Netflix has signalled its intent to grow its British comedy slate with the signing of its first UK head of the genre.
Taking on the role is Liz Lewin, a former Sky and Channel 4 commissioner who has also frequently worked with writer Lisa McGee, including executive producing C4 comedy Derry Girls and upcoming Netflix comedy-drama How to Get to Heaven from Belfast [main picture].
Lewin will work with Netflix UK president of content Anne Mensah to commission “global acclaimed shows with a strong local core”.
While the streamer has had multiple hits in British drama, including Adolescence, Sex Education and Baby Reindeer, it has been looking to carve out a bigger space for scripted comedy beyond occasional series such as Man vs Bee.
Until now, comedy has been commissioned by its scripted team including Chris Sussman and Jon Montague.
Lewin has been freelance since stepping down as a Sky drama commissioner in 2023 after more than five years at the broadcaster, where she commissioned I Hate Suzie, The Lovers and The Third Day.
She previously spent four years as a C4 commissioning editor across comedy and drama, overseeing shows such as Ackley Bridge, Crashing, My Mad Fat Diary and The End of the F***ing World.
Lewin's earlier production credits include Teachers and McGee’s London Irish, both for C4.
