BBC adds two Balamory series after 1.5 million viewers

The BBC has commissioned two additional series of the children's television program "Balamory" following the successful return of the beloved show last month after more than two decades off the air. The new commission for a third and fourth series comes after the revival's premiere episode attracted 1.5 million viewers within 28 days, making it the biggest new CBeebies episode of 2026.

The show, set in a fictional Scottish island community and originally filmed in Tobermory on the Isle of Mull, first aired from 2002 to 2005. It was described as the world's first soap opera for preschool children. The BBC announced plans for a revival in 2024, with the first new series premiering earlier this year. A second series is scheduled to air later this year.

Senior head of commissioning for CBeebies, Kate Morton, said the show's themes continue to resonate. "Balamory has always been about community, creativity and helping children understand the world around them," Morton stated. "Seeing it return and connect so strongly with audiences, both those discovering it for the first time and those who remember it so fondly, has been incredibly special. This recommission is a testament to the...