Sky has announced the commission of the new children’s series, “The Brilliant World of Tom Gates,” from TG Entertainment Limited.

A Sky Original kids series featuring a modular mixed-media magazine format, “The Brilliant World of Tom Gates” is based on the bestselling Tom Gates books written and illustrated by Liz Pichon (who also presents the series) and published by Scholastic. The new series will be available on Sky’s on-demand service Sky Kids in the U.K. and Ireland

“I absolutely love the Tom Gates books,” says Lucy Murphy, director, kids content, Sky U.K. & Ireland. “Liz Pichon has a brilliant knack of knowing what kids find funny and engaging and I’m delighted to team up with TG Entertainment to bring Tom’s world to the screen for Sky Kids. I know our audience will love this show and be inspired by Tom and Liz to get crafty and creative.” 

The series brings to life the unique and comical world of Tom Gates. A combination of 2D and stop-motion animation with live action, the series blends Tom’s humor with craft ideas and tips and tricks that feature in some of the 18 books in the series. Tom and friends pop-up and interact throughout, while Liz Pichon herself, who is executive producer and working closely with the whole team to bring to life Tom’s world in every detail, shares tips on how to draw the characters from the books.

“This TV show is exactly the kind of program that I would have LOVED to watch as a kid and been completely obsessed by,” says Liz Pichon, creator, Tom Gates. “It’s going to be funny, fun, bursting with creativity and snacks.  All the things kids love about the books and so much more.  I am thrilled that Sky have commissioned it (thank you!) and I’m looking forward to bringing the whole world to life with the very talented and hugely enthusiastic team at TG Entertainment.” 

The 20 x 11’ series, primarily aimed at kids aged 7-12, is set to premiere on Sky Kids U.K. in early 2021, coinciding with the 10^th anniversary year of the first Tom Gates book and the publication of the 18^th in the series, “Tom Gates: Ten Tremendous Tales.”    

“Liz Pichon is an exceptional talent with a unique comic gift and is an inspirational creative force for children,” says Catherine Bell, co-group managing director, Scholastic U.K. “Her ‘Tom Gates’ books are a global success and we can’t wait to see them move from page to screen at the start of the exciting 10th anniversary year.”