The future of comedy took center stage at Just For Laughs Montreal 2026 as Deadline’s Comedy Means Business made its live-event debut with an engaging panel discussion, “The State of Comedy Development,” now available to stream on YouTube.
Launching the 2026 ComedyPRO programming, host Matt Grobar welcomed an accomplished panel representing multiple corners of the entertainment industry to explore where comedy is headed and how creators are adapting to an ever-changing landscape.
Joining the conversation were Reg Tigerman, manager, producer, and founder of The Laugh List; Maureen Taran, former Just For Laughs Vice President and newly appointed Head of Original Content at Helium; and comedian, actor, and writer Danny Jolles, whose acclaimed comedy special What Happens in a Year premiered during this year’s festival.
Together, the panelists delivered an honest and forward-thinking discussion about the evolution of comedy across film, television, streaming, and digital media. Among the topics explored were the decline—and potential resurgence—of the theatrical comedy feature, the increasingly blurred line separating YouTube creators from Netflix talent, and the ways streaming platforms have fundamentally reshaped how comedy is developed, financed, and distributed.
The conversation also examined common frustrations within the development process, offering candid perspectives on what creators and executives wish would change. Panelists highlighted the growing influence of innovative comedy companies including American High, Smosh, and Dropout, whose creator-first models continue to challenge traditional Hollywood structures and open new opportunities for comedians seeking alternative paths to success.
Blending industry insight with firsthand creative experience, the panel emphasized that while the business of comedy continues to evolve, opportunities for original voices have never been more diverse. From independent digital creators building loyal audiences to studios reconsidering theatrical comedy, the discussion painted a nuanced picture of an industry navigating disruption while embracing innovation.
As the inaugural live edition of Comedy Means Business, the panel set an ambitious tone for ComedyPRO at Just For Laughs, providing valuable perspectives for comedians, producers, executives, and entertainment professionals looking to understand the next chapter of comedy development.
Deadline’s Comedy Means Business: “The State of Comedy Development” is now streaming on YouTube.
