Netflix, the world’s largest streaming platform, has teamed up with BBC Studios Audio to launch a new comedy podcast that’s as innovative as it is hilarious: The Big Pitch With Jimmy Carr.
Announced on May 28, 2025, the 10-episode series, hosted by the sharp-witted British comedian Jimmy Carr, flips the traditional Hollywood pitch meeting on its head, turning it into a laugh-out-loud spectacle.
Available on podcast platforms and visualized episodes on the Netflix Is A Joke YouTube channel, this co-production taps into the chaotic creativity of modern media while poking fun at Netflix’s famously niche algorithms.
A Playground for Absurd Ideas
The premise is simple yet brilliant: each episode features a different comedian pitching a movie idea tailored to one of Netflix’s most obscure sub-genres. With over 27,000 hyper-specific categories in Netflix’s algorithm — from “Steamy Crime Movies from the 1970s” to “Australian Dysfunctional Family Comedies Starring A Strong Female Lead” — the possibilities are endless, and the weirder, the better.
Comedians like Nick Mohammed, Phil Wang, Romesh Ranganathan, and Kerry Godliman, many of whom are Taskmaster alumni, take the stage to pitch their wildest ideas.
Carr, playing the role of a skeptical Netflix executive, decides whether to greenlight the project or banish it to development hell, all while delivering his signature biting humor.
The format thrives on the absurdity of the ideas and the comedic talent of its guests. Imagine a nostalgic ‘70s-style action flick with over-the-top explosions or a dysfunctional family comedy set in the Australian outback — genres so specific they sound like they were made up on the spot.
Yet, these are the kinds of categories Netflix’s algorithm genuinely uses to recommend content, making the podcast a clever satire of the streaming giant’s data-driven approach to entertainment.
Why It Works
What makes The Big Pitch so compelling is its ability to blend industry insight with unfiltered comedy.
For anyone who’s ever wondered what happens behind closed doors in Hollywood pitch meetings, the podcast offers a glimpse — albeit a wildly exaggerated one.
Carr, a veteran comedian known for his provocative humor, is the perfect host to keep the chaos in check while egging on his guests to push boundaries.
The result is a show that’s as much about the art of pitching as it is about the absurdity of modern media consumption.
The podcast also taps into a broader cultural fascination with Netflix’s algorithm, which has become a meme in its own right for its hyper-specific recommendations.
By turning these niche genres into a comedic premise, Netflix and BBC Studios Audio have created a format that’s both self-aware and endlessly entertaining. It’s a brilliant way to engage audiences while subtly poking fun at the streaming industry’s obsession with data.
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A Format Worth Stealing
The Big Pitch With Jimmy Carr isn’t just a fun listen — it’s a masterclass in creative marketing. Netflix has found a way to showcase its brand personality, highlight its vast content library, and entertain audiences all at once.
The podcast’s release on both audio platforms and YouTube ensures it reaches a wide audience, while the involvement of high-profile comedians guarantees buzz. Posts on X reflect enthusiasm for the concept, with users calling it a “genius idea” and praising the lineup of talent.
This format is so clever that it’s hard not to imagine other platforms or creators adopting it. Picture a version where musicians pitch absurd album concepts, or chefs pitch bizarre cooking shows — it’s a concept that could work across industries.
For now, though, Netflix and BBC Studios Audio have struck gold with a show that’s as smart as it is funny. If the first episode with Phil Wang is any indication, The Big Pitch is set to be a hit—and a reminder that sometimes, the best ideas come from embracing the ridiculous.
