Irish animated preschool series BeddyByes is to return for a second series after RTÉ and the BBC commissioned another 52 episodes, doubling its run to 104.
The series, created by Irish animation studio JAM Media, is also expanding beyond television, with its first toys and books launching this autumn.
Production is under way across JAM Media’s studios in Dublin and Belfast, with the new episodes due for delivery in autumn 2027.
Click here to watch Beddybyes on RTÉ Player.
BeddyByes follows best friends MeMo and BaBa as they travel across Planet BeddyByes on a journey towards bedtime.
The first series has already expanded internationally, with Disney Kids & Family acquiring US television rights for Disney Jr and global streaming rights for Disney+.
It has also been picked up by broadcasters including YLE in Finland, NRK in Norway and ABC in Australia.
According to distributor Blue Ant Media, the series recorded 3.7 million viewing hours on BBC iPlayer in its first 28 days, later rising to 10.4 million hours.
It also received six Kidscreen nominations, with Dawn French winning Best Voice Acting for her role as Gramma Leeba.
JAM Media chief executive and co-founder John Rice said the company’s new partnerships represented “strong international validation of the commercial potential” of BeddyByes.
“We’re very proud our Irish creative IP has attracted international broadcasters, distributors, retailers and consumer products partners,” he said.
Moose Toys, which produces products based on Bluey, is the global master toy partner for BeddyByes, with the first plush toys due later this year.
The interactive board book BeddyByes: Time for BeddyByes will be published by Ladybird on 22 October, with three further titles planned for 2027.
Suzanne Kelly, Head of Children’s & Young People’s Content at RTÉ, described BeddyByes as “one of the most important series in our animation offering for preschoolers”.
“In one season it has established itself as a firm favourite with both our preschool audience and very importantly their parents,” she said.
The second series will introduce new locations and characters, including the Wild Patch and an underwater world beneath Lullaby Lake.
BeddyByes was produced in Belfast with funding from Northern Ireland Screen and Screen Ireland and is produced by JAM Media for CBeebies and RTÉ.