Zog amongst new CBeebies commissions
- Animated comedy adventure series Zog, based on the best-selling books, has been commissioned by the BBC
- Live-action preschool sitcom The Football Fantastics focuses on six young players; and new magazine format Get Arty has been commissioned, hosted by a deadpan animated paint brush
- Supertato will return to CBeebies for Series 3, with new characters including naughty pirate Captain Pak Choi
The BBC Children's and Education department has unveiled a number of new TV commissions, several of which are comedies.
Zog
52 episodes, each 11 minutes in length, are being made of this animated comedy adventure series based on the best-selling books by Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler.
Overseen by the animators at Magic Light Pictures, the episodes aimed at 4 to 6 year-olds, which carry the message of "caring for others, yourself and the amazing world around you", will focus on Zog the dragon, Sir Gadabout and Princess Pearl. "This surprising trio work together to care for the weird and wonderful inhabitants of their fantastical world."
The Football Fantastics
This ten-part series is described as "an energetic and joyful live-action preschool comedy about six irrepressible children brought together by their weekend football activity group."
Set in Yorkshire, the show focuses on the football mad coaching team and a nature loving groundskeeper who provide a fun and chaotic Saturday morning club for them to thrive at, "even if things don't always go to plan!"
The producers add: "On the sidelines shouting support are the eccentric parents who barrel into episodes bringing slapstick and visual humour as they create complications for the kids with their over the top enthusiasm or ridiculous mishaps. The show combines larger-than-life characters, exuberant songs, dynamic action and comedy galore in a way that will delight preschoolers - whether they're football fans or not."
Get Arty
Get Arty, from Romesh Ranganathan's production company Ranga Bee, is described as "an original and funny 'how to' art series hosted by a charismatic, relatable, enthusiastic family and a hilariously deadpan animated paint brush called Bristles".
Talking about the 15 episodes, the producers say: "Follow real people, of all ages, on a journey to learn as much as they can about art. A contemporary twist on a traditional art show, Get Arty features an engaging and warm family at its heart, highlighting art that's both accessible and aspirational. The magazine format will include challenges for the whole family to take on together before judging each other's efforts, we'll visit artists around the UK to explain how they make their masterpieces and there will even be a Celebrity Draw Along where well-known celebrities demonstrate how to draw a unique picture for viewers to copy at home."
Supertato
It's been confirmed that animated comedy Supertato will return to CBeebies for a third series; a total of 52 more episodes.
The BBC says: "The world's strongest and bravest potato, is back for a brand-new, action-packed series. Based on the bestselling books by Sue Hendra and Paul Linnet, the series follows the adventures of the potato superhero and his fruit and veggie sidekicks - the Tato Team - as they thwart the dastardly plans of Evil Pea. Series 3 promises even more slapstick silliness and new characters including naughty pirate, Captain Pak Choi, a stunt Jalapeño and even Evil Pea's parents. The fast-paced action is taken up a gear as Supertato gets his own Tatocar to help him save the Supermarket from Evil Pea's increasingly ridiculous plans!"
The BBC Children's and Education team have also greenlit Series 4 of drama Andy And The Band - Rock Star School and Series 13 of long-running drama The Dumping Ground.
Patricia Hidalgo from the BBC says: "In a challenging market where investment in content for children's television continues to drop globally, the BBC continues to be the biggest commissioners of content for this important audience. Fostering their development, curiosity and creativity whilst supporting British storytelling across the UK, this latest slate is the perfect example of our continued commitment to this brilliant industry and our young viewers."
The shows are expected to air in 2025.