Breaking News:
BBC Studios has recently announced the creation of a new premium drama division, led by Josh Cole, the executive producer of Good Omens.
Josh Cole has taken on the role of Chief Creative Officer at BBC Studios Fiction while maintaining his leadership at BBC Studios Comedy Productions. He has recruited Andrew Morrissey and Michael Parke, previously with Time, as Creative Directors to propel the new unit forward. The new division will operate out of London, Liverpool, and Glasgow. With the formation of BBC Studios Fiction, Morrissey and Parke’s independent company, River Pictures, supported by BBC Studios, has been dissolved.
The concept for BBC Studios Fiction has been developing for a while, according to Cole. It emerges in a marketplace where scripted series with comedic elements, such as Death Valley, Ludwig, Black Ops, and Good Omens—many produced by BBC Studios Comedy Productions—are performing strongly.
Strategic Expansion:
“This move represents both an evolution and expansion of our current efforts,” Cole explained. “We’re leveraging the ambition and spirit from our comedy segment and extending our creative scope into premium drama. Our goal is to become a nurturing ground for the next wave of drama writers who are eager to commentate on the global stage.”
Cole mentioned a significant uptick in drama pitches to his team, and this new venture is also a response to the dynamic and ambitious nature of the projects his team has been developing.
He highlighted that BBC Studios Fiction is launching with an impressive array of projects from Morrissey and Parke, known for their grittier dramatic productions like the BAFTA-winning Time. “While Time is not typical of what BBC Studios Comedy would produce, it’s exactly the type of work we aspire to create at BBC Studios Fiction,” Cole stated.
Furthermore, he pointed out the success of Death Valley, which has been renewed for a second season and recently became the most viewed debut of a BBC scripted comedy in five years. He credited creator Paul Doolan’s comedic background for enriching the series’ dramatic depth, suggesting that many beloved shows often blend genres or balance various tones effectively, much like Succession and Industry.
Cole noted that BBC Studios Fiction will complement the more traditional outputs of BBC Studios Drama Productions, led by Kate Oates, which focuses on long-standing series such as Casualty and Silent Witness. He aims for BBC Studios Fiction to enhance and unify the high-end production spectrum within the organization.
Cole will collaborate closely with Zai Bennett, head of BBC Studios Productions, and the upcoming new scripted MD. Additionally, Siân O’Callaghan, currently the Director of Production for Drama, will also oversee production for BBC Studios Fiction and Comedy.
New Collaborative Ventures:
Cole is also focused on securing talent deals, unveiling a partnership with Tom Basden, creator of the sleeper hit Here We Go. Basden has entered a first look and co-production agreement with BBC Studios, set to last until May 2027. Cole is enthusiastic about Basden’s “unexpected” upcoming projects and praised his ability to maintain relatable humor, exemplified in Here We Go, which features everyday family life in Bedford.
Looking ahead, Cole revealed plans for more selective development deals and highlighted a recent collaboration with Jamie Demetriou, creator of Stath Lets Flats, on a Netflix project titled A Whole Lifetime with Jamie Demetriou. He expressed admiration for Demetriou, considering him a defining figure in the current British comedy scene.
While BBC Studios Fiction will consider projects for American streaming platforms, its primary focus will remain on British broadcasters and co-productions.
Final Note on ‘Good Omens’
Regarding Good Omens, despite recent challenges and controversy surrounding its creator Neil Gaiman, Cole confirmed that post-production for the final season is nearly complete, with a premiere expected next year. He expressed pride in the team’s resilience and dedication to delivering a finale that honors the series’ dedicated fans.
As the comedy landscape continues to evolve, Cole remains optimistic about the variety and quality of current offerings, crediting the BBC as a foundational force in the industry but also acknowledging the significant contributions from other networks like ITV and Channel 4.
Daniel Hayes is a business journalist with a focus on market trends, startups, and corporate strategies.
His sharp analysis and investigative reports make complex financial topics accessible to all readers.
