The Laugh List names 10 unmade comedy scripts in first lineup

The Laugh List has rolled out its first annual selection, naming 10 unproduced comedy screenplays as the new survey tries to put fresh studio comedy material back in the spotlight.

Deadline reported that the lineup was assembled in association with Just for Laughs Montreal and unveiled around the festival’s ComedyPRO marketplace. The initiative was announced in June as an ongoing annual look at comedy scripts that have not yet been made.

The debut list was chosen from more than 40 nominated projects, according to Deadline. The scripts sit at different points in development, with some already tied to studios or producers and others still without that kind of attachment.

The selections also come from writers at different career levels, including established screenwriters and writers without representation, Deadline reported.

How the scripts were picked

According to Deadline, more than a dozen feature comedy executives from major comedy production companies took part in the process anonymously. Those executives first nominated the scripts, then read the nominated projects without author names attached before voting on the final 10.

The list covers a broad comedy spread: coming-of-age stories, romantic comedy, historical comedy, a political mockumentary, college comedy, dark comedy and buddy comedy.

Founder Reg Tigerman told Deadline the project was created to spotlight what he described as strong original comedy material that already exists, while encouraging executives and producers to keep backing original comedy films.

Deadline previously reported deals involving three of the selected scripts: Gabe Delahaye’s I’d Like To Speak To Your Manager, Justin Shipley and Jordan Shipley’s This Could Be Our Night, and Morgan Lehmann’s untitled erotic teen fan fiction movie.

The 2026 selections

David Bennet Needs a Friend, by Jon Eidson and Nick Smith. The project follows an extremely wealthy, isolated man who uses his resources to try to make a friend. Hidden Pictures is listed as studio or producer.
The Flu Game, by Ajay Lalani and Anton Vayedjian. Set during the 1997 NBA Finals, the script centers on four Utah Jazz fans who wager their savings against the Chicago Bulls and come up with a plan involving Michael Jordan. De Line Pictures is listed as studio or producer.
I’d Like To Speak To Your Manager, by Gabe Delahaye. The story follows Jake as he tries to return small paper towels. FilmNation and Fortunate Jack are attached.
Island Man, by Jesse Gordon. The comedy follows the ordinary man who married the love interest of a doctor who survived a hijacking and years on a deserted island. Universal, Point Grey, Jen D’Angelo and Lucas Koppel are listed.
Pistols @ 3:45, by Kim Seltzer and Aliya Kamalova. A viral online fight between two local councilmen escalates into pressure for a real-life duel. Tam Sackman, Abso Lutely and Neon Heart are listed.
Rush, by Cassidy Alla and Read Masino. The script follows a college student and her friend who go undercover in a fraternity after an alleged sexual assault by a frat member who faces no consequences. Netflix, Berlanti, Schechter and Fierce Baby are attached.
This Could Be Our Night, by Justin Shipley and Jordan Shipley. A leaked crush list disrupts the last night of high school for two best friends. Sony is attached.
This Planet is Fucking Awesome, by James Morosini. The story sends a group of stoner friends to a party planet where they find a missing friend. 6th & Idaho is listed.
Unt. Erotic Teen Fan Fiction Movie, by Morgan Lehmann. The script follows a teen who writes erotic fiction online and has to work with her school’s quarterback. A24, Fruit Tree and Ley Line are attached.
Witch, Please, by Michael-Leon Wooley. The comedy follows two Black ghost hunters transported to 1600s Massachusetts, where they defend a girl’s mother accused of witchcraft. Macro and Hartbeat are attached.

The full list is also available through The Laugh List.

This story draws on original reporting from Deadline.