Shaun the Sheep returning for new series
The BBC has announced a new series of Shaun the Sheep ahead of the brand new movie.
Multi-award-winning independent studio Aardman brings back beloved character Shaun the Sheep in a brand-new season packed with laugh-out-loud antics and more eccentric adventures from Mossy Bottom Farm.
The new season kicks off with a special double episode, Shirleyverse, airing on CBBC and BBC One at 3.30pm on Saturday 24 May. This heartwarming story explores the value of friendship as Shaun makes an impulsive wish that sees his loyal companion Bitzer mysteriously vanish. All episodes from the latest series will also be available to stream on BBC iPlayer starting 24 May.
Now in its seventh series, Shaun the Sheep continues to follow Shaun, his ever-patient friend Bitzer the dog, and the rest of the farmyard gang. With its signature style of transforming everyday rural scenarios into delightful comedy, the show remains a family favourite across generations.
The show features vocal effects from Justin Fletcher (Shaun, Timmy, the Pigs, and Mowermouth) and John Sparkes (Farmer, Bitzer, and Bitzer’s Dad), with the theme tune performed by Vic Reeves.
News of the feature follows the recent announcement of a new Shaun the Sheep movie, which is coming to Sky Cinema later this year.
Patricia Hidalgo, Director of BBC Children’s & Education, commented:
“We’re incredibly proud of our long partnership with Aardman, which continues to support British animation and deliver more of the hilarious, heartfelt storytelling audiences love. These new episodes celebrate what makes Shaun the Sheep so enduring — brilliant characters and quintessentially British humour.”
Sarah Cox, Chief Creative Director at Aardman, added:
“Celebrating Shaun the Sheep’s 30th anniversary with a new series on the BBC — our cherished creative partner — is a real honour. This season continues the tradition of warm, witty visual storytelling that appeals to viewers of all ages.”
To mark the anniversary, BBC One and CBBC will also air the classic Wallace & Gromit: A Close Shave at 3pm on Saturday 24 May, the Academy Award-winning film that introduced Shaun to the world in 1995.
Following the Shaun the Sheep premiere, BBC One will broadcast Wallace & Gromit: Vengeance Most Fowl at 3.45pm — the most-watched UK programme over Christmas, underlining the nation’s enduring love for these iconic characters.
On CBBC, the Shaun the Sheep double episode (3.30pm) will be followed by back-to-back episodes (3.45pm) and Shaun the Sheep Movie at 5.00pm.
Catch the full new series on BBC iPlayer from Saturday 24 May, with episodes airing on CBBC weekdays at 7am starting Monday 26 May.