3rd & Bird

{{Infobox television

| image = BBC 3rd & Bird Logo.png

| caption =

| runtime = 10 minutes approx.

| creator = Josh Selig

| director = Jennifer Oxley

| producer = {{Plainlist|

Josh Selig,
Fred Weinberg

}}

| company = {{Plainlist|

CBeebies Productions{{Cite web|url=https://www.c21media.net/news/cbeebies-unveils-preschooler-first/|title = CBeebies unveils preschooler first}}
Little Airplane Productions{{Cite web|url=https://www.c21media.net/news/cbeebies-unveils-preschooler-first/|title = CBeebies unveils preschooler first}}

}}

| executive_producer = {{Plainlist|

Josh Selig
Kay Benbow
Chris Rose

}}

| starring = {{Plainlist|

Sam Lewis
Eden Jarrett
Morgan Gayle
Michael Fenton Stevens
Anna Nygh
Charlotte Leslie-Cameron
Preston Nyman
David Beckford
Candida Gubbins
Ethann Lewis
Reiss Lewin

}}

| country = {{hlist|United Kingdom|United States}}

| language = English

| network = CBeebies

| first_aired = {{Start date|2008|07|01|df=y}}

| last_aired = {{End date|2010|07|31|df=y}}

| num_series = 2

| num_episodes = 52{{cite web|url=https://www.animationmagazine.net/2008/03/bbc-gets-3rd-bird/|title=BBC Gets 3rd & Bird|work=Animation Magazine|last=Ball|first=Ryan|date=March 2008}}{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/pressoffice/bbcworldwide/worldwidestories/pressreleases/2008/03_march/bird.shtml|title=BBC Worldwide announce global distribution rights for hotly tipped pre-school series 3rd & Bird|work=BBC|date=20 March 2008}}

| list_episodes =

| related = Oobi, Wonder Pets!

}}

3rd & Bird is a children's animated television series created by Josh Selig and directed by Jennifer Oxley. The series was animated by Little Airplane Productions, which opened a second studio in London to produce it.{{cite web |url=http://www.littleairplane.com/whats-new/default.aspx |title=What's New at Little Airplane |website=www.littleairplane.com |access-date=12 January 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080729034350/http://www.littleairplane.com/whats-new/default.aspx |archive-date=29 July 2008 |url-status=dead}} The show revolves around a community of birds and their adventures. It was broadcast on the BBC's CBeebies channel from 1 July 2008 to 31 July 2010. Described in its initial press release as "a charming new animated series all about community",{{cite web|url=http://www.tvthrong.co.uk/cbeebies/cbeebies-new-shows-carrie-davids-popshop-grandpa-in-my-pocket-3rd-bird|title=CBeebies: New Shows - Carrie & David's Popshop, Grandpa in My Pocket, 3rd & Bird|date=25 August 2007|access-date=29 December 2017}} the show's format generally involves one or more of the characters encountering a problem which must be solved using the social skills which pre-school children must develop in order to make their way in the world.

The show uses "photo-puppetry",{{cite news|url=http://www.bbc.co.uk/pressoffice/bbcworldwide/worldwidestories/pressreleases/2010/04_april/3rd_bird_disney.shtml|title=BBC Worldwide announces U.S. sale of 3rd & Bird! to Disney Channel|publisher=BBC Worldwide|date=12 April 2010|access-date=26 December 2017}} an animation style created by Jennifer Oxley that uses photos of real animals and moves them using Adobe After Effects.{{Cite web|url=https://www.postmagazine.com/Publications/Post-Magazine/2008/August-1-2008/ANIMATION-THE-WONDER-PETS-.aspx|title=Post Magazine - ANIMATION: 'THE WONDER PETS!'|website=www.postmagazine.com}} This same animation style was used for Little Airplane's previous show Wonder Pets! and the scene transitions on Oobi.

