For nearly two decades, the animated stories of Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler have been a staple of British Christmas television. From the moment The Gruffalo first aired on BBC One in 2009, audiences have returned year after year for new adaptations. In 2025, the BBC has made the entire collection of 13 Magic Light Pictures specials available on BBC iPlayer, including the brand‑new festive film The Scarecrow’s Wedding.
The move is part of a deliberate strategy to position iPlayer as the one‑stop destination for families. Martin Pope, joint CEO of Magic Light Pictures, described the service as “the home of Gruffalo and Friends”, where viewers can experience “imagination, warmth and wonder”. With Tiddler – the 2024 addition – having reached 7.3 million viewers on Christmas Day, the appetite for these stories shows no sign of fading.
This article provides a clear, fact‑based guide to the Julia Donaldson BBC iPlayer collection in 2025: which films are available, what is new, how to watch, and what remains uncertain about the future of the line‑up.
What Julia Donaldson films are available on BBC iPlayer?
The BBC iPlayer collection includes all 13 animated specials produced by Magic Light Pictures. The library spans from the 2009 classic The Gruffalo through to the 2025 release The Scarecrow’s Wedding. Below is a quick overview of what the collection contains, what has changed for 2025, and how to access it.
What’s on iPlayer
- The Gruffalo (2009)
- The Gruffalo’s Child (2011)
- Stick Man (2015)
- Zog (2018)
- Zog and the Flying Doctors (2020)
- Superworm (2021)
- Tiddler (2024)
- The Scarecrow’s Wedding (2025)
Plus five more titles, including Room on the Broom, Tabby McTat, and others.
2025 Updates
The Scarecrow’s Wedding is the only new animated special added in 2025. No title has been removed as of early 2025. The BBC also produced three new festive idents featuring Donaldson characters, which debuted on 30 November 2025.
How to Watch
You need a UK TV licence and a free BBC account. Search “Julia Donaldson” in iPlayer, or visit the dedicated programme page at BBC iPlayer – Julia Donaldson Collection. The collection works on smart TVs, tablets, phones, and web browsers.
Alternatives
Very few Donaldson adaptations are on Netflix. iPlayer remains the primary UK platform. Outside the UK, availability varies on Amazon Prime and other services.
Key insights about the collection:
- BBC iPlayer is the primary UK platform for Julia Donaldson adaptations, hosting all 13 Magic Light Pictures specials.
- Tiddler (2024) is the most searched title and achieved 7.3 million viewers on Christmas Day – the largest audience for a Magic Light adaptation since The Gruffalo in 2009.
- Users often confuse Zog and Zog and the Flying Doctors – they are separate films with distinct plots.
- Netflix has very few Julia Donaldson adaptations; iPlayer is the dominant platform in the UK.
- The 2025 Christmas special The Scarecrow’s Wedding is the 13th collaboration between Donaldson and Scheffler.
- Three new festive idents featuring Donaldson characters debuted on 30 November 2025, after Strictly Come Dancing results.
| Title | Release Year | iPlayer Available | Duration | Target Age |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| The Gruffalo | 2009 | Yes | 27 min | Ages 3+ |
| The Gruffalo’s Child | 2011 | Yes | 27 min | Ages 3+ |
| Zog | 2018 | Yes | 27 min | Ages 3+ |
| Zog and the Flying Doctors | 2020 | Yes | 28 min | Ages 3+ |
| Tiddler | 2024 | Yes | 28 min | Ages 2+ |
| The Scarecrow’s Wedding | 2024 | Yes | 27 min | Ages 3+ |
| Superworm | 2021 | Yes | 28 min | Ages 3+ |
| Stick Man | 2015 | Yes | 27 min | Ages 3+ |
Is Tiddler on BBC iPlayer in 2025?
Yes, Tiddler – the animated adaptation of Donaldson and Scheffler’s book about a young fish – is available on BBC iPlayer throughout 2025. It was added in 2024 as the Christmas special and is part of the permanent collection alongside the other titles.
