BBC, RTÉjr Co-Commission New Series

BBC Children’s and Education and RTÉjr have partnered to commission Pablo: Boy Meets School, produced by Paper Owl Films.

The series is a spin-off from the BAFTA-nominated Pablo, which premiered on CBeebies and RTÉjr in October 2017. Crayola Studios has joined as co-producer and will also act as the global merchandising and licensing partner for all Pablo IP, while CAKE is on board as an executive producer and will manage all international distribution.

Pablo: Boy Meets School reflects the real-life experiences of autistic children and is written and voiced by young autistic talent. Aimed at children aged 5 to 8, it is set to deliver in 2026.

Development and production funding comes from Coimisiún na Meán and Northern Ireland Screen.

Kate’s Morton, senior head of children’s commissioning for the BBC, said: “Starting school is a big moment for our audience and so important for families to see this represented in home-grown, culturally relevant storytelling, and it’s even more special from Pablo’s creative perspective.”

Suzanne Kelly, head of children’s and young people’s content at RTÉ, added: “RTÉjr has been with Pablo and his animal friends on every step of this wonderful journey since 2017. Pablo has deftly navigated his way through those tricky early years and now it’s time for school. To watch how Pablo has grown and how the stylistic approach and animation style has evolved from series to series, has been a joy to behold. Pablo: Boy Meets School is a trailblazing series and authentically depicts what life can be like for all kids in those messy noisy, fun-filled years at school. RTÉjr is thrilled to continue supporting Pablo on the next step on his journey and we can’t wait to show it to our audience–we know they’re going to love it!”

Victoria Lozano, executive VP of Crayola, said: “When we first heard about Pablo: Boy Meets School, we knew we had to be involved. Pablo draws in his sketchbook to help make sense of the world around him. His ability to see the world unencumbered by social norms fuels his curiosity and enables him to ask questions that give the audience a totally new perspective. Looking at and laughing at the world through Pablo’s eyes makes viewers ask Why, Why Not and What If. We are delighted to come on board this authentic and inspiring show, which is very close to the heart of what Crayola stands for.”

Gráinne McGuinness, creative director of Paper Owl Films, commented: “We are all delighted to go into production and create a series that will be so much more than an international comedy hit—it will change the world through the unique perspective of our wonderful Pablo. This character is cherished by the entire team at Paper Owl and we are excited to collaborate with amazing talent in all parts of the production to bring these really funny stories to screen in a way that will celebrate the engagement of all kinds of minds together. We are so grateful to all our partners in helping us make this mission possible.”

Ed Galton, CEO at CAKE, said: “We are excited to partner with Paper Owl Films, Crayola Studios and the BBC on Pablo: Boy Meets School. This series continues Pablo‘s legacy, offering a fresh and important perspective in children’s programming. We look forward to bringing this groundbreaking series to young audiences globally and fostering greater understanding and inclusion.”