Characters

=Main=

Samuel (voiced by Sam Lewis) is the eldest of the Lovebird children, Samuel is a green lovebird. He acts as a role model to his younger sister, Muffin, and often tries to teach her how to be responsible.
Muffin (voiced by Eden Jarrett) is a pink lovebird and Samuel's younger sister. Not yet old enough to fly, she usually rides on Samuel's back. Muffin calls Samuel "Sam'el," Rudy "Udy," and Mr. Beakman "Beaky."
Rudy (voiced by Morgan Gayle) is a cockatoo (despite resembling a cockatiel more closely) and Samuel's best friend. She wears a bracelet of colored beads on her ankle.
Mr. Beakman (voiced by Michael Fenton Stevens) is the children's teacher, a wise but somewhat pompous toucan who frequently acts as the voice of parental authority. He shows an interest in mariachi bands.

=Supporting=

Mrs. Billingsley (voiced by Anna Nygh) is a New Zealand gardening kiwi and the oldest bird in the treetop community. She wears a sunhat and is incapable of flying, which occasionally causes problems.
Missy (voiced by Charlotte Leslie-Cameron) is a fashionable great blue turaco who speaks with a thick French accent. She refers to Samuel and his friends as "little birds."
Quinn (voiced by Preston Nyman) is a teenage puffin inventor and technical whizz whose creations often feature in the younger birds' activities. The younger birds look up to him.
Mr. and Mrs. Lovebird (voiced by David Beckford and Candida Gubbins, respectively) are Samuel and Muffin's parents, with Northern English accents. Despite being rarely seen, they care deeply for their children. Mr Lovebird is the tree's caretaker.
Baby Jordan (voiced by Reiss Lewin) is Mr. Beakman's nephew, who often uses big words like his father. He calls Muffin "Uffin."
Elliot (voiced by George Phillips) is a worm who is friends with Samuel, Muffin, and Rudy.
The ant is one of the few minor characters in 3rd & Bird, an unnamed insect.
'Ben is a minor character in 3rd & Bird'', a sophisticated pig. He travels from tree to tree, helping birds in need.
The birds are minor characters in 3rd & Bird. They are unnamed tropical birds that appear along with the major and recurring bird characters.
The butterfly is a minor character in 3rd & Bird, an unnamed insect.
The cow is a minor character in 3rd & Bird, an unnamed farm animal seen at the end of Muffin's Friend! as a joke. Muffin introduces the character as one of her friends.
The crab is a minor character in 3rd & Bird, an unnamed crustacean.
The cricket is a minor character in 3rd & Bird, an unnamed insect.
The fireflies are minor characters in 3rd & Bird. They provide Muffin and Baby Jordan a way home after getting lost.
The fly is one of the few minor characters in 3rd & Bird, an unnamed insect.
The frogs are minor characters in 3rd & Bird, unnamed amphibians.
The Grand Budgie is a minor character in 3rd & Bird, the leader of the Budgie troop. He is a blue-footed booby bird.
The hawk is a minor character in 3rd & Bird, as well as one of the only antagonists in the series.
The hummingbirds are minor characters in 3rd & Bird, two unnamed birds.
The Jamaican party guests are minor characters in 3rd & Bird. They only appear in the series finale.
The kitten is a minor character in 3rd & Bird, a young cat.
The ladybird is a minor character in 3rd & Bird, an unnamed insect.
The mice are minor characters in 3rd & Bird. They are a family of rodents.
The owl is a minor character in 3rd & Bird, an unnamed bird.
The Peacock Prince is a minor character in 3rd & Bird, a royal peacock. He wants to be treated like a normal bird, despite his status.
The rabbit is a minor character in 3rd & Bird, seen at the beginning of the theme song in every episode. It also makes an appearance in Down to Earth!, an episode from season two.
The Snail is a minor character that appears in the show 3rd & Bird.
The spider is one of the few minor characters in 3rd & Bird, an unnamed arachnid.
The Squirrel is a minor character in 3rd & Bird. It is spotted by Mr. Lovebird and Muffin, when it is stuck in a tree hole.
The worms are minor characters in 3rd & Bird, various similar-looking earthworms.
Ziggy the Parrot is a minor character in 3rd & Bird, a singing parrot from Jamaica. He is voiced by guest star Ziggy Marley.

The cast also includes world champion musical whistler, Michael Barimo, whose whistling accompanies the music of the show.

Episodes

The series ran for a total of 52 episodes, including a two-part Christmas special ("A Very Squooky Christmas").

