BBC Studios expands ABC partnership with premium kids package

BBC Studios expands ABC partnership with premium kids package – BBC Studios has expanded its long-running partnership with the ABC through a new package of nearly 100 hours of Kids and Family content for ABC Kids and ABC iview.

For Australian families, the deal gives ABC another strong pipeline of first-window and familiar children’s titles across broadcast and streaming. It also strengthens ABC iview as a key destination for younger viewers.

New titles for ABC Kids

The agreement includes the Australian premiere of Zog, the CG-animated series from Magic Light Pictures. It is based on the books by Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler.

The series follows Zog the dragon, Princess Pearl and Sir Gadabout. Together, they care for the strange and wonderful inhabitants of their fantasy world.

Also premiering are Rafi the Wishing Wizard and Crookhaven, both from BBC Studios Kids & Family. Rafi the Wishing Wizard follows seven-year-old Rafi Martin as she learns to use her wishing wand.

Crookhaven adapts JJ Arcanjo’s book series about gifted young crooks. At a specialist school, they learn to use their skills for good.

Other Australian premieres include Dodge’s Pup School, season two of Horrible Science and season seven of Deadly 60. The deal also secures selected seasons of returning favourites including Horrible Histories, Hey Duggee and Supertato.

“ABC is a valued long-term partner and a trusted destination for exceptional children’s content in Australia,” Deborah Tod, BBC Studios ANZ Director of Content Partnerships and Sales, said.

ABC Acquisitions Manager Maria-Nicole Miriklis said the expanded partnership would bring more outstanding and much-loved children’s programs to ABC platforms.

More BBC content on ABC platforms

The broader agreement also includes Making Life on Earth: Attenborough’s Greatest Adventure, Wild London and the six-part comedy The Reluctant Vampire.

Australian listeners can also access more than 120 hours of BBC podcasts through ABC Listen under an existing audio deal.

Zog launches at 6.25pm on Saturday 22 August on ABC Kids and ABC iview. More ABC coverage is available in TV Central’s ABC section and ABC iview section. ABC iview is available at iview.abc.net.au.