Who's laughing now?
After filing for bankruptcy and canceling its most recent edition earlier in 2024, the venerable international comedy festival Just for Laughs is making a comeback.
The festival returns to Sydney, Australia, from November 18-28, 2024, under new owner ComediHa!, who took over Just for Laughs in June after having to cut staff and sell select assets. Sydney performers include Trevor Noah, Eric Idle and Brad Williams, as well as Melanie Bracewell, who will host the All-Star Gala.
The JFL then moves on to its 17th edition in Bermuda, from January 22-24, 2025, followed by a stint in Vancouver from February 13-22.
Of course, the Just for Laughs festival will return to Montreal, where it began in 1983, from July 17 to 26. In a press release, new owner ComediHa! stressed that maintaining JFL’s presence in Montreal is one of its “top priorities,” adding: “Looking to the future, the new leadership promises to blend the festival’s rich tradition with the evolving comedy scene.”
The return of Just for Laughs is welcome news for comedy fans, as the festival’s future had been unclear after its 2024 dates were canceled. In a statement sent to the press, festival organizers credited the cancellation with “unprecedented financial pressure” on the company, which was reportedly more than $22.5 million in debt.
Responsible for boosting the careers of countless comedians, from Kevin Hart to Ronny Chieng, Just for Laughs is a fixture in the entertainment industry. For decades, Hollywood executives have flocked to Montreal to network and discover the next best voice in comedy. To cite just one example of its enduring legacy, Just for Laughs was recently the setting for Max’s third season episode “Hacks,” which follows a veteran comedian (Jen Smart) and her aspiring young writer (Hannah Einbinder).
“We couldn’t be more excited to present these fantastic festivals under the new leadership of ComediHa!. Each of these festivals has a long and significant history that we deeply respect and cherish,” said Sylvain Parent-Bedard, President of ComediHa!. “Working with our festival partners, we are bringing a fresh breath and vision to these events, which we believe will resonate with longtime fans and new audiences alike. I also want to commend our exceptional programming team, some returning and some new, who are working quickly and diligently to put together some truly fantastic lineups. Their dedication and creativity is at the core of what will make these festivals such a resounding success.”
“Programming these festivals is an exciting opportunity to innovate while staying true to the essence of what has made Just for Laughs so special for over four decades,” added Nick Brazao, Head of Programming at Just for Laughs. “We are focused on curating a diverse mix of established names and emerging talent to promote and celebrate the best in comedy. We are embracing the dynamic future of the industry, and we can’t wait for audiences around the world to experience what we have to offer.”
