Blue Zoo Chosen to Bring Doctor Who to CBeebies

We are thrilled to announce that the TARDIS is setting a course for Blue Zoo! Following a highly competitive pitch process, Blue Zoo Animation Studio has been selected by BBC Children’s and Education to produce a brand-new Doctor Who animated series for CBeebies and BBC iPlayer.

This is a landmark moment in British television history. For the first time ever, the legendary ‘Whoniverse’ will be expanded into an animated series specifically designed for pre-school audiences. We are incredibly proud to be the trusted partners chosen to introduce The Doctor to a brand-new generation.

At Blue Zoo, our mission has always been to build lovable characters and craft content that radiates joy. This project represents the pinnacle of that ambition. The new series has been commissioned for 52 x 11’ episodes over two series, with production scheduled to begin in 2026.

The commission follows a rigorous selection process initiated by BBC Children’s and Education in June 2025. In a strong field of UK producers, Blue Zoo’s proposal scored highest, a testament to our studio's dedication to top-tier technical craft and creative innovation.

This win coincides with a major milestone for our studio. As we celebrate our 25th anniversary, securing the opportunity to reimagine a true British icon feels like the perfect way to mark a quarter-century of creativity.

Adam Shaw, Co-founder of Blue Zoo Animation Studio, comments: “This year, we celebrated 25 years of Blue Zoo so it's an extra special honour to be given the chance to bring such a much-loved classic and a true British icon to a whole new generation of young viewers. Doctor Who means so much to so many people, and we don’t take that lightly at all. Reimagining something this legendary for a preschool audience is a brilliant creative challenge, and one we’re incredibly excited to dive into.”

We have a long history of collaboration with the BBC, having brought educational favourites like Numberblocks, Alphablocks, and Mojo Swoptops to life. As a B Corp-certified studio, we are committed to not only producing world-class animation but doing so with a team-first, ethical approach that aligns with the values of public service broadcasting.

Patricia Hidalgo, Director of BBC Children’s & Education, added: "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 further strengthens our commitment to the British animation industry by championing homegrown productions with the potential to travel the world and, perhaps even through time and space."

We look forward to firing up the sonic screwdrivers and getting to work in 2026!