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BBC Studios announced that France’s TF1, Germany’s ProSieben and Joyn, and Finland’s MTV3 have licensed the hit comedy gameshow format Nation’s Dumbest. Already successful in Norway and Sweden, where it has garnered high ratings, the format features contestants competing to be eliminated as the show’s loser becomes the winner. Full Read

Bluey will make its big-screen debut in a feature-length movie on August 6, 2027, produced by BBC and Walt Disney Studios. Created by Joe Brumm, the film reunites voice talents Melanie Zanetti and David McCormack. It’s supported by the Australian government and has achieved significant streaming success globally. Full Read

BBC Studios and China’s Orient International Holding Shanghai Foreign Trade have partnered for a co-production deal to create “Asia: Wildlife at the Extremes,” a 3D giant screen adaptation of the acclaimed natural history series. The film highlights Asia’s diverse wildlife and stunning landscapes, enhancing viewer immersion with advanced technology. Full Read

BBC Studios and ABC have renewed their partnership with a multi-year agreement covering drama, comedy, children’s, and entertainment. This deal ensures popular shows like Changing Ends, Live At the Apollo, and children’s programs like Hey Duggee will be available on ABC channels and iview, enhancing viewer access to beloved British content. Full Read

The BBC has launched a new audio section on its website and app, enhancing access to its extensive podcasts for international audiences. This integrated experience combines award-winning audio content with journalism, providing deeper context on important topics. Starting Spring 2025, BBC Sounds will exclusively serve UK users as the service ends for international listeners. Full Read

BBC Studios has secured multi-year agreements with Nine in Australia and TVNZ in New Zealand for premiere rights to four natural history shows: Mammals, Asia, Kingdom, and Blue Planet III. These collaborations aim to bring innovative wildlife storytelling to audiences, showcasing unique animal tales and highlighting environmental concerns. Full Read

Banijay Asia will partner with BBC Studios to produce and localize its extensive format catalogue for the Indian market. This multi-year deal allows Banijay Asia exclusive access to both unscripted and scripted formats, ceasing BBC Studios’ local production to focus on this collaboration, aiming to deliver quality content to Indian audiences. Full Read

BBC Studios and Germany’s ZDF have renewed their long-standing co-production deal to collaborate on scripted content, enhancing their strategic partnership. This multi-year agreement includes co-productions of popular series, continuation of successful titles, and new acquisitions, emphasizing both organizations’ shared commitment to high-quality entertainment for global audiences. Full Read

The HBO limited series “C.B. STRIKE: THE INK BLACK HEART” premieres on January 23 at 9 PM ET/PT. Based on J.K. Rowling’s novels, it follows Strike and Robin as they investigate a murder linked to a cult TV cartoon and an online troll. The series features a talented cast and strong production team. Full Read

The LEGO Group and BBC Studios are launching six new LEGO Bluey sets in 2025, inspired by the animated series. The partnership aims to merge LEGO’s creative play with Bluey’s imaginative adventures. The products will be unveiled this spring and enhance family engagement through storytelling and roleplay, appealing to fans worldwide. Full Read

The 12th series of Father Brown returns with beloved characters, including Father Brown, Mrs. Devine, and Chief Inspector Sullivan, amidst wedding preparations and unexpected challenges. The episodes promise a mix of humor, drama, and intrigue, including a murder accusation against Mrs. Devine, with the show continuing its international success. Full Read

On New Year’s Eve, Sophie Ellis-Bextor headlines a glittering BBC event alongside Jessie Ware and Jake Shears, performing hits and surprises to celebrate the year’s end. Following her successful tours and viral singles in 2024, the festivities will begin at 11:30 PM on December 31, continuing after midnight celebrations. Full Read

BBC Studios and Disney have announced a global deal for a feature film based on the popular animated series ‘Bluey’, set for release in 2027. Created by Joe Brumm, the film will continue Bluey’s adventures, bringing family-friendly storytelling to cinemas. Following its theatrical run, it will stream on Disney+. Full Read

BBC Studios Drama Productions launched three training initiatives in 2024 to bolster creative talent for EastEnders. The programs include the EastEnders Multi-Camera Course, Writers’ Studio, and ‘Ascend’ Acting Workshops, aiming to develop writers and directors, as well as discover diverse acting talent. These initiatives reflect EastEnders’ commitment to nurturing new voices. Full Read

BBC Studios has partnered with Armando Iannucci’s Touchscreen Limited to develop innovative scripted programming. This collaboration aims to nurture new British talent and create globally resonant stories. Both organizations emphasize mentorship and creativity, with Iannucci expressing excitement about the opportunity to support emerging voices in the industry. Full Read

