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CBeebies are looking to bring the Doctor onto their channel.

Although it’s by no means a done deal, the BBC children’s channel is looking for a potential production partner for episodes to air in 2027 and 2028.

The BBC is set to expand the Whoniverse as it launches plans for a brand new pre-school animation series which will see the Doctor’s adventures come to CBeebies for the first time ever.

The BBC is looking for a passionate production company to create and produce the series, which will run independently from the main show, that will see the Doctor travelling through time and space for the pre-school audience, solving mysteries and problems alongside their companions and other friends.

And, of course, they may come up against one or two challenges on their way…

Speaking about the plans, Patricia Hidalgo, Director of Children’s and Education said: “Everyone is welcome at CBeebies, including the Doctor! This much-loved franchise entertains millions around the world, so it is only right that our younger audience get to experience the wonder and the magic of the Doctor in a brand new format. This is an extremely exciting opportunity, and we are looking forward to welcoming companies to pitch for this new project, as we continue our commitment and investment in the UK’s animation industry.”

The full invitation to pitch document can be read here. Key elements are:

Doctor Who Pre-School Animation: CBeebies is looking to commission one series of 52 x 11’ episodes (26 episodes for transmission in 27/28 and 26 episodes for transmission in 28/29). We anticipate pre-production would therefore need to begin in January 2026.

Price will be indicative of a high quality animation.

We are commissioning a new animated Doctor Who series for CBeebies. This interpretation of Doctor Who should be appropriate for the CBeebies audience. We are keen to retain the following attributes. The Doctor:-

· is hugely intelligent, especially with scientific knowledge

· is aspirational for our audience

· travels through time and space saving individuals, civilisations, and planets

· is an alien with two hearts from the planet Gallifrey

· has a strong moral compass

· avoids physical combat, relying on intelligence, humour, and diplomacy to resolve conflicts

· has a TARDIS and a Sonic Screwdriver which should feature in the series

The Doctor will attract a range of friendly and relatable companions who join in on the adventures and provide additional points of view as they collectively solve problems.

It also wouldn’t be Doctor Who without villains and monsters, but these should be more mischievous or bumbling, rather than menacing, and provide the Doctor with challenges that can be overcome in a non-threatening way. A list of existing villains and foes for you to choose from will be provided to suppliers who register to pitch.

We are open to your vision of animation style – or styles – that allow you to bring Doctor Who to life for a younger audience of 4- to 6-year-olds. The order is for 52 x 11’ episodes but we are open to exploring 2-parters where this would benefit the narrative. When developing your proposal please also consider additional suggestions for new ways to engage the audience and strengthen brand loyalty.

We are looking for creative and talented producers who are passionate about Doctor Who and can re-envision the character and world for a younger audience. The stories should be simple, adventurous, and energetic with empowering messages woven seamlessly into the plot. Moral lessons and educational themes could also be introduced, but never to the detriment of fun, action, and age-appropriate humour.