The best CBeebies shows include Swashbuckle, Andy’s Adventure, Grace’s Amazing Machines, and 13 more. CBeebies is a British public broadcasting channel by BBC.
All the BBC content for children of 6 years or below is broadcasted under the Cbeebies brand. The standard time of the airing is 6 to 7 pm every day.
CBeebies is a channel created for kids and offers a wide range of shows, including animated, live-action, stop-motion, and much more.
Parenting can be fun and stress-free once you have a clear idea about how to keep your children occupied. Watching children’s programs on TV helps children to have fun and learn new things. These shows have the quality to engage kids and grown-ups alike.
This article presents the list of the 15 best live-action CBeebies shows to watch for your kids.
You can tune into the CBeebies channel or browse on BBC iPlayer to enjoy these shows.
1. Swashbuckle
Swashbuckle is a popular kids’ show which has been airing since 2013. This famous series has already completed eight seasons to date.
The first episode of the first series was released on July 6, 2013, and concluded with 26 episodes.
Swashbuckle is a very enjoyable show which will instantly attract the attention of the kids. The Pirates-themed customs of the casts, the set built to represent shipwrecks, and the children’s hunt for hidden jewels, all make up for a very funny show.
What Is It About?
Swashbuckle is a game show where children compete in a series of challenges to win back the jewels that belong to Gem. The competition takes place against the backdrop of a shipwreck.
The children have to face competition from Captain Sinker, and pirates Cook and Line, who are there to stop the kids from getting their hands on the jewels. The children must find the hidden jewels within the given timeframe to earn the determined prize.
There are a total of five jewels to be retrieved. If the children are able to get hold of all the jewels then one of the nasty pirates will walk the plank, into the ship’s mess.
Cast Members
- Gemma Hunt as Gem
- Conor McNamara as Squawk
- Sophia Nomvete as Captain HeyHo
- Ian Kirkby as Sandy Toes
- Tyler Collins as Seaweed
Gem and Squawk are the presenters of Swashbuckle, who have been a part of the children’s game series from the very beginning.
Captain HeyHo is the Pirate Captain of the show. Nomvete joined the Swashbuckle crew from the sixth series. Previously, Jennie Dale was in the role of Captain Captain.
Sandy Toes and Seaweed are the two pirates who try to stop the children from finding the treasures. Kirkby and Collins joined the children’s show from the event series.
2. Andy’s Aquatic Adventures
Andy’s Aquatic Adventures is a children’s nature series where Andy embarks on a journey all over the world and meets amazing animals living in and nearby waters.
The animated show has completed two seasons with each season designed into 15 episodes. Every episode has a runtime of 14 minutes.
Andy’s Aquatic Adventure began on February 10, 2020. The show is the latest entry in the famous animated franchise, Andy’s Adventures.
The show is designed for children and is visually pleasing to watch. The titular character uses animation to explore the depth and diversity of aquatic life. It is sure to keep your children hooked to the screen while also helping them learn a thing or two.
What Is It About?
This time Andy sets off for epic aquatic adventures where you will witness him come face-to-face with dolphins, whales, and other amazing animals.
Andy jets off on his safari-sub and heads to the coast of Borneo to watch sea turtles, the south island of New Zealand in search of a fur seal pup, the Galapagos islands in search of waved albatross colony, the North American Mississippi river in search of baby alligators, Artic to find the pups of Walrus.
Cast Members
- Andy Day
- Puja Panchkoty
- Adam Astill
Andy Day is the titular character of the show, who goes on sea adventures. He is joined by Puja Panchkoty and Adam Astill in his quest around the world.
3. Grace’s Amazing Machines
Grace’s Amazing Machines is a live-action children’s program. Motorbiker Grace introduces some amazing machines to the young audience.
The first episode of Grace’s Amazing Machines was released on October 21, 2019. The season was designed into 20 episodes and Grace showed three amazing machines in every episode.
Grace’s Amazing Machines is one of the favorites among children which has contributed to its huge success. The show has been renewed three times in three years and completed its fourth season in April 2022.
What Is It About?
Grace started with bikes and showed three kinds of motorbikes; a classic touring bike, a futuristic self-balancing bike, and an electric dirt bike. In the following episodes, she showed other amazing machines such as a super cool shredder, the massive Nasa crawler, a tugboat, refueling planes, a recovery truck, and many more.
Nobody really needs to stress about how much children love machines. Every child has his/her collection of toys, including excavators, trucks, cars, and planes. They are glued to the screen whenever they see machines at work. Grace’s Amazing Machines combines the beauty of the machines and catchy animations which will keep your kids engaged through all the episodes.
Grace Webb took over the place in the show from Catie in the second season. Cate Munnings was the main cast of the show in the first season and the series was known as Catie’s Amazing Machines. After Catie left, Grace was brought in, and the show’s name was changed to Grace’s Amazing Machines.
Main Cast
Grace Webb is the star and the titular character of the kids’ animated show. Grace, with her charming personality and unyielding passion for bikes, takes you on a journey to different places to exhibit some of the most amazing machines there exist.
4. Big Cook Little Cook
Big Cook, Little Cook is a kids’ TV series created by Adrain Hedley. BBC revived the show for the fourth season on February 28, 2022.
Originally the series was released on February 2, 2004, and ran for three seasons till December 2006.
The show is visually appealing for children as it offers creative and engaging animation. The show is designed with a vegetables-theme and displays its creativity with the content.
For instance, the first customer of Jen and Small in the first episode of the fourth season is the Gingerbread Man, whom the chefs offer their recipe Gingerbread Friends. Other customers and the recipe include Sunflower Surprise for Strawberry the Scarecrow, Treasure Pie for Peanut the Parrot, Crispy Tools for Maisie the Mechanic, and so on.
What Is It About?
The cookery series has two cooks, the regular-sized Big Cook and a foot-high Little Cook. The little cook flies on a wooden spoon on the opening credit of the series and visits the Café of the Big Cook.
The basic format of the series is Jen and Small encounter a problem while carrying out an activity. Meanwhile, a customer would arrive at the door and the two chefs give hints about who the customer could be.
Next, the chefs decide on the meal from the cookbook to offer the customer. In the process, Jen and Small talk about the recipe and how it’s made while also singing a song.
Cast Members
- Ibinabo Jack as Jen (the big cook)
- Courtney Bowman as Small (the little cook)
Jack and Bowman are the new cooks of the Big Cook Little Cook since its revival in 2022. Previously, Steve Marsh was the Big Cook Ben and Dan Wright was the Little Cook Small.
5. Maddie’s Do You Know?
Maddie’s Do You Know? is TV series for children presented by Maddie Moate. The host explores everyday objects and their usefulness.
The show was originally released on September 5, 2016. It has completed five seasons with a total of 101 episodes.
Maddie’s Do You Know? also has given three spin-off series. The first spin-off was Maddie, the Zoo and You which broadcasted in 2020, followed by Maddie, Space and You, and Maddie the Plants and You.
The show offers some engaging content on the most basic things we use in our everyday lives. With the use of animations and simple examples, Maddie explains the working mechanism in an entertaining manner. The jolly and happy appearance of the presenter makes the show appealing to children and adults alike.
What Is It About?
Maddie’s Do You Know is an interactive children’s show where the titular character, Maddie, explores everyday objects and asks questions about how they work or how they are built.
In the first episode of the series, Maddie uses a night-vision camera to find out how a hamster wheel functions and how far the animal can run in a single night. Similarly, the titular character investigates the hose on a fire engine and how the pump of the fire engine works to create pressure to send water to the hose.
Main Cast
Maddie Moate is the primary cast of the children’s show which is produced by Sarah Trigg and Julia Bond and directed by Paul Kittel.
6. Gigglebiz
Gigglebiz is a kids’ TV program created by Justin Fletcher, best known for his role as Mr. Tumble.
Gigglebiz is a live-action comedy sketch that was released on September 2009. It follows the misadventures of a bunch of quirky characters who look ridiculously similar.
The live-action comedy completed its fifth season in March 2019. Each episode has a runtime of 13 minutes which includes the intro of 15 seconds.
The funny live sketches from the goofy characters tickle the funny bones of children and adults alike. The versatility of Fletcher and the way he makes comedy look so effortless is the major highlight of the show.
What Is It About?
Gigglebiz is an adventure of some goofy characters including a bad TV DIY expert, a group of acrobats lacking coordination, and a weather presenter. Moreover, all three are outrageously similar in their appearance.
The fifth season’s first episode is titled Enrico’s Duck Dance, where Keith attempts to break a hook-a-duck world record. Gail Force launches her new talk show but her first guest misses the bus which compelled Gail to interview herself. Enrico Paso Doble tries his best to join the ballet but keeps getting distracted by his urge to feed the ducks.
Different characters are introduced throughout the 11 episodes of the fifth series who are into their own personal adventure. The episodes introduce us to funny and memorable characters like Wizard Tripwick, Professor Muddles, Dina Lady, Captain Adorable, and Rapids Johnson.
Cast Members
Many famous names have made their appearances at different times in the popular live-action children’s show, Gigglebiz, including;
- Justin Fletcher
- Rod Arthur
- Tom Golding
- Richard Sutton
- Darren Hart
- Peter Singh
- Michael Webber
7. Molly and Mack
Molly and Mack is a children’s TV show created by Peter Hynes and Andrew Agnew. The show is based on the fictional town of Bridgetown.
The first episode of the series Molly and Mack began on November 12, 2018. It was designed into 20 episodes with a runtime of 14 minutes.
Molly and Mack became a huge success and went on for five episodes which concluded on November 25, 2022. BBC studios announced that the fifth season would be the final season of the kids’ show.
The show has a variety of characters who offers a good deal of funny interactions. Additionally, at least two songs are always included in each episode. The characters sing The Oops Songs when they encounter a problem and The Idea Song when they devise a solution.
The show makes for a good entertainer for kids since it is funny and light-hearted and feels very joyous. Moreover, the regular songs that are added to the plot hook the attention of the younger audience.
What Is It About?
The show follows an 11-year-old girl, Molly, who visits her 19-year-old brother Mack in the fictional town of Bridgetown. The brother and sister spend their summer at a toy stall in The Big Hub community of Bridgetown.
There are many stall owners whose paths cross at The Big Hub. The series takes us on a journey on how Molly and Mack interact with the stall owners and the community members. At the same time, it shows the confrontations between the stall owners and Moira, the manager of The Big Hub
Cast
- Mimi Robertson as Molly
- Joshua Haynes as Mack
- Maureen Carr as Moira
- Danielle Jam as Daisy
- Katrina Bryan as Alice
- Steven McNicoll as Bob
- Alison Peebles as Mrs. Juniper
8. Oti’s Boogie Beebies
Oti’s Boogie Beebies is a show that teaches dance moves to children. Otis Mabuse joined as the dance instructor in the third season.
Oti’s Boogie Beebies is the third installment in the famous Boogie Beebies series which was released on June 1, 2020.
Oti Mabuse dances onto CBeebies and into households across the country to motivate pre-schoolers to get moving and dancing. Furthermore, the added animation elevates the visual quality of the dance lesson which will get your children to jump and try some of the moves.
What Is It About?
The show teaches dance moves for the preschool kids to pump some energy and excitement into their young minds and bodies. Otis plays different music and demonstrates dance moves step-by-step.
The presenter starts with a basic exercise routine before commencing the dance tutorial. There is a total of 15 episodes in the series presented by Otis Mabuse. The episodes are given the title according to the song such as Zoom to the Moon Song, Get Dancing Song, Shine Like the Sun Song, Sea Creatures Song, and so on.
9. Apple Tree House
Apple Tree House is a children’s TV drama series created by William Vanderpuye, Maria Timotheou, and Akindele Akinsiku. The show was produced by Five Apples Ltd.
The first season of the show was released on May 22, 2017, and it was designed into 30 episodes. The show gained a lot of popularity among pre-schoolers. BBC renewed the show for three seasons.
The third season concluded on May 28, 2019. The show has a total of 72 episodes, each with a runtime of 15 minutes.
This show has a unique approach to telling stories to the children as it has a more authentic feel to it. Many stories children hear are fantasies and somewhat idealistic. Apple Tree House aims to tell stories that are authentic and based on the real world.
What Is It About?
The story follows Mali, an ordinary boy from an ordinary family. The family of Mali has just moved into the extraordinary world of the inner city in the Apple Tree House estate.
Mali befriends Sam, and together they provide a uniquely innocent perspective of the world around them and try to solve daily problems. The two friends overcome childhood dilemmas while remaining within the safety net of their loving family and helpful Apple Tree Community.
Cast Members
- William Vanderpuye as Kobi The Caretaker
- Shaheen Khan as Grandma Zainab
- Miranda Sarfo Peprah as Sam
- Aamir Tai as Mali
- Summer Jenkins as Bella
10. Waffle the Wonder Dog
Waffle the Wonder Dog is a live-action children’s TV program created by Billy McQueen, Catherine Williams, and Mandy Darrall.
The first season of Waffle the Wonder Dog was broadcasted on February 26, 2018. The show has completed four seasons since its initial release. There are 60 episodes in total, each with a runtime of 11 minutes.
The show is particularly aimed at children of age four to seven years. Waffle, a red miniature poodle, is a talking dog. It is no surprise how much children love animals, even more so when they talk. This live-action is a complete package of fun and entertainment for children.
What Is It About
Waffle, the talking dog, is adopted by a blended family in Brooklyn-Bell after he is found among the newly-wed couple Simon and Jess’s wedding presents. Waffle is a sweet little creature but he is a troublemaker. He always causes trouble with the cat-loving neighbor Mrs. Hobbs.
However, the troublemaker is no ordinary dog because it can talk and has many surprising twists hidden in its tail. The show follows the everyday adventures of the mischievous Waffel and the mayhem he causes around him.
Cast Members
- Rufus Hound as Waffle (voice)
- Andrea Valls as Jess
- James Merry as Simon
- Ellis-James Naylor as Doug
- Angela Curran as Mrs. Hobbs
- Tahliya Lowles as Evie
11. Big Barn Farm
Big Barn Farm is a live-action and animated comedy series for children created by Ian Carley and James Kearsley.
The first season of the animated adventure show was broadcasted on March 3, 2008. It completed its run after two seasons and has 40 episodes in total. The average runtime of each episode is around 14 minutes.
This show is a combination of both live-action and animation. The animals are the main characters in the kids’ series, which will provide an eye-catching spectacle for children.
Additionally, it has a catchy theme song that will encourage the kids to sing along. The theme song also provides a basic introduction to each of the main characters.
What Is It About?
The series follows the lives of four animals on a farm and their misadventures in everyday life. Gobo the Goat, Petal the Pig, Dash the Donkey, and Digger the Dog are three friends living in a barn.
The show features real animals on a real working farm, Big Barn Farm. The four talking animals are up for daily farmyard adventures, which present this magical world entirely from the animals’ perspective.
The story is narrated from the animals’ point of view and revolves around the situations they find themselves in, and the emotions they express. In each adventure, the group explores their friendship and also their role on the farm with the help of other farm animals.
Cast Members
- Elly Fairman as Gobo
- Shelley Longworth as Digger
- Michael Winsor as Old Pop
- Gemma Harvey as Petal
- Ben Fairman as Dash
12. Justin’s House
Justin’s House is a comedy show for children created by Justin Fletcher. The show stars Fletcher as the host, a green monster, and a humanoid housekeeping robot.
The first season officially launched on October 8, 2011, and became an instant favorite among children. Over the ten years timespan, the live comedy show has completed five seasons.
A total of 92 episodes have been broadcasted over the course of five seasons. Each episode has a runtime of 24 minutes.
The stage show is targeted at the young audience, and the setting is designed accordingly. There are children in the audience, and the show starts with the song ‘Dusting for Justin,’ before welcoming an audience to the house. It provides a cheerful moment for the children who could join the singing and dancing along with the show’s stars.
What Is It About?
Justin’s House is a staged series that is recorded in front of an audience of children. Fletcher entertains the live audience by singing, dancing, and comedy chaos.
Robert starts the show with a song and with the help of the Little Monster, introduces the main theme of the episode. Then, Justin makes his entrance singing the ‘Wiggle Your Bottoms’ song.
The fifth series came up with a brand new format and set. Dave the Zebra appears no longer on the show, and Justin’s house is newly decorated. ‘Who’s in the House?’ is the new opening song of the show and we can see a blast of Confetti at the end of the episodes in most cases.
