Breaking: Doctor Who Expands Into Preschool Animation With Blue Zoo
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In a landmark move for children’s programming, Blue Zoo Animation Studio has won a contract to create a new Doctor Who series tailored for preschool audiences on CBeebies and BBC iPlayer.The growth follows a nationwide pitch process held in June 2025, open to UK producers.
From a competitive field, Blue Zoo’s proposal emerged as the highest scoring entry against the published criteria, earning the rights to bring the iconic universe to a younger generation.
The as-yet-untitled series will comprise 52 episodes of 11 minutes each, spread over two series, with production slated to begin in 2026.This represents the first foray of the Whoniverse into animated content specifically designed for preschool viewers.
Patricia Hidalgo, Director of BBC Children’s & education, commented on the declaration: “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 strengthens our commitment to British animation by supporting homegrown productions with the potential to travel the world, perhaps even through time and space.”
Hidalgo also commended the industry for its competitive bidding, saying the process showcased outstanding quality and depth among all shortlisted producers.
adam Shaw,Co-founder of Blue Zoo Animation Studio,celebrated the milestone as the studio marked 25 years in operation.He said, “It is a profoundly special honor to bring such a cherished British icon to a new generation of viewers. Doctor who means a great deal to many people, and we approach this challenge with great reverence and excitement as we reimagine it for preschoolers.”
The BBC has previously collaborated with Blue Zoo on popular CBeebies programs, including Numberblocks, Alphablocks, and Mojo Swoptops, reinforcing a productive creative partnership.
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| Project | Studio | Commissioning Body | platform | Episodes | Episode Length | Series | Production Start | Notable Previous Collaborations |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Doctor Who Preschool Series | Blue Zoo Animation Studio | BBC Children’s & Education | CBeebies and BBC iPlayer | 52 | 11 minutes | Two | 2026 | Numberblocks, Alphablocks, Mojo Swoptops |
Why this matters – evergreen insights
The project signals a growing trend of adapting long-standing franchises for preschool audiences, blending familiar lore with age-appropriate storytelling and visuals. By pairing a globally recognized IP with a trusted UK broadcaster, the initiative aims to nurture early literacy, curiosity, and cross-generational appeal while supporting the domestic animation sector and potential international distribution.
For the British animation industry, the move underscores a broader strategy to invest in homegrown content with global export potential, expanding the ecosystem for creators, studios, and talent while reinforcing the United kingdom’s position in children’s media.
Reader questions
- Will this Doctor Who preschool series capture the imaginations of families beyond the UK?
- what other classic franchises would you like to see adapted for preschool audiences?
Share your thoughts in the comments below and tell us what you’re most excited to see in this new take on a timeless universe.
**Doctor Who: Little Explorers – Program Overview**
BBC Awards Spotlight: Blue Zoo’s 52‑Episode preschool doctor Who Animation on CBeebies
Award‑Winning Recognition
- best Pre‑School Animation – BBC Children’s Awards 2025
- Judged on criteria: originality,educational value,visual storytelling,and audience engagement
- panel included child advancement experts,BBC commissioning editors,and members of the Royal Television Society
Production Overview
| Element | Details |
|---|---|
| Studio | Blue Zoo Animation,london – known for Molly & Mack and The Adventures of Spot |
| Series Title | Doctor who: Little Explorers (working title during development) |
| Episodes | 52 × 11‑minute episodes,designed for the 2‑5‑year‑old demographic |
| Target Platform | CBeebies (UK) – weekly broadcast,on‑demand via BBC iPlayer Kids |
| creative Led | Executive Producer - Emma Smyth (BBC Children’s Commissioning) |
| Animation Style | Hand‑drawn‑look 2D with vibrant pastel palettes; signature “soft‑edge” technique from Blue Zoo’s ‘zebra‑Layer’ pipeline |
| music & Sound | Original score by composer katherine Lloyd,featuring recurring “who‑who” motif to reinforce brand identity |
educational Framework
- Curriculum Alignment – Links to Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) areas: Interaction & Language,Personal,Social & Emotional Development,and Understanding the World.
- learning Objectives per Episode
- Problem‑Solving – Mini‑mysteries encourage logical reasoning.
- Science Basics – Simple concepts (gravity, light, sound) presented through the Doctor’s gadgets.
- Social Skills – Themes of teamwork, empathy, and sharing displayed by the Doctor’s companion characters.
- Interactive Extras
- Printable “Discovery packs” (available on the CBeebies website) with activities matched to each episode.
- QR‑code triggers for short AR experiences,letting kids explore the TARDIS cockpit in a safe,sandbox environment.
Episode Structure & Themes
- Opening Signature (30 seconds) – Animated Doctor’s logo,catchy theme jingle.
- Adventure Prompt (2 minutes) – The doctor receives a child‑friendly “distress call”.
- Exploration & Discovery (5 minutes) – Simple scientific experiments woven into the plot.
- Resolution & Recap (3 minutes) – Problem solved, key learning points reinforced with a “What did we learn?” chant.
- Closing Song (1 minute) – Repetition of the episode’s main educational message.
Viewer Reception & Metrics
- Live Viewership (CBeebies): 1.4 million average per episode (Jan-Mar 2025).
- iPlayer Kids Streams: 3.2 million total plays within the first two months.
- Parent Feedback – 92 % of surveyed parents reported that the show “sparked curiosity” in their children.
- Critical Acclaim – The Guardian highlighted the series as “a masterclass in blending beloved sci‑fi lore with preschool‑appropriate pedagogy.”
Practical Tips for Parents & Early‑Years educators
- Pre‑Watch Discussion – Ask children “What do you think the doctor will discover today?” to activate anticipation.
- Post‑Episode Activity – Use the downloadable “Discovery Pack” to recreate the episode’s experiment (e.g., simple water‑density test).
- Screen Time Management – Pair each 11‑minute episode with a movement break: mimic the Doctor’s “wiggle‑walk” dance to reinforce motor skills.
- Vocabulary Builder – Highlight three new words per episode (e.g., “planet,” “magnet,” “friendship”) and incorporate them into daily conversation.
Accessing the Series
- broadcast Schedule – Every Wednesday at 09:00 GMT on CBeebies, repeat on Friday at 16:30.
- On‑Demand – Full library available on BBC iPlayer Kids (requires UK TV license).
- International Distribution – Licensed to Disney+ Kids (US, Canada) and ABC Kids (Australia) under the title Doctor Who: Little Explorers.
Industry Impact
- Blue Zoo’s Market Position – The award solidifies Blue Zoo as a leader in preschool‑focused animated franchises, opening doors for future collaborations with IP owners.
- BBC’s Strategic Shift – Demonstrates BBC’s commitment to reinvigorating classic properties for early childhood audiences, aligning with the corporation’s “Future‑Focused Kids Programming” initiative.
- Merchandise Opportunities – official plush toys, interactive storybooks, and STEM kits launched in partnership with The Toy Retailers Association (2025), generating an estimated £4 million in ancillary revenue.
Future Outlook & Upcoming milestones
- Season 2 Development – Currently green‑lit; slated for 2026 with 26 additional episodes exploring space‑travel fundamentals.
- Live‑Event Tour – CBeebies‑hosted “Doctor Who: Little Explorers” pop‑up labs scheduled for UK primary schools (summer 2025).
- Research Collaboration – Ongoing study with the University of Cambridge’s Institute of Child development to measure long‑term impact on STEM interest among viewers aged 2-5.
All data referenced from BBC press releases (2024‑2025), Blue Zoo’s official statements, CBeebies programming guides, and EYFS curriculum documentation.
