BBC Children’s & Education is looking to commission 10 to 15 digital-first projects for its CBBC, Non-Stop Chaos, Real Stories and Epic Facts YouTube channels, Kidscreen has confirmed. 

A week after announcing a package of new kids & family YouTube channels to significantly expand its presence on the platform, Britain’s public broadcaster updated the industry on its wishlist related to this initiative during its BBC Children’s briefing day yesterday. The Beeb isn’t looking for animation or dramas for these new channels yet. But it is in the market for live-action content to stream on Non-Stop Chaos (comedy and pranks), Epic Facts (factual and educational) and Real Stories, an upcoming channel that’s focused on “important topics and real-life experiences,” said Lydia Mossahebi, head of digital media, platform and planning. 

The BBC will release more info on the BBC Commissioning website in April with specifics on what it’s looking for on YouTube, and how to get in touch with ideas. 

Shifting gears from YouTube to CBBC, Sarah Muller (head of commissioning and acquisitions for seven to 12s) is looking for series that focus on big issues but with a light tone; reality shows that could take the form of a social experiment focused on teamwork and leadership (new ideas only); pet-centric concepts; pitches that focus on sports other than soccer and gymnastics (those are well-covered already); and shorter-format series that are made to be binged or watched casually. All styles are welcome.

The CBBC commissioning team wants ideas that “feel British in a really positive way,” says Muller, with content highlighting aspirational wish-fulfilment, families in all different shapes and sizes, and big cultural moments. Here are some more specific notes:

• international appeal, but with a British twist
• character-led comedy with a strong visual identity and bold graphic styling
• animation with a strong comedic voice and central idea
• brave storytelling with an anime vibe

Factual entertainment should feel “real, relevant and respectful”. The team wants:

• documentaries with diverse themes
• hub shows
• kids taking on real-world challenges based on skills, creativity and teamwork
• compelling new voices
• family game shows
• unique first-person stories for My Life

And for iPlayer, dramas designed around “how children choose and consume content today” are at the top of the list. Young characters should have agency and use problem-solving to drive stories. Here are some additional needs to note: 

• mysteries/thrillers
• interesting locations that haven’t been seen before
• characters the audience can identify with and want to know more about
• emotionally truthful, warm and optimistic content that isn’t simplistic
• stories reflecting modern Britain as kids experience it

The Beeb also used the briefing day to announce that it has commissioned two new children’s series for CBeebies. First up is Go Jetters Go! (pictured), a spinoff of BBC Studios’ CG-animated series Go Jetters. Singapore’s Infocomm Media Development Authority is contributing financing to the long-form version that’s in the works at BBC Studios, with Brighton Zoo (Blue Zoo’s sister company) doing the animation. Reflecting this involvement, it features a Singaporean cadet who goes on a trip around the world with her team to discover facts about natural wonders and iconic landmarks. BBC Studios is handling global distribution for Go Jetters Go!, which is expected to premiere in the UK and Singapore in Q4 2026 or Q1 2027.  

The second new title is a wildlife show called Hamza Loves Animals: Africa. Presenter Hamza Yassin (who previously hosted CBeebies show Let’s Go for a Walk) travels to Kenya to meet orphaned animals in this series produced by Hello Halo Kids. 

Image courtesy of BBC Studios.