTÉ is navigating the comedy landscape with renewed vigor, focusing on both established hits and new projects. With guaranteed public funding for the period 2025-2027, RTÉ aims to enhance its comedy slate.
RTÉ’s Commitment to Comedy
Kevin Bakhurst, RTÉ’s Director General, recently clarified the organization’s stance on comedy. Addressing remarks made by comedian Mario Rosenstock, Bakhurst emphasized that the broadcaster has not given up on producing engaging content. Instead, he acknowledged the challenges faced in the comedy genre, particularly the balance of risk and financial constraints.
Funding and New Initiatives
Following the confirmation of long-term funding, RTÉ is looking to invest more heavily in comedy. The network introduced “Good Boy,” a low-budget sitcom featuring Tony Cantwell, marking its first original sitcom in several years. This initiative reflects RTÉ’s ongoing commitment to developing new comedic content.
Plans for Future Comedies
- Steve Carson, RTÉ’s Director of Video, outlined ambitions to enhance the comedy repertoire.
- A focus on developing a pipeline for emerging comedic talent is a priority.
- RTÉ is requesting proposals for half-hour sitcoms aiming for a broad audience appeal.
Iconic References in Comedy Proposals
In its comedy commissioning brief, RTÉ highlighted several successful comedies as tonal references. These include:
- Derry Girls
- The Young Offenders
- Mrs Brown’s Boys
- Killinaskully
Production companies are encouraged to submit proposals that embody a confident, warm tone, present a clearly Irish perspective, and are designed to be accessible and inclusive.
The Future of Irish Comedy
RTÉ is clearly on the lookout for the next hit show to join the ranks of beloved comedies. While scrambling to find fresh talent and concepts, the broadcaster presents an optimistic vision for the future of Irish comedy. This endeavor aims not only to entertain but also to resonate with audiences on multiple levels.
RTÉ’s proactive approach signals that the future of comedy remains bright, even amid criticisms and challenges. The search for the next iconic sitcom is on, with the hopes of discovering a gem that can captivate viewers much like Derry Girls or the Young Offenders did in previous years.
