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Tree Fu Tom

Tree Fu Tom is a that blends live-action footage with animation, centered on an 8-year-old boy named who discovers the power of "Tree Fu"—movement-based magic that transforms him into a in the kingdom of Treetopolis. In this fantastical world, Tom teams up with his best friend Twigs, a mischievous stick insect, and other anthropomorphic creature companions like the Ariela and the wise elder Treetog to embark on action-adventure quests, solving problems and battling villains such as the shape-shifting Mushas through physical spells that encourage viewers to mimic the on-screen movements. Aimed at children aged 4 to 6, the series promotes and development by incorporating interactive "spell sequences" designed with input from movement specialists to support children with coordination challenges, including dyspraxia, which affects approximately 10% of children. Premiering on BBC's CBeebies channel in March 2012, Tree Fu Tom was co-produced by in-house production and FremantleMedia Enterprises, with animation provided by the BAFTA-winning studio Animation, and created by Daniel Bays. The show ran for five series until 2016, comprising 72 episodes, and expanded into interactive online games, songs, and educational resources on the website to further engage young audiences in learning essential skills like balance, coordination, and spatial awareness. Voiced by notable talents including as Twigs and as Tom, the series aired internationally, including on and in the United States, emphasizing its global appeal in fostering active play and imaginative storytelling.

Overview

Premise

Tree Fu Tom is centered in Treetopolis, a miniature enchanted world hidden within a located in the backyard of an ordinary house. This magical realm features a vibrant, tree-based landscape where inhabitants known as treeelings reside amid fantastical adventures and challenges. The protagonist, a young boy named Tom, gains access to Treetopolis by equipping a special power belt, which enables him to shrink to insect size and enter the through a magical portal. Once in Treetopolis, Tom becomes a tiny who employs "Tree Fu"—a unique system blending tree-inspired poses with magical incantations—to harness energy and address crises. These Tree Fu moves allow him to generate "Big World Magic," often in collaboration with his treepling friends, to overcome obstacles and confront antagonists like the mischievous Mushas who threaten the harmony of the world. The narrative emphasizes Tom's role as a problem-solver, using his skills to protect Treetopolis from impending disasters. The series integrates interactivity by prompting viewers to replicate Tom's physical Tree Fu movements in , which supposedly powers the on-screen magic and helps resolve conflicts. Episodes typically unfold with Tom transitioning from the real world into Treetopolis, identifying a urgent problem alongside his companions, executing coordinated Tree Fu sequences to build magical strength, and successfully averting the threat to restore peace.

Educational Purpose

Tree Fu Tom was developed in collaboration with the Dyspraxia Foundation to support children aged 2 to 7 with (DCD), also known as dyspraxia, through interactive movement-based learning. The series incorporates a Movement Curriculum created with input from foundation advisors, including Dr. Sally Payne and researcher Dr. Lynda Foulder-Hughes, alongside choreographer , to design spell sequences grounded in therapeutic techniques from occupational and physiotherapy practices. These elements aim to assist young viewers in building essential motor skills during a critical developmental period when most foundational movements are acquired. The program emphasizes , , , bilateral integration, spatial awareness, and confidence-building by prompting children to replicate "Tree Fu" moves—simple, fun physical actions that activate magic in the show's . Each episode features interactive spells that encourage viewers to pause and perform these movements, fostering , trunk rotation, midline crossing, and fine motor control without making the practice feel like formal exercise. This approach not only targets children with DCD, which affects up to 10% of school-aged children, but also benefits all participants by integrating into storytelling to enhance daily skills like dressing or using utensils. Beyond motor development, Tree Fu Tom promotes broader educational goals, including encouraging outdoor play, stimulating imagination, and developing problem-solving abilities within the enchanting context of Treetopolis, where movement powers magical adventures. Creators integrated physical elements throughout the 22-minute episodes to inspire active participation, turning screen time into an opportunity for gentle exercise and creative engagement.

