BBC Picks Up Pinocchio and Friends

Rainbow Group’s Pinocchio and Friends has been acquired by the BBC for its preschool channel CBeebies.

The CGI animated series, produced by Rainbow in collaboration with Rai Ragazzi and Toonz Media Group, is an adaptation of Carlo Collodi’s famed The Adventures of Pinocchio. It follows the puppet and his friends as they discover everyday wonders and universal values such as inclusion, friendship and the power of dreams.

Pinocchio and Friends launched last month on Italy’s children’s channel Rai Yoyo and is already a top-rated show. It will debut on CBeebies in early 2022.

“I have been waiting for the right time to bring this concept to light with the attention and quality it deserves,” said Iginio Straffi, Rainbow’s founder and CEO. “My new Pinocchio brings out the essence of what makes this story so inspirational while speaking to children in a light-hearted, educational show that empowers their dreams with key life values and exciting dynamics. I couldn’t be more delighted that we’ve partnered with top-quality broadcaster BBC to air on CBeebies for British children next year, and we look forward to seeing the series thrive.”