=Season 1 (2008–2009)=

{{Episode table |background=#2656A4 |overall=5 |season=5 |title=20 |airdate=15 |airdateR={{cite web|url=http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b00cdv9q/episodes/2008 |title=CBeebies Programmes – 3rd and Bird – Episodes from 2008 |publisher=BBC |access-date=2012-06-15}}{{cite web|url=http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b00cdv9q/episodes/2010 |title=CBeebies Programmes – 3rd and Bird – Episodes from 2010 |publisher=BBC |access-date=2012-06-15}}|episodes=

{{Episode list

|EpisodeNumber=1

|EpisodeNumber2=1

|Title=Fly, Muffin

|OriginalAirDate={{Start date|2008|07|01|df=yes}}

|ShortSummary=

|LineColor=2656A4

}}

{{Episode list

|EpisodeNumber=2

|EpisodeNumber2=2

|Title=Bird Theatre

|OriginalAirDate={{Start date|2008|07|08|df=yes}}

|ShortSummary=

|LineColor=2656A4

}}

{{Episode list

|EpisodeNumber=3

|EpisodeNumber2=3

|Title=A Chorus for Us

|OriginalAirDate={{Start date|2008|07|15|df=yes}}

|ShortSummary=

|LineColor=2656A4

}}

{{Episode list

|EpisodeNumber=4

|EpisodeNumber2=4

|Title=To Play or not to Play

|OriginalAirDate={{Start date|2008|07|22|df=yes}}

|ShortSummary=

|LineColor=2656A4

}}

{{Episode list

|EpisodeNumber=5

|EpisodeNumber2=5

|Title=Muffin Express

|OriginalAirDate={{Start date|2008|07|29|df=yes}}

|ShortSummary=

|LineColor=2656A4

}}

{{Episode list

|EpisodeNumber=6

|EpisodeNumber2=6

|Title=The Rudy Show

|OriginalAirDate={{Start date|2008|08|05|df=yes}}

|ShortSummary=

|LineColor=2656A4

}}

{{Episode list

|EpisodeNumber=7

|EpisodeNumber2=7

|Title=Super Slide

|OriginalAirDate={{Start date|2008|08|12|df=yes}}

|ShortSummary=

|LineColor=2656A4

}}

{{Episode list

|EpisodeNumber=8

|EpisodeNumber2=8

|Title=Costume Party

|OriginalAirDate={{Start date|2008|08|19|df=yes}}

|ShortSummary=

|LineColor=2656A4

}}

{{Episode list

|EpisodeNumber=9

|EpisodeNumber2=9

|Title=Meet Elliott

|OriginalAirDate={{Start date|2008|08|26|df=yes}}

|ShortSummary=

|LineColor=2656A4

}}

{{Episode list

|EpisodeNumber=10

|EpisodeNumber2=10

|Title=Pogo Nest

|OriginalAirDate={{Start date|2008|09|02|df=yes}}

|ShortSummary=

|LineColor=2656A4

}}

{{Episode list

|EpisodeNumber=11

|EpisodeNumber2=11

|Title=Samuel's Dance

|OriginalAirDate={{Start date|2008|11|04|df=yes}}

|ShortSummary=

|LineColor=2656A4

}}

{{Episode list

|EpisodeNumber=12

|EpisodeNumber2=12

|Title=Rolling Along

|OriginalAirDate={{Start date|2008|11|11|df=yes}}

|ShortSummary=

|LineColor=2656A4

}}

{{Episode list

|EpisodeNumber=13

|EpisodeNumber2=13

|Title=Perfect Picnic

|OriginalAirDate={{Start date|2008|11|18|df=yes}}

|ShortSummary=

|LineColor=2656A4

}}

{{Episode list

|EpisodeNumber=14

|EpisodeNumber2=14

|Title=Pie Fair

|OriginalAirDate={{Start date|2008|11|25|df=yes}}

|ShortSummary=

|LineColor=2656A4

}}

{{Episode list

|EpisodeNumber=15

|EpisodeNumber2=15

|Title=Muffin's Shop

|OriginalAirDate={{Start date|2008|12|02|df=yes}}

|ShortSummary=

|LineColor=2656A4

}}

{{Episode list

|EpisodeNumber=16

|EpisodeNumber2=16

|Title=Dinosaur

|OriginalAirDate={{Start date|2008|12|09|df=yes}}