Production

Development

Tree Fu Tom was created by Daniel Bays and produced by FremantleMedia Kids & Family Entertainment in collaboration with Blue-Zoo Productions for the channel. The series was commissioned in early 2011 by controller Kay Benbow as a joint effort between In-House Productions and FremantleMedia Enterprises, with executive producers including Jackie Edwards and from the , and Bob Higgins from FremantleMedia. The initial concept centered on an action-adventure format that integrates live-action hosting with animation, allowing children to follow along with simple physical movements known as "Tree Fu" spells to activate magic in the story. This blend was designed to make exercise fun and accessible, particularly for preschoolers, by having the live-action host demonstrate moves that viewers could replicate at home. The physical actions were developed with input from movement specialists and the Dyspraxia Foundation to support development. Production commenced shortly after the April 2011 commissioning announcement, with Blue-Zoo handling the animation. The first series, consisting of 26 episodes, was greenlit for a premiere on in early 2012.

Animation and Voice Cast

Tree Fu Tom utilizes a hybrid production format that integrates live-action footage of a portraying Tom in the real world with (CGI) for the animated Treetopolis sequences. The CGI animation was handled by Blue-Zoo Productions, a BAFTA award-winning studio specializing in children's content. The series is a co-production between FremantleMedia Kids & Family Entertainment and in-house production. Each episode has a runtime of approximately 22 minutes, with a total of 72 episodes produced across five series from 2012 to 2016. The voice cast for the original version features several notable actors, with some changes occurring across series. The table below summarizes the primary voice roles and any recasts:
CharacterVoice Actor(s)Series Involvement
Tom (animated)All series (1–5)
Tom (live-action)Adam HendersonAll series (1–5)
Twigs (series 1–2); (series 3–5)All series (1–5)
ArielaSamantha DakinAll series (1–5)
TreetogAll series (1–5)
Zigzoo (series 1–4); David Holt (series 5)All series (1–5)
Squirmtum (series 1–4); Duncan Wisbey (series 5)Series 1–5
PuffyAll series (1–5)
Stink (series 1–4); Duncan Wisbey (series 5)All series (1–5)
Sophie Aldred, known for her role as the Seventh Doctor's companion in , provides the animated voice for the Tom as well as the Puffy throughout the series. David Tennant, another alumnus who played the , voiced the energetic acorn sprite Twigs in the first two series before took over the role starting in series 3. Tim Whitnall lent his voice to multiple characters in the early series, including the inventive frog Zigzoo, the woodlouse Squirmtum, and the mischievous stinkbug Stink, before these roles were recast for the final series. Samantha Dakin voices the feisty butterfly Ariela, while portrays the wise tree spirit Treetog across all seasons.

Characters

Main Characters

Tom is the central of Tree Fu Tom, an eight-year-old boy who discovers a magical in his backyard that transports him to the enchanted world of Treetopolis. Upon arrival, he performs Tree Fu moves—special physical actions that generate magical energy—to shrink to the size of his friends and gain superhuman abilities, allowing him to lead adventures against various threats. Tom is portrayed as honest, reliable, and fun-loving, with a sensible nature that occasionally leads him into scrapes from which he relies on his friends for support; he is not depicted as an infallible hero but as resourceful and collaborative. Twigs serves as Tom's and loyal , a diminutive who embodies the chaotic energy of Treetopolis. Energetic and free-spirited, Twigs is wide-eyed and seriously silly, often providing through his anarchic antics and loud personality, while accompanying Tom on every quest. He can retract into his shell when frightened, highlighting his playful yet vulnerable side, and their underscores themes of mutual reliance in problem-solving. Zigzoo is the team's inventive , known for his bubbly eccentricity and verbal dexterity in crafting gadgets to aid the group's endeavors. As a highly inventive resident of Treetopolis, he contributes technical solutions during adventures, often with a whimsical flair that adds to the ensemble's dynamic. His role emphasizes creativity and innovation within the team's cooperative efforts. Squirmtum acts as the self-appointed leader among the friends, a hapless who fancies himself as the ultimate hero but is afraid of his own shadow, characterized by his odd-job versatility and underlying heart of gold. Despite his ambitions to take charge, he often proves cowardly yet brings humor and reliability to the group through his earnest attempts to contribute, fostering moments of teamwork in their magical escapades. Ariela provides aerial expertise as a ranch-running butterfly, blending rough-and-tumble toughness with an unaware natural beauty in her practical, tomboyish demeanor. Unafraid to get her hands dirty, she supports the team from above, handling tasks that require agility and strength, and her interactions highlight the value of diverse skills in their friendships. The main characters form a tight-knit group of Treetoppers in Treetopolis, where Tom leads with Twigs, Zigzoo, Squirmtum, and Ariela collaborating on quests that promote problem-solving through friendship and shared Tree Fu magic. Their relationships revolve around mutual encouragement, with each member's unique traits complementing the others to overcome challenges, reinforcing the show's emphasis on cooperation and collective action. The voices for these characters are provided by Sophie Aldred as Tom, David Tennant as Twigs, Tim Whitnall as both Zigzoo and Squirmtum, and Samantha Dakin as Ariela.

