The BBC has unveiled the first look at Doctor Who: TARDIS Crew, a new animated preschool series designed specifically for younger viewers. Produced by Blue Zoo Animation Studio for CBeebies, the show is currently in production and will arrive on CBeebies and BBC iPlayer in late 2027 or early 2028.
The series will consist of 52 episodes, each running 11 minutes, giving families plenty of short adventures to enjoy. The show is directed by Dominic Minns, whose previous CBeebies work includes Supertato and Mojo Swoptops.
The first-look images show a colorful new take on the Doctor Who universe, with the young Doctor joined by Hannah, Beastie and Toast-IE. Even some familiar enemies will appear, including the Daleks.
What Is TARDIS Crew About, and What Age Is It For?
TARDIS Crew follows a young version of the Doctor as he travels through time and space with his friends aboard the TARDIS. The group will discover new worlds, encounter strange creatures and solve problems together, while facing recognizable Doctor Who villains.
Importantly for parents, the BBC describes the stories as “preschool-friendly”, with the series focusing on curiosity, courage, kindness, friendship, teamwork and problem-solving. That makes the intended audience much younger than the main Doctor Who series.
Kate Morton, CBeebies’ Senior Head of Commissioning, says the series will be “Packed with imagination, humour and adventure” and designed to inspire children to be “curious, courageous and kind.”
Doctor Who’s First Preschool Adventure
While Doctor Who has been entertaining generations for more than six decades, TARDIS Crew represents a significant new direction for the franchise: a series created specifically for preschool children. Rather than asking young viewers to catch up with the complicated history of the Whoniverse, the animated show offers an accessible starting point.
The BBC says the series combines the imagination of Doctor Who with CBeebies’ approach to learning through play. Its short episodes and emphasis on friendship and problem-solving are designed to make the franchise approachable for the youngest members of the family.
That could also make TARDIS Crew a potential introduction to Doctor Who for parents who already love the franchise. With its late-2027/early-2028 premiere, families will have to wait a little longer before the TARDIS opens its doors to its youngest crew yet.
