UK Comedy Series Wave & Revivals
Key Questions
What UK comedy series and revivals are upcoming?
Channel 4’s Number 10, BBC projects, and SNL UK Season 2 renewed for September 2026 are advancing. G’wed Season 3 arrives in June alongside Smoggie Queens Season 2 and Funboys Season 2 now streaming.
How are changes to the Edinburgh TV Festival affecting UK comedy?
The festival is moving to Manchester after 50 years, severing the traditional Fringe-to-TV pipeline that launched shows like Fleabag and Taskmaster. Industry figures have called the shift a disappointing mistake.
What other notable UK comedy developments are happening?
Taskmaster Series 22 lineup was announced, Michael McIntyre marks 25 years with a special, and Lenny Henry returns to stand-up. BBC Comedy Director Jon Petrie is exiting to Hat Trick amid £107M budget cuts.
Channel 4 Number 10, BBC projects, SNL UK S2 renewed Sept 2026. G'wed S3 June. Hundreds unpaid by major festival; ITV axes 'Piglets'; Smoggie Queens S2. BBC New Comedy Awards moving to West Midlands. Sam Campbell's 'Make That Movie' called funniest show. Michael McIntyre 25th year special. BBC Comedy Director Jon Petrie exits to Hat Trick. Lenny Henry returns to stand-up. Taskmaster Series 22 lineup announced. 'Last of the Summer Wine' tribute special returning after 16 years on U&GOLD. UK dark comedy 'Alice and Steve' premieres June on Disney+. Trying S5 trailer July 8. Rivals (Hulu) gets early S3 renewal before S2 premiere. BBC cutting $107M and 2,000 jobs – potential impact on UK comedy output. Audible sponsors Edinburgh Comedy Awards with £10k prize for Best Show. Iain Stirling's 'Roast The Internet' new UK roast format event featuring Maisie Adam, Asim Chaudhry, Kerry Godliman. Sian Clifford satirical comedy 'Lady' scores US distribution deal. Funboys S2 now streaming with Steve Coogan – part of UK comedy wave. Edinburgh TV Festival moving to Manchester after 50 years – severs Fringe-to-TV pipeline that birthed Fleabag, Taskmaster, Baby Reindeer; Avalon exec calls it 'disappointing mistake.'