Supporting Characters

In Tree Fu Tom, supporting characters enrich the enchanted world of Treetopolis by providing mentorship, comic conflict, and community depth, often appearing to advance specific story elements without overshadowing the core group. Treetog, the elder tree spirit voiced by , serves as a wise mentor who imparts magical knowledge and guides the protagonists' growth through traditional Tree Fu spells and lessons. Rickety McGlum, voiced by , is a grumpy yet helpful elderly and former professional player of Treetopolis's Squizzle, who offers occasional aid with his reclusive wisdom and practical skills, revealing a gentle beneath his intimidating appearance. The primary antagonists, Puffy (voiced by ) and Stink (voiced by ), are a bickering brother-sister duo of mischievous Mushas—comically inept creatures—who drive much of the series' conflict by inventing chaotic schemes to disrupt Treetopolis, though they frequently learn moral lessons from their failures. Beyond these key figures, Treetopolis is populated by diverse Treelings and other woodland inhabitants, such as sprites and bugs, who form a vibrant village community and contribute to world-building through their everyday interactions and participation in magical events.

Episodes

Series 1 (2012)

The first series of Tree Fu Tom aired on in the from 5 March to 21 March 2012, comprising 13 episodes that introduce the enchanted world of Treetopolis, establish core friendships among the characters, and present simple magical challenges resolved through physical movement and . These episodes emphasize basic moral lessons, such as fair play, bravery, and cooperation, while encouraging young viewers to perform Tree Fu moves to activate on-screen . Each installment features unique Tree Fu sequences designed to promote motor skills development. This series functions in a pilot-like capacity, solidifying the show's interactive format by blending live-action elements with CGI animation and audience participation prompts. The episodes are as follows:
No.TitleAir DateBrief Summary
1May the Best Berry Win5 March 2012Tom uses action-hero skills and Big World Magic to ensure the rightful winner prevails in the Biggest Chuckleberry Contest amid chaos from the Mushas.
2Squizzle Quest6 March 2012Tom leads his friends on a brave quest to retrieve their lost squizzle from the garden of the feared spider Rickety McGlum, battling slime-spitting weeds.
3Zigzoo the Zero8 March 2012After Zigzoo's invention fails disastrously, Tom encourages him to regain confidence and invent again to avert a threat to Treetopolis.
4So Long Greenhorns9 March 2012Tom and Twigs experience a chaotic day running Ariela's ranch, learning responsibility while swapping their usual Spell School routine.
5Hide and Squeak11 March 2012A hide-and-seek game turns disastrous due to Squirmtum's fear of the dark, requiring Tom to help him overcome it to save their friends.
6Wishful Thinking12 March 2012Twigs' misuse of a magic pebble, combined with the Mushas' schemes, endangers Treetopolis, highlighting the consequences of impulsive wishes.
7Zigzoo's Robot13 March 2012Zigzoo's rushed robot creation causes more problems than solutions, teaching the value of careful planning in inventions.
8With Friends Like These14 March 2012The Mushas trick Tom and Twigs into aiding their disruptive plan, exploring themes of trust and discerning true friends.
9Buzzworthy15 March 2012A colony of hungry bees invades Ariela's ranch due to her refusal to share nectar, underscoring the importance of generosity and balance in nature.
10Winging It18 March 2012Tom and friends support Squirmtum in realizing his dream to fly, leading to an aerial adventure and an underground race for rescue.
11Crystal Catastrophe19 March 2012The team must protect vital crystals from disaster, emphasizing quick thinking and collective effort in magical crises.
12Fungus Among Us20 March 2012A fungal outbreak threatens the ranch, requiring the Rangers to clean up and restore order through coordinated Tree Fu.
13The Big Ranch Rodeo21 March 2012The series culminates in a rodeo event where teamwork and growth are key to overcoming final challenges in Treetopolis.

