Top kids’ picks for Cannes
C21 highlights 21 new kids’ shows to watch out for at MipJunior in Cannes, including an animated sitcom, science edutainment series, a horror anthology and plenty of preschool toons.

Lí Ban (13×11’)
Producer: Paper Owl Films
Distributor: Aardman
They say: “Fantastical heroes, legendary villains and a reality that bends around Celtic magic are at the heart of the adventures of sassy 12-year-old Lí Ban. With origins as old as the lands and shores that shaped it, each incredible episode brings some answers, but even more questions, as Lí Ban’s quest unfolds.”
We say: Telling tales that have passed down the Celtic generations, this animated series is aimed at children aged 7-9 as well as their families. It launches in October on Irish broadcaster TG4’s local-language children’s channel Cúla4 and in Welsh on S4C in Wales.

BeddyByes (52×11’)
Producer: Jam Media
Distributor: Thunderbird Distribution
They say: “BeddyByes is a visually rich and uniquely tactile CG-animated series designed to help toddlers and young preschoolers get ready for sleep by taking them on a gentle, undulating journey to bedtime.”
We say: Pitched at Cartoon Forum in 2022, the show has been commissioned for the BBC’s CBeebies in the UK, with a premiere scheduled for spring 2025. Ireland’s RTÉ is on board as a coproducer, while Denmark’s DR, Finland’s YLE and SVT in Sweden have pre-bought the series.

Dinomite & Lucy (39×11’)
Producers: TRIKK17, M.A.R.K.13, Fabrique d’Images
Distributors: Toon2Tango, ZDF Studios
They say: “A wild, and wildly original, animated show for kids set in an alternative prehistoric world in which dinosaurs are the superior species. Expect all kinds of fun from a show that delves into the adventure of childhood and all the small, and large, challenges that come with it.”
We say: Based on a series of books called Minus Drei by German author Ute Krause, Dinomite & Lucy turns normal life on its head by following the friendship and crazy ideas of an inventive dino boy and his cavegirl pet.

High Hoops (10×30’)
Producer: Can Can Productions
Distributor: APC Kids
They say: “When Aoife O’Neill moves school she’s determined to make a change – no longer clumsy, gangly Aoife, she wants to be a cool girl and hang out with the popular crowd. So joining the school’s lame basketball team, at the bottom of the league and the school pecking order, is not in her game plan. Only Aoife being Aoife, she can’t resist the challenge and she’s soon making changes on the court and causing chaos off it.”
We say: High Hoops is a live-action comedy scheduled to premiere on the BBC in the UK’s CBBC in the fourth quarter of 2025. It is directed by Ian Curtis and produced by Dominique Malloy.

Gormiti – The New Era (20×22’)
Producer and distributor: Rainbow Entertainment
They say: “Four young heroes are called to save the fantasy realm of Gorm – and Earth itself – from war and destruction by harnessing the powers of the elements. As the series progresses, the four scions learn the importance of respecting nature, self-sacrifice and the power of friendship and unity against adversity.”
We say: Italian toy franchise Gormiti, which first spawned a TV series in 2008, is reinvented for a contemporary audience in this live-action reboot mixed with CGI effects. Aimed at kids and tweens, the show is produced in collaboration with toy company Giochi Preziosi, which created the original franchise.

Secrets of the Forest (26×11’)
Producer: Fifth Ground
Distributor: Blue Ant Studios
They say: “Follow the ever-curious (and funny!) Taviss on amazing adventures, as she joins forces with scientists and conservationists. Together, they get to the bottom of the forest’s many mysteries, like why do leaves change colour? What exactly does an underground fungal network do? And what on Earth is slime mould!?!”
We say: In this nature-science series produced for Canada’s TVO, host Taviss embarks on a mission to discover the true majesty of nature and all the secrets of the forest.

Lord of the Mysteries (13×35’)
Producer and distributor: Tencent Video
They say: “Lord of the Mysteries unfolds in a captivating otherworld, a stunning blend of Victorian Europe and steampunk style, where superhumans coexist with ordinary humans. Unwittingly propelled into this world, a college student transforms into a series of fantastical characters, gaining superhuman powers and facing forces for evil, as he searches for a way back home.”
We say: This animated series, aimed at the 12-plus audience, is based on the hit web novels of the same name, bringing them to life for their millions of online fans.

