Showcasing regional storytelling while reflecting the universal themes that impact the lives of young audiences nationwide
BBC Children’s and Education unveils a new slate of commissions across CBeebies, CBBC and BBC iPlayer, with productions rooted in locations across the UK. Featuring both returning favourites and brand-new series, the line-up showcases regional storytelling while reflecting the universal themes that impact the lives of young audiences nationwide.
Leading the announcement is the highly anticipated return of tween drama The Lady Grace Mysteries, alongside a diverse range of original dramas, comedies, factual formats and animations that showcase bold storytelling, fresh talent and distinctive British creativity.
From laugh-out-loud comedies and gripping mysteries to heartwarming real-life stories and educational entertainment, the new line-up underscores the BBC’s continued commitment to delivering high-quality, inclusive content for children and families, both on-screen and beyond.
Patricia Hidalgo, Director of BBC Children’s and Education, says: “This new slate is a powerful reflection of our commitment to telling stories that truly represent children and families right across the UK. By filming and producing in locations spanning the nation, we’re not only investing in regional talent and industries, but also ensuring our content feels authentic, relevant and rooted in the real lives of young audiences.”
The Lady Grace Mysteries returns for a second 10×24′ series and 3×24′ Winter specials, following Lady Grace Cavendish, the Queen’s top secret teenage spy, as she moves through the glittering yet treacherous world of the Tudor court. In series two, Grace comes face to face with Mary, Queen of Scots, during a dangerous undercover mission to rescue Sir Francis Drake, only to discover that her feared enemy is a teenager like her. Determined to protect Queen Elizabeth, Grace sets out on a bold mission to unite the two rivals and end their feud once and for all.
The series, filmed partly in County Durham, is produced by Cottonwood Media and Coolabi Productions, in co-production with ZDF Studios, and supported by the North East Production Fund, delivered on behalf of the North East Screen Industries Partnership (NESIP) by North East Screen.
Anisha, Accidental Detective is a new 10×28’ comedy mystery series set in Manchester and based on the award-winning eight-book series by Serena Patel. Ten-year-old Anisha Mistry’s hopes for a quiet life are upended when her auntie’s fiancé disappears just days before their big Indian wedding. With her family on the brink of chaos, Anisha must uncover the truth. The series is produced by BBC Studios Kids & Family and executive produced by actress Archie Panjabi. Uzma Mir is the executive producer for BBC Studios, along with lead writer executive producers Nikesh Shukla and Sabrina Mahfouz. BBC Studios is handling global sales.
High Hoops also returns, this time for a third series, as Aoife and the Vipers are unexpectedly promoted to the Elite League, throwing Midvale’s favourite basketball team into a whole new world of fierce rivals, intense competition and sudden fame. As the newly appointed “face of the league” Aoife is determined to prove the Vipers belong at the top. The new series, produced by West Yorkshire based CanCan Productions films in Halifax this summer.
Girl Troop vs Aliens returns for a second series as Brighthawk camp is transformed into a futuristic, space-themed experience by secretive tech billionaire Orion Steed. As tensions rise and friendships are tested, Tilda, Ginny, Ruby and Kiara face a new alien threat in an out-of-this-world adventure filled with heart, humour and plenty of cookies. The series produced by Lime Pictures films in Liverpool this summer.
Operation Ouch! returns for its 15th series as Dr Chris and Dr Xand once again explore the human body through exciting and explosive experiments, joined by Dr Dan, Dr Raph, Dr Leanne and Dr Tosin. This series will include Halloween and Christmas themed episodes, as well as special episodes on Dementia and Neurodiversity.
Created by the Comedy Legend Paul Whitehouse, That’s Jokes (Working Title) is a fast paced, laugh a minute animated sketch show produced by Wildseed Studios. The 30×11” series introduces a range of characters including a Posh Pomeranian, Ultra Modern Grandparents and a hapless News Reporter, and is scheduled for Autumn 2026.
Immersive documentary Stage Stars will return for a second 15×24′ series this Autumn produced by Drummer Television. Continuing the real-life stories of the talented students at a UK performing arts boarding school, with its inimitable storytelling that sees breakout, stylish dance and music moments feature, alongside the day to day of school life.
The Football Academy returns this autumn for a new season. The 15×22’ series, produced by Zig Zag, follows the talented young players at Tottenham Hotspur Academy as they pursue their dream of a professional career. Narrated once again by Spurs fan Mathew Horne, the series offers a first-hand look at the hard work and dedication required to succeed in the game they love.
