Trustbridge Entertainment appoints BBC Studios to lead global expansion of 2Danimated preschool series across content, consumer products and licensing

BBC Studios and Trustbridge Entertainment have green-lit a second series of My Friend Maisy, with production set to begin later this year. BBC Studios has also been appointed by Trustbridge Entertainment to manage the brand and licensing rights for the hit preschool property globally.

Under the new agreement, BBC Studios will lead global franchise expansion for the series across consumer products, licensing and content distribution outside Greater China, with Trustbridge Entertainment retaining rights within the region.

Commissioned by Sky Kids, who are jointly funding Series 2 development work, the show is a co-production between BBC Studios Kids & Family Productions and Trustbridge Entertainment. The 52 x 5’ 2D animated preschool series is led by writer Matilda Tristram (Peppa Pig) and inspired by Lucy Cousins’ iconic Maisy books, which have sold more than 46 million copies across 100 countries in over 35 years. Published by Walker Books UK and Candlewick Press in the US, the beloved character returned to UK television screens earlier this year with the launch of the programme on Sky Kids.

Bob Higgins, President at Trustbridge Entertainment, says:

“We are delighted to be expanding our partnership with BBC Studios across global brands and licensing, as well as a second series of this much-loved brand. We know that generations who grew up with author Lucy Cousins’ beloved, distinctively drawn Maisy mouse books will be excited to share meaningful experiences and co-viewing moments with their young families.”

Suzy Raia, EVP Global Consumer Products at BBC Studios, adds: “We are hugely excited to welcome the publishing icon ‘Maisy’ into the BBC Studios’ Brands and Licensing family. The partnership marks a vibrant new chapter for the heritage brand, greatly enriches our globally respected brand portfolio, and opens the door for incredible commercial opportunities with this joyful preschool property. We are also delighted to have green lit series two, which is fantastic news for the ever-expanding fandom.”

The animated TV series, available to stream on Sky Kids and Now TV in the UK, follows the gentle and joyful adventures of Maisy and her friends. Maisy invites younger audiences into an imaginative world full of wonder, where everyday moments become extraordinary adventures – whether it’s fixing a car in her garage, flying a rocket to the moon, or slipping into a dreamscape of squiggles when she’s eating spaghetti for dinner. Always safe, always fun, because Maisy can do it all!

Since launching on Sky Kids in February, the show has demonstrated strong audience appeal and brand recognition, becoming Sky Kids’ number one show the week of launch. Momentum continues to build across digital platforms too, with the BBC Studios-managed channel on YouTube generating more than 900,000 organic views to date.

Featuring gentle, child-friendly adventures and themes of friendship that inspire confidence and togetherness, the series is well positioned for continued global growth as it joins the portfolio of internationally recognised brands, alongside hit titles including Bluey, Doctor Who and Strictly Come Dancing / Dancing With The Stars. The partnership will create new opportunities to further nurture and expand the Maisy brand across content, consumer products and licensing worldwide. It also marks another milestone in the BBC Studios’ mission to connect global brands with highly engaged, loyal audiences worldwide and create cultural capital.