The BBC has announced a slate of new commissions for its children’s channels, CBeebies and CBBC, reinforcing its commitment to UK-produced content for young audiences. The lineup includes historical mysteries, sports comedies, and nature-focused shows.
Here’s the Lowdown: For older children (7+), new shows include The Lady Grace Mysteries, a 10-part drama about a teenage girl investigating a plot against Queen Elizabeth I, based on a book series. High Hoops, starring Robert Webb and Isy Suttie, returns for a second season in Spring 2026, following Aoife O’Neill’s school basketball team. Also returning is The Football Academy, moving to Tottenham Hotspur Academy for its third season, tracking young players’ progress.
What This Means Now: For the younger CBeebies audience, What’s In Your Plant Pot? uses a popular format to introduce gardening and nature facts. I Can Grow It (Spring 2026) focuses on urban gardening with host Aaron Roach-Bridgeman. I Spy, You Spy, airing this Autumn, brings the classic observation game to the screen, produced via the BBC’s Small Indie Fund.
The Bigger Picture: Patricia Hidalgo, BBC Director of Children’s & Education, said these commissions reflect a dedication to “high-quality, home-grown storytelling” and support for the UK’s creative industry. The variety spans different age groups and genres, aiming to provide diverse and relevant content that entertains and educates British children.
