Information
Programme: We are seeking bold, authentic and consistently funny storytelling programme proposals — championing new and established comedic voices while developing distinctive characters and worlds that can grow into returnable scripted series.
Duration: Determined by proposal
Episodes: Determined by proposal
Budget Range: Not defined
Deadline: Rolling basis throughout 2026
Full Brief
Our ambition
To be the go-to destination for the funniest voices in Ireland — a place where breakout voices thrive alongside audience favourites, and where comedy makers and producers feel supported and championed.
RTÉ Comedy should be bold, authentic and always out-and-out funny. Putting funny at the core of every decision, we want to find characters that our audience will quote and share in the group chat, and box-sets we return to again and again.
We also want to ensure there’s space to play, to test out new voices and characters, and to give great new comedy room to grow.
The goal for RTÉ comedy is to build towards returnable scripted comedy series. To get there, in 2026 we will commission up to six half hour scripted broadcast comedy half hours.
The focus of these will be characters and worlds that can grow beyond the half hour. To get there, we will also be commissioning a range of half hour scripts.
There will also be opportunities to commission one-off specials and end of year seasonal half hours.
In 2026 we will have our returning sketch comedy title, but we’re very open to early discussions for comedy formats beyond 2026.
Partnering with our colleagues on RTÉ Player / the Lab, there will be opportunities to commission development-led short form comedy formats aimed at upcoming writers, performers and directors alongside emerging indies.
Returning Sitcom
We’re looking for a very funny sitcom with very funny characters. That might sound obvious – but it’s at the heart of what we’re after.
We want a show that is original, funny and can speak to everyone: strong ensembles, brilliant comic voices, and stories that can keep audiences coming back for more. The show should feel at home on RTÉ Player but also be able to play in a primetime linear slot.
We want the biggest and best names in Irish comedy involved, but we’re just as keen to meet the next ones.
Opportunities to Try Things Out
Not every brilliant comedy starts life as a full series. We’re keen to use sketch formats, pilots, tasters, short-form, one-off specials and podcasts to discover and develop the next generation of comedy voices and ideas.
Whether that’s developing comedy podcasts to let writers and performers try out ideas and characters - or using companion podcasts around events to bring together exciting comedy teams.
For example, the 2026 World Cup could be an exciting opportunity to commission great comedy companion content.
If the audience connects, it's an exciting pathway to build something bigger.
One-off specials around the festive period could be another place to try out great new comedy and has historically been a brilliant time to launch new comedy characters into the world.
Tone and Feel
We want comedy that has heart and characters at its core. We want our audience to feel better at the end of the show than they did at the beginning.
But that doesn’t mean playing it safe – we love ideas that take risks, feel fresh, and come from unique voices.
What do we want?
Characters: larger than life characters who can carry a story and make us want to follow them.
Returnable worlds: whether it’s a family, a workplace, or a friendship group, the setup should give us stories to tell across multiple series.
Diversity and regional voices: comedy should reflect modern Ireland – across gender, background, culture, and geography.
While standup, topical and non-scripted formats might not be an immediate priority, we’re very happy to hear about comedy formats if the ideas and teams are irresistible and could lead to something returnable. If the price is right! Visualised podcasts, for example, could be a really exciting place for these ideas to grow.
How to Submit
Producers are asked to submit their ideas through the video section of RTÉ’s eCommissioning system: Login | RTE (rtegroup.ie) under the programme category RTÉ Comedy, Comedy Proposals 2026.
All proposals must be submitted via RTÉ’s eCommissioning system. Please note that this call-out will operate on a rolling basis throughout 2026
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Published 12th February 2026