BBC Two is looking for a new topical variety format to fill one of its 10pm slots.

BroadcastNow reports that BBC executives Kim Shillinglaw and Alan Tyler have asked independent production companies to come up with potential comedy formats for them.

Speaking at a briefing last month, Tyler told producers that he was looking for "disruptive, opinionated formats" that feature "smart, distinctive, funny talent". The aim is to find a show that offers "the visceral thrill of the unfiltered which you often feel when you see comedy live".

Channel 4's The 11 0'Clock Show was one of the shows name-checked as an example that did this, as was the long-running US sketch show Saturday Night Live.

The "really viral" content generated by late-night US comedy shows was also cited as something the new show should aim to emulate, with the forthcoming online version of BBC Three pointed to as a potential distribution method for some of the short form clips generated.

James Corden's US programme - The Late Late Show (pictured) - and Jimmy Fallon's The Tonight Show were mentioned as formats that originate a lot of viral content.

Alan Tyler said the topical comedy genre is "missing" from British comedy, with entertainment-based comedy shows currently tending to fall into three categories: interview shows, stand-up shows and panel shows. Britain's last major attempt at a satirical comedy show - 10 O'Clock Live - ended in 2013.

The BBC is hoping to pilot whichever new format is selected later this year, and is considering 'stripping' broadcasts of the show across the week to "encourage live viewing on the day" and to generate "an unmissable quality".

Following high ratings, James Corden recently signed a deal to continue presenting The Late Late Show. According to some press reports he was offered $5 million to sign for another two years with the CBS network.