Banijay Kids & Family has finalized a significant deal with Sky UK to bring the full library of the preschool animation series Little Princess to its platforms. The agreement, announced during the Mipcom market in Cannes, covers the complete catalog of 135 episodes and multiple specials, marking a major transition for the heritage brand as it secures a new broadcast home in the United Kingdom.
The deal represents a broader push for the franchise across Europe. In addition to the Sky UK acquisition, Banijay Kids & Family Distribution has confirmed several other international sales. Nordisk Film has acquired SVOD rights for the first three seasons and the specials for Denmark, Norway, Sweden, Finland, and Iceland. Meanwhile, Italy’s TIMVISION and RTV Slovenia have both secured rights to the first two seasons of the series.
A Legacy of Preschool Content
Produced by The Illuminated Film Company and based on the beloved children’s books by author and illustrator Tony Ross, Little Princess has been a staple of the preschool market since its debut in 2006. The series follows the relatable adventures of a young princess living in a castle, navigating the challenges of childhood alongside her family and household staff.
The show features a recognizable voice cast, led by Jane Horrocks in the title role. Julian Clary served as the narrator for the first three seasons, with Rufus Jones taking over narration duties for the fourth season, which was produced between 2018 and 2020. Over its nearly two-decade run, the series has reached audiences in more than 140 territories worldwide.
Strategic Demand for Established IP
The move to Sky UK highlights a current industry trend where broadcasters and streaming platforms are prioritizing “safe bet” legacy content with proven audience appeal.
While the production officially consists of four seasons, some streaming platforms, including Sky’s NOW service, may categorize the content into five blocks to account for the inclusion of various specials. This latest deal ensures that the full breadth of the series remains available to young viewers through major regional broadcasters and streaming services across the European market.
