Rowan Atkinson explores the ageