Karrot & Kavaleer’s New Animated Series ‘MaeBee’ Buzzes to Broadcast & Distro Deals

Karrot Entertainment and Kavaleer Productions are teaming up for a brand-new original animation IP, MaeBee, with three cornerstone broadcasters and distribution partners just announced.

The series is fully greenlit and has been commissioned by Kate Morton of BBC Children’s & Education for CBeebies in the U.K., Naléka Nguessan and Claire Heinrich for France Télévisions and Suzanne Kelly for Ireland’s RTÉ, along with production funding from Fís Éireann/Screen Ireland.

“MaeBee is a beautifully imaginative and emotionally rich series that speaks directly to the heart of our audience. Tim and Becca’s world is whimsical, warm and full of surprises, exactly the kind of storytelling we champion at CBeebies,” said Morton. “We can’t wait for families to meet this unforgettable duo.”

Kelly commented, “I am constantly on the lookout for new animated content that will stand out, delight and engage audiences. The minute I clapped eyes on MaeBee, I knew! I fell in love with its character design, its colors, its comedy and fun. I cannot wait to introduce our audience across RTÉjr to Maebee where I know it will become a firm favorite with kids & parents alike!”

Described as a bold co-viewing comedy brought to life with contemporary 2D design, MaeBee has been created for the screen by Tim and Becca O’Sullivan, and developed in-house at Karrot, the BAFTA and Emmy-winning studio behind Sarah & Duck (CBeebies), The Snowy Day (Prime Video) and the latest TV episodes of Peppa Pig (Hasbro).

“I’m so excited about sharing the world of MaeBee because it is a fusion of many of my favorite things: folk art, fairy tale and fantasy, storytelling, nature, self-growth and community,” said Becca O’Sullivan.

Tim O’Sullivan added, “We have spent the last six years dreaming up Mae and Bee’s Gnomish world, full of its own traditions, myths and magic, so it is fantastic to finally get to share it with everyone, who’ll hopefully find something both familiar yet surprising!”

Synopsis: Mae is a young, only-child gnome who dreams of being big, so she fills her Book of Big with drawings to help her grow larger! She’s the only only-child she knows, where most gnomes are born in twins and triplets, but she’s super strong; small but mighty! One day, she met a Bee and decided he would make a great foster brother, so her whole family are still getting used to their new addition!

“The originality and richness of Tim and Becca O’Sullivan’s world is perfect for co-viewing, and will be a real disruptor in the preschool landscape, with grounded, very real characters discovering what growing up is really about, in a fresh and hilarious setting,” said Jamie Badminton, the series’ creative producer.

The 52 x -minute series is being distributed by France TV Distribution globally in all non-English speaking territories, with Karrot retaining English Language territories and global licensing rights. The series launches for all broadcast and licensing enquires at MIPJunior and MIPCOM, ahead of a Q3 2026 roll out for the first batch of episodes.

“We are delighted to work with Karrot on this preschool gem,” commented Michelle Palant and Julia Schulte from France TV Distribution. “Mae and Bee invite you into their magical colorful world of gnomes, and we truly believe these stories will resonate with children all over the world.”

Production starts this month, using CelAction2D, between Karrot’s London studio and Kavaleer’s Dublin studio.

“Broadcasters have been eagerly discovering this new IP, which builds on all the charm and confidence of our first show Sarah & Duck with a lively, irresistible new energy,” noted Chris White, CEO of Karrot Ent. “We’re delighted Mae and Bee will soon be ready to meet young viewers and their families across the globe.”

Gary Timpson, Managing Director of Kavaleer Prod., said, “Kavaleer is thrilled to be collaborating with Karrot Entertainment on their fantastic series MaeBee. From the very first pitch, I was enthralled with the concept, the characters, the stunning artwork, and the compelling tales told by Karrot’s creative team. The Kavaleer team and I are so looking forward to getting into production.”

MaeBee is a coproduction between Karrot Entertainment and Kavaleer Productions, with support from BFI’s UK Global Screen Fund, the UK Tax Credit, Fís Éireann/Screen Ireland, RTÉ, Coimisiun Na Mean, the Section 481 tax credit.

“Screen Ireland is delighted to support MaeBee, an animated series rooted in humor and magic,” added Kate McColgan, Head of Television for Screen Ireland. “We’re looking forward to young audiences making connections with these characters and stories very soon, both in Ireland and abroad.”