BBC Children’s announce new commissions
BBC Children’s has announced today a variety of new in-house and independent commissions across CBeebies, CBBC and BBC iPlayer to entertain, educate and inspire families who are staying at home during these testing times.
Published: 28 April 2020
BBC Children’s is here to support parents and reflect the lives of children all around the country in these difficult times - we will ensure that despite the huge changes to their lives we are always here to give them a voice.
Recognising that most children are now spending the majority of their time indoors, many of these fast-turnaround commissions will reflect themes which relate to changes in routine, home-schooling, separation from wider family and friendship groups, as well as promoting exciting staycation activities, looking after our health and discovering new things to do and learn.
New commissions coming to CBeebies, CBBC and BBC iPlayer over the next few months include; Do Try This At Home with Operation Ouch! supremos Dr Chris and Dr Xand, My Celebrity Supply Teacher featuring some of the UK’s famous faces delivering inspiring lessons from the comfort of their own homes, Boogie Beebies with Strictly star Oti Mabuse and Mimi Missfit’s Life On Lockdown - find out how the irrepressible Mimi is remaining buoyant whilst staying at home. Other welcome faces and role models who will be making an appearance are Mr Tumble/Justin Fletcher, Nikki Lilly, Maggie Adherin Pocock, Mr Maker, Steve Backshall, the Baby Club team and Andy Day.
Cheryl Taylor, Head of Content for BBC Children’s, says: “The BBC’s mission to inform, educate and entertain has never been more relevant than it is now. BBC Children’s is here to support parents and reflect the lives of children all around the country in these difficult times - we will ensure that despite the huge changes to their lives we are always here to give them a voice.”
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This release was updated to amend programme titles, descriptions and TX information
CBeebies
Boogie Beebies
In-house, (25x5’)
Strictly Coming Dancing star Oti Mabuse will be quick-stepping onto CBeebies to get pre-schoolers boogying to a brand-new dance in each episode.
At Home With Mr Tumble
In-house, (25x2’)
Everyone’s favourite, Mr Tumble, pops up on CBeebies from his home with activities to share and jokes sent in by viewers. You’re sure to have a giggle.
Storytime With Mr Tumble
In-house, (5x7’)
Settle down and get ready to listen to tales from Tumble Town as Mr Tumble recounts stories of fun and friendship with him, the Tumble toys and all the Tumble family.
Andy’s Dinosaur Toybox
BBC Studios NHU, (15x3’)
This new short-form BBC iPlayer series, sees Andy bring his toy dinosaurs to life. Amazing stories, mind-blowing dinosaur-facts and funny voices to inspire and entertain 3-6yr olds.
Baby Club At Home
Three Arrows, (20x5’)
Hosted alternately by Giovanna Fletcher and Nigel Clarke, these bitesize tastes of The Baby Club aim to build an online community of parents who need a trusted source of encouragement, support and ideas for their babies. These bespoke mini spin-off episodes will be here on Saturdays and Sundays for a 10-week run as parents join in fun and fabulous games and songs with their toddlers. Join in with the discovery of new activities, have a sing-a-long - and maybe spot yourself in the process!
Tee and Mo’s Musical Specials
Plug-In Media, (1x11’)
This mini-musical will deliver three new ear-worm worthy tracks, wrapped into an engaging narrative that builds on what Tee and Mo does best for CBeebies - engaging an audience by enabling them to reflect on their own caregiver-child relationships with humour and warmth, and inspiring them to spend fun and playful moments together.
Elmo's Playdate
Sesame Street, (1x30’)
This half-hour special follows Elmo, Grover, Cookie Monster, Abby Cadabby, and a few famous friends as they find new ways to play and learn together. Celebrating everyone from doctors to everyday heroes who are helping families through the health crisis.
Get Well Soon: Coronavirus Short
Kindle, (1x3’)
Presented by real-life paediatrician Dr Ranj Singh, this special episode sees him catching up with Jobi who has some questions about why he can’t see his friends and grandparents or go outside the house to play as normal. They’ll also be singing a catchy song to help everyone remember the best way to wash our hands.
Pablo: Coronavirus Special
Paper Owl, (1x7’)
A short special on how to support autistic children with changes to their routine.
