The BBC is launching a dedicated CBeebies Parenting YouTube channel with a five-part documentary series featuring Charlie Hedges, Leanne Quigley, Krept, Ollie Locke-Locke and Dani Dyer.
Parenting Unscripted, the channel’s first YouTube original, launches on October 9 with a film fronted by BBC Radio 1 presenter Hedges. Further documentaries will be released weekly, with all five also available on BBC iPlayer.
The series follows the contributors’ experiences of parenthood, exploring subjects including parenting confidence, children’s independence, co-parenting and the impact of becoming parents on relationships.
Kate Morton, senior head of commissioning, 0–6, BBC Children’s and Education, said: “Creating the Parenting Unscripted documentaries specifically for YouTube demonstrates our commitment to parents to support them wherever they are.”
She added: “Parenting comes with a lot of advice whether it’s wanted or not, but these documentaries will help parents and carers feel seen and to know that we are in this journey with them when they need us. What connects every film is the reassurance that there is no perfect way to parent and nobody has to work everything out alone.”
Hedges’ documentary examines the pressure to get parenting right and learning to trust her instincts. It includes her appearance with her daughter on CBeebies Bedtime Stories, broadcast on October 2, which the BBC says marked the first time a parent had read a story alongside their child.
Hedges said: “I feel like shyness just isn’t talked about enough, yet it can shape so much of who we are and how we navigate the world. Making this documentary with my daughter and family has been incredibly personal and a beautiful journey, and I hope it shows that being shy doesn’t have to hold you back from doing big things.”
Quigley’s film explores balancing children’s freedom with parents’ instinct to protect them, while Krept discusses co-parenting and combining fatherhood with his music career and business commitments. Locke-Locke is joined by his husband Gareth to examine relationships and communication after becoming parents. Dyer’s documentary considers gentle parenting and different approaches to raising children.
Alison Lomax, MD of YouTube UK&I, said: “By sharing real, honest experiences, the series will give parents the reassurance, advice and sense of community they need – a brilliant reflection of the BBC’s commitment to supporting families at every stage of their journey.”
Each film will be accompanied by an episode of the CBeebies Parenting Download podcast featuring the documentary’s contributor, extending the discussion with practical, expert-backed support.
The BBC’s increased emphasis on YouTube originals echoes developments at BBC Studios, which has introduced original digital first content across a range of genres this year.
