Dublin-produced children's show BeddyByes secures Disney deal

BeddyByes, an animated series aimed at pre-school children made by Dublin-based JAM Media, has secured global distribution with Disney and will made available to millions of households worldwide next year.

JAM Media and and distributor Thunderbird Distribution have agreed a deal with the entertainment giant that grants US linear television rights to Disney Jr and global subscription video on demand (SVOD) rights to Disney+.

BeddyByes will be served alongside established programming such as Bluey, Mickey Mouse Clubhouse+ and Marvel’s Spidey and his Amazing Friends when it premieres on Disney+ in early 2026.

The show is broadcast by RTÉ in Ireland and the BBC in the UK.

Created and produced by JAM Media’s John Rice and Alan Shannon, BeddyByes is an animated series that "supports healthy sleeping habits for preschoolers."

Each episode follows a familiar daily routine that is easy for young children to follow (playtime, mealtime, bathtime and bedtime) and a calming journey to sleep, both of which experts recommend.

The CG-animated pre-school series is an original co-production for the BBC and RTÉ and premiered on the BBC iPlayer and RTÉ Player in May 2025 before first airing on Cbeebies and RTÉ Jr in June.

BeddyByes was regularly in the top 10 shows for pre-schoolers on the BBC when it was released earlier this year, and Nordic public broadcasters DR (Denmark), YLE (Finland) and SVT (Sweden) have also licensed the series.

“We’re delighted that BeddyByes has found a home on Disney Jr. and Disney+,” said Rice, CEO of JAM Media.

“This series was designed to help little ones and their families establish healthy sleep routines through gentle storytelling, music and visuals.

"To see it showcased on such a trusted global platform is incredibly rewarding, and we’re excited for preschoolers everywhere to welcome MeMo, BaBa and friends into their daily wind-down rituals.”

“BeddyByes is a delightful series that makes bedtime something kids look forward to,” said Ayo Davis, president of Disney Branded Television. 

“Adding it to Disney Jr. and Disney+’s industry-leading preschool slate reflects our commitment to serving preschoolers at every stage of their development with stories filled with magic, wonder and heart.”

Thunderbird Distribution acquired global media, excluding the UK, Ireland and Finland, and certain rights in Denmark and Sweden, and global consumer product rights to BeddyByes in 2024.

*This article was originally published on BusinessPlus.ie.