The BBC is trying to curb a slump in female comedy by offering shows to a new wave of little-known comediennes.
BBC Three wants to build on the success of 3 Non Blondes
The campaign begins in the new year and will feature the show Killing Time, a new BBC Three comedy set in a women's prison which starts in March.
It will follow shows such as 3 Non Blondes, a hidden camera sketch show which has become a BBC Three highlight.
The channel's controller, Stuart Murphy, said he did not why there were not more pitches by female comedians.
Murphy said he hoped Killing Time would herald "the next big push into female comedy".
A spokesperson also said: "BBC Three is all about creativity and finding new talent.
"We hope to build on the success of 3 Non Blondes with new comedy projects in the pipeline, such as Killing Time."
BBC Two is also planning a new show starring Catherine Tate, who was nominated for a Perrier award in 2000 and has appeared in TV comedy show Big Train.
3 Non Blondes star Jee Esien has also been given her own show, Miss Jocelyn, where she plays 35 different characters.