Who’s laughing now?

After filing for bankruptcy and canceling its latest edition earlier in 2024, the renowned international comedy festival Just for Laughs is making a comeback.

The festival returns to Sydney, Australia, from November 18-28, 2024, under its new owner ComediHa!, who acquired Just for Laughs in June after the festival was forced to lay off staff and sell some assets. Trevor Noah, Eric Idle and Brad Williams are among the performers in Sydney, along with Melanie Bracewell, who will host the All-Star Gala.

JFL then moves to its 17th edition in Bermuda, from Jan. 22-24, 2025, followed by a stint in Vancouver from Feb. 13-22.

Naturally, Just for Laughs will return to Montreal, where it was born in 1983, from July 16-27. In a press release, new owner ComediHa! emphasized that maintaining JFL’s presence in Montreal is one of its “top priorities,” adding, “With an eye toward the future, the new leadership promises to combine the festival’s rich history with the evolving landscape of comedy.”

The return of Just for Laughs is great news for comedy enthusiasts, as the festival's future was uncertain following the cancellation of its 2024 dates. In a press statement, the festival organizers attributed the pandemic and inflation to “exerting unprecedented financial strains” on the company, which, according to some reports, was more than $22.5 million in debt.

Just for Laughs has played a pivotal role in launching the careers of numerous comedians , from Kevin Hart to Ronny Chieng, and is a landmark event in the entertainment industry. For decades, Hollywood executives have flocked to Montreal to network and discover the next big name in comedy. As a testament to its enduring legacy, Just for Laughs was recently featured in a Season 3 episode of Max’s “Hacks,” which follows a veteran stand-up comic (Jean Smart) and her ambitious young writer (Hannah Einbinder).

“We are thrilled to present these incredible festivals under the new leadership of ComediHa!. Each of these festivals boasts a rich and meaningful history that we deeply respect and value,” said Sylvain Parent-Bédard, president of ComediHa!. “Collaborating with our festival partners, we are breathing new life and vision into these events, which we believe will resonate with both longtime fans and new audiences. I would also like to acknowledge our exceptional programming team, some familiar faces and some newcomers, who are working quickly and diligently to assemble truly outstanding lineups. Their commitment and creativity are at the heart of what will make these festivals a remarkable success.”

Nick Brazao, head of programming at Just for Laughs, added: “Creating the lineup for these festivals is an exciting challenge, allowing us to be innovative while staying true to the core of what has made Just for Laughs so special for over four decades. Our focus is on putting together a diverse mix of established and emerging talent to showcase and celebrate the best of comedy. We are embracing the industry’s evolving future and can’t wait for audiences around the world to see what we’ve created.”