Cast Members
- Justin Fletcher as Justin, the Host
- Steven Kynman as Robert the Robot
- Katherine Smee as Little Monster
- Jean Deane as Dee Livery
- Cat Sandion as Cat
- Alex Phelps as Tom
13. Biggleton
Biggleton is a children’s TV series created by Terri Langan. The drama series follows children pretending to be grown-ups.
The show produced by BBC Children’s Productions was first broadcast on November 27, 2017. The comedy series has completed two seasons with 15 episodes in total. Each episode is 10 minutes long.
Biggleton is a comedy series aimed at children aged 4 to 5 years. In the show, the children try to solve problems as the residents of the fictional town of Biggleton. The series is highly entertaining and the children watching it on TV will absolutely love it.
What Is It About?
Children pretend to be grown-ups in the imaginary town of Biggleton and carry on with their jobs around the town. They go on many adventures and try to solve the problems they encounter along the way.
The children imitate the everyday routine of grown-ups in their little town made up of cardboard papers. The residents have jobs as builders, carpenters, mailmen, firemen, grocery owners, police, and so on. They all work in coordination and harmony to make Biggleton a ‘perfect town.’
Cast Members
- Eamon Homes as the narrator (season 1)
- John Gordon Sinclair as the narrator (season 2)
- Bobby Donald as Bobby the Vet
- Harrison Joyce as Harrison the Shopkeeper
- Frankie Nipah as Frankie the Businesswoman
- Holly Parsons as Holly the Music Teacher
14. Topsy and Tim
Topsy and Tim is a live-action TV series designed for children. It is an adaptation of books by Jean Adamson and Gareth Adamson.
CBeebies released the 13-minute live-action series on November 11, 2013. It follows the day-to-day activities of two children, Tim and Topsy.
The series provides a view of the world from the perspective of children, which is often unique and joyful. It will be a delight for the young demographic to watch the titular characters involve in adventures such as camping trips with parents, inviting play dates, making cardboard toys, and many more.
What Is It About?
Tim and Topsy are fun-loving twins who share a special bond that shines through as they go on different adventures.
The titular characters live with their parents and go on with their daily lives. The two siblings have their points of view regarding the world around them. They try to come up with solutions to the problems they encounter daily.
The interaction of the twins with people around them, including their mum, dad, grandma, and friends, gives a joyful vibe. They play games together while trying to figure out the best way to overcome a problem. At the end of every episode, an outro song is played and Topsy and Tim ask the audience about the games they played.
Cast Members
- Jocelyn Macnab as Topsy
- Joshua Lester as Tim
- Anna Acton as Joy
- Chris Hannon as Brian
- Natahlia Colbourne as Kerry
15. Old Jack’s Boat
Old Jack’s Boat is a children’s TV series starring Bernard Cribbins as Old Jack. Cribbins narrates stories of his past adventures as a fisherman.
The kids’ program developed by BBC Television was released on January 21, 2013. Every episode of the series has a runtime of 15 minutes.
Old Jack’s Boat was well received by the audience. It has given spin-off series, Salty’s Waggy Tales in 2014 and Old Jack’s Boat: Rockpool Tales in 2015. Salty’s Waggy Tales is about the adventures of Salty the Dog, whereas Rockpool Tales is about the adventures of sea creatures.
The series is aimed at youngsters to tinkle their imagination and creativity but even the grownups can enjoy the amazing stories of Old Jack.
What Is It About?
Bernard Cribbins is a retired fisherman known as Old Jack. He lives in a little village on the North Yorkshire Coast of Staithes. Jack interacts with the villagers and tells stories from inside his old fishing boat where he is kept company by his dog, Salty.
The story narrated by Old Jack is set in Staithes, a real unspoiled historical fishing harbor town of Whitby in North Yorkshire, England.
The show consists of a theme tune, a segment featuring Old Jack, Salty, and a few characters doing some stuff around the village. Jack and Salty then head back to their boat named Rainbow to do something but puts it off to tell the stories.
Cast Members
- Bernard Cribbins as Old Jack
- Paul Hawkyard as Ernie Starboard
- Nadine Marshall as Sam Spinnaker
- Janine Duvitski as Eily Scuttlebutt
- Scuzz as Salty the Dog
- Freema Agyeman as Shelly Periwinkle