BBC Children’s and Education has announced its line-up of brand-new and returning commissions across multiple platforms and formats including podcasts and online resources for iPlayer, BBC Bitesize and CBeebies.
CBeebies new animations include MaeBee, a whimsical animated series about a curious young gnome and her bee-like foster twin; The Underglow invites viewers into a “cosy woodland world of quirky characters and playful mysteries” and Luna in Dreamland is billed as a beautifully animated series where Luna enters children’s dreams to help them face their fears.
There is also a second series of Mojo Swoptops, where Mojo and Bo introduce five new tops and 52 new episodes. Talking Tom Heroes: Suddenly Super adds a twist as Tom and friends discover new superpowers. The Football Fantastics is kicking off its second season ahead of the men’s football World Cup.
For CBBC, is The Next Step: Cheer that follows the finale of the original series after 10 seasons. Kenzie will lead a cheerleading squad to Nationals in this “high-energy” spin-off.
There will be a new series of Stage Stars. With series 1 launching this month (13th Oct), filming has already begun on a second series for 2026, diving deeper into the lives of young performers at a UK performing arts school.
BBC Bitesize continues to support learning with BBC Live Lessons, returning with eight curriculum-linked broadcasts for primary schools, including special episodes for Anti-Bullying Week and World Book Day. For teens, brand new revision podcasts for Maths and A Bitesize Guide to AI. And for parents, the CBeebies Parenting Podcast returns with hosts Holly Hagan-Blyth and Charlie Hedges.
Patricia Hidalgo, Director of BBC Children’s and Education, said: “In a time when global investment in children’s content is declining, we are committed more than ever to continue delivering high-quality content that sparks imagination, supports learning, and reflects the lives of children. This new slate is a testament to our dedication to young audiences and the brilliant creative talent behind the content.”
CBeebies
MaeBee, brings tales of community, nature and self-growth following the small but mighty adventures of Mae, a determined young gnome with big dreams, and her quirky foster twin Bee, who may or may not realise he’s actually a bee. Set in the whimsically unpredictable Green Garden, Mae’s mission is to fill her magical Book of BIG with knowledge and grow with every page. With Bee’s help (and occasional confusion), Mae tackles challenges head-on, proving that size doesn’t matter when you’ve got heart, curiosity, and a lot of flower snacks. This delightful new animated series of 52 x 7’, was created at Karrot Entertainment by Tim and Becca O’Sullivan, produced in association with Kavaleer Productions and is set to air in Spring/Summer 2026 .
The Underglow celebrates creativity and imagination, taking young audiences into a whimsical woodland world where curiosity, creativity, and play reign supreme. Led by the bold and inquisitive Riley and her thoughtful best friend Brewster, this diverse gang of quirky characters, including a floating fish and a talking potato, explore, invent, and uncover mysteries in a cosy, oddball setting far from the human world. The series produced in partnership by Gigglebug, YLE and A Productions, consists of 50 x 7’ episodes, scheduled to air in Autumn 2027.
Luna in Dreamland helps children overcome their fears and anxieties and spark conversations about their feelings, following Luna who enters Dreamland. The animated series produced by Flickerpix in both English and Gaeilge, consists of 26 x 7’ episodes and launches on BBC iPlayer in 2027.
Centring around themes of teamwork and determination Mojo and Bo are back in action for Mojo Swoptops – Series 2 and ready to rev up the fun and keep Swoppiton running smoothly. With a swop of a top, Mojo transforms into whatever the job needs; fire truck, helicopter, crane, you name it, while Bo brings the brains, tools, and boundless creativity. Whether rescuing pigs from trees or solving everyday mishaps, this dynamic duo tackles challenges with laughter, and a never-give-up attitude. The new series returns for 52 x 11’ brand-new episodes airing from October/November 2026.
Talking Tom and his friends find themselves… suddenly super! Teaching young viewers about good overcoming bad Tom and his friends have brand new superpowers to figure out and a mission to save the day, they’ve got their work cut out for them. They’re excited to protect the city and stop the bad guys, but they soon discover that being super is harder than it looks. But they won’t give up. They’ll jump into action and do their best. They’re superheroes, after all! Talking Tom Heroes: Suddenly Super is a new animated series bringing a thrilling twist to the Talking Tom & Friends universe, airing in October 2025.
The Football Fantastics are back for a second season of action-packed football fun, inspiring young children to get involved in the beautiful game. The Gates of The Den swing open once again as Elvis, Jaz, Theo, Evie B, Taran and Sophie return, this time joined by two brand-new recruits: Wilf, Mr Park’s cheeky grandson, and his partner-in-fun, Ripley. The parents are louder and sillier than ever, bringing chaos and comedy to the touchline with wild inventions, mascot mayhem, and plenty of team spirit. Produced by Strike, the new series airs in June 2026, coinciding with the men’s football World Cup.
CBeebies Parenting Podcast
The CBeebies Parenting Helpline Podcast hosted by reality star Holly Hagan-Blyth and Radio 1’s Charlie Hedges returns with a brand-new series of lively and honest looks at the ups and downs of parenting. Parents and carers call in with real-life dilemmas, which are tackled with warmth, humour, and expert advice. Produced by CBeebies Parenting, the BBC’s trusted destination for all things early years parenting, this series returns from 27th November to 8th January 2026, and again from 26th February to 23rd April 2026.
7+ on iPlayer, CBBC and BBC Bitesize
The Next Step: Cheer is a high-energy spin-off of the global live-action hit The Next Step, tackling issues facing young adults, following fan-favourite Kenzie (Emmerly Tinglin) as she takes on a bold new challenge – leading a struggling cheerleading squad with big dreams of making it to Nationals. Determined to prove she’s more than just a dancer, Kenzie must rally a mismatched team of athletes, overcome rivalries, and inspire belief in themselves and each other. Produced by Boat Rocker Studios the new series of 20 x 24’ episodes launches provisionally in Spring 2026.
Brand new series Stage Stars launches this month (13th Oct), and is set to return for a second series, immersing viewers in the vibrant world of young performers at a UK boarding school specialising in dance and the performing arts. The series continues to follow the highs and lows of life on and off stage, capturing the emotional rollercoaster of auditions, rehearsals, friendships, and personal growth alongside the show’s trademark, beautifully stylised breakout performance moments. Produced by Drummer Television the second series of 15 x 24’ episodes will return to iPlayer and on CBBC in Autumn 2026.
BBC Live Lessons
BBC Live Lessons returns for the 2025/26 school year, broadcasting at moments important to primary schools, such as Anti-Bullying Week and World Book Day, as well as providing lessons tied to BBC brands such as Walking with Dinosaurs and Horrible Science. Accompanying resources for use with 7–11-year-olds are provided for each lesson, allowing children to learn along in real time. BBC Live Lessons returns with 8 x 30′ curriculum-packed programmes for primary schools.
Jon Creamer
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