Karrot Entertainment and Kavaleer Productions are teaming up for a brand-new original IP. ’MaeBee’ with three cornerstone broadcasters and distribution partners announced today.
The series is fully greenlit and has been commissioned by Kate Morton of BBC Children’s & Education for CBeebies in the UK, Naléka Nguessan and Claire Heinrich for France Televisions and Suzanne Kelly for Ireland’s RTÉ, along with production funding from Fís Éireann/Screen Ireland.
Full of bold, co-viewing comedy and contemporary design, the world of 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).
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 52×7 minute episode 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 MIP Jr and MIPCOM, ahead of a Q3 2026 roll out for the first batch of episodes.
Co-Creator Becca O’Sullivan says:
I’m so excited about sharing the world of MaeBee because it is a fusion of many of my favourite things: folk art, fairy tale and fantasy, storytelling, nature, self-growth and community.
Co-Creator Tim O’Sullivan adds:
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!
Kate Morton, Senior Head of Commissioning for CBeebies at BBC Children’s and Education says:
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. We can’t wait for families to meet this unforgettable duo.
Suzanne Kelly, Head of Children’s & Young People’s Content RTÉ said:
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 colours, its comedy and fun. I cannot wait to introduce our audience across RTÉjr to Maebee where I know it will become a firm favourite with kids & parents alike!
Michelle Palant and Julia Schulte from France TV Distribution:
We are delighted to work with Karrot on this preschool gem. MAE and BEE invite you into their magical colourful world of gnomes, and we truly believe these stories will resonate with children all over the world.
Series Creative Producer Jamie Badminton says:
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 pre-school landscape, with grounded, very real characters discovering what growing up is really about, in a fresh and hilarious setting.
Chris White – CEO for Karrot Entertainment adds…
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. 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 Productions (Wonder Pets: In the City and Kiva Can Do) says…
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.
Kate McColgan, Head of Television for Screen Ireland said:
“Screen Ireland is delighted to support MaeBee, an animated series rooted in humour and magic. We’re looking forward to young audiences making connections with these characters and stories very soon, both in Ireland and abroad.”
Production starts this month, using Celaction 2D, between Karrot’s London studio and Kavaleer’s Dublin studio.
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.