The Canadian Film Centre (CFC) has partnered with Bell Media and Blink49 Studios to launch the Comedy Series Lab, a full-time comedy writing and series development initiative.

The Lab offers four emerging to mid-level racialized writers the opportunity to gain experience in a comedy writers room. It builds off CFC and Bell Media’s Prime Time TV model, which launched in 2012 and unveiled its inaugural comedy cohort in 2022.

“Building on our existing partnerships with Blink49 Studios and the CFC, this new collaboration on the Comedy Series Lab allows us to invest directly in the next generation of creators who will shape the future of Canadian comedy,” said Justin Stockman, Bell Media’s VP, content development and programming, in a statement.

The first 10 weeks of the program will see the cohort assisting the showrunner in developing a multi-episode order, building their pitching, joke writing and note giving skills. The four writers will also work with key mentors and fellow participants to develop their own comedy pilots along with a pitch, creative package and three-minute teaser.

“This partnership is a key part of our strategy to build a robust comedy pipeline across North America,” said Blink49 Studios CEO John Morayniss. “It reflects our shared commitment to bold, original storytelling that connects with audiences both at home and globally.”

Applications are now open for the Comedy Series Lab, which runs from October to March 2026.

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