BBC unveils exciting new CBBC and CBeebies shows for 2026
From High Hoops to Yakka Do!, here’s what’s new on CBBC and CBeebies this year.
The BBC has announced a fresh wave of children’s TV for 2026, with brand-new series and much-loved favourites returning to CBBC and CBeebies.
From a reboot of cult classroom comedy Little Lunch to new preschool adventures designed to boost school readiness, the latest line-up is packed with feel-good storytelling for children of all ages. For parents looking for quality screen time, there is plenty to add to the watch list.
Patricia Hidalgo, Director of BBC Children’s and Education, says: “The latest additions to our slate reinforce our commitment to backing world-class talent and reaching as many families as possible with shows that help children laugh, grow and feel inspired.”
Here’s what families can expect.
What’s new and returning on CBBC
High Hoops series three confirmed
Following a successful first run and a second series currently airing, High Hoops has been recommissioned for a third series of ten 30-minute-long episodes.
The comedy follows accident-prone but determined Aoife O'Neill, played by Darci Hull, and her school basketball team. The cast includes Robert Webb, Isy Suttie, and Nigel Boyle, with series two featuring cameos from Johnny Vegas and Pauline McLynn.
It is a reassuring sign for fans that the BBC continues to invest in homegrown talent and regional production.
Little Lunch: New Class brings playground chaos back
A decade after the original mockumentary became a surprise hit, Little Lunch: New Class introduces six new pupils navigating friendship and big feelings in the playground. Mrs Gonsha, played by Heidi Arena, returns to guide the new cohort.
For parents who loved the original’s gentle humour and relatable school day dramas, this reboot promises the same warmth with a fresh cast.
Fresh fun for preschoolers on CBeebies
Yakka Do! builds school-ready skills
From the team behind Yakka Dee! comes Yakka Do!, a new series designed to support early years development.
Dee is joined by superhero friends Zee and Bea, leading real children through fun activities created to support school readiness and aligned with the Early Years Foundation Stage guidelines. The message is simple and reassuring for little ones: giving it a go matters more than getting it right.
For parents of toddlers and preschoolers, the short, activity-led format is ideal for dipping in and out of during busy days.
Hey Duggee’s Squirrel Club returns
Hey Duggee’s Squirrel Club is back with 13 new episodes, bringing more silliness, dancing, and gentle learning moments from a familiar cast.
The spin-off continues to be a firm CBeebies favourite, with all episodes available on BBC iPlayer.
Go Jetters Go! expands the adventure
Go Jetters Go! is a brand-new series set in Singapore, introducing Kym, a top Singaporean cadet guided on her quest to locate the Go Jetters Cup.
Animated by Brighton Zoo Animation Studios, the series adds a new global dimension to the much-loved franchise.
Waffle’s After School Club returns
Series two of Waffle’s After School Club arrives in late summer, with more adventures for Waffle the Wonder Dog.
Expect the same mix of music, mayhem and heart, with Mr Brooklyn-Bell and Mrs Hobbs back alongside Waffle’s feline frenemy, George.
Football Fantastics kicks off series three
The Football Fantastics return for a third series, welcoming new teammates and inspiring young viewers to try their own local sports clubs.
Filming again in Yorkshire, the show continues to blend Saturday morning energy with relatable family moments on the sidelines.
Musical Storyland inspires little listeners
Musical Storyland is back for a third series, retelling favourite fairy tales and folktales from around the world with help from musicians from the BBC Philharmonic Orchestra.
Each 10-minute episode aims to inspire a love of music and singing, with classroom resources also available via BBC Bitesize.
I Can Taste It celebrates food and curiosity
Presenter Aaron Roach Bridgeman leads I Can Taste It, a colourful series encouraging children aged three to five to explore food through sight, smell, sound, touch, and taste.
Set in a West Midlands market, the show introduces young viewers to friendly stallholders and new ingredients in a playful, hands-on way.
Froglets
Froglets follows three woolly frogs, Ziff, Pipp and Button, who spring to life when their human family leaves the house.
Narrated by Sue Perkins, the series shows the frogs discovering exciting things around the home.
Knee High Spies
Most kids wish their toys would come alive, and in Knee High Spies, they do just that.
Teddy bear Jeremy Buttons and his team of toy spies protect their humans from a mischievous guinea pig, Silver Paw in this Australian series.
Why this matters for parents
For millennial mums balancing screen time with real life, this new slate offers reassuring variety, from laugh-out-loud comedies for older children to bite-sized educational content for preschoolers.
With many titles available on BBC iPlayer, families can watch flexibly, whether that is a quick five minute activity before nursery or a cosy after-school wind down.