Sunray Comedy
Sunray Comedy is a British television channel dedicated to comedy programming. Launched on 1 May 2001, it has become known for its diverse range of comedy content, including stand-up specials, sitcoms, sketch shows, and original commissioned productions. The channel is available via cable, satellite, and digital terrestrial platforms across the United Kingdom.

History
Sunray Comedy was established by the media company Sunray Media Group as part of an initiative to create a dedicated comedy-focused television channel in the UK. The channel officially launched on 1 May 2001 with a lineup featuring a mix of classic British comedy series and contemporary stand-up performances.

In its early years, Sunray Comedy primarily aired reruns of popular UK sitcoms such as "Fawlty Towers", "Dad's Army", and "The Office". By the mid-2000s, the channel began investing in original content, commissioning new sketch shows and sitcoms from emerging British writers and performers.

Throughout the 2010s, Sunray Comedy expanded its programming to include international comedy, including American sitcoms and stand-up specials, catering to a broader audience. The channel also embraced digital streaming, offering viewers access to its programmes through online platforms.

Programming
Sunray Comedy's schedule features a wide variety of comedy genres, including:

Classic British sitcoms
Original sketch comedy series
Stand-up comedy specials from established and upcoming comedians
Panel shows and comedy talk shows
Animated comedy series
Notable original productions include "The Sunny Side", a sketch show launched in 2005, and "Laugh Off", a stand-up competition series that aired from 2012 to 2016.

Availability
Sunray Comedy is available on multiple platforms across the UK, including:

Satellite providers such as Sky and Freesat
Cable providers such as Virgin Media
Digital terrestrial television via Freeview on select multiplexes
Online streaming platforms affiliated with Sunray Media Group
Impact and Reception
Over the years, Sunray Comedy has been praised for supporting British comedic talent and for providing a dedicated space for comedy programming in a market traditionally dominated by general entertainment channels. The channel has contributed to the resurgence of interest in classic British comedy and has fostered new talent through its original commissions and competitions.

External links
Official website: www.sunraycomedy.co.uk
Sunray Comedy on social media (Twitter, Facebook, Instagram)
Categories:

Television channels in the United Kingdom
Comedy television channels
Television channels and stations established in 2001
English-language television stations
Write a list of brandng eras, 2001-2004 was people being humiliated, 2004-2005 was a placeholder era poking fun of politicans/nukes, and on Sep 19 2005 a new look and logo was revealed: the branding/idents focus on black rabbits that can melt and reform at will

Branding Eras
2001–2004: The "People Being Humiliated" Era
During its initial years, Sunray Comedy's branding centered around slapstick humor and visual gags featuring people in awkward or embarrassing situations. Promos and idents often depicted exaggerated moments of public humiliation and pratfalls, emphasizing the channel’s irreverent and edgy comedic tone.

2004–2005: The Placeholder Era – Political and Nuclear Satire
From 2004 to mid-2005, Sunray Comedy adopted a transitional branding style that took a satirical jab at politicians and nuclear paranoia. The idents and promos from this brief era featured caricatures of political figures and darkly comedic scenarios involving nuclear threats, serving as a tongue-in-cheek reflection of contemporary geopolitical anxieties.

Since 19 September 2005: The Black Rabbits Era
On 19 September 2005, Sunray Comedy unveiled a completely new visual identity and logo. This era’s branding prominently features surreal black rabbits capable of melting and reforming at will. These animated idents blend whimsical and abstract elements, symbolizing the channel’s innovative and transformative approach to comedy. The black rabbits have become an iconic motif, representing Sunray Comedy’s unique brand personality and creative freedom. Write a tweet listing 16 current shows as of May 2025 on the channel