Montreal’s iconic Just for Laughs comedy festival getting reboot under new ownership
Posted May 8, 2025 11:26 am.
Last Updated May 8, 2025 5:40 pm.
Veteran comedian Russell Peters and the hilarious Adam Ray — as his viral “Dr. Phil” persona — are coming to Montreal this summer as part of the Just for Laughs comedy festival’s comeback.
After going bankrupt last year and cancelling its 2024 edition, the iconic Montreal event is under new ownership – and promising a fresh start.
The rebooted festival will run July 16-27 with some big names hosting galas, including Fortune Feimster, Michelle Buteau and a three-day roast battle hosted by Peters. About 300 artists will appear in 200 shows.
Taking the outdoor stage for free shows will be Ray (as Dr. Phil) and Tom Segura.
The rebooted festival is also linked to some big Hollywood names backing new programs for rising talent. That includes partnerships with stars like Will Arnett, Rob McElhenney and online sketch group Smosh.
Sylvain Parent-Bédard, president and CEO of Just for Laughs, said that he wants to support emerging writers and performers by helping them with television shows, live shows and building their social media following.
“We want to make partnerships with new artists, new talent, especially Canadian talent. We are working on a plan to help them build their careers (year-round),” he said.
Parent-Bédard is also the founder of ComediHa!, a Quebec-based entertainment company that took over the reins of Just for Laughs. He said stepping in to lead a renowned organization like Just for Laughs was special to him.
“I remember me being so young at 17 years old, coming to Just For Laughs, (being able to watch new talent) and big stars and now I get to manage, (with a well-seasoned team), a new era for the fans in Montreal, it means a lot for me,” he said.
Nick Brazao, head of programming and talent, said many stars like Ali Wong, Amy Schumer and Kevin Hart were discovered on the stages of Just for Laughs.
“If you want to be on that platform, a lot of the thinking that goes into when we select somebody is that they’re bulletproof and they can go in front of any audience and kill,” Brazao said.
The return of the comedy festival was received positively by comedians and the public alike.
“The fact that they’re now running the whole festival is very very exciting,” said Rachelle Elie, who is performing this summer.
