Netflix UK hunts for first dedicated comedy commissioner as streaming giant expands scripted team

Netflix UK is on the search for a comedy commissioner, Broadcast has learned.

The streaming giant is seeking a candidate for a permanent, full-time position in the scripted team, and is understood to have met with multiple senior figures in UK comedy sources told Broadcast.

Anne Mensah’s UK team has not previously had a dedicated comedy commissioner, with the genre handled across the scripted team. Former director of UK scripted series Chris Sussman, an ex-BBC Studios comedy chief, commissioned comedic titles including Rowan Atkinson-fronted slapstick series Man vs Bee, whose follow-up Man vs Baby is landing on the streamer shortly.

The comedy commissioning job is understood to differ from the contract role held by former Sky comedy chief Jon Montague, who has been developing comedy-focused projects for the streamer.

The search comes amid a shake-up in the Netflix UK team, with the director of scripted series Mona Qureshi recently announcing her departure to launch LuckyChap International alongside her sister and BBC commissioner Tanya Qureshi.

In September, Netflix UK snapped up the BBC’s Syeda Irtizaali as director of unscripted series.

Netflix declined to comment.