BBC orders fast-turnaround family shows

BBC Children’s has made a flurry of in-house and independent commissions across CBeebies, CBBC and BBC iPlayer to cater for families stuck at home during the pandemic.

Cheryl Taylor

The fast-turnaround commissions reflect themes relating to changes in routine, home schooling and separation from wider family and friendship groups that have come about as a result of measures to prevent the spread of Covid-19.

With most children now spending most of their time indoors, the commissions also promote indoor activities and ways to look after our health and discover new things to do and learn.

The new commissions will land on CBeebies, CBBC and BBC iPlayer over the next few months and include Do Try This at Home (10×10′), with Operation Ouch’s Dr Chris and Dr Xand, produced by All3Media-owned Maverick.

It sees the two doctors turn their kitchen into a laboratory so they can explore the fascinating world of biology.

Three Arrows is producing multiple shows under lockdown for BBC Children’s, including Baby Club Daily Bitesize (35×5′) and Baby Club Weekend (20×5′). Both formats see parents encouraged to join in fun games and songs with their toddlers.

CBeebies will air the half-hour special Elmo’s Playdate from Sesame Workshop, in which Elmo, Grover, Cookie Monster, Abby Cadabby and a few famous friends find new ways to play and learn together.

Other titles include Tee & Mo’s Musical Specials (2×10′) from Plug-In Media; Pablo: Coronavirus Special (1×7′) from Paper Owl; Mister Maker At Home (8×7′) from Zodiak Kids; Mimi: Life on Lockdown (15×8′) from Peggy Pictures; Jamie & Braydon Interview The Stars (10×4′) from Shortform; and Nikki Lilly Bakes (10×7′) from Zinc Media’s Blakeway North.

Meanwhile, in My Celebrity Supply Teacher, some of the UK’s famous faces deliver inspiring lessons from the comfort of their own homes; Boogie Beebies features Strictly Come Dancing star Oti Mabuse; and Mimi Missfits Life on Lockdown shows how the irrepressible Mimi and her sister are remaining buoyant whilst staying at home.

Cheryl Taylor, head of content for BBC Children’s, said: “The BBC’s mission to inform, educate and entertain has never been more relevant than it is now. BBC Children’s is here to support parents and reflect the lives of children all around the country in these difficult times – we will ensure that despite the huge changes to their lives we are always here to give them a voice.”