ABC confirms Todd Abbott as Head of Comedy

ABC has confirmed producer Todd Abbott as its new Head of Comedy, succeeding Rick Kalowski who departed in February.

Abbott (pictured right) began in the role in July, confirming speculation published by TV Tonight in June, overseeing narrative and scripted programs across multiple platforms.

Abbott is best known for producing Please Like Me to global success, as well as The Dream with Roy & H.G., Rove Live, Judith Lucy’s Spiritual Journey, Judith Lucy Is All Woman, Micallef Tonight, Geoffrey Robertson’s Hypotheticals and Warehouse Comedy Festival.

He recently concluded as Creative Director at Guesswork Television, where he produced Australian Lockdown Comedy Festival and Amazon Prime Video specials with comedians including Celia Pacquola, Judith Lucy, Lano & Woodley. He also developed scripted and non-scripted programs built around comedians, and also worked with teams on ABC shows including Rosehaven, Frayed and The Weekly with Charlie Pickering.

Sally Riley, ABC Head of Drama, Entertainment & Indigenous content, said: “The ABC prides itself on its strong history of commissioning ground-breaking comedy and innovative storytelling. Todd epitomises these qualities across his work and dedicates himself to stories that resonate with a power of distinction and voice.

“His approach to storytelling is as passionate as ours and he is tireless in supporting local creatives who express humour, honesty and heart in equal measure.”

“It’s a once-in-a-lifetime privilege to step into this role,” Abbott said. “The ABC is the rare broadcaster that has consistently nurtured Australian voices in comedy and I’m looking forward to helping to support as many of those voices as I can.”