Tippi T-Rex (26×5’)
Producer and distributor: Ánima Kitchent
They say: “Tippi T-Rex brings fantasy to life through a visual experience that captures the curiosities of Generation Alpha. It accompanies them in their daily lives with educational and fun content, focusing on learning and adventure. Tippi T-Rex adapts to the modern environment that children are growing up in, offering an experience that is both enriching and entertaining.”
We say: Aimed at preschoolers, Tippi T-Rex is an animated comedy about a four-year-old tyrannosaurus rex and her family, who live in a modern world inhabited by dinosaurs and other prehistoric creatures. The first 26×5’ episodes are scheduled to launch in this quarter, while a further 26×5’ episodes are seeking coproduction partners.

Tiddler (1×25’)
Producer and distributor: Magic Light Pictures
They say: “Taking a deep dive into the underwater world of a little fish with a big imagination, Tiddler celebrates the power of storytelling as it tells the tale of a small grey fish who is lost in the big wide ocean until he gets saved by his own story making.”
We say: Based on the book by author-illustrator team Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler (The Gruffalo), Tiddler is Magic Light’s 12th animated festive special for the UK’s BBC and premieres this Christmas.

The Primrose Railway Children (1×90’)
Producer and distributor: BBC Studios Kids & Family
They say: “The cinematic drama follows Phoebe, her older siblings and their mum who are living a comfortable life in Glasgow when suddenly they are uprooted and moved to the Highlands of Scotland after their father mysteriously goes missing. A story about growing up, secrets, being displaced and finding your way in a community that seems alien.”
We say: Adapted by Tom Bidwell (The Velveteen Rabbit), this feature-length family film is based on Jacqueline Wilson’s novel, which is a modern reimagining of British author E Nesbit’s classic book The Railway Children, on which the much-loved 1970 film was based.

Dino Mates (26×11’)
Producers: MACK Magic, B-Water Animation Studios
Distributor: Studio 100 International
They say: “Sophie and Leo’s summer takes a wild turn when they find dinosaur eggs in the legendary Dragon Hole cave. Their retired biologist grandma recognises the pulsing life within, leading to a mission to protect the eggs. Once hatched, these dinosaurs display incredible talents. As Sophie and Leo bond with their new dino friends, they must protect them from those who would exploit them, turning each day into a game of hide-and-seek.”
We say: This 2D and CGI animated adventure-comedy is aimed at 6-10s and was commissioned by Germany’s KiKA. The series is based on dinosaur-themed family attraction Madame Freudenreich Curiosités at Europa-Park in Germany and its associated picture books.

Earth Science Investigators (50×30’)
Producer: Nine Network
Distributor: Fred Media
They say: “If aliens came to Earth, what would they think of humans – the way we act, how our bodies function, what we rely on each day, how we choose to spend our time? It’s time to find out all the answers to the questions you may never have considered.”
We say: Produced by and for Australia’s Nine Network, this live-action series follows the antics of two amateur detectives from an alien planet who have come to Earth to investigate the human race. Taking the form of comedic investigations, each episode focuses on a different aspect of human behaviour or biology.

Don’t Walk Home Alone After Dark (12×13’)
Producers: Mercury Filmworks, La Chouette
Distributor: Mercury Filmworks
They say: “Often exploring coming-of-age themes, these stories are intended to be in equal parts scary and heartfelt. The series embraces the crossover between podcast and lo-fi YouTube content that allows the audience to watch, listen or both. Each episode is essentially a mini scary movie. Individually they stand alone and can be enjoyed independently of each other, but all are a piece of a larger world.”
We say: Currently in development and seeking media partners, this animated horror anthology series for tweens and teens comprises a collection of modern folk tales and is based on the YouTube channel of the same name.

Under the Sofa (52×7’)
Producer: Teidees
Distributor: Dandelooo
They say: “Under the Sofa is a new take on a recomposed or, should we say, ‘recycled’ family. In a world where discarded and forgotten objects have a life of their own, they are dysfunctional because they are composed of leftovers or stray objects that come together. The essence of the series follows the heart and humour of Toy Story with the friendship dynamics of Friends.”
We say: The 2D animated sitcom follows a group of lost objects that reside under the sofa in an apartment. Aimed at 6-10s and families, it is scheduled for delivery in the fourth quarter of this year.

