Blue Zoo Animation Studio has landed the contract to make the first-ever animated series for Doctor Who.
Blue Zoo Animation Studio was selected following a competitive pitch process that began in June to make the animated preschool series for CBeebies and BBC iPlayer. The BBC commissioned 52 11-minute episodes for two seasons, with production scheduled to begin in 2026.
Patricia Hidalgo, director of BBC Children’s & Education, said: “We can’t wait to welcome the Doctor to CBeebies, introducing this beloved family favorite 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.”
Hidalgo added: “The bidding process for this project was exceptionally competitive, and we would like to commend all the shortlisted producers for the outstanding quality and depth of their proposals.”
Adam Shaw, co-founder of Blue Zoo Animation Studio, added: “This year, we celebrated 25 years of Blue Zoo so it’s an extra special honor 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.”
Blue Zoo has worked on other CBeebies productions, among them Numberblocks, Alphablocks, and Mojo Swoptops.
