An iconic BBC children’s show is set to make a return after 38 years off air.
Play School, which originally ran from 1964 to 1988, was a preschool staple that "helped define children's television".
The show featured familiar friends including Big Ted, Little Ted, Humpty, Jemima, and Poppy, alongside presenters such as Brian Cant, Floella Benjamin, Derek Griffiths, and Johnny Ball.
BBC announces the return of Play School after 38 years off air
After 38 years off air, the BBC has now announced plans to reboot the show for a new generation, inviting producers to pitch ideas for a new version to air on CBeebies.
Director of BBC Children’s & Education, Patricia Hidalgo, said: "Play School has always embodied so much of what CBeebies stands for: creativity, curiosity, imagination and learning through play.
"Bringing it back for a new generation is a meaningful opportunity to build on that legacy, while continuing to support parents and carers through CBeebies Parenting and the wider commitment set out in our Parenting Promise."
The new Play School will be a live-action series inspired by the original, reimagined with songs, stories, movement, music, poetry, and imaginative play.
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The reboot will also include companion content for the CBeebies Parenting YouTube channel, offering practical play ideas, expert guidance, and resources for parents and carers.
The announcement comes as CBeebies launches its Parenting Promise, setting out its commitment to help every child learn through play and giving parents and carers greater insight into the principles behind the programmes their children love.
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