Animated series sold to the world's most populous country

The animated adventures of Mr Bean are to be seen in China following a new deal. 

Rights-holders Endemol Shine has sold 104 episodes of the comedy to children’s channel CCTV-14.

They comprise the original 52 episodes, which ran from 2002 to 2004 on ITV, and the 52 episodes made following a revival in 2015.

A third series is set to air in the UK and America later this year.

Cathy Payne, chief executive of Endemol Shine International said: ‘We are delighted that audiences in China will be able to enjoy the antics of Mr Bean in the animated series. Mr Bean is a truly unique character with a universal comedy that continues to resonate with children and families all around the world.’

Next year will mark 30 years since the original live action escapades of Rowan Atkinson’s hapless alter-ego first hit screens. That series ran for only 14 episodes, but since its launch it has been in continual distribution, broadcast in nearly 200 territories.

Atkinson is still involved in the animated episodes, including providing the voice.

Mr Bean is one of the most-liked pages on Facebook, with 84 million followers – more than the likes of Rihanna, Manchester Utd or Harry Potter. And in 2018 Mr Bean topped 6.5 billion views on YouTube alone

The previous year Atkinson reprised Bean for a cameo in the  film, Top Funny Comedian,  which was only released in China.

Published: 11 Feb 2019