Bell Media and CBC renew their fan-favorite comedy series for 2025 editions :

Montreal, Canada April 15, 2025: Just For Laughs is thrilled to announce the return of two flagship comedy series to this summer’s Just For Laughs Montreal Comedy Festival, with Bell Media and CBC renewing their hit productions.

Roast Battle Canada, one of the boldest and most hilariously unfiltered shows on TV, is back for Season 5 on CTV Comedy Channel and Crave. Hosted by the ever-charismatic Ennis Esmer, with returning judges Russell Peters, Sabrina Jalees, and K. Trevor Wilson, the series brings together Canada’s edgiest comics for no-holds-barred verbal showdowns.

Meanwhile, the legendary Just For Laughs Galas return with CBC, continuing a celebrated tradition of star-studded stand-up. Past editions have welcomed hosts like Mae Martin, Eddie Izzard, Leslie Jones, and Jack Whitehall, as well as crowd favorites such as Debra DiGiovanni, Nimesh Patel, Mark Forward, and Langston Kerman.

“As the Just For Laughs Montreal Festival begins a new chapter, we look forward to collaborating with the team as we continue to shine a spotlight on some of Canada’s best comedians,” said Justin Stockman, Vice-President, Content Development & Programming, Bell Media. “Viewers can expect even more laughs, barbs, and outrageous moments in this new season of Roast Battle Canada.”

“We’re proud to bring the Galas back to the Just For Laughs Montreal Festival and continue showcasing top Canadian comedy.” said Trish Williams, Executive Director, Scripted Content, CBC. ”CBC is committed to amplifying emerging and established Canadian stand-up talent and we’re excited to continue to do so from the world’s biggest comedy event in Montreal, alongside some of the best-known comedians from around the world.”

“These renewals mark a pivotal moment in the festival’s relaunch,” said Sylvain Parent-Bédard, Executive Producer, President & CEO of Just For Laughs. “We’re honored to continue our creative partnerships with Bell Media and CBC to deliver bold, premium comedy that reflects both Canadian excellence and international appeal.”

"At Just For Laughs, we love to champion comedians and create platforms to support them at every stage of their careers—whether it’s making their debut as a New Face, competing on Roast Battle Canada, or starring on a Gala. These programs are significant milestones in a comedian’s professional journey, and we are proud to partner with Bell and CBC to help bring them to life." said Nick Brazao, Head of Programming & Talent at Just For Laughs.

Executive Producers:
Sylvain Parent-Bedard - President and CEO, Just For Laughs;
Nick Brazao - Executive Producer, Head of Talent & Programming, Just For Laughs
Spencer Griffin - Executive Producer, Head of Development & Creative Strategy, Just For Laughs

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ABOUT JUST FOR LAUGHS Created in 1983, Just For Laughs is a world leader in comedy. Just For Laughs organises numerous festivals, including the world's largest comedy festival in Montréal. The company has launched the careers of many renowned comedians and entertained millions of spectators each year through its festivals and content broadcast in more than 150 countries. Just For Laughs manages the careers of artists and produces shows, musicals, television series and films. Just For Laughs is also the organiser of the annual ComedyPRO conference. Just For Laughs is a leading brand of the Just For Entertainment Group which, since its foundation in 1997, has established itself as an international leader in creating a world of entertainment. Just For Entertainment was historically known as ComediHa!

À PROPOS DE JUSTE POUR RIRE Créé en 1983, Juste pour rire est un leader mondial de la comédie. Juste pour rire organise de nombreux festivals dont le plus grand festival d’humour au monde à Montréal. L’entreprise a lancé la carrière de nombreux humoristes de renom et diverti des millions de spectateurs chaque année à travers ses festivals et contenus diffusés dans plus de 150 pays. Juste pour rire gère la carrière d’artistes, produit des spectacles, des comédies musicales, des séries télé et des films. Juste pour rire est également l’organisateur de la conférence annuelle « ComedyPRO ». Juste pour rire est une marque phare du Groupe Juste pour divertir qui, depuis sa fondation en 1997, s’est imposé comme un leader international afin de créer un monde de divertissement. Juste pour divertir fut connu historiquement sous le nom de ComediHa!

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