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BBC appoints Chris Sussman as new director of comedy

The former Netflix U.K. executive returns to the BBC to succeed Jon Petrie next month.

The short version

  • Chris Sussman has been appointed as the BBC's new director of comedy, replacing Jon Petrie.
  • Sussman previously held roles as director of scripted series at Netflix U.K. and head of comedy at BBC Studios.
  • He will officially begin the role next month, reporting directly to BBC Chief Content Officer Kate Phillips.
  • Emma Lawson will remain acting director of comedy until Sussman assumes his duties.

Key facts

  • The BBC named Chris Sussman as its director of comedy to replace Jon Petrie, who announced his departure in June after five years.[Variety]
  • Sussman will report to Chief Content Officer Kate Phillips and lead the commissioning team responsible for original BBC scripted comedy.[Variety]
  • Before returning to the BBC, Sussman served as director of scripted series at Netflix U.K. and head of comedy at BBC Studios.[Variety]
  • Sussman will begin his new role next month, with Emma Lawson serving as acting director of comedy in the interim.[Variety]

Sources