Tiddler availability and duration on iPlayer
Tiddler was first broadcast on BBC One on Christmas Day 2024. According to the BBC, it achieved 7.3 million viewers, making it the most‑watched Magic Light Christmas animation since The Gruffalo. As of early 2025, the film remains on iPlayer with no announced removal date.
Tiddler reached 7.3 million viewers on Christmas Day 2024 – the largest audience share for a Magic Light adaptation on that day since The Gruffalo aired in 2009. The BBC has not indicated when the title will be removed from iPlayer.
Other recent Julia Donaldson additions in 2025
The only new addition in 2025 is The Scarecrow’s Wedding, which premiered during the festive season. It is narrated by Sophie Okonedo, with voices from Rob Brydon, Jessie Buckley, and Domhnall Gleeson. All other specials from previous years remain accessible.
Is Zog and the Flying Doctors on BBC iPlayer?
Yes, Zog and the Flying Doctors (2020) is available on BBC iPlayer as part of the collection. It is a sequel to the 2018 film Zog, which is also on the platform.
Zog and the Flying Doctors plot and cast
The film follows Princess Pearl, who decides to become a flying doctor alongside Zog and Sir Gadabout. The voice cast includes Lenny Henry, Tracey Ullman, and Hugh Skinner. The BBC iPlayer page for Zog and the Flying Doctors provides synopsis and duration details.
Difference between Zog and Zog and the Flying Doctors
Zog (2018) introduces the young dragon and his adventures at dragon school. Zog and the Flying Doctors is a separate 28‑minute special that continues the story with a new career path for the characters. Both are available on iPlayer, but they are distinct programmes – a common point of confusion among viewers.
When searching in iPlayer, type “Zog” to find both the original (2018) and the sequel (2020). They appear as separate episodes. The sequel is labelled Zog and the Flying Doctors.
Are there Julia Donaldson movies on Netflix instead?
Netflix has very few Julia Donaldson adaptations available in the UK. The BBC has secured the UK broadcast rights for nearly all of the Magic Light Pictures slate, making iPlayer the main platform for families.
Julia Donaldson films on Netflix (if any)
As of early 2025, only two Donaldson adaptations are confirmed on Netflix in selected regions: The Gruffalo and The Gruffalo’s Child have appeared intermittently. For UK users, iPlayer offers the complete collection, while Netflix’s library is limited and subject to change.
Comparison of iPlayer vs Netflix availability
iPlayer currently hosts 13 Donaldson‑Scheffler specials, all produced by Magic Light Pictures. Netflix, by contrast, has at most two titles and no dedicated collection. The BBC’s long‑term partnership with Magic Light means iPlayer will likely remain the exclusive home for new releases such as The Scarecrow’s Wedding.
If you are in the UK and want to watch the full Julia Donaldson film series, iPlayer is the only place that offers all 13 animated specials. Netflix availability is patchy and does not include the most recent titles like Tiddler or The Scarecrow’s Wedding.
What CBeebies Julia Donaldson shows are on iPlayer?
The animated specials are grouped under the CBeebies section of BBC iPlayer, making them easy to find for families with preschool children. The collection is suitable for ages 2 and up.
iPlayer CBeebies collection for preschoolers
All 13 films are rated U and have gentle themes. They appear in the CBeebies category along with other preschool content. The BBC has also added special playlists such as “The Gruffalo & Friends” for easy browsing at BBC iPlayer – Gruffalo & Friends.
Other Julia Donaldson content on BBC (TV specials, readings)
Beyond the animated films, Julia Donaldson has appeared in BBC programmes such as Bookclub and The Truth about Christmas – but these are not part of the iPlayer collection. The 13‑title animation library remains the core offering on the platform.
When was the Julia Donaldson collection added to BBC iPlayer?
The collection has grown gradually since 2009, with each new title being added to iPlayer after its TV broadcast. Below is a timeline of key release and addition dates.
- 2009 – The Gruffalo premieres on BBC One and later appears on iPlayer.
