Blue Zoo has secured the contract to make a Doctor Who animation, aimed at pre-school kids, for CBeebies and BBC iPlayer.
The BBC opened the pitching process for a new Who animation in June, and now we know that the BAFTA- and Emmy-winning Blue Zoo Animation Studios, whose previous projects have included The Adventures of Paddington, Numberblocks, The Smeds and the Smoos, Milly, and Pip and Posy, have wo their bid to make the show. So, given their extensive portfolio, it sounds like Doctor Who, at least in the animated world, is in good hands!
Note that the above featured image is from The Infinite Quest, not the upcoming animation by Blue Zoo!
This is the first time the so-called “Whoniverse” has been expanded into an animated series for pre-school audiences.
Patricia Hidalgo, Director of BBC Children’s & Education, says:
“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.”
“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, says:
“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.”
The new series will begin production next year, for two series of 26 11-minute episodes, due to air between 2027 and 2029. We don’t yet know who the Doctor and companion(s) will be.
