British Comedy Guide

Peter Fincham Moves To ITV

Apparently, Peter Fincham is to become director of television at ITV. Given the man's background over the years as a comedy producer involved in many great comedies, does anyone think this just may be good news for future ITV comedies and for future comedy writers?

I'm sure it can't do any harm.

It'd be quite an acheivement to lower ITV's recent comedy legacy.

Laughing out loud

It seems you were quite quick off the mark here Tim with your prediction. This thought is now gaining momentum within the industry... https://www.comedy.co.uk/news/news.php?story=000404

Where do you think they get their information from, Mark? ;)

A source said: "One of the things ITV is sorely lacking is comedy. It's no surprise he'll want to get Matt and David on board – they are two of the world's hottest TV stars."

I think the source needs to get out more.

Quote: David H @ March 1, 2008, 5:13 PM

I think the source needs to get out more.

Quite :D

What I want to know is, apart from Little Britain, what else have Lucas and Walliams done under the golden handcuff deal... just a couple of drama roles? It doesn't seem like money well spent in hindsight.

I'm presuming that the Little Britain-related project they're working on with HBO is under a joint arrangment with BBC America? So I'm sure the Beeb will look on that as a potential cash cow.

I haven't been keeping up with the Little America news, but yes, I would expect it'll be a co-production as Extras was between HBO and the BBC. At very least, BBC Worldwide.

Getting back to Peter Fincham. I'm sure if he did get the chance to get his teeth into ITV it would improve the chances of some really good sitcoms emerging - both trad. form and alternative. What always irritates is this idea that ITV audiences wouldn't get good comedy. Well, Harry Hill's doing pretty good business in a Saturday 6.30 slot, and he's not always completely mainstream in his humour.

For years it's seemed that ITV has basically given up on comedy as a serious venture because it's not a great way to make money and it involves too much effort. It would be genuinely great to have someone who really knows his comedy in charge. And as writers it would at least open another avenue to opportunity.

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