CBBC, short for Children's BBC, is the BBC's dedicated brand and television outlet aimed primarily at children roughly between the ages of six and twelve. It presents a mix of drama, factual programming, news items for young audiences, comedy and educational shows designed to inform and entertain. The CBBC identity appears as a branded block on mainstream channels and as a separate digital service; for a younger audience the BBC uses the sister brand CBeebies.

History and brand evolution

The BBC began grouping its children's output under the name "Children's BBC" on 9 September 1985, creating a clearer identity for programming aimed at young viewers. The short form "CBBC" had been used informally since around 1990 and was adopted as the official name later, in 1997. In the years that followed the BBC expanded the brand beyond scheduled blocks, launching dedicated children's services and digital channels so that CBBC content became available throughout the day on a purpose-built channel as well as on shared BBC channels.

Where and how CBBC is broadcast

CBBC programmes are shown in several places across the BBC's network: on BBC One and BBC Two during daytime and early evening slots, and on the standalone CBBC channel. The brand also appears online through the BBC's streaming and on-demand services, allowing children to watch series and clips at different times. On the main channels the output is often presented as "CBBC One" or "CBBC Two" blocks to signal the target audience and style of programmes.

Production, organisation and programme types

CBBC is organised by the BBC Children's department, which develops and commissions shows for a range of young audiences. Production takes place at several BBC centres, historically with many teams based in the Television Centre's East Tower in London (Television Centre) and with contributors and studios in Scotland and Bristol. The output includes scripted drama (drama), child-focused news segments (news), entertainment and game formats (entertainment) as well as factual and educational shows. The BBC’s children’s output is often organised into age-related strands: CBeebies for preschoolers, CBBC for older children, and separate provision historically targeted at teenagers.

Audience, significance and notable facts

  • Targeted audience: CBBC is intended primarily for children aged about six to twelve, sitting between the preschool remit of CBeebies and youth-focused strands for older teens.
  • Editorial role: the BBC Children's department manages scheduling, commissioning and brand strategy; at different times this leadership has included named controllers and creative directors (for example, the post was held by Richard Deverell in February 2006).
  • Varied formats: CBBC mixes long-running series, one-off dramas, factual shows, magazine programmes and short-form content for multiplatform distribution.
  • Public-service remit: as part of the BBC's public broadcasting remit, CBBC combines entertainment with educational and informational aims, adapting to changes in viewing habits and digital delivery.

CBBC remains a prominent and recognisable part of British children's broadcasting. Its name and visual identity have evolved over decades to reflect changing technology and audience needs, while continuing to serve as a primary source of domestic children's television across linear channels and online platforms.

For further reading on programming strands, commissioning and service availability see the CBBC pages and historical notes on the evolution of children's broadcasting in the BBC archives and public summaries (drama, news, entertainment).