Get ready for a blast from the past as ITV is set to bring back the classic British comedy series. Brace yourselves, Mr Bean fans, as the iconic Mr Bean: An Animated Series is returning for its fourth season.
The news of the animated series’ comeback has sent waves of excitement among fans globally. Mr Bean, the beloved character created by Rowan Atkinson, became a cultural phenomenon. Furthermore, the animated version is no exception. Since its inception in 2002, the animated series has tickled funny bones in 195 territories, gaining billions of views on YouTube and amassing millions of followers on social media. Mr Bean’s popularity has soared to great heights, rivalling even the likes of global icons such as Justin Bieber.
The genius behind Mr Bean, Rowan Atkinson, is just as thrilled about the comeback as the fans. In his own words, Atkinson expressed his enthusiasm, saying, “I have always enjoyed this iteration of the Mr Bean character and the particular freedoms he has in animated form. We can take him into space or down a tin mine, without me personally having to suffer the consequences. The animated process creatively is always fascinating, and I’m looking forward to getting stuck into the new series very much.”
Mr Bean Still A Passion For Rowan Atkinson
However, it seems that the real-life portrayal of Mr Bean wasn’t as enjoyable for Atkinson. The 68-year-old actor candidly shared his thoughts, revealing, “I don’t much enjoy playing him. The weight of responsibility is not pleasant. I find it stressful and exhausting, and I look forward to the end of it. I don’t actually like the process of making anything – with the possible exception of Blackadder, because the responsibility for making that series funny was on many shoulders, not just mine.”
The return of Mr Bean: An Animated Series is a nostalgic journey for fans who have been following the character since its debut in the self-titled sitcom in January 1990. Now, after 35 years of laughs, pranks, and unforgettable moments, Mr Bean is back, promising 52 new episodes of animated mischief with his ever-present sidekick, Teddy.
Scheduled to air in 2025, the new season will be available on ITV and ITVX in the UK and Warner Bros Discovery globally. Darren Nartey, Senior Acquisitions Manager for Film and Kids at ITVX, expressed the network’s excitement. He stated, “We are so looking forward to welcoming back a British icon to ITVX Kids in 2025, and can’t wait to share more of Mr Bean’s unique sense of humour with the young and the young-at-heart.”
ITV “Excited” For Much Anticipated Comeback
The original live-action series of Mr Bean, co-created by Rowan Atkinson and Richard Curtis, first graced screens in 1990. Since then, it has become a global sensation, captivating audiences in 195 territories. Now, with the animated series making a triumphant return, Mr Bean’s legacy continues to grow.
Tiger Aspect Kids & Family, part of Banijay Kids & Family, will produce the new series, with Dave Osborne directing. Tom Beattie, MD Tiger Aspect Kids & Family/Series Producer, expressed his delight. His statement read, “It’s a real pleasure to have the opportunity to go back to such a special series. Mr Bean is an iconic comedy legend, and it’s an honour to work with Rowan to create this physically funny series.”
Cathy Payne, CEO Banijay Rights, added, “One of the most loved characters in television comedy history, Mr Bean’s amusing escapades are cherished by children and families across the world. So we’re thrilled to continue our long-standing partnership with Warner Bros Discovery and ITV on this wonderful animated series which captures Bean’s world so brilliantly.”