Clangers celebrates 50th anniversary with brand new third series

International rights owner, Coolabi Group, today announces that a third new series of the BAFTA-winning pre-school animation, Clangers, is in production and will broadcast on CBeebies in 2019, as part of the Clangers’ 50th anniversary celebrations.

The Clangers, which returned to the BBC in 2015 to huge acclaim 46 years after its initial debut, is narrated by Michael Palin, and follows a family of loveable, pink, mouse-like creatures who live on a little blue planet in outer space. The show is a co-production from Coolabi Group, Smallfilms, CBeebies and BBC Studios.

The brand new 26 x 11’ stop-motion series, takes the total number of new episodes to 104 and will feature a special episode to celebrate the landmark year of 1969, paying homage to the original series’ moon landing episode. This historic event is also celebrating 50 years in 2019.

Series three follows the Clangers on a host of adventures, with friends old and new, and sees the return of the Eggbots, the Wols setting up their own radio station, a supernova above the Clangers’ planet and a happy event in the life of the Skymoos.

Jeremy Banks, CEO Coolabi Group, comments: “The Clangers is a wonderful family show that has an enduring magic and charm which can be enjoyed by both children and their parents. We are looking forward to marking this fiftieth anniversary with the announcement of the new series and special episodes that the talented team have worked so hard to create for this celebratory year.”

Jackie Edwards, Head of BBC Children’s Acquisitions & Independent Animation comments: “We are very much looking forward to welcoming new episodes of the Clangers to CBeebies in 2019. They show us the value of community and of being kind to one another, their positivity and optimism are always an inspiration for children and adults alike. Their message across fifty years remains relevant and pertinent.”

Joining the Clangers team this year, as Script Editor for the new series, is Kay Benbow, who brings to the role her incredible experience with over 20 years in children’s programming, most recently as Controller of CBeebies.

In July 2018 Peter Firmin, one of the creators of the original series, sadly died after a short illness. The new series remains faithful to the original series’ creative vision and his dedication to the authenticity of the knitted characters. Daniel Postgate (son of series co-creator Oliver Postgate) continues his role as executive producer and scriptwriter for the new series.

Series three will once again be made at Factory’s studio in Altrincham (Scream Street, Newzoids) and Grammy-award winner John du Prez (Spamalot) will compose the score.

Clangers is co-produced by CBeebies, Coolabi Group and Smallfilms with BBC Worldwide for its international channels. BBC Worldwide is also the international distributor for the show.