- 2011 – The Gruffalo’s Child released on BBC.
- 2015 – Stick Man debuts on BBC.
- 2018 – Zog added to iPlayer.
- 2020 – Zog and the Flying Doctors becomes available.
- 2021 – Superworm premieres on BBC.
- 2024 – Tiddler and The Scarecrow’s Wedding added to iPlayer.
- 2025 – Collection remains fully active; no announced removals as of early 2025.
How long will Julia Donaldson films stay on BBC iPlayer?
BBC iPlayer does not publish fixed expiry dates for its children’s content. While some programmes are available for a limited window, popular titles often remain for a year or more. Based on available information, the following is established and what remains unclear.
| Established information | Information that remains unclear |
|---|---|
| All 13 films are currently available on BBC iPlayer (as of early 2025). | Exact removal dates are not publicly announced; iPlayer rights vary by title. |
| BBC owns the UK broadcast rights for these Magic Light Pictures productions. | Whether any new Julia Donaldson adaptations will launch in 2025 is unconfirmed. |
| Tiddler and The Scarecrow’s Wedding were added in 2024. | Netflix availability outside the UK may differ – this article focuses on UK iPlayer. |
Why is the Julia Donaldson iPlayer collection so popular?
Julia Donaldson’s books, illustrated by Axel Scheffler, have sold millions of copies worldwide. The BBC has produced nearly all of the major animated adaptations, making iPlayer the natural home for fans. The stories appeal across generations – parents who grew up with The Gruffalo now share it with their own children.
Tiddler is the most recent addition (2024) and has generated high search interest. The iPlayer collection also benefits from its placement within the CBeebies section, ensuring visibility among preschool families. The combination of high‑quality animation, memorable voice casts, and the trusted BBC brand keeps viewership strong year after year.
According to Martin Pope, joint CEO of Magic Light Pictures, BBC iPlayer serves as “the home of Gruffalo and Friends”, allowing families to enjoy the entire collection together, emphasising “imagination, warmth and wonder”.
Where can I find official information about the Julia Donaldson collection?
The BBC provides several official pages listing titles, durations, and age guidance. The following sources are the most authoritative:
“BBC iPlayer is the home of Gruffalo and Friends … allowing families to enjoy the entire collection of specials together, emphasising themes of imagination, warmth and wonder.”
– Martin Pope, joint CEO of Magic Light Pictures (source: BBC iPlayer collection page)
Additional official pages include the BBC Media Centre – Tiddler press release and the Wikipedia list of adaptations (community‑sourced, use with caution). The author’s own site at Julia Donaldson official website provides book information but not broadcast rights details.
What is the key takeaway about the Julia Donaldson iPlayer collection?
For UK families, BBC iPlayer is the definitive place to watch Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler’s animated stories. The complete library of 13 specials, including the 2025 release The Scarecrow’s Wedding, is available now. While exact expiry dates are unknown, the collection shows no sign of shrinking. For more context, see the Julia Donaldson BBC iPlayer Collection 2025: Comprehensive Research Summary.
Frequently asked questions
Can I watch Julia Donaldson films on BBC iPlayer outside the UK?
BBC iPlayer is geo‑restricted to the UK. International viewers may find some films on Netflix or Amazon Prime, but availability varies by region.
Are Julia Donaldson movies suitable for babies or toddlers?
Yes, most films are rated U and are appropriate for ages 2+, with gentle themes and colourful animation.
Does BBC iPlayer have all Julia Donaldson books as animated films?
Not all. There are about 10‑12 animated adaptations on iPlayer. Popular books like The Paper Dolls or The Giant Jam Sandwich are not yet produced.
Is there a Julia Donaldson channel on iPlayer?
No dedicated channel, but the ‘Julia Donaldson Collection’ programme page groups all available films together.
Is Superworm available on BBC iPlayer?
Yes, Superworm (2021) is part of the collection on iPlayer and can be found by searching the title or browsing the Gruffalo & Friends group.
