BBC Children’s has announced a spate of new commissions across CBeebies, CBBC and BBC iPlayer as it aims to “entertain, educate and inspire” families during the coronavirus crisis.
The broadcaster said the fast-turnaround commissions reflected themes that related to changes in routine, home-schooling, separation from wider family and friendship groups.
New commissions to air over the next few months include Do Try This at Home with Operation Ouch supremos Dr Chris and Dr Xand (pictured), My Celebrity Supply Teacher featuring some of the UK’s famous faces delivering an inspiring lesson from the comfort of their own home, Boogie Beebies with Strictly star Oti Mabuse and Mimi Missfit’s Life on Lockdown.
Northern indies to have received commissions include Blakeway North.
Cheryl Taylor, Head of Content for BBC Children’s, said: “BBC Children’s is here to support parents and reflect the lives of children all around the country in these difficult times – we will ensure that despite the huge changes to their lives we are always here to give them a voice.”
BBC Children’s In-house Productions
Boogie Beebies (CBeebies) – 25×5’
Strictly Coming Dancing star Oti Mabuse will be quick-stepping onto CBeebies to get pre-schoolers boogying to a brand-new dance in each episode.
Stay In With Mr Tumble (CBeebies) – 25×2’
Everyone’s favourite, Mr Tumble, pops up on CBeebies as a special guest presenter to provide live links and regular social media for his loyal fans during the UK’s lockdown period.
Storytime with Mr Tumble (CBeebies) – 5×7’
Settle down and get ready to become immersed in the world of magical storytelling with Mr Tumble. From fairy tales to nursery rhymes, from familiar songs to new songs that reflect the changing environment of the home and family life.
Magic Den (CBeebies Radio) – 12×10’
A new podcast presented by Chris Jarvis who will have a different BBC Children’s guest on each episode. They will provide the audience with ideas of creative things that they can do in their own magic dens (lounges, bedrooms and more) during this period when the audience are confined to their homes.
Mr Tumble’s Radio Show (CBeebies Radio) – 15×15’
Tune in to hear Mr Tumble introduce a selection of songs, jokes, rhymes and much more on CBeebies Radio.
My Celebrity Supply Teacher (CBBC) – 20×10’
This fun-filled factual format welcomes a raft of the UK’s most famous faces to CBBC. In each episode a different celebrity gives an inspiring lesson from the comfort of their own home with lesson topics loosely based on the curriculum.
How To Be Epic At Home (CBBC) – 12×10’
Delving into the archives to find all the awesome activities that can be done while staying at home. Pick up that Yo-Yo, learn that magic trick, try out an amazing experiment or cool street dance move.
Joe Tasker is the resident epic host presenting links shot at his own home. He’ll guide you through the 12 episodes, and maybe even have a go at a few skills.
Independent productions
Andy’s Dinosaur Toybox (NHU, CBeebies) – 15×3’
This new short-form BBC iPlayer series, sees Andy bring his toy dinosaurs to life. Amazing stories, mind-blowing dinosaur-facts and funny voices to inspire and entertain 3-6yr olds.
Baby Club Daily Bitesize (Three Arrows, CBeebies) – 35×5’
Hosted alternately by Giovanna Fletcher and Nigel Clarke, these bitesize tastes of The Baby Club each weekday aim to build an online community of parents who need a trusted source of encouragement, support and ideas for their babies. These bespoke mini spin-off episodes will draw on nationwide user generated content.. Join in with the discovery of new activities, have a sing-a-long – and maybe spot yourself in the process!
Baby Club Weekend (Three Arrows, CBeebies) – 20×5’
The Baby Club will be here on Saturdays and Sundays for a 10-week run as parents join in fun and fabulous games and songs with their toddlers .
Tee and Mo’s Musical Specials (Plug-In Media, CBeebies) – 2×10’
This mini-musical will deliver three new ear-worm worthy tracks, wrapped into an engaging narrative that builds on what Tee and Mo does best for CBeebies – engaging an audience by enabling them to reflect on their own caregiver-child relationships with humour and warmth, and inspiring them to spend fun and playful moments together.
Caring For Others – Elmo (Sesame, CBeebies) – 1×30’
This half-hour special follows Elmo, Grover, Cookie Monster, Abby Cadabby, and a few famous friends as they find new ways to play and learn together. Celebrating everyone from doctors to everyday heroes who are helping families through the health crisis.
Get Well Soon – Coronavirus Short (Kindle, CBeebies) – 1×3’
Presented by real-life paediatrician Dr Ranj Singh, this special episode sees him catching up with Jobi who has some questions about why he can’t see his friends and grandparents or go outside the house to play as normal. They’ll also be singing a catchy song to help everyone remember the best way to wash our hands.
Pablo – Coronavirus Special (Paper Owl, CBeebies) – 1×7’
A short special on how to support autistic children with changes to their routine.
Mister Maker At Home (Zodiak Kids, CBeebies) – 8×7’
We welcome back Mr Maker and his friends to inspire creativity with basic items we can find at home.
Andy & The Band Podcast (Three Arrows Media, CBeebies Radio) – 12’ pilot
Andy and the Band will be bringing their own brand of musical mayhem and magic to BBC Sounds in a new Podcast spin-off from their hugely popular new CBBC show. Expect the unexpected!
Young Persons At Home – Participation Poem (Northern Heart Films, CBeebies / CBBC) – 1×2’
Poet Carla Mellor will write and voice a two-minute bespoke poem exploring the themes of how the UK’s children are thinking and feeling during this time of lockdown.
Mimi – Life On Lockdown (Peggy Pictures, BBC iPlayer) – 15×8’
Warm and bubbly big sis Mimi Missfit gives viewers a much needed breather from scary headlines and anxiety-inducing Covid-19 statistics. Weekly updates will be recorded in her flat where she is in lockdown with her 16-year-old sister, Vicky.
Do Try This At Home with Chris and Xand (Maverick, CBBC) – 10×10’
Dr Chris and Dr Xand turn their kitchen in to a laboratory so that they can explore the fascinating world of biology, showing you the gross and awesome things your body can do.
Daily Nature Bites / Live Deadly (NHU, CBBC) – 22
Backyard nature with Steve Backshall, filmed close to his home, encouraging people to look for wildlife in their surroundings. Audiences will be encouraged to send in pictures and videos from their walks or their gardens, to share what they’re seeing and discuss it with Steve.
Out Of This World (Phoenix Television, CBBC) – 10×10’
A series entirely constructed using Getty’s 270,000 space-related films – presented and voiced by Dr. Maggie who will be located in her ‘Secret Observatory’. She’s about to reveal the most remarkable stories about everything we’ve ever sent to space.
Nikki Lilly Bakes (Blakeway North part of Zinc Media, CBBC) – 10×7’
Nikki has some great culinary ideas for viewers to try at home in their kitchens.
Operation Ouch Virus Alert (Maverick, CBBC) – 1×30’
With the help of a bunch of home-based viewers and some celebrity friends, Chris, Xand and Ronx untangle the Covid-19 pandemic to make sense of it. From where it came from and how you can limit the spread of viruses to the Formula 1 technology that’s helping people breathe and the best ways to keep busy in lockdown. Everyone’s favourite TV Docs tell you all you need to know in the unique Operation Ouch! style.
Jamie and Braydon Interview The Stars (Shortform, CBBC) – 10×4’
A spin-off series from the hit drama is back with a bang! This season Braydon Bent, a member of the Jamie Johnson cast and top celebrities from across the country take part in a “virtual meet up”, discussing how they’re coping on lockdown, exploring their sporting career and learning more about them with questions and viewer generated content submitted to the show by fans via social media and the CBBC website