Series 2 (2012)

The second series of Tree Fu Tom aired on from 3 September to 28 November 2012, consisting of 13 episodes that expand on the magical world of Treetopolis with increased emphasis on among and his friends. Building on the foundational adventures of Series 1, this season introduces more gadget-based challenges, such as inventions by characters like Ariela and Zigzoo, which often lead to chaotic scenarios requiring collaborative Tree Fu spells to resolve. Recurring themes include strengthening friendships through shared trials, promoting via stories of and disruption, and encouraging creative problem-solving with physical magic exercises tailored for young viewers. reprised his role as the voice of Twigs, 's energetic sidekick, adding continuity to the ensemble interactions. The episodes progress from straightforward team-building quests in the early outings to more intricate tales of invention mishaps and personal limitations toward the end, fostering character growth while maintaining the show's interactive format where viewers perform movements to aid Tom's magic.
EpisodeTitleAir DateSummary
1One for All!3 September 2012Tom leads his underperforming Squizzle team on a quest for the Enchanted Squizzle, learning the value of unity to secure the Squizzle Master's assistance and improve their gameplay.
2Treefle Tom4 September 2012Tom's and his friends' greed for delicious Treefle treats sparks rivalry and trouble, forcing them to cooperate to prevent a larger disaster in Treetopolis.
3The Great Journey5 September 2012Tom and Twigs act as ranchers to guide a herd of baby beetles across challenging open branches to reunite them with their parents, relying on cleverness and Big World Magic.
4Not So Fast6 September 2012Ariela's impatience with Zigzoo's slow invention causes rapid plant overgrowth, leading Tom to battle the resulting giants with viewer-assisted magic.
5Hovering Humblebugs7 September 2012Tom's pursuit of perfection disturbs a group of Humblebugs, prompting a high-stakes race to restore balance using specialized Tree Fu moves.
6Treasure Hunt10 September 2012A competitive treasure hunt between Treelings and Mushas spirals into chaos, teaching Tom and Stink the importance of patience amid pranks and pitfalls.
7Tom's Big Mess11 September 2012Tom's hasty tidying efforts pollute the sap supply, endangering his friends and requiring urgent environmental cleanup through audience-powered spells.
8Sappy Day12 September 2012The Mushas sabotage Sap Day festivities by introducing sleep-inducing stink fungi, which Tom counters to restore joy and community harmony.
9Grubble Trouble13 September 2012Twigs' experimental spell causes his pet Grubbles to multiply uncontrollably, leading Tom to devise a containment plan with inventive magic.
10Rickety Rescue14 September 2012After Tom's impulsiveness strands the group, elder sprite Rickety aids in retrieving powerful sap, highlighting the rewards of thoughtful actions.
11Weather Bother26 November 2012Zigzoo's malfunctioning weather machine unleashes storms across Treetopolis, forcing Tom to recalibrate it with precision Tree Fu to avert flooding.
12Tiny Tom27 November 2012A shrinking spell reduces Tom to miniature size amid Musha schemes, challenging him to navigate dangers and reverse the effect collaboratively.
13The Lost Stone28 November 2012When a mischievous pond creature swallows Tom's sapstone, depriving him of magic, he must rely on wits and friends to retrieve it and save the day.

