The BBC is looking for a production company to create and produce an animated version of Doctor Who for CBeebies, which will run independently from the main show.
The BBC announced this new development for the Whoniverse yesterday, revealing 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 Doctor that will feature has not been named, or, indeed, if it will be one of the Time Lord’s previous personas at all.
In its “Invitation to Pitch” document, the BBC says they are seeking a producer for one series of 52 x 11’ episodes (26 episodes for transmission in 2027/28 and 26 episodes for transmission in 2028/29). They anticipate pre-production would therefore need to begin in January 2026. Information on the budget and financing for the series will be made available to verified production companies on receipt of a complete and signed NDA form.
“This interpretation of Doctor Who should be appropriate for the CBeebies audience,” they say. “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.”
CBeebies is a free-to-air public broadcast children’s television channel owned and operated by the BBC. BBC Studios owns and operates the international CBeebies feeds, with most of them operating on a 24-hour schedule.
The BBC says it 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…
“Everyone is welcome at CBeebies, including the Doctor!” said Patricia Hidalgo, Director of Children’s and Education. “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.”
DOCTOR WHO COMIC ART CHALLENGE! A QUICK COMPETITION
Thinking caps on then, folks! Which Doctor would lead a new animated Doctor Who on CBeebies? Will they have K9? Let’s see what you come up with and I’ll dig out a Doctor Who prize from the downthetubes archives for the winner – post your images to this thread on the Facebook Doctor Who Comics and Art Group by 12 Noon UK Time on Tuesday 1st July 2025! (You’ll need to join the group to participate). Absolutely no AI submissions – they will be exterminated!
Please note this competition is just for fun and has no connection with the BBC, CBeebies or BBC Studios. Have fun!
Head downthetubes to…
With thanks to Leigh Smith
- About the Author
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John is the founder of downthetubes, launched in 1998. He is a comics and magazine editor, writer, and Press Officer for the Lakes International Comic Art Festival. He also runs Crucible Comic Press.
Working in British comics publishing since the 1980s, his credits include editor of titles such as Doctor Who Magazine and Overkill for Marvel UK, Babylon 5 Magazine, Star Trek Magazine, and its successor, Star Trek Explorer, and more. He also edited the comics anthology STRIP Magazine and edited several audio comics for ROK Comics; and has edited several comic collections and graphic novels, including volumes of “Charley’s War” and “Dan Dare”, and Hancock: The Lad Himself, by Stephen Walsh and Keith Page.
He’s the writer of comics such as Pilgrim: Secrets and Lies for B7 Comics; “Crucible”, a creator-owned project with 2000AD artist Smuzz; and “Death Duty” and “Skow Dogs”, with Dave Hailwood.
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