‘The freshness and uniqueness of the comedy is undeniable’
“Grotesque”, “despicable” and “unlikeable” aren’t typically words associated with a winning entry, but that’s exactly what makes Kat Sadler’s acerbic BBC sitcom shine.
The comedy series centres on a dysfunctional, single-parent family as they attempt to piece together their chaotic lives after the father leaves. The series wrestles with mental health issues, sexuality, family dynamics and financial woes, all delivered with Sadler’s trademark caustic charm.
Shortlisted
Dinosaur
Two Brothers Pictures for BBC
The second series of Two Brothers Pictures’ Glaswegian comedy impressed judges with its refreshing take on family life, centring on an autistic woman in her 30s. The show is based on the true-life experiences of star Ashley Storrie, and was praised for its heart-warming exploration of neurodivergence.
Dreaming Whilst Black
Big Deal Films & A24 for BBC
The much-anticipated return of Big Deal Films’ comedy following the life of Kwabena as he attempts to become an accomplished filmmaker continued to supply gags and social commentary in equal measure. It’s no easy feat to explore racial bias, gender justice and politics with humour, but Dreaming Whilst Black’s ability to do so impressed Broadcast’s judging panel.
Juice
Various Artists Limited for BBC
This fearless BBC comedy veers between absurd and traditional sitcom, revelling in both. The second series of Various Artist Limited’s comedy takes it up another notch as a strange kind of reverse romcom, with central characters Jamma and Guy rediscovering their romantic relationship.
Man Like Mobeen
Tiger Aspect & Dice Roll Productions for BBC
This fifth and final series ensures this beloved BBC sitcom goes out with a bang. The series was praised for its richly layered storyline, exploring working-class British Muslim life but with the Turkish mafia, Irish gangsters and much more thrown in.
Things You Should Have Done
Roughcut TV for BBC
Building on the success of its debut series, the latest instalment of star and creator Lucia Keskin’s distinctive comedy continued to compel the judges. Blending high-gag comedy with a genuinely original tone to explore how families cope with grief, Roughcut’s often bizarre show handles difficult subjects with sensitivity and silliness.
The comedy simultaneously stunned and horrified judges with its ability to make grotesque characters not only appealing, but horrifyingly relatable too.
Leaning away from the typical ‘feel-good’ comedy tropes, Such Brave Girls relishes in its amorality while remaining watchable and “undeniably funny,” says one judge. Another praised Sadler’s writing as feeling “incredibly fresh bold, and raw”, going as far as to say: “It’s the most exciting comedy I’ve watched in years.”
The comedy was also praised for propelling Sadler into the spotlight as a major new talent. In the series she serves as writer, lead actor and executive producer.
“The freshness and uniqueness of the comedy is undeniable,” another judge concluded.
AWARD SPONSORED BY PBJ MANAGEMENT
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