With widespread concern about the health of original children’s and family TV and film production in the UK, Sarah Muller, Senior Head of Commissioning 7+, BBC Children’s and Education, beats the drum for investment in titles that raise the game.
At BBC Children’s and Education, we believe in the power of storytelling to bring families together, spark imaginations, and reflect the diverse experiences of children across the UK. As viewing habits evolve and the children’s TV industry faces unprecedented challenges and increasing competition for attention our mission remains clear to inform, educate and entertain. And at this time of year, we like to give an extra gift to families, an opportunity to sit down together and watch some original, UK produced, storytelling.
There’s no shortage of great TV but right now, only the BBC is investing in home grown dramas that are made specifically for our young audience, and build bonds across generations. The talented teams of creators and independent producers make family-friendly television that celebrates British creativity and cultural relevance with quality that is unparalleled.
In recent years, we have had Malory Towers, from King Bert Productions and Wildbrain, The Primrose Railway Children, made by BBC Studios Kids & Family Productions and, earlier this year, comedy drama Crongton, produced by New Pictures.
In 2026, we’ll continue to push boundaries with Crookhaven from BBC Studios Kids & Family, a high-concept adventure set in a secret school for crooks learning to use their skills for justice, and The Lady Grace Mysteries, from Cottonwood Media and Coolabi Productions, where a fearless 14-year-old races to stop an assassination plot against Queen Elizabeth I. Both series deliver suspense, originality, and family appeal, reinforcing our commitment to bold, high-impact drama.
This year we have the latest adventure from our celebrated reimagining of The Famous Five; the previous episodes all have the look and feel of high-end Hollywood films, indeed this adaptation has been co-created and exec produced by one of Hollywood’s finest, Nicolas Winding Refn. (Eagle-eyed viewers might spot a cheeky cameo, playing a film director in the latest Famous Five film!)
This is not the children’s TV of old; with much competition, we have upped our game so that everything we make delivers high impact; nothing less than our audience deserves. This approach underpins our commissioning decisions and shapes the slate of dramas we bring to screens. Just in time for the Christmas holidays we have three new home-grown dramas created to captivate, entertain and get families laughing together.
Gifted
Adapted from Marilyn Kaye’s bestselling novels by award-winning screenwriter Emma Reeves, Gifted exemplifies our ambition to deliver globally appealing drama while championing homegrown talent. Set against the stunning backdrop of Edinburgh, the series introduces a diverse group of Scottish teens who discover extraordinary superpowers, from telekinesis to mind reading, while navigating friendship and secrets. With Dominic McLaughlin, soon to star as Harry Potter in HBO’s upcoming adaptation, in a stellar young Scottish cast, Gifted is more than a fantasy adventure; it’s a celebration of regional representation and international collaboration, produced by Glasgow-based Black Camel Pictures and Paris-based Media Valley. This co-production reflects our commitment to showcasing Scotland on the world stage while creating content that feels “for me” to UK audiences.
Gifted was released in November this year.
Dexter Procter: The 10-Year-Old Doctor
Comedy and heart sit at the core of Dexter Procter, a hilarious and uplifting series from bestselling author and former doctor Adam Kay, made by Terrible Productions. Following Britain’s youngest doctor as he juggles medical genius with the everyday challenges of childhood, the show delivers laugh-out-loud moments and emotional depth that families can enjoy together. Featuring an all-star cast including Peter Serafinowicz, Jameela Jamil, and Sue Johnston, Dexter Procter is the perfect example of our strategy to create content that cuts through the noise and builds universal appeal. Available across iPlayer, CBBC, and BBC One this festive season, it’s a show designed to unite generations on the sofa.
Dexter Procter: The 10-Year-Old Doctor airs on Sunday 28th December
The Famous Five
Nostalgia meets modern storytelling in the latest instalment of The Famous Five titled Big Trouble on Billycock Hill. This beautiful series reinvents Enid Blyton’s beloved characters for today’s audience, blending adventure, mystery, and timeless themes of friendship and courage. Produced by Moonage Pictures and byNWR, in co-production with The Mediapro Studio, the series underscores our commitment to backing the best homegrown storytelling while appealing to international markets. By breathing new life into a classic, we connect with parents who grew up with these stories and introduce them to a new generation, bringing families together through shared cultural touchstones.
The Famous Five: Big Trouble on Billycock Hill launches on Monday 29th December.
These dramas are more than just entertainment; they are part of our broader strategy to as a trusted, innovative provider of home-grown children’s content. In a landscape where linear audiences are declining and competition is fierce, we are investing in stories that deliver emotional connection, cultural relevance, and global ambition. Our dramas reflect the BBC’s public service mission while supporting the UK’s creative economy and showcasing regional talent.
As we look to the future, our goal is simple: to create content that families love, that sparks conversation, and that demonstrates the BBC’s enduring value in the lives of children. That makes impact. Gifted, Dexter Procter, and The Famous Five are just the beginning.
Pippa Considine
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