BBC3 orders three comedy series

BBC Comedy has commissioned three comedy series for online-only channel BBC3.

Shane Allen

The first series, PRU, is a 4×30’ scripted comedy about a group of teens navigating the pitfalls of adolescence in a pupil referral unit, a school for excluded kids.

The pilot of PRU, which is produced by Fully Focused, will be available on BBC iPlayer first as part of the Festival of Funny on March 2.

PRU is written by Alex Tenenbaum and Nathaniel Stevens, and directed by Fully Focused co-founder and creative director Teddy Nygh. The executive producers are Nygh, Fully Focused co-founder and head of production Nick Bedu and business development manager Leah Henry.

Meanwhile, Zen School of Motoring (6×15’) follows new comic voice and rapper Ogmios as he drives around London providing his unique worldview.

The series is produced by Rumpus Media and written and directed by Ogmios and James Cotter. Cotter also exec produces with Rumpus Media co-founder Iain Wimbush.

The final series, Laugh Lessons, comes from a collaboration with the BBC Comedy Association that offered UK prodcos the opportunity to pitch original three- to five-minute short sketch ideas for BBC3.

Following a selection process, the four successful companies chosen to produce their ‘laugh lessons’ are Channel X North, Little Wander, North East Comedy Hot House and Peggy Pictures. The series will comprise 20 laugh lessons.

Shane Allen, controller of BBC Comedy, said: “This eclectic mix of box-fresh talents signal BBC3’s pre-eminent place in supporting and championing new-wave British comedy talent.

“PRU’s colourful world of characters brings heart and humour to marginalised lives, Zen School Of Motoring oozes with originality in form and voice, and the plethora of talent behind the Laugh Lessons is delivering contemporary comedy talent from across the UK.”