Barcelona-based distributor GoldBee has closed three new broadcast deals for preschool series The Game Catchers (52 x 7.5 minutes), including a key one in the UK.

CBeebies has acquired all linear and streaming rights to the 2D/CG-animated series produced by Canada’s Sphere Animation and Studio Bozzetto in Italy, and it will be dubbed with British voice actors for a more local feel before it launches this spring on linear TV and iPlayer.

Pubcaster RTÉ has also picked up free-to-air and non-linear rights in Ireland, with Ceska Televize buying free-to-air rights in Czechia. They join existing broadcasters Knowledge Network (Canada), YLE (Finland), Canal Panda (Spain) and MediaCorp (Singapore).

Distributed worldwide by Goldbee, The Game Catchers was co-commissioned by RAI and SRC Radio-Canada in 2021. It premiered on preschool channel Rai Yoyo at the end of that same year, and both lead broadcasters have committed to a 52-ep second season. The show’s main characters travel around the galaxy, visiting new planets and playing games that enhance learning.