Series 3 (2013–2014)

Series 3 of Tree Fu Tom premiered on in the on 28 October 2013 and concluded on 7 April 2014, comprising 13 episodes that emphasize themes of , , and seasonal events while highlighting individual character growth, such as Twigs learning to manage unexpected changes and developing skills. This season marks a transitional period in production, with taking over the voice role of Twigs from , bringing a fresh energetic portrayal to the acorn character. The episodes continue the series' blend of magical adventures in Treetopolis, where uses Tree Fu moves to solve problems alongside his friends, often incorporating prompts for young viewers. The season's narratives explore personal development through challenges like pranks gone wrong, inventive constructions, and community celebrations, fostering lessons in teamwork and self-reliance. For instance, episodes feature characters confronting their insecurities—Twigs with physical transformations or Tom with the pressures of admiration—while seasonal motifs, such as harvest festivals and carnival days, add festive elements to the storytelling.
No.TitleAir DateSummary
1Harvest Antics28 October 2013It's Harvest Festival Day in Treetopolis, and the food attracts hungry ants, prompting Tom and friends to protect the celebration through clever Tree Fu.
2Twigs' Big Boost29 October 2013Twigs eats Ariela's booster berries, causing random growth spurts that lead to chaotic but growth-oriented adventures in self-control.
3Tom's Fan Club30 October 2013Tom becomes distracted by adoring sprites who form a fan club, teaching him about the responsibilities of leadership and genuine friendship.
4Spincake Day31 October 2013Musha mischief threatens the joy of Spincake Day, a floating pancake event, requiring innovative defenses to save the seasonal treat.
5Tom's Teddy1 November 2013Tom loses his special toy bear, sparking an epic quest that underscores the value of cherished items and perseverance.
6Conkerball Run10 February 2014Tom and Twigs discover a racing car and challenge the Mushas to a high-speed contest, highlighting innovation in vehicle adaptation.
7Bad Tom11 February 2014The Mushas' prank trick causes trouble on a day of fun, forcing Tom to take responsibility for unintended consequences.
8The Cavern Coaster12 February 2014Zigzoo invents a train in the sap caverns to aid Squirmtum, but over-enthusiasm turns it into a risky ride, emphasizing careful innovation.
9Woodgrubs13 February 2014Strange treequakes draw Tom and Twigs into the caverns on a trail of a giant woodgrub, promoting bravery and environmental awareness.
10Chuckleberry Tom14 February 2014On carnival day, Tom uses magic to boost his humor for floats and acts, learning about authentic self-expression amid unexpected results.
11Ranger Tom: Fungus Finder24 March 2014The Tree Fu Rangers embark on a mission to earn Fungus Finder badges, focusing on responsibility in exploration and badge-earning trials.
12Don't Go Glowy31 March 2014Ariela's pet grub Glowy transforms into a wild gremmel, requiring the team to innovate a reversal spell for pet care lessons.
13The Last Squizzle7 April 2014With squizzles depleted, the gang quests for the squizzle tree alongside reluctant Mushas, culminating in themes of resourcefulness and cooperation.

Series 4 (2014)

