UK’s CBeebies & France TV co-commission ‘Big Lizard’ animated co-pro

Big Lizard

BBC-owned kids’ channel CBeebies in the UK and France Télévisions have jointly commissioned Big Lizard, a new 3D animated preschool series.

The 52 x 7-minute series is co-produced by Beakus in the UK and Watch Next Media and Je Suis Bien Content in France. Aardman will handle global distribution for the show, which is expected to debut in Autumn 2024.

The comedy adventure series follows a young astronaut called Cosima and a his friend – a big lizard named Big Lizard. The series is billed as a mixture of comedy and adventure, with some light education about science and prehistoric planet Earth.

Big Lizard was created by Amaël Isnard and Steve Smith. Amaël Isnard will also direct the show and Steve Smith will produce alongside Je Suis Bien Content’s Franck Ekinci.

The voice cast includes Josh Widdicombe (The Last Leg), Mandip Gill (Doctor Who) and Lois Sefton (123 Number Squad).

Creator and producer Steve Smith said: “We are delighted to be partnering with such an amazing team to produce this brilliant, funny and unique show. Big Lizard has all the ingredients it needs to enchant audiences and parents alike.”