Former Netflix exec returns to the corporation

Chris Sussman has been made director of comedy at the BBC.

The executive was previously director of scripted series at Netflix UK and was head of comedy at the corporation’s programme-making arm, BBC Studios.

He replaces  Jon Petrie,  who stood down earlier this summer after five years in the job.

Sussman said: ‘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. 

‘I’ll be joining a brilliant team who are already producing some fantastic series, so I'm looking forward to carrying on where Jon left off and defining British comedy in the coming years.’

At Netflix Sussman helped build the UK scripted slate, working across series such as Man Versus Bee, Baby Reindeer  and Black Mirror.

And at BBC Studios, he oversaw  series such as This Country, Inside No 9, W1A, Famalam and Two Doors Down. More recently, Chris has been working as an executive producer on the  BBC comedy Ludwig.

Chris will report directly to Kate Phillips, the BBC’s chief content officer, who 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.’

He starts his new role next month and Emma Lawson will continue as acting director in the meantime 

Published: 28 Aug 2026