Just For Laughs (JFL) has secured $20 million in new broadcast agreements in anticipation of this year’s festival, marking the first event in Montreal after a two-year hiatus. Organizers announced this significant deal on Tuesday, as they prepare for an expansive lineup of 50 hours of programming that will be shown globally.
One of the highlighted shows set to feature is “Roast Battle Canada,” now entering its fifth season. Sylvain Parent-Bédard, the newly appointed President & CEO of JFL, discussed these developments in a recent episode of the “Comedy Means Business” podcast. He mentioned, “Some of these broadcasters are reconnecting with Just for Laughs after several years, while others are joining us for the very first time,” emphasizing the collaborative efforts that will bolster the festival’s relaunch.
The renewed momentum for JFL comes after a tumultuous few years, including the festival’s cancellation and bankruptcy filing in 2024 due to pandemic-related challenges and the evolving landscape of the comedy industry. Historically, JFL has been crucial in fostering new comedic talent, particularly through its Montreal New Faces program. Since its ownership transitioned in 2017 following the resignation of founder Gilbert Rozon amid controversy, the festival has undergone significant restructuring.
Last year, Quebec-based ComediHa, under Sylvain Parent-Bédard, acquired JFL. Notably, Parent-Bédard mentioned that over 100,000 tickets for JFL Montreal, which kicks off on July 16, have already been sold, ensuring that the festival is on a solid financial footing this year.
The festival’s programming lineup includes several exciting shows with various broadcasters taking part, such as Prime Video, TV5, Crave, and CBC, ensuring a diverse representation of comedy from multiple perspectives. With the launch of the festival set to celebrate global comedic talent, this deal marks a hopeful resurgence for JFL, emphasizing its resilience and commitment to revitalize its cultural impact in the comedy space.
As the festival approaches, there’s an optimistic anticipation surrounding its revival, highlighting comedy’s potential to connect and entertain in challenging times.