BBC Studios

BBC Studios is the BBC’s commercial production, distribution and international brands business. Operating as a self-funding commercial subsidiary group, it creates, develops, produces, distributes and commercialises television, film and audio content for the BBC and third-party broadcasters and streaming services. Its commercial returns support the BBC’s public-service broadcasting mission.

The contemporary group was formed on 1 April 2018 through the merger of BBC Studios’ production operations with BBC Worldwide’s commercial distribution business. Its work spans scripted drama, comedy, entertainment, factual programming, natural history, science, children’s content, audio, live events and branded storytelling.

Content and distribution

BBC Studios combines production capabilities with international content sales, format licensing, co-production financing and rights management. Its Content Studio includes specialist production units such as the Natural History Unit and Science Unit, alongside drama, entertainment, comedy, audio and factual teams. Through its channels and streaming activities, the group also operates international BBC-branded services and owns businesses including UKTV and BritBox International.

Its commercial activity includes:

• Television and film development, production and post-production
• International programme licensing, format sales and distribution
• Co-production, development and financing partnerships
• Branded and digital content through BBC StoryWorks
• Audio drama and podcast production
• Consumer-products licensing and live entertainment based on its intellectual property

Selected work

BBC Studios’ production, co-production and distribution catalogue includes Bluey, Doctor Who, Planet Earth II, Planet Earth III, Prehistoric Planet, Strictly Come Dancing, EastEnders, Casualty, The Traitors, Top Gear, Silent Witness, Morning Live, Sherlock and The Great British Bake Off.

The company works with broadcasters and platforms internationally, including Disney+, Netflix, Apple TV+, Amazon Prime Video, PBS, France Télévisions and ZDF. Its global business encompasses production, sales, streaming, channels, formats and franchise management.