BBC Studios and flydubai have announced a partnership to introduce a BBC Kids section in their inflight entertainment from December 1, 2024. This initiative aims to provide high-quality programming for children, featuring popular shows like Hey Duggee and Bluey, enhancing the inflight experience for families on flydubai flights. Full Read

BBC Studios and Shanghai Media Group have signed a three-year agreement to air notable natural history series including Kingdom, Blue Planet III, and Hidden Planet on Dragon TV in China. They aim to enhance brand development opportunities and inspire viewers by showcasing wildlife and environmental themes through advanced storytelling techniques. Full Read

Filming for the third series of BBC’s sitcom Here We Go has commenced, featuring a cast led by creator Tom Basden. The Jessop family will return, facing new challenges like love and loss, including a chaotic holiday in Malta. The series debuts next year, with previous episodes available on BBC iPlayer. Full Read

‘Deep Dive Korea: Song Ji-Hyo’s Haenyeo Adventure’ is the first co-production between BBC Studios and JTBC. The documentary features Song Ji-Hyo training to become a haenyeo, showcasing the traditional sea-fishing community of Jeju Island. It reveals their culture, techniques, and breathtaking landscapes, highlighting the haenyeo’s resilience and heritage. Full Read

BBC Studios Science Production Unit has announced a co-production titled Our Home: Wild Guangdong with Guangdong Radio and Television. The three-part series explores Guangdong’s diverse ecosystems, showcasing its remarkable wildlife and the coexistence of nature and human life. It aims to reveal the region’s natural beauty and conservation efforts. Full Read

BBC Studios has announced that its flagship content and customer event, BBC Studios Showcase, will return on 24 – 25 February 2025 at 180 Studios, The Strand, London. Now in its 49th year, the event will connect global customers with British creatives to explore new content across various genres. Full Read

Death Valley is a new six-part comedy-drama series set in Wales, created by Paul Doolan. It follows the humorous crime-solving duo of retired actor John Chapel and detective Janie Mallowan. The show features a talented cast, stunning Welsh locales, and celebrates local culture, with a scheduled broadcast in 2025. Full Read

Hey Duggee, the beloved award-winning series, is set to premiere its new season on CBeebies and BBC iPlayer from September 9th, featuring its 200th episode. The series, known for its humor and educational content, introduces new badges and pop-culture references. With over 3.1 billion lifetime views, Hey Duggee continues to captivate global audiences. Full Read

BBC Studios and Delta Air Lines have teamed up to bring the live BBC News channel to passengers traveling on Delta’s domestic aircraft. This collaboration expands access to high-quality programming and real-time news coverage for Delta’s U.S.-bound travelers. The BBC’s commitment to impartial, 24-7 news coverage will now reach a wider audience through this partnership. Full Read

BBC Studios and U-NEXT strengthen their partnership, bringing BBC News channel to Japanese audiences 24/7 in English and Japanese. The channel is highly trusted and widely used in Japan. U-NEXT, a leading streaming platform in Japan, is expanding its content with BBC’s high-quality documentaries and news. The partnership offers a wide range of content to Japanese audiences. Full Read

In the 2023/24 summary, BBC Studios invested heavily in strategic priorities and content, including the acquisition of BritBox International. Despite challenging market conditions, BBC Commercial delivered sales of £1.9 billion and EBITDA of £199 million. BBC Studios achieved good underlying growth and showcased award-winning programming, positioning itself for future success. Full Read

The BBC is offering extensive coverage of the 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games for international audiences, including dedicated sub-sections on BBC.com/Sport, special episodes of the TechXplore program, and interviews with sporting legends on the BBC News Channel. In addition, there will be Olympic-related podcasts, newsletters, and feature articles covering various aspects of the games. Full Read

BBC Studios will launch a free listening experience at Theakston Old Peculiar Crime Festival in July, featuring four popular BBC audiobooks. The festival, known for showcasing crime and thriller fiction, will host an interactive experience allowing visitors to listen to extracts from audiobooks like ‘Sherlock Holmes’ and ‘Winnie-The-Pooh’. Jan Paterson, Director of Books and Audiobooks publishing at BBC Studios, expressed… Full Read

Music fans worldwide can now livestream Dua Lipa and Coldplay’s headline performances at Glastonbury on BBC.com, a first for the BBC. Viewers can also enjoy festival highlights and analysis throughout the weekend on the platform. This move is part of the BBC’s commitment to share cultural moments like Glastonbury with global audiences. Full Read

Prime Video’s detective drama, The Mallorca Files, will return for Season Three on 8 August. The show, set on the beautiful Spanish island of Mallorca, follows British detective Miranda Blake and her German partner Max Winter. The new season will feature high-stakes adventures and international guest stars. The series will be available for Prime Video customers in select territories, including… Full Read

