Drama and Comedy
Drama & Comedy
Scripted content at ITV is brilliantly populist and unashamedly mainstream. Our shows have broad appeal and are entertaining, ambitious and surprising while still feeling authored and wholeheartedly British.
Drama at ITV
Led by Director of Drama Polly Hill, the drama commissioning team work to a combined brief for both ITV1 and ITVX. In the team and working alongside Polly are Helen Ziegler, Senior Commissioner, Huw Kennair-Jones, Commissioner and Callum Dziedzic, Assistant Commissioner. They are looking for both returnable and limited series between 4 and 6 parts with each episode fitting a commercial hour.
Prospective drama series on ITV should offer audiences accessible, propulsive stories in genres they recognise but do so in original and unexpected ways.
The team are always looking for a fresh take on genres like police procedurals, thrillers and contemporary mysteries. However, any prospective show that sits within these competitive spaces must have substantial points of difference that clearly separate and elevate it from the rest.
Drama on ITV is not limited to crime. We welcome ideas that challenge our audiences' expectations but still offer something contemporary, relevant and entertaining from the outset. While we aren’t the home of niche stories or dedicated genre pieces, we support stories that offer flavours of genre or other bold narratives choices whilst still appealing to a wide, mainstream viewership.
Adaptations of true stories or real-life events remain a key part of the ITV brief. However, these stories must be undeniably well-known; have a burning necessity for being told now and not be sensationalist in their approach.
We are particularly interested in using the broad, mainstream credentials of ITV to tell stories that showcase diverse talent and perspectives while still being undoubtedly propulsive and entertaining. We encourage writers and producers to explore unique stories and experiences of disability, race, sexuality or class through the commercial ITV lens.
We welcome material in pitch, treatment or script form. However, producers are urged to pitch their ideas early to ensure it aligns with the editorial needs of the department.
To submit material for consideration please email: drama.commissioning@itv.com
Comedy at ITV
Scripted comedy at ITV is overseen by Nana Hughes, with support from Callum Dziedzic, Assistant Commissioner. Nana’s core focus is ITVX, where all comedies will premiere before they transfer to either ITV1 or ITV2.
Comedy on ITV welcomes a huge cross-section of contemporary, diverse, and inclusive stories that stretch beyond ITV's traditional mainstream boundaries. Each show delves into the various layers and pockets of Britishness and focuses on the pricklier aspects of contemporary life. As such, we are seeking content that looks at real life and real problems rather than high-concept pieces.
We're keen to layer stories that can speak to multi-generational, multi-diverse audiences and that give honest insight into what Britain is like right now. They should feature real-world people that are relatable and spark conversations among audiences.
Similarly, we welcome authentically written stories that broach hard-to-talk-about subjects through the prism of comedy. Since all comedies are premiering on ITVX there is more freedom around the topics and conversations that can be tackled; writers and producers shouldn’t feel restricted or inhibited in confronting real-world subjects head-on. However, it should be noted that ITV remains a populist broadcaster and any prospective comedies must have mainstream appeal.
In terms of format and length, our main focus is on 30-minute contemporary sitcoms with high gag rates. Accessibility is key to maximising appeal, and programmes should be set in recognisable locations.
We are also seeking hour-long comedy dramas with characters and narratives that can serve multiple series. Once again, accessibility and location are key.
When pitching, it is encouraged that producers send top-line ideas, but ideally, a script if this is possible. Pitches can be sent to comedy.commissioning@itv.com.
Other Information
ITV is only commissioning for UK rights. We are open to forming international co-production partnerships for projects – these typically have a bigger budget and feature a wide-reaching international story.
Small production companies are encouraged to pitch projects of a bigger scale and we are open to further developing ideas to make them a right fit for the broadcaster.
Talent does not need to be attached in the first instance as there is a bigger focus on hearing a simple idea where its originality and distinctive voice can shine through clearly.
Submission Material
We welcome material in pitch, treatment or script form. Though a script always helps to get a clearer sense of the tone and voice of the writer.