|ShortSummary=

|LineColor=2656A4

}}

{{Episode list

|EpisodeNumber=17

|EpisodeNumber2=17

|Title=Go Camping

|OriginalAirDate={{Start date|2008|12|16|df=yes}}

|ShortSummary=

|LineColor=2656A4

}}

{{Episode list

|EpisodeNumber=18

|EpisodeNumber2=18

|Title=Starry Night

|OriginalAirDate={{Start date|2008|12|23|df=yes}}

|ShortSummary=

|LineColor=2656A4

}}

{{Episode list

|EpisodeNumber=19

|EpisodeNumber2=19

|Title=Amazing Muffin

|OriginalAirDate={{Start date|2008|12|30|df=yes}}

|ShortSummary=

|LineColor=2656A4

}}

{{Episode list

|EpisodeNumber=20

|EpisodeNumber2=20

|Title=Ice Skating

|OriginalAirDate={{Start date|2009|02|14|df=yes}}

|ShortSummary=

|LineColor=2656A4

}}

{{Episode list

|EpisodeNumber=21

|EpisodeNumber2=21

|Title=Playhouse

|OriginalAirDate={{Start date|2009|02|21|df=yes}}

|ShortSummary=

|LineColor=2656A4

}}

{{Episode list

|EpisodeNumber=22

|EpisodeNumber2=22

|Title=Cowgirl

|OriginalAirDate={{Start date|2009|02|28|df=yes}}

|ShortSummary=

|LineColor=2656A4

}}

{{Episode list

|EpisodeNumber=23

|EpisodeNumber2=23

|Title=Muffin's Plant

|OriginalAirDate={{Start date|2009|03|04|df=yes}}

|ShortSummary=

|LineColor=2656A4

}}

{{Episode list

|EpisodeNumber=24

|EpisodeNumber2=24

|Title=Baby Jordan

|OriginalAirDate={{Start date|2009|03|11|df=yes}}

|ShortSummary=

|LineColor=2656A4

}}

{{Episode list

|EpisodeNumber=25–26

|EpisodeNumber2=25–26

|Title=A Very Squooky Christmas

|OriginalAirDate={{Start date|2009|12|18|df=yes}}

|ShortSummary=

|LineColor=2656A4

}}

=Season 2 (2009–2010)=

{{Episode table |background=#4a2c8b |overall=5 |season=5 |title=20 |airdate=15 |airdateR={{cite web|url=http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b00cdv9q/episodes/2008 |title=CBeebies Programmes – 3rd and Bird – Episodes from 2008 |publisher=BBC |access-date=2012-06-15}}{{cite web|url=http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b00cdv9q/episodes/2010 |title=CBeebies Programmes – 3rd and Bird – Episodes from 2010 |publisher=BBC |access-date=2012-06-15}}|episodes=

{{Episode list

|EpisodeNumber=27

|EpisodeNumber2=1

|Title=Muffinland

|OriginalAirDate={{Start date|2009|03|25|df=yes}}

|ShortSummary=

|LineColor=4a2c8b

}}

{{Episode list

|EpisodeNumber=28

|EpisodeNumber2=2

|Title=Meow Kitty

|OriginalAirDate={{Start date|2009|04|03|df=yes}}

|ShortSummary=

|LineColor=4a2c8b

}}

{{Episode list

|EpisodeNumber=29

|EpisodeNumber2=3

|Title=Mariachi Muffin!

|OriginalAirDate={{Start date|2009|04|10|df=yes}}

|ShortSummary=

|LineColor=4a2c8b

}}

{{Episode list

|EpisodeNumber=30

|EpisodeNumber2=4

|Title=Beach Branch!

|OriginalAirDate={{Start date|2009|04|17|df=yes}}

|ShortSummary=

|LineColor=4a2c8b

}}

{{Episode list

|EpisodeNumber=31

|EpisodeNumber2=5

|Title=Elliot the Budgie

|OriginalAirDate={{Start date|2009|04|24|df=yes}}

|ShortSummary=

|LineColor=4a2c8b

}}

{{Episode list

|EpisodeNumber=32

|EpisodeNumber2=6

|Title=Art Show

|OriginalAirDate={{Start date|2009|05|01|df=yes}}

|ShortSummary=

|LineColor=4a2c8b

}}

{{Episode list

|EpisodeNumber=33

|EpisodeNumber2=7

|Title=Down to Earth!

