BBC Worldwide ANZ previews upcoming plans for ‘Doctor Who,’ ‘Hey Duggee,’ BBC Earth and ‘Top Gear.’

AUSTRALIA– BBC Worldwide ANZ showcased their franchise strategy, upcoming content and plans for 2018 at a breakfast for licensees Tuesday.

BBC recapped what’s ahead for its top brands including “Doctor Who,” “Top Gear,” “Go Jetters,” BBC Earth and more and introduced licensees to its newest production “Bluey.”

“As the business moves towards a franchise strategy, we look forward to collaborating with our licensees and partners on BBC Worldwide’s impressive portfolio of brands,” says Dustin Lockett, commercial director, BBC Worldwide ANZ.

Here’s some of what’s in store for 2018:

“Doctor Who”

“Doctor Who” will see its first female Doctor when season 11 hits the airwaves in the fall of 2018. BBC Worldwide sees potential in costumes and consumer products. The brand has sold over 11 million action figures sold since 2005, over 18 million DVDs and over 1 million tickets for live events.

Preschool

Australia and New Zealand represent the highest level of demand by territory for “Hey Duggee” and “Go Jetters.” Both titles are among the top five preschool brands by request.

In 2017, “Hey Duggee” had over 470 million views on combined streaming platforms in China and the brand recently won the BAFTA award for Best Preschool Animation.

The brand also made its way to the big screen this month with the Hey Duggee Cinema Experience, and in the live space, “Duggee” continues to do appearances and mini stage shows across the country via The Entertainment Store.

The second season of “Go Jetters” launched last week with additional narrative elements that will brings new opportunities to the brand through new vehicles, costumes and science-based product.

New seasons of “Go Jetters” and “Hey Duggee” have been greenlit for 2018 and alongside them will be new products at reatil featuring new characters, vehicles and costumes.

Attendees at the breakfast were also treated to a sneak peak of “Bluey,” the new locally produced ABC and BBC Worldwide co-commissioned animated preschool series. Full ancillary rights for “Bluey” are being held by BBC Worldwide. 

“Top Gear”

As it heads into its 25th season, “Top Gear” has amassed 22 million global fans on Facebook, 2 million on Twitter and 5.5 million subscribers on YouTube.

BBC Earth

Blue Planet II recently launched on BBC One in the U.K., attracting 14.4 million viewers with a share of 41.4 percent, making it the most watched program on British television for 2017. Imagery available from the series, cleared for merchandise and licensee use, includes pictures featuring an incredible array of aquatic animals from the depths of the oceans and an exclusive look into Earth’s hidden watery vistas.