Series 4 of Tree Fu Tom aired on from 30 June to 15 December 2014, consisting of 13 episodes that escalate the stakes through more direct confrontations with environmental threats and antagonists, while introducing deeper magical artifacts like enchanted spores and crowns. This season marks a mid-series peak in episode complexity, with intricate plots involving teamwork against multiplying weeds, abusive power dynamics, and festive restorations, emphasizing themes of in overcoming personal failures, against , and holiday integration in seasonal celebrations. Supporting characters, such as Zigzoo and Stink, play expanded roles in driving conflicts, often highlighting lessons in responsibility and appreciation. The episodes are as follows:
  1. Tom's Big Spell (30 June 2014): Tom faces difficulty mastering a new Tree Fu spell, leading to chaotic mishaps with a and ; he learns the value of to improve his skills.
  2. Super Squirmtum (7 July 2014): Squirmtum dons a sapstone to become a but causes mayhem due to lacking Tree Fu; he discovers the strength in his natural talents.
  3. The Golden Spore (14 July 2014): A magical fulfills angry wishes by reversing character traits, prompting a quest to undo its effects and foster mutual appreciation.
  4. Super Helper (21 July 2014): Eager for badges, Tom and Twigs overextend themselves helping others, allowing a sap root to endanger Treetopolis until they prioritize effectively.
  5. Tom and the Warble Weeds (28 July 2014): On a hot day, singing weeds proliferate rapidly; Tom and Twigs collaborate to eliminate them before they overwhelm the forest.
  6. Ranger Tom: Fun Guy (27 October 2014): In Fungus Forest seeking a cure for a Trickup outbreak, Zigzoo's failing inventions erode his confidence, resolved through renewed belief in his ingenuity.
  7. Twigs' Tall Tale (3 November 2014): Twigs vies with Chezz against a Big Foot to prove his worth, learning that small size offers unique advantages in challenges.
  8. Ranger Tom and the Carrots of Doom (10 November 2014): Tom's oversized carrots spark panic and a cave-in crisis; Big World Magic and Zigzoo's device avert disaster, earning a badge.
  9. Picture This (17 November 2014): Misusing an enchanted , Tom and Twigs unleash a rampaging machine; mastering a corrective restores order.
  10. Dragon Fruit Fiasco (24 November 2014): Zigzoo borrows items without permission, inciting a Boing chase over berries; he makes amends by apologizing and returning them.
  11. A Badge Too Far (1 December 2014): Overambitious in pursuing multiple badges, Tom and Twigs create chaos; success comes from dividing tasks and focusing individually.
  12. King Stink (8 December 2014): A magical crown turns Stink into a tyrannical king, whose abuses lead to peril from a fungus; relinquishing power saves the day and teaches humility.
  13. The Sprite Before Christmas (15 December 2014): Rushing to fix a ruined Winterfest, Tom and Twigs worsen the mess; applying patience rebuilds the holiday even grander.

Series 5 (2016)

Series 5 of Tree Fu Tom aired on from 8 February to 3 October 2016, comprising 20 episodes that marked the conclusion of the series. This season introduced voice acting changes, with Duncan Wisbey taking over the roles of Squirmtum and Stink from . The episodes focus on escalating adventures in Treetopolis, emphasizing themes of , magical learning, and resolving ongoing conflicts with antagonists like the Mushas, while providing closure to character developments through reflective quests and challenges. The season explores Tom's continued mastery of red magic under Muru's guidance, alongside Twigs and friends facing environmental threats, personal growth, and communal events in Treetopolis. Stories highlight collaboration in Ranger missions, pet training mishaps, and races for magical fruits, culminating in high-stakes rescues and inventive games that reinforce bonds and magical problem-solving.
EpisodeTitleAir DateSummary
1Stuck8 February 2016It's sticky bug season in Treetopolis, and it seems like nothing will unstick them! Tom and friends use magic to free trapped creatures from adhesive sap.
2Ranger Tom and the Musha Rangers15 February 2016The naughty Mushas concoct a cloud-squirting machine designed to rain slime all over Treetopolis, prompting a Ranger intervention to stop the mess.
3Flicker Goes Out22 February 2016Tom and Twigs go in search of a red crystal with Squirmtum's friend, Flicker, navigating caverns to restore her glow amid Musha interference.
4It's a Kind of Magic29 February 2016Twigs accidentally breaks Muru's magic stick, leading to time-bending chaos that requires precise spells to reverse in Treetopolis.
5Dark Sprites7 March 2016An out-of-control Shadowbot threatens to throw Treetopolis into total darkness forever, forcing Tom to ally with shadowy visitors for a light-restoring quest.
6Ranger Tom: A Friend Indeed14 March 2016Chezz and Twigs learn that teamwork is better than going it alone in their Ranger quest to track a wayward sprite through tricky terrain.
7How to Train Your Buggle21 March 2016Things go from bad to worse when Twigs tries to train his buggle for a pet show, enlisting Tom's help to tame its wild antics with magic.
8Treenado4 April 2016Treetopolis is threatened when Tom and Twigs inadvertently create a giant Treenado, requiring combined spells to disperse the whirlwind.
9Friendship Day11 April 2016Twigs is put in charge of Friendship Day, but it looks like the day could be doomed until friends rally with magical activities to save the celebration.
10Box of Tricks18 April 2016Tom and Twigs must deliver a box to Treetog, but it isn't as easy as it seems when mischievous tricks activate along the path.
11Ranger Tom: Beetles and Grubbles25 April 2016The Tree Fu Rangers must track down Chezz in a game of Beetles and Grubbles, using strategy and spells to outmaneuver opponents.
12Need for Less Speed8 August 2016Everyone in Treetopolis wants to pick the first Wonderful Wish Fruit of the season, sparking a high-speed race moderated by careful magic.
13The Good the Bad and the Mushas15 August 2016Can Tom finally master the Rhino Charge spell and save Ariela's beetles from a rockslide caused by the Mushas' reckless antics?
14Racquette Risks a Rescue22 August 2016Things get really out of control when Rickety's granddaughter visits Treetopolis, leading to a daring rescue mission with inventive tools.
15Musha Island29 August 2016A pirate game gets out of control when a giant fungus threatens to destroy the clubhouse, pulling the Mushas into an unlikely alliance.
16An A-maze-ing Adventure5 September 2016Muru sets Tom and Twigs a quest to find something really, really, really amazing, navigating a labyrinth of illusions and puzzles.
17Red Musha Mischief12 September 2016The Dark Sprites are in Treetopolis and are keen to try out new things, but Musha pranks escalate into a magical mishap needing reversal.
18Ranger Tom and Ginormous George19 September 2016Rangers to the rescue—there's a huge fungus-chomping creature on the loose, demanding coordinated efforts to guide it safely away.
19Dead Branch Challenge26 September 2016Muru sets Tom, Twigs, and Racquette a seemingly impossible challenge in the barren Dead Branch Desert, testing endurance and ingenuity.
20Raiders of the Lost Bark3 October 2016Twigs's new bark collection is threatened by the arrival of a bark-loving Treemite, leading to a treasure-hunt-style defense of his prized finds.