Football drama Jamie Johnson FC is also returning for its fifth series. The 8×30’ series will see Jamie Johnson and former Hawx first team captain Richie Reeves go head-to-head as Hawx Academy collapses overnight, forcing both to build rival teams and battle for the future of the club. The series is produced by Strike and films in Leeds this summer.
Bro’s in Control will return later this year for its fifth series, kicking off with a Halloween special. The 15×15’ series produced by BBC Studios will see Callum, Adam and Joe back with all the fun and adventure audiences have come to expect, along with laugh out loud moments and genuine brotherly love and friendship.
The My Life strand continues with a range of timely, event-led films, including Fearless Freestyle (produced by Brilliant Trees Media) during the men’s FIFA World Cup; We Fight Fires! (produced by Galore Productions), aligned with COP and Blue Planet III in early November; and Tennis to the Max, a Wimbledon-themed film from Salt Street Productions. Also launching in early November to coincide with Diwali is a Bhangra-themed film (title TBC), produced by Pelican Films. It follows a group of girls from Walsall as they prepare to compete in the UK’s biggest Bhangra competition. Further films are currently in development, reinforcing a strong pipeline of future commissions.
Finally, in the animated series Dungeons & Kittens, young kittens Precious, Fib and Ruffles are falsely accused of spying for the Dogs and banished from the Kingdom. Their only hope is to find a treasure so splendiferous that King Walter will forgive them. When a mysterious meteorite crashes nearby, they believe it could be their ticket home. The new 12×22’ series is produced by Watch Next Media and currently scheduled for Spring 2027.
Sarah Muller, Senior Head of Commissioning, BBC Children’s and Education, says: “We’re continuing to invest in bold, distinctive storytelling that puts young audiences right at the heart of the action. From the return of The Lady Grace Mysteries to brand new adventures in Anisha, Accidental Detective, this slate brings together rich stories, big laughs and brilliant characters that reflect the creativity and diversity of the UK. Alongside much-loved returning series like High Hoops, Girl Troop vs Aliens and Operation Ouch!, we’re proud to champion content that entertains, surprises and connects with children everywhere.”
Andy and Jen return for a second series of prehistoric adventures in Andy’s Dino Island from the BBC Studios Natural History Unit. Across 15×4’ episodes, the duo solve mysteries, make discoveries and explore an island filled with dinosaurs. The live-action factual entertainment series is due to launch in February 2027.
Also from the Natural History Unit in 2027, Andy’s Little Planet (40×7’) sees Andy and his animal friends help young viewers navigate growing up through the lens of nature and family life.
Let’s Go Timmy! is set in the familiar world of Mossy Bottom, where Bitzer the sheepdog must get Timmy and his friends to school safely and on time each morning. The 30×5’ series, produced by Aardman, blends stop-motion with dynamic 2D animation and builds on the popular franchise. It is expected to air in 2027.
My First from MCC Media returns in 2027 with a refreshed format for its fourth series. Across 40×14’ episodes, pairs of children from different backgrounds experience the same milestone side by side, discovering shared emotions despite different lives.
Building on the success of Time for School, Time for Celebrations (20×14’) captures cultural and religious events through the experiences of young children and their families, while Time for Work (20×11’) follows children as they explore the world of work. Both series are produced by Duckster Media, with launches planned across 2027.
I Spy, You Spy returns for 26×7’ episodes in April 2027, helping children build vocabulary and confidence through exploration and play.
The Blocks Universe continues to expand, with Colourblocks Series 3 and a Numberblocks five-part miniseries launching in late 2026, and Alphablocks Series 7 arriving next year. All series are produced by Alphablocks Ltd and Blue Zoo Animation.
And finally new parenting strand, Parenting and Me, will launch as a YouTube-first documentary series featuring well-known parents exploring key issues facing famlies today. It will anchor the CBeebies Parenting YouTube channel, launching in late summer 2026.
Kate Morton, Head of Commissioning, CBeebies, says: “This new slate for CBeebies is all about celebrating the wonder of early childhood and helping young audiences make sense of the world around them through stories that are joyful, relatable and full of discovery. From returning favourites and much-loved brands to brand new formats, we’re bringing together playful learning, creativity and emotional connection in a way that families can enjoy together.”
HG
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