CBBC Orders New Drama Series “Crongton”

BBC Children’s has announced its latest commission, Crongton, a ten-part returning series aimed at a 10-12 audience. Produced by New Pictures in association with All3Media International, the drama is based on the best-selling novels by Alex Wheatle and written by award-winning writer and comedian Archie Maddocks.

Crongton follows a group of young people living in a multicultural community on a fictional urban housing estate. The series explores themes of social politics, peer pressure, and identity as the characters navigate the challenges of growing up in a world full of possibilities and dangers. With animated fantasy sequences and irreverent humor, Crongton celebrates the sense of community found on an estate while examining how individuals come to terms with the darkness around them as they transition from childhood to adulthood.

Archie Maddocks expressed his excitement about bringing Alex Wheatle’s world to life: “Crongton is a project that has been close to my heart for a very long time… I can’t wait to finally see the transformation of Alex’s amazing world from the page to the screen.”

Willow Grylls, CEO of New Pictures, emphasized the cultural importance of Crongton: “Our aim with this television adaptation of Crongton is to charm not just young people but everyone young at heart in a visually distinctive, uniquely British series… We’re very proud to be playing a part in helping bring the stories of Liccle Bit, Venetia, and the gang to the widest audience possible.”

The commissioning editor for BBC Children’s, Amy Buscombe, highlighted the importance of representing young people’s lives and issues on TV: “This commission will bring the characters and stories from Crongton to a whole new audience on BBC iPlayer in what will be high-quality and creative drama.”

The series is being produced by Joanna Hanley and directed by Ethosheia Hylton. It features an impressive team of executive producers, including Imogen O’Sullivan, Elaine Pyke, and Willow Grylls. Aisha Bywaters is responsible for casting the series. Alongside Archie Maddocks, episodic writers include Athena Kugblenu, Thara Popoola, and Willow Mirza, with story contributions from Alex Wheatle, Haleema Mirza, and Cherish Shirley.

Crongton was commissioned by Sarah Muller and Amy Buscombe for BBC Children’s and BBC iPlayer. It is being produced in association with All3Media International, which holds exclusive worldwide distribution rights.