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SRF's New Female-Led Comedy Shows Accused of Positive Sexism

other · 2026-05-10

Swiss broadcaster SRF introduced two new satire programs created by women: "Fun Fatale" and "Leila's Fix," which aim to tackle the gender disparity in Swiss comedy. Some critics believe these shows perpetuate stereotypes. "Fun Fatale," hosted by Andrea Fischer Schulthess and featuring Jane Mumford, Thelma Buabeng, and Patti Basler, covers themes such as parenting and dieting. This initiative follows a 2023 open letter from comedians Lara Stoll and Patti Basler to SRF director Nathalie Wappler, claiming bias against female comedians. SRF's reply included "constructive talks" and the launch of the new formats under the "Chance 50/50" project. "Fun Fatale" debuted with 205,000 viewers, outperforming Stefan Büsser's "Late Night Switzerland." Martina Ziesack from SRF defended the programs, while NZZ am Sonntag raised concerns about their effect on equality.

Key facts

  • SRF launched two new female-led comedy formats: 'Fun Fatale' and 'Leila's Fix'
  • 'Fun Fatale' features Jane Mumford, Thelma Buabeng, Patti Basler, hosted by Andrea Fischer Schulthess
  • Shows criticized for focusing on stereotypical 'women's topics' like children, endometriosis, dieting
  • Follows 2023 open letter by Lara Stoll and Patti Basler accusing SRF of structural sexism
  • Open letter cited exclusion from castings, lower pay, and idea theft
  • SRF responded with 'constructive talks' and launched formats under 'Chance 50/50' project
  • 'Fun Fatale' and 'Leila's Fix' have limited run of four episodes; 'Late Night Switzerland' runs weekly
  • 'Fun Fatale' premiere achieved 205,000 viewers (26.5% market share), beating Büsser's premiere
  • SRF comedy head Martina Ziesack defended the shows as reflecting personal experiences
  • Article published in NZZ am Sonntag

Entities

Artists

  • Jane Mumford
  • Thelma Buabeng
  • Patti Basler
  • Andrea Fischer Schulthess
  • Hazel Brugger
  • Lara Stoll
  • Leila Ladari
  • Victor Giacobbo
  • Mike Müller
  • Dominik Deville
  • Karpi
  • Gabriel Vetter
  • Stefan Büsser

Institutions

  • SRF
  • NZZ am Sonntag
  • Miller's Studio

Locations

  • Zurich
  • Switzerland

Sources