Deal Overview
In a strategic move that strengthens Sky UK’s children’s portfolio, Banijay Kids & Family has agreed to sell the complete catalog of the British preschool animation series Little Princess. The transaction gives Sky the rights to broadcast all existing episodes and to explore new revenue streams such as merchandising and digital extensions.
Parties Involved
The seller, Banijay Kids & Family, is a leading producer of children’s content with a presence in more than 20 markets. The buyer, Sky UK, operates the largest pay‑TV platform in the United Kingdom and has been expanding its family‑friendly offering in recent years.
Scope of the Acquisition
The agreement covers the entire back‑catalog of Little Princess, which includes over 80 episodes, spin‑off shorts and related educational assets. Sky will also receive the associated music and sound‑effects libraries, allowing the broadcaster to create localized versions for its regional markets.
Impact on British Preschool Television
Since its debut, Little Princess has become a staple for early‑year viewers. The series follows a curious young girl who explores everyday life through imaginative play. Its gentle storytelling and bright visual style have earned it a loyal audience and critical recognition.
Audience Reach
By adding the series to its lineup, Sky expects to attract families looking for high‑quality, educational content. The broadcaster plans to feature the show in its dedicated children’s block, which already includes titles such as Peppa Pig and Hey Duggee. Early projections suggest a potential increase of up to 15% in viewership among the under‑six demographic during the first quarter after launch.
Potential for New Content
Sky’s acquisition opens the door for co‑production opportunities. The platform has expressed interest in commissioning new episodes that reflect contemporary themes such as sustainability and digital safety. If green‑lit, these episodes could be produced in collaboration with Banijay’s European studios, ensuring continuity of the series’ signature aesthetic.
International Distribution Expansion
Beyond the United Kingdom, the deal includes parallel distribution agreements that extend the series to additional territories. These arrangements are part of a broader strategy to capitalize on the series’ BAFTA pedigree and its appeal to global preschool audiences.
Nordisk Film partnership
Nordic markets will receive the catalog through a partnership with Nordisk Film. The collaboration leverages Nordisk’s extensive network in Scandinavia, allowing the series to be dubbed into Danish, Swedish and Norwegian.
RTV Slovenia and TIM Italy
In Central Europe, RTV Slovenia will broadcast the series on its children’s channel, while TIM in Italy will handle digital distribution across its streaming platforms. Both partners plan to integrate the show into their educational programming blocks.
Awards and Critical Acclaim
Little Princess is a four‑time nominee for the BAFTA Children’s Awards, recognized for its storytelling, animation quality and contribution to early learning. The series has also received praise from child development experts for promoting problem‑solving skills and emotional intelligence.
- 2018 BAFTA nomination – Best Animation
- 2019 BAFTA nomination – Best Pre‑School Programme
- 2020 BAFTA nomination – Best Animation
- 2021 BAFTA nomination – Best Pre‑School Programme
What This Means for Sky Subscribers
Sky subscribers will gain immediate on‑demand access to the full series via the Sky Go app and the Sky Kids channel. The broadcaster plans to schedule weekly premieres of classic episodes alongside new content, creating a balanced viewing experience for families.
Access on Sky platforms
The series will be available in HD quality and will feature optional subtitles in multiple languages, supporting inclusive viewing for children with hearing impairments.
Future programming strategy
Industry analysts suggest that the acquisition signals Sky’s intent to deepen its investment in original children’s programming. By securing a proven franchise, Sky can allocate resources to develop complementary titles that reinforce its educational mission.
Industry Perspective
Experts view the deal as a win‑win for both parties. Banijay retains the ability to license the series in regions outside Sky’s remit, while Sky strengthens its content library without the upfront costs of production. The move also reflects a broader trend of broadcasters acquiring established IP to meet the growing demand for safe, high‑quality children’s media.
As the media landscape continues to evolve, deals like this illustrate how traditional pay‑TV operators are adapting to compete with streaming giants by offering curated, award‑winning content for young audiences.
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