|OriginalAirDate={{Start date|2009|05|07|df=yes}}

|ShortSummary=

|LineColor=4a2c8b

}}

{{Episode list

|EpisodeNumber=34

|EpisodeNumber2=8

|Title=Road Trip!

|OriginalAirDate={{Start date|2009|05|14|df=yes}}

|ShortSummary=

|LineColor=4a2c8b

}}

{{Episode list

|EpisodeNumber=35

|EpisodeNumber2=9

|Title=Paint Job!

|OriginalAirDate={{Start date|2009|05|21|df=yes}}

|ShortSummary=

|LineColor=4a2c8b

}}

{{Episode list

|EpisodeNumber=36

|EpisodeNumber2=10

|Title=Storm!

|OriginalAirDate={{Start date|2009|05|28|df=yes}}

|ShortSummary=

|LineColor=4a2c8b

}}

{{Episode list

|EpisodeNumber=37

|EpisodeNumber2=11

|Title=Scooter!

|OriginalAirDate={{Start date|2009|06|04|df=yes}}

|ShortSummary=

|LineColor=4a2c8b

}}

{{Episode list

|EpisodeNumber=38

|EpisodeNumber2=12

|Title=Race!

|OriginalAirDate={{Start date|2009|06|11|df=yes}}

|ShortSummary=

|LineColor=4a2c8b

}}

{{Episode list

|EpisodeNumber=39

|EpisodeNumber2=13

|Title=Robot!

|OriginalAirDate={{Start date|2009|06|18|df=yes}}

|ShortSummary=

|LineColor=4a2c8b

}}

{{Episode list

|EpisodeNumber=40

|EpisodeNumber2=14

|Title=The Moon!

|OriginalAirDate={{Start date|2009|06|25|df=yes}}

|ShortSummary=

|LineColor=4a2c8b

}}

{{Episode list

|EpisodeNumber=41

|EpisodeNumber2=15

|Title=Balloon Ride!

|OriginalAirDate={{Start date|2009|07|02|df=yes}}

|ShortSummary=

|LineColor=4a2c8b

}}

{{Episode list

|EpisodeNumber=42

|EpisodeNumber2=16

|Title=Help Daddy!

|OriginalAirDate={{Start date|2009|07|09|df=yes}}

|ShortSummary=

|LineColor=4a2c8b

}}

{{Episode list

|EpisodeNumber=43

|EpisodeNumber2=17

|Title=Ahoy!

|OriginalAirDate={{Start date|2009|07|16|df=yes}}

|ShortSummary=

|LineColor=4a2c8b

}}

{{Episode list

|EpisodeNumber=44

|EpisodeNumber2=18

|Title=Train!

|OriginalAirDate={{Start date|2009|07|23|df=yes}}

|ShortSummary=

|LineColor=4a2c8b

}}

{{Episode list

|EpisodeNumber=45

|EpisodeNumber2=19

|Title=Baby!

|OriginalAirDate={{Start date|2009|07|30|df=yes}}

|ShortSummary=

|LineColor=4a2c8b

}}

{{Episode list

|EpisodeNumber=46

|EpisodeNumber2=20

|Title=Muffin's Friend!

|OriginalAirDate={{Start date|2009|10|10|df=yes}}

|ShortSummary=

|LineColor=4a2c8b

}}

{{Episode list

|EpisodeNumber=47

|EpisodeNumber2=21

|Title=Aunt Esther!

|OriginalAirDate={{Start date|2009|10|17|df=yes}}

|ShortSummary=

|LineColor=4a2c8b

}}

{{Episode list

|EpisodeNumber=48

|EpisodeNumber2=22

|Title=Prince!

|OriginalAirDate={{Start date|2009|10|24|df=yes}}

|ShortSummary=

|LineColor=4a2c8b

}}

{{Episode list

|EpisodeNumber=49

|EpisodeNumber2=23

|Title=Night Hike!

