The Desk appreciates the support of readers who purchase products or services through links on our website. Learn more...

BBC launches digital-first, short form comedy channel

The content development arm of the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) has launched a new digital channel comprised of short-form comedy programs.

The channel, called Funny Parts, will serve up clips from some of the BBC’s most-acclaimed comedy television programs through social media platforms like YouTube and Facebook. It will include content from shows like “Famalam,” “The Young Offenders” and “This Country” alongside a new slate of online-only programs.

Those online-only shows include “Little Rants,” a program where celebrities sound off on things that are bothering them, and a ten-part game show called “Hack Attack” where celebrities must answer questions from a mysterious, off-camera person who threatens to release embarrassing information from their phones if they don’t respond.

“Funny Parts offers both a home for our new digital-first comedy and entertainment content and also allows us to tap into a fantastic wealth of recent comedy content made for Gen-Z audiences,” Athena Witter, the vice president of programming at BBC Studios, said in a statement this week. “These three new commissions are a great example of our approach to developing, testing and delivering new shows direct to audiences.”

“This is an opportunity for us to showcase new talent and rising stars, to encourage innovation and is really what our digital-first strategy is all about,” Chris Allen, the head of development at BBC Studios Digital Consumer Engagement, said. “We can’t wait to share these funny and fresh new shows and to keep dropping new content that brings people back to the channel.”

Funny Parts is one of two short-form content hubs that is part of the BBC’s broader strategy to reach younger audiences on social, online platforms. The other channel features children’s programming that is released on the social media profiles of production company Baby Cow.

Never miss a story

Get free breaking news alerts and twice-weekly digests delivered to your inbox.

We do not share your e-mail address with third parties; you can unsubscribe at any time.

Photo of author

About the Author:

Matthew Keys

Matthew Keys is a nationally recognized, award-winning journalist with over a decade of experience reporting on the business of media, broadcast television, streaming video platforms and emerging technology. He is the founder, publisher, and editor of TheDesk.net, a trusted source for in-depth news and analysis on the evolving media landscape.

Matthew’s reporting has appeared in major industry outlets, including StreamTV Insider, Digital Content Next and KnowTechie, where he covers topics at the intersection of journalism, streaming services, and digital media innovation. Throughout his career, he has held editorial roles at respected organizations such as Thomson Reuters, Tribune Media, the Disney-ABC Television Group and McNaughton Newspapers.

Known for his accuracy, clarity, and deep industry insight, Matthew continues to provide reliable reporting and thought leadership in a rapidly changing media environment. His work is frequently cited by industry leaders, analysts, and trade publications.