Mr Maker At Home
Zodiak Kids, (8x7’)
We welcome back Mr Maker and his friends to inspire creativity with basic items we can find at home.
Life On Lockdown
Northern Heart Films, CBeebies/CBBC, (2x2’)
Poet Carla Mellor will write and voice two-minute bespoke poems (one for each channel) for CBeebies and CBBC exploring the themes of how the UK’s children are feeling during this time of lockdown, illustrated by video clips of what kids are doing at home.
CBeebies Radio
Mr Tumble’s Radio Show
In-house, (15x15’)
Tune in to hear Mr Tumble introduce a selection of songs, jokes, rhymes and much more on CBeebies Radio.
Andy And The Band Podcast
Three Arrows Media, (pilot - 12’)
Andy And The Band will be bringing their own brand of musical mayhem and magic to BBC Sounds in a new Podcast spin-off from their hugely popular new CBBC show. Expect the unexpected!
Magic Den
Little Radio, (12x10’)
A new podcast presented by Chris Jarvis who will have a different BBC Children’s guest on each episode. They will provide the audience with ideas of creative things that they can do in their own magic dens (lounges, bedrooms and more) during this period when the audience are confined to their homes.
CBBC
My Celebrity Supply Teacher
In-house, (20x10’)
This fun-filled factual format welcomes a raft of the UK’s most famous faces to CBBC. In each episode a different celebrity gives an inspiring lesson from the comfort of their own home with lesson topics loosely based on the curriculum.
How To Be Epic At Home
In-house, (12x10’)
Delving into the archives to find all the awesome activities that can be done while staying at home. Pick up that yo-yo, learn that magic trick, try out an amazing experiment or cool street dance move.
Joe Tasker is the resident epic host presenting links shot at his own home. He’ll guide you through the 12 episodes, and maybe even have a go at a few skills.
Life Of Lockdown
Northern Heart Films with Nine Lives, CBeebies/CBBC, (2x2’)
Poet Carla Mellor will write and voice two-minute bespoke poems (one for each channel) for CBeebies and CBBC exploring the themes of how the UK’s children are feeling during this time of lockdown, illustrated by video clips of what kids are doing at home.
Do Try This At Home With Chris And Xand
Maverick, (10x10’)
Dr Chris and Dr Xand turn their kitchen in to a laboratory so that they can explore the fascinating world of biology, showing you the gross and awesome things your body can do.
Daily Nature Bites/Live Deadly
BBC Studios' NHU, (22x)
Backyard nature with Steve Backshall, filmed close to his home, encouraging people to look for wildlife in their surroundings. Audiences will be encouraged to send in pictures and videos from their walks or their gardens, to share what they’re seeing and discuss it with Steve.
Out Of This World
Phoenix Television, (10x10’)
A series entirely constructed using Getty’s 270,000 space-related films - presented and voiced by Dr. Maggie who will be located in her ‘Secret Observatory’. She’s about to reveal the most remarkable stories about everything we’ve ever sent to space.
Nikki Lilly Bakes
Blakeway North part of Zinc Media, (10x7’)
Nikki has some great culinary ideas for viewers to try at home in their kitchens.
Operation Ouch! Virus Alert
Maverick, (1x30’)
With the help of a bunch of home-based viewers and some celebrity friends, Chris, Xand and Ronx untangle the Covid-19 pandemic to make sense of it all. From where it came from and how you can limit the spread of viruses to the Formula 1 technology that’s helping people breathe and the best ways to keep busy in lockdown, everyone’s favourite TV Docs tell you all you need to know in the unique Operation Ouch! style.
Jamie And Braydon Interview The Stars
Shortform, (10x4’)
A spin-off series from the hit drama series is back with a bang! This season Braydon Bent, a member of the Jamie Johnson cast and top celebrities from across the country take part in a “virtual meet up”, discussing how they’re coping on lockdown, exploring their sporting career and learning more about them with questions and viewer generated content submitted to the show by fans via social media and the CBBC website
BBC iPlayer
Mimi On A Mission: Lockdown Party
Peggy Pictures, (10x8’)
Warm and bubbly Mimi Missfit gives viewers a much needed breather from scary headlines and anxiety-inducing Covid-19 statistics. From the safety of her front room, Mimi meets special guests and offers top tips for how to stay positive during these times.