|OriginalAirDate={{Start date|2009|10|31|df=yes}}

|ShortSummary=

|LineColor=4a2c8b

}}

{{Episode list

|EpisodeNumber=50

|EpisodeNumber2=24

|Title=Play Nicely!

|OriginalAirDate={{Start date|2009|11|28|df=yes}}

|ShortSummary=

|LineColor=4a2c8b

}}

{{Episode list

|EpisodeNumber=51

|EpisodeNumber2=25

|Title=Talent Show!

|OriginalAirDate={{Start date|2010|03|14|df=yes}}

|ShortSummary=

|LineColor=4a2c8b

}}

{{Episode list

|EpisodeNumber=52

|EpisodeNumber2=26

|Title=Jamaica!

|OriginalAirDate={{Start date|2010|07|31|df=yes}}

|ShortSummary=

|LineColor=4a2c8b

}}

Broadcast

BBC Worldwide acquired global distribution rights to the series in March 2008.{{Cite web |title=BBC - Press Office - global distribution rights for 3rd & Bird |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/pressoffice/bbcworldwide/worldwidestories/pressreleases/2008/03_march/bird.shtml |access-date=2024-08-27 |website=www.bbc.co.uk}}

In 2009, Treehouse TV acquired Canadian broadcast rights.{{cite news|url=http://www.bbc.co.uk/pressoffice/bbcworldwide/worldwidestories/pressreleases/2009/07_july/treehouse.shtml|title=BBC Worldwide announces sale of 3rd & Bird! to Treehouse|publisher=BBC Worldwide|date=24 July 2009|access-date=29 December 2017}} In 2010, Disney Channel bought US broadcast rights to the show and aired it on Disney Junior beginning in September 2011. The program continued to air and was rolled out to foreign countries including the United States, where it aired dubbed into American English, as well.{{cite web|url=http://www.bbcwpressroom.com/sales-and-co-productions/press/the-hit-bbc-show-3rd-bird-launches-on-disney-junior-monday-september-26/|title=The Hit BBC Show 3rd & Bird! Launches on Disney Junior – Monday, September 26|publisher=BBC Worldwide|date=15 August 2011|access-date=29 December 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170305013136/http://www.bbcwpressroom.com/sales-and-co-productions/press/the-hit-bbc-show-3rd-bird-launches-on-disney-junior-monday-september-26/|archive-date=5 March 2017|url-status=dead}}

Merchandising

In January 2009, BBC Worldwide announced plans to release 3rd & Bird merchandise, including wooden stacking toys, pull along vehicles, play sets and musical instruments, as well as wheeled toys, including trikes, scooters, and ride-ons.{{cite news|url=http://www.toynewsmag.com/news/30798/TOY-FAIR-09-BBC-reveals-3rd-Bord-partners|author=Stuart O'Brien|title=3rd & bird, bbc worldwide|date=28 January 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090212215939/http://www.toynewsmag.com/news/30798/TOY-FAIR-09-BBC-reveals-3rd-Bord-partners|archive-date=12 February 2009|access-date=23 February 2009|url-status=live}} The product line was released in spring 2010{{Cite news|date=February 2010|title=COMPETITION: Fisher-Price 3rd & Bird toys up for grabs|work=Halesowen News|url=https://www.halesowennews.co.uk/news/5018767.competition-fisher-price-3rd-bird-toys-up-for-grabs/}}

Two compact discs featuring the 3rd & Bird theme song (along with many other CBeebies show tracks) were released by CBeebies titled CBeebies: Song Time (2010) and CBeebies: The Album (2012).{{citation needed|date=July 2020}}

DVDs/Books

A DVD titled Bird's The Word! and containing 8 episodes of the series was released in March 2009,{{cite news|url=http://www.licensing.biz/news/2291/Mattel-signs-3rd-and-Bird-licence|title=3rd & Bird! licensing programme announced|author=Katie Roberts|date=27 November 2008|access-date=29 December 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120217053747/http://www.licensing.biz/news/2291/Mattel-signs-3rd-and-Bird-licence|archive-date=17 February 2012|url-status=dead}} accompanied by a series of books tying into the show. A second DVD, Muffin Land!, was released in June 2009.