Bluey’s World, an immersive experience in Brisbane, is set to open on 7 November 2024. Visitors can explore the Heeler family home and play in the vibrant world of Bluey. Tickets go on sale from 21 May 2024, starting at AUD$49.90. The event is anticipated to draw over 200,000 visitors and inject $18 million into the local economy. Full Read

BBC Comedy has renewed Juice and Such Brave Girls for a second season, produced by Various Artists Limited (VAL). Both shows garnered award nominations, with Juice creator Mawaan Rizwan expressing excitement for the new season. In Such Brave Girls, creator Kat Sadler shares her thrill for the continuation. The series has received critical acclaim. Full Read

BBC Studios has launched its first global brand campaign, “Made to make you think,” in partnership with R/GA. The campaign aims to promote BBC.com and the BBC app worldwide, emphasizing the BBC’s value of impartiality and diverse storytelling. This effort supports the BBC’s expansion in North America, including new digital experiences and content offerings. Full Read

Spotify users in the UK can now access and purchase 7 BBC Maestro video courses on various topics like business, music, and healthy living, led by experts. The courses come with 2 free lessons and can be listened to or watched. Spotify aims to cater to the active learning needs of its users through this new offering. Full Read

BBC Studios Productions Australia has acquired award-winning independent Werner Film Productions who specialise in the development and production of high-quality, original drama series including The Newsreader for ABC, which was also broadcast on the BBC, and Surviving Summer for Netflix. Full Read

Pre-sale of Douglas is Cancelled to ARTE announced alongside content highlights including: The Jetty, Asia, Solar System w/t, Amanda and Alan’s Italian Job, Deadly Mission Shark and format Bargain King. Full Read

BBC Studios has launched an all-new BBC.com to provide a premium user experience and broaden its global reach. The site showcases extensive reporting and storytelling, with a focus on global news, sustainability, and in-depth analysis. Advertisers also benefit from enhanced partnership capabilities and targeted advertising opportunities to reach the engaged and informed BBC.com audience. Full Read

The Whoniverse is the official home for over 800 episodes of Doctor Who on BBC iPlayer. It brings together every Doctor, companion, and monsters from the series, with new exclusive content like “Tales of the TARDIS” featuring classic duos, offering both nostalgia for long-time fans and a starting point for newcomers to explore Doctor Who. Full Read

The iconic comedy franchise “The Office” is set for a new Australian adaptation, featuring the first female lead, Hannah Howard, played by comedian Felicity Ward. The show will premiere on Prime Video in 2024, excluding the U.S. It will showcase a modern workplace with authentic, relatable characters. Production begins in Sydney in June. Full Read

Produced in partnership with BBC Studios, Moon Eye Productions and LiveNation, attraction featuring narration from Sir David Attenborough opens in Australia 27th October. The event has been enjoyed by all age groups who have experienced the extraordinary diversity of our seven unique continents, on the most epic scale. Full Read

Top Gear Australia is making a roaring return in 2024 with three new hosts. With a fresh tune-up and adrenaline-fueled adventures, the series will feature music composer Blair Joscelyne, TV host Beau Ryan, and actor Jonathan LaPaglia. The show promises heart-pounding races and in-depth car reviews, delivering the excitement fans love. Full Read

Standout slate packed with distinct, high-quality programming includes: Mammals, The Famous Five, Truelove, Disco: Soundtrack of a Revolution and The Unique Boutique, whilst bespoke events include fireside chat with Rebecca Glashow and Ralph Lee and live play-along game of format The 1% Club. Full Read

Disney+ Hotstar’s upcoming mystery drama “School of Lies” is set to stream on 2 June 2023. Directed by Avinash Arun and co-created by him and Ishani Banerjee, the show revolves around the disappearance of a 12-year-old boy at a boarding school, RISE. The intense trailer features Nimrat Kaur and unveils the hidden complexities of school life. Full Read

BBC Studios has launched a dedicated Bluey YouTube channel in Japan, with clips and fan-favorite scenes. The Emmy award-winning preschool animation features a lively Blue Heeler puppy and her adventures with family. Bluey is widely adored and has successful YouTube channels in various countries. The Japanese audience can now enjoy the heartwarming series on a regular basis. Full Read

Firebird Pictures, a BBC Studios Production Label, has partnered with CJ ENM to adapt the popular Korean drama “Train” for the UK audience. The series, known for its dynamic storytelling and emotional depth, follows a detective navigating parallel universes in search of his lost love. This collaboration aims to deliver a fresh, British interpretation of the compelling narrative. Full Read

BBC iPlayer has had a record-breaking year, reaching 7 billion streams for the first time, with a 9% increase from 2021. The World Cup was a massive hit, streamed 92 million times. Peaky Blinders was the top episode, and sporting events and new dramas also attracted huge audiences. The director anticipates continued growth for 2023. (Word count: 50) Full Read

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