BBC Children’s Unveils New Commissions

BBC Children’s has commissioned a raft of new titles, with a special focus on diversity and entertainment.

“We really want these new titles to bring some joy and hope to homes around the U.K. as we continue to navigate our way through disruptive times,” said Cheryl Taylor, head of content for BBC Children’s. “Many familiar faces, along with some new ones, are sure to delight our young audience. These, coupled with so many diverse titles, reinforce our mission that BBC Children’s is here to reflect the lives of all children in the U.K. and to remind them that the future can be bright.”

These new programs, from BBC Children’s In-House Productions and independent production companies, will play out across CBeebies, CBBC, BBC iPlayer and BBC Sounds.

Among the titles focusing on diversity is Our Black History Heroes, which profiles celebrated figures from the Black community, including Serena Williams, Martin Luther King and Mary Seacole. Made by The Playmaker Group, it will air across CBBC. BBC Children’s In-House Productions will deliver for CBeebies Colours, looking at what colors mean to little ones and how they have significance culturally and historically.

Offering a number of new titles guaranteed to bring smiles to young faces, BBC Children’s has commissioned Monster Court by DLT Entertainment for CBBC. The series sees monster puppet judge Rt Hon Judge Martin Smudge dish out lighthearted justice for children. Ricky Wilson’s Art Jam, meanwhile, sees music legend and former art teacher Ricky Wilson joined by a celebrity mate to find out how ‘art’ in the broadest sense has inspired their lives and careers. The series is a new commission for BBC Children’s In-House Productions, as is Would You Rather?, a game show for CBBC that will ask celebrity guests to make hilariously tough choices.

Other titles coming soon include The Toddler Club at Home for CBeebies, which builds on from the popular The Baby Club at Home; a second series of CBBC’s Celebrity Supply Teacher; and Mimi & Co, which sees YouTube star Mimi Missfit try new things.