Smoggie Queens has been crowned the best comedy at the Broadcast Digital Awards, proving that laughter really is the best medicine, especially when it's served with a side of regional charm. The sitcom, crafted by Phil Dunning, revolves around a close-knit group of LGBTQ+ friends in Middlesbrough, and has been showered with praise for being 'inclusive, funny and smart'.

Judges couldn't get enough of the series' blend of character work and physical comedy, applauding it for ticking the boxes of representation and regional programming. One judge even described it as achieving the magical mix of being 'totally specific, yet completely universal'.

The show features a talented ensemble cast including Mark Benton, Alexandra Mardell, Elijah Young, and Patsy Lowe, and the good news for fans is that it has already been renewed for a second series. Other contenders for the comedy crown included Brassic, Daddy Issues, Dinosaur, Only Child, and Trying.

In the realm of short-form scripted shows, Peaked, the Channel 4 Comedy Blap pilot set in rural Derbyshire by double act Ada Player and Bron Waugh, took top honors. Meanwhile, CBBC's animated sitcom Super Happy Magic Forest won the award for best digital children's content. For a complete list of the winners who are laughing all the way to the trophy shelf, head over to broadcastdigitalawards.co.uk.

Published: 3 Jul 2025