Details on new Doctor Who animated series coming to CBeebies
BCC has confirmed Blue Zoo has secured the contract to produce an animated pre-school Doctor Who series.
A new Doctor Who animated series is coming to CBeebies from Blue Zoo
The BBC has confirmed that the animation studio has secured the contract for a brand new pre-school show inspired by the Whoniverse.
The series will be made up of 52 11-minute episodes over two series, with production set to get underway in 2026 before airing on CBeebies and iPlayer.
The show marks the first time the Doctor Who franchise has been expanded into an animated series for pre-school audiences.
Back in June this year, BBC Children's and Education had invited UK producers to pitch their ideas for the opportunity to take on the project "for fair and open selection".
Patricia Hidalgo, Director of BBC Children’s Education, said: "We can't wait to welcome the Doctor to CBeebies, introducing this beloved family favourite to our youngest audience for the very first time.
"This new series further strengthens our commitment to the British animation industry by championing homegrown productions with the potential to travel the world and, perhaps even through time and space.
"The bidding process for this project was exceptionally competitive, and we would like to commend all the shortlisted producers for the outstanding quality and depth of their proposals."
Meanwhile, Blue Zoo insisted they aren't underestimating the significance of the opportunity they're being given.
Adam Shaw, co-founder of Blue Zoo Animation Studio, added: “This year, we celebrated 25 years of Blue Zoo so it's an extra special honour to be given the chance to bring such a much-loved classic and a true British icon to a whole new generation of young viewers. "Doctor Who means so much to so many people, and we don’t take that lightly at all. "Reimagining something this legendary for a preschool audience is a brilliant creative challenge, and one we’re incredibly excited to dive into.”
The main series of Doctor Who is set to return with a Christmas special in December 2026, while spin-off series The War Between The Land And The Sea is currently airing on BBC One and iPlayer.
