Doctor Who and the Whoniverse is getting even bigger – and smaller – as the Doctor makes their way to CBeebies in an all-new animated series for pre-school audiences.
Announced today by the BBC, this spin-off project is set to run independently from the main show, with a call now open for UK production companies to pitch their vision. The upcoming series will feature the Doctor zipping through time and space, solving mysteries and encountering friendly (and not-so-friendly) faces along the way – all reimagined for a younger generation.
The series will run for 26 episodes in 2027/2028 and a further 26 episodes in 2028/2029.
“Everyone is welcome at CBeebies, including the Doctor,” said Patricia Hidalgo, BBC’s Director of Children’s and Education. “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.”
Not The Doctor’s First Time!
While this will be the first time Doctor Who lands on CBeebies, it’s not the Time Lord’s first brush with children’s programming. Long-time fans may remember Totally Doctor Who, the behind-the-scenes CBBC companion show that aired during David Tennant’s era, featuring games, exclusive interviews and fan competitions. Later, The Sarah Jane Adventures offered a more narrative-driven spin-off, fronted by the late Elisabeth Sladen, which introduced younger viewers to sci-fi stories with a lighter tone while still anchored in the Whoniverse.
More recently, Doctor Who: Daleks! The Animated Series, a short-form animated series released via YouTube during lockdown, offered a bite-sized entry point for new fans, though it aimed at a slightly older audience than the new CBeebies vision.
This latest pre-school spin-off looks set to be the most accessible version yet, introducing the Doctor’s world to a brand-new generation, with a greater emphasis on learning, friendship, and fun.
The Future of the Main Show is still Unknown
While this family-friendly venture marks new territory for the franchise, the mainline series remains in flux (no pun intended). Following the surprise regeneration of Ncuti Gatwa’s Fifteenth Doctor into Billie Piper earlier this year, fans have been left speculating. A full Season 3 (or any direct continuation of the main show) is still yet to be confirmed, though we do know that The War Between The Land And Sea is expected to land on BBC and Disney+ sometime in the future.
With a bold new chapter for the littlest Whovians about to begin, and the wider universe hanging in limbo, one thing’s clear: the TARDIS is far from done travelling.
Doctor Who Season 2 is now streaming on BBC iPlayer in the UK and Disney+ elsewhere. Its upcoming sequel, The War Between The Land And The Sea, premieres later this year. Check out the teaser trailer below.
