In case you aren’t aware, the BBC channel, CBeebies, specialises in educational and enjoyable programming for pre-school children. Until you have to look after young kids yourself, the channel tends to fly under the radar. However, once it arrives into your life you won’t be able to function without it. Whether it be the clock that helps keep you aware of how long until school starts in the mornings, or the helpful reminders of what day it is, CBeebies is a lifeline to parents. During the pandemic the channel was a vital component of most parent’s daily routines, the presenters one of their only sources of adult company.
Always keen to brighten everyone’s day, CBeebies is a shining oasis and is the perfect place to spend the run-up to Christmas. Throughout December, CBeebies will be filled with a bounty of festive fun. Everyone’s favourite characters will all host their own specials, each championing the spirit and message of Christmas. Here is a selection of shows that you shouldn’t miss.
Nick Cope’s Popcast
Nick Cope is the soundtrack to many households with young children. The singer / songwriter has tapped into the need for catchy songs that even parents across the land can enjoy. At the same time as appealing to adults with his laid back folk songs, he keeps kids under his spell with his silly lyrics. The ‘Baby’s done a Poo’ song is one of his all-time classics and perfectly exemplifies his ability to write a tune with hilarious lyrics. His show Nick Cope’s Popcast sees him and his trusty whippet Norman create and sing a song set to animations. The episodes are short, but the earworm nature of the music means that they’ll be played over and over.
In 2020 there was a Christmas special featuring ‘Elf Song’ and this year sees the arrival of a brand new song, Who’s at the Door? Norman gives Nick a special Christmas present, but not all is as it seems – or is it? The song is sure to become staple listening for the festive season; it debuts on CBeebies on the 9th December at 5pm. If that doesn’t satisfy your craving for Popcast songs, Nick Cope is also hosting an online Christmas show this Sunday, 4th December at 11am. Tickets can be brought via Live in your Living Room.
Hey Duggee
Whilst it doesn’t appear that there will be any new episodes, everyone’s favourite Squirrel Club leader, Duggee, will be doing plenty to get viewers in the Christmas spirit. From early December the two festive badges will be screened in regular rotation. The sound of repeats might make some groan, but as these episodes are kept locked away until December each year, watching them still feels special. CBeebies also generally gets away with repeats as each year there’s a new audience for the episodes. The two episodes that will be delighting viewers are The Tinsel Badge and The Christmas Badge. In The Tinsel Badge, Duggee and the Squirrels decorate the clubhouse and hand out gifts. In The Christmas Badge, the group helps one of Duggee’s friends, Clarence, who is suffering from a bout of seasonal blues.
Bluey
Hey Duggee has long been the reigning ratings winner for CBeebies, though now it’s being challenged by new pup, Bluey. Hailing from Australia, Bluey had become an international sensation, one that is beloved by children and parents alike. Its honest portrayal of family life has won over hearts everywhere and the Christmas episodes are no exception. Not one to get too bogged down with the traditional schmaltz, both episodes screening during December highlight the chaos of a family Christmas. The first episode is Verandah Santa, which sees a game of Father Christmas get out of hand, and the second teaches the importance of looking after new toys.
CBeebies Panto: Dick Whittington and His Cat
Continuing the annual tradition, CBeebies will once more screen a new pantomime. This year’s pick is Dick Whittington and His Cat. Recorded in front of a live audience at Eastbourne’s Congress Theatre, the show will be bursting with catchy songs, festive fun, and a host of CBeebies stars, making it a theatrical treat for the whole family. The audience will join our heroes as they travel to London for the Lord Mayor’s Christmas parade, only to discover a trio of cheeky rats are intent on ruining everyone’s fun. Can Dick and his cat save the parade with the help of all their CBeebies Friends? Tune in to find out!
The show will first air at 9am on Saturday 17th December. If you and your little ones can’t wait that long then you can also catch the show in cinemas across the UK from 2nd December.
Don’t worry if you miss any of these shows as they’ll all be available to watch on iPlayer.
