BBC Children’s and Education invests in new series for CBBC and iPlayer, emphasizing UK-based stories.
- The commissions feature an ambitious access series at a top UK stage school and a Scottish teens’ adventure drama.
- Gladiators returns with a twist, incorporating mischievous elements in its new season.
- Epic Pranks provides a behind-the-scenes look into the Gladiators’ world, combining humor and competition.
- Gifted explores the journey of Scottish teens with superpowers, based on Marilyn Kaye’s novels.
BBC Children’s and Education has announced an exciting lineup of new commissions for CBBC and iPlayer, focusing on homegrown narratives that promise to captivate young audiences. These new productions include a diverse range of shows, such as a series set in one of the UK’s most prestigious stage schools and an adventurous drama based in Scotland. Additionally, the iconic ‘Gladiators’ returns, integrating playful elements that enhance the competitive spirit viewers have come to love.
‘Epic Pranks,’ a series from Hungry Bear Media and MGM Alternative UK, offers an exclusive look behind the scenes at the Sheffield Arena, home of the ‘Gladiators.’ With stunts involving favorite characters like Nitro planning hilarious pranks, this show provides both humor and a peek into the competitive lives of these superhumans outside the arena.
Another captivating addition is ‘Stage Stars,’ a series that follows young students at a UK boarding school known for dance and performing arts. It presents the students’ challenges and triumphs as they pursue their dreams, providing a unique insight into their daily lives, both within and outside the school environment.
The Edinburgh-set ‘Gifted,’ adapted from Marilyn Kaye’s novels by award-winning screenwriter Emma Reeves, stands out as a high-energy action-adventure. It tells the story of young Scottish teens discovering their unique superpowers, with the production drawing on a vast pool of new talent. This series is a joint effort by Glasgow’s Black Camel Pictures and Paris’s Media Valley, showcasing a blend of creative storytelling and visual effects.
BBC’s commitment to promoting UK-based stories is evident in these new projects. Patricia Hidalgo, director of BBC Children’s and Education, emphasized their mission to give viewers engaging content featuring unique and relatable characters across the UK. This reflects a dedication to portraying diverse stories and experiences that resonate with families, providing both entertainment and insight.
These initiatives underscore BBC’s effort to enrich children’s content with quality and diversity.
