Just For Laughs’ flagship comedy series Roast Battle Canada and Just For Laughs Galas have been renewed and are set to return to the 2025 Just For Laughs Montreal Comedy Festival, running from July 16 to 27.
The fifth season of Roast Battle Canada will air on CTV Comedy Channel and Crave, hosted again by Ennis Esmer, with returning judges Russell Peters, Sabrina Jalees and K. Trevor Wilson. The series brings together Canada’s edgiest comics for a showdown.
Just For Laughs Galas will return to CBC with a star-studded lineup of stand-up comedians. Past editions have featured Mae Martin, Eddie Izzard, Leslie Jones and Jack Whitehall, as well as Debra DiGiovanni, Nimesh Patel, Mark Forward and Langston Kerman, among many others.
“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, VP of content development and programming at 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,” commented Trish Williams, executive director of scripted content at 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,” added Sylvain Parent-Bédard, executive producer and president and 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.”
Nick Brazao, head of programming and talent at Just For Laughs, said, “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 [on] New Face of Comedy, competing on Roast Battle Canada or starring on a Just For Laughs 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.”