Broadcast and Distribution

Television Airings

Tree Fu Tom premiered in the on on 5 March 2012, with episodes airing daily to engage preschool audiences through its interactive format encouraging physical movement. The series ran for five seasons, concluding its original broadcast on 3 October 2016. In the United States, the show made its debut on (later rebranded as ) on 22 April 2013, featuring a revoiced version with an cast to adapt the for local viewers. It subsequently aired on the programming block starting 8 2013, expanding its reach to weekend morning slots targeted at young children. Internationally, Tree Fu Tom was distributed by FremantleMedia to over 123 territories, airing on channels worldwide and various local networks such as Network Ten in and in . Following the end of new episodes in 2016, reruns continued on in the UK, maintaining availability for preschool viewers into subsequent years.

Home Media Releases

In the , home media releases of Tree Fu Tom were primarily handled by Home Entertainment, beginning with the DVD Tree Fu Go! on 22 October 2012, which featured seven episodes from series 1, including "May the Best Berry Win" and "Squizzle Quest." Subsequent DVDs included the holiday compilation Tree Fu Snow, released on 28 October 2013 and containing seven festive episodes such as "Weather Bother." Other volumes followed, such as Spring Into Action in 2014 with selections from series 3 and 4, Tree Fu Magic featuring early adventures, and Tom Saves the Day in April 2015 with six episodes centered on problem-solving themes. Compilations across seasons were issued by . In the United States, DVD releases mirrored the UK offerings through distributors including Entertainment One, with Tree Fu Go! available from late 2012 containing the same seven series 1 episodes. Additional compilations like Spring Into Action and Tree Fu Tom and the Carrots of Doom (2015) were distributed on DVD, focusing on action-oriented stories from later series. No Blu-ray editions were produced in either region. Streaming options included availability on Netflix from 2014 to around 2020 for select episodes, though it has since been archived and is no longer widely accessible there; full episodes remain viewable on the official YouTube channel, including series 1 content like "The Great Journey!" uploaded as of 2025. Currently, episodes stream on platforms like Kidstream via Amazon Channel. Beyond physical and digital video, related media included interactive apps developed by FremantleMedia Kids & Family Entertainment, such as the 2015 Tree Fu Tom: Magical Moves app for iOS and Android, which taught children physical exercises tied to the show's "Tree Fu" spells through gameplay. Tie-in books, published by Random House Children's Publishers UK, encompassed activity titles like the Tree Fu Fun Sticker Book (2013) for creative engagement with Treetopolis characters. Merchandise such as toys and playsets complemented these releases but were not primary home media formats. All home video outputs aligned with the series' broadcast timeline from 2012 to 2017.