Nikhil & Jay (52×11’)
Producers: King Banana TV, Paper Owl Films, Cake
Distributor: Cake
They say: “Full of curiosity, joy and a cheeky sense of adventure, Nikhil & Jay authentically represents the everyday experience of dual heritage children with warmth, heart, humour and family themes that children all over the world will relate to.”
We say: Scheduled to premiere on the BBC’s CBeebies later this year, the 2D animated preschool series follows two brothers who live in a multicultural family with a rich blend of customs, traditions, festivals, food and music. Charithra Chandran (Bridgerton, Alex Rider) stars.

20 Dance Street (26×26’)
Producers: Cottonwood Media, ZDF Studios
Distributor: Federation Kids & Family, ZDF Studios
They say: “20 Dance Street centres on 11-year-old Maya who leaves the Caribbean to join the prestigious Paris Opera Ballet School, unaware her destiny is about to change forever.”
We say: Greenlit by France Télévisions and Germany’s ZDF, the CG animated drama for 6-11s is adapted from French author Elizabeth Barféty’s book series 20 allée de la danse. It was pitched at Cartoon Forum last year and has been pre-bought by Belgium’s RTBF. Pre-production starts this fall.

Piggy Builders (52×11’)
Producer and distributor: Xilam Animation
They say: “Piggy Builders follows a trio of charismatic piggy siblings who love building but have a lot to learn about working together. When they don’t function as a team, the projects they’re working on go wrong in very silly and funny ways. But when they manage to work as a team, the impossible becomes possible.”
We say: France Télévisions, the UK’s BBC and ZDF in Germany have boarded this CG animated preschool series, which aims to highlight team spirit, kindness and respect for others. It is set for delivery in the third quarter of 2025.

Bin Buddies (52×7’)
Producer and distributor: Millimages
They say: “Bin Buddies isn’t a rescue show or a vehicle show that turns a job into something fantastical or heroic, but rather a show that highlights an ordinary profession in an extraordinary way.”
We say: Aimed at 5-7s, this 3D animated series celebrates a crucial job that rarely receives the recognition it deserves. The heroes of Nicelittletown are the trash collectors, a group of animals on a mission to clean up their town. Even when things go wrong, they never let themselves get down in the dumps, always believing they can achieve anything.

Piripenguins (52×11’)
Producers: Eaglet Films, Red Monk Studio, Wild Child Animation
Distributor: Banijay Kids & Family Distribution, PBS Distribution for North America
They say: “The series centres on five lively penguins, each with distinctive personalities and voiced by a diverse cast. Life on the iceberg throws up lots of challenges and funny situations for Pancake, Nugget, Brinicle, Looph and Flutter. Along the way these flippered friends learn about life, friendship and, above all, themselves.”
We say: Piripenguins is a 2D/CG animated sitcom-inspired series aimed at 5-8s. The comedy was commissioned by the BBC in the UK and Rai in Italy, alongside the UK Global Screen Fund.

Red Rocks (8×24’)
Producer: Libertine Pictures
Distributor: WildBrain
They say: “Red Rocks follows 12-year-old Jake as he is drawn into a world of mythical creatures and adventure when he finds a sealskin hidden on the rocky shores of his father’s seaside home in Wellington, New Zealand. When unexpected dangers are unleashed, Jake is called upon to protect his family.”
We say: Set to be delivered by the end of this year, Red Rocks is adapted from Kiwi author Rachael King’s novel of the same name. Aimed at 8-12s and their families, the live-action adventure-drama is produced for BYUtv in the US and Sky in New Zealand.

Obocchama-kun (26×22’ or 52×11’)
Producers: TV Asahi, Sony Pictures Networks India
Distributor: TV Asahi
They say: “With one of the world’s largest fortunes and a mansion so vast one could get lost without a guide, the Obo family is incredibly wealthy. It is said the head of the family can influence global affairs with just a word. This is the splendid and tumultuous daily drama of their only son and the 999th head of the family, Chama, also known as Obocchama-kun.”
We say: This 2D animated series aimed at 6-11s is based on Yoshinori Kobayashi’s 1986 manga of the same name and acts as a sequel to the 1989 TV series. The main character’s unique way of speaking, known as ‘Chama-nese,’ became a social phenomenon in Japan.