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

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 12^th February 2026

Round 61 – Open Round

RTÉ is now seeking proposals for Coimisiún na Meán Sound & Vision – Round 61 – Open Round, to support the production of culturally valuable broadcast content, including content in the Irish language.

Closing date for submissions to be considered for RTÉ support in Coimisiún na Meán Sound & Vision – Round 61 is Friday 29 May 2026 at 12.00 noon (strict deadline).

All submissions must include the full production budget, proposed RTÉ funding and other third-party funding in RTÉ’s eCommissioning system.

Please note only proposals submitted through RTÉ’s eCommissioning system will be considered.

We ask, in the first instance, that producers submit ideas into the eCommissioning system: Login | RTE under the programme category “Programme Genre - CnaM Round 61”, before the above closing date and time.

CnaM Sound & Vision Rd 61 – dates for RTÉ supported programmes

RTÉ call-out opens: Friday 24 April 2026

RTÉ call-out closes: Friday 29 May 2026, 12 noon (strict deadline)

RTÉ decision on successful applicants: Friday 19 June 2026

CnaM Rd 61 closes: Thursday 16 July 2026, 12 noon

The RTÉ timelines are designed to give supported applicants ample time to prepare and submit detailed applications to Coimisiún na Meán. For more information, please visit www.cnam.ie.

Please ensure you are fully registered on the RTÉ eCommissioning System well before the closing date, as registrations can take up to 48 hours to process. Late submissions due to late registration will not be accepted.

RTÉ is now seeking proposals for Coimisiún na Meán Sound & Vision – Round 60 – Shared Island Shared Stories, to support the production of culturally valuable broadcast content, including content in the Irish language.

Closing date for submissions to be considered for RTÉ support in Coimisiún na Meán Sound & Vision – Round 60 is Friday 15 May 2026 at 12.00 noon (strict deadline).

All submissions must include the full production budget, proposed RTÉ funding and other third party funding in RTÉ’s eCommissioning system.

Please note only proposals submitted through RTÉ’s eCommissioning system will be considered.

We ask, in the first instance, that producers submit ideas into the eCommissioning system: Login | RTE under the programme category “Programme Genre - CnaM Round 60 Share Island”, before the above closing date and time.

CnaM Sound & Vision Rd 60 – dates for RTÉ supported programmes

RTÉ call-out opens:                                       Friday 10 April 2026

RTÉ call-out closes:                                      Friday 15 May 2026, 12 noon (strict deadline)

RTÉ decision on successful applicants:       Friday 05 June 2026

CnaM Rd 60 closes:                                     Thursday 02 July 2026, 12 noon

The RTÉ timelines are designed to give supported applicants ample time to prepare and submit detailed applications to Coimisiún na Meán. For more information, please visit www.cnam.ie.

The new ‘Shared Island Shared Stories’ funding round will fund programming that supports a shared future, promotes cultural exchange and celebrates the diverse heritage of the island. For more information please use the following link Shared Home Place.

Please ensure you are fully registered on the eCommissioning System well before the closing date, as registrations can take up to 48 hours to process. Late submissions due to late registration will not be accepted.

Programme:      The Síol Scripted Fund is RTÉ’s new development initiative supporting emerging comedy creators and indies to generate scripts, short‑form ideas, and industry pathways for the next generation of writers, directors and producers.

Deadline:           Rolling basis throughout 2026

Síol Scripted Fund
As part of RTÉ’s New Direction strategy, we’re delighted to be launching a dedicated Síol Scripted Fund targeted at new comedy creators. Within the Comedy slate the fund will support emerging comedy producers and independent production companies to create scripts and short form content and create pipelines for new writers, directors, and producers to enter the industry.

How to Pitch
In the first instance producers are asked to submit their ideas through the video section of RTÉ’s eCommissioning under RTÉ Comedy.

Following submission on RTÉ’s eCommissioning system you can provide further information to mark.bignell@rte.ie . You must quote the RTÉ eCommissioning reference number in the subject line of your email.

When you send us an idea, here’s what helps it land:

A clear logline and one-pager that explains the hook.

An outline for 2–3 episodes (or a script if you have one).

Why you think it’s returnable – what will keep audiences coming back?

A sense of tone (references, short clips, or existing material are always useful).

Any key people attached (writer, cast, director).

We’re open to conversations early in the process, so don’t wait until something is fully polished to get in touch.

Working with Us
You’ll get hands-on editorial support from the commissioning team – we like to roll our sleeves up and help shape ideas. We’ll also look at ways to partner projects with regional indies, support diverse voices, and connect productions with potential co-pro partners where scale makes sense.

Final Thought
What makes a pitch stand out? A big, funny, repeatable idea with characters we instantly get. A clear sense of how it could grow. And a team who can make it happen.

Submission Guidance
Remember that in order to submit programme proposals or ideas to RTÉ eCommissioning, you will need to register first with RTÉ.

For more information please check out the commissioning page:
 👉 https://about.rte.ie/commissioning/rte-ecommissioning/

How to Submit
Producers are asked in the first instance to submit their ideas through the video section of RTÉ’s eCommissioning system: Login | RTE (rtegroup.ie) under the programme category RTÉ Comedy, Síol Scripted Fund 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