Reception

Viewership

Upon its debut in the on in March 2012, Tree Fu Tom quickly established itself as the channel's top-rated program for preschoolers, achieving the number one position for the year to date among children aged 4-6 by audience share occurrence, according to BARB consolidated data. The first 11 episodes collectively drew 330,000 viewers among children aged 6 and under, securing a 25% audience share in that demographic, while reaching 542,000 children aged 4 and older with a 30% share for the core 4-6 group. This performance marked it as the highest-rated preschool series on in 2012, excluding special events, and contributed significantly to the channel's strong weekly reach of around 44% among its . In the United States, Tree Fu Tom premiered on (later rebranded as ) on April 22, 2013, as part of the network's programming block for young children, where it helped bolster the channel's position as a leading destination for content with over one billion on-demand views across its offerings at the time. While specific episode ratings for the U.S. broadcast were not publicly detailed, the series maintained a steady presence in the network's schedule, reflecting solid performance within the competitive kids' television landscape. On , it holds a user rating of 5.3 out of 10 based on 2,294 votes as of November 2025, indicating moderate appeal among broader audiences beyond its primary demographic. Globally, Tree Fu Tom achieved widespread distribution through , reaching over 75 territories by 2013, with strong uptake in and select Asian markets via localized broadcasts. It topped timeslot ratings in countries including on for children aged 4-9 and on for ages 2-5, underscoring high engagement among international viewers. The series' interactive elements, which encouraged physical movements to cast "Tree Fu" spells, aligned with BBC-led initiatives promoting child health and activity, further amplifying its reach through companion online resources and apps that extended viewer interaction beyond traditional broadcasts. Following its original run through 2016, Tree Fu Tom has sustained audience interest through ongoing digital availability on platforms like , , , and in the , keeping episodes accessible to new generations of viewers as of November 2025. This enduring presence has helped maintain its popularity, with recent full-episode uploads on garnering consistent plays indicative of lasting appeal among families.

Critical Response

Tree Fu Tom has generally received positive critical reception for its innovative blend of live-action and animation, emphasis on physical activity, and educational themes aimed at preschool audiences. Common Sense Media awarded the series a 4 out of 5 star rating, praising its vibrant animation, creative characters, and ability to teach social lessons such as the consequences of cheating and the value of keeping promises, while recommending it for children aged 4 and older. The review highlighted the show's interactive "Tree Fu" movements as a therapeutic tool that encourages physical development and problem-solving skills, noting its diverse cast and engaging stories set in the magical world of Treetopolis. Critics have also commended the series for its intentional design to support children with developmental coordination disorders like dyspraxia. Developed by producer Bays with input from specialists, Tree Fu Tom's movement-based spells and exercises were created to improve motor skills and coordination in an entertaining way, making it a rare example of inclusive programming in children's television. This approach has been highlighted as particularly beneficial, with the show's activities helping affected children practice essential skills for daily life, such as visual perception and directionality, through online games and on-screen prompts. The series' critical acclaim is further evidenced by several award nominations. In 2012, Tree Fu Tom was nominated for a BAFTA Children's Award in the Pre-School Animation category, recognizing its high production quality and appeal to young viewers. It also received a nomination for Best Animated Preschool Series at the 2013 Kidscreen Awards, underscoring its success in engaging preschoolers with educational content. Additionally, in 2013, the show was nominated for an Environmental Media Association Award for its promotion of environmental themes through adventures in a tree-based world. These recognitions reflect the series' impact in combining entertainment with meaningful developmental benefits.

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