Former Netflix UK scripted chief joins broadcaster
The BBC has appointed Chris Sussman as its new director of comedy.
The former director of scripted series at Netflix UK and head of comedy at BBC Studios will start the role next month, where he will report into chief content officer Kate Phillips.
Emma Lawson will continue as acting director in the interim.
At Netflix, Sussman worked across series such as Man Versus Bee, Baby Reindeer, Stay Close, Bodies and Black Mirror, helping to build the UK scripted slate.
And as head of comedy at BBC Studios, he oversaw both the TV and radio comedy slates that included This Country, Inside No 9, W1A, Famalam, Upstart Crow, Ladhood, Two Doors Down, Vic & Bob’s Big Night Out and Mrs Brown’s Boys.
During his previous stint in the BBC comedy commissioning team, Sussman was responsible for series such as Fleabag, Mum, Bad Education, Cuckoo, Charlie Brooker’s Weekly Wipe, Rev, Ambasadors and Him & Her. More recently, Sussman has worked as an executive producer on BBC hit comedy drama Ludwig from Big Talk Studios.
As director of comedy, Sussman will lead the comedy commissioning team to oversee comedies including Ludwig, Amandaland, Small Prophets, Ann Droid, Here We Go and Black Ops.
Phillips said: “After a highly competitive interview process, I’m delighted that Chris will be taking up the role of the BBC’s director of comedy. With a wealth of experience across multiple indies and broadcasters he has the smarts and skills needed to lead us into a very funny future.”
Sussman added: “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’s predecessor Jon Petrie announced his departure in June, to join Hat Trick Productions as creative director.
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