The Lab is a production unit within RTÉ that produces and commissions original video content for the 18-44 audience on RTÉ Player. Some of the Comedy series produced and commissioned by The Lab include Good Boy, Darren & Joe’s Free Gaff and The Doireann Project.
We’ve also produced series like The Traitors Ireland: Uncloaked, Ireland’s Perfect Pubs and Timeless Thrifts.
You can view all of our original series here on RTÉ Player.
What do We Want in 2026?
For 2026, The Lab will be partnering with our colleagues in RTÉ Comedy to exclusively focus on commissioning development-led short form comedy aimed at upcoming writers, performers and directors alongside emerging indies.
Comedy has a proven track record of performing well on RTÉ Player and we’re looking for a new short-form series to complement RTÉ Comedy’s offerings in this genre.
With this in mind, we aim to commission two 6 x 15” short form Player-first series, alongside other additional development opportunities.
Themes We’re Looking For:
We want a comedy show that is original, funny but 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.
All content ideas should:
- Resonate with our 18-44 audience: The series should reflect the lived experience of our core audience of 18–44-year-olds but how that’s interpreted is what should make your series special.
- Make you laugh: We want comedy with high gag rates that can appeal to the RTÉ Player audience.
- Contain strong upcoming comedy talent: We want it to be fronted and/or written by a personality, stand-up comedian(s) or creator(s) who has a growing online following, is a known comedic face on our audience’s social media feed and can be the face of the show.
- Have a strong visual aesthetic, something fun and impactful that’ll immediately catch our audience’s eye.
Comedy Talent We Want to Work With:
While we love the biggest and best names in Irish comedy, we’re really keen to meet the next ones. We’re interested in working with new and emerging talent who are not represented on TV currently. They should have a growing online presence or an already engaged fanbase. These creators are relatable, funny and they are leaders who will bring a new audience to RTÉ Player.
Of equal importance is the talent behind the camera and we are looking to collaborate with, and nurture, new talent in all areas of programme making.
Style & Tone:
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.
Things 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!
Things that aren’t a priority:
• Dramedy: our amazing colleagues in drama have us already well served in this area.
• Animation
• Series based on specific, time-sensitive events.
Who We Want to Work With:
We want to commission an Independent Production Company/Producers/Individuals who have the skills and experience to deliver a production from start to finish. Although The Lab will be there to guide you during the production, ultimately the responsibility of production and delivery lies with you.
Tips for Pitching to The Lab:
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.
You can Submit your ideas here.
If you haven’t submitted to The Lab before, you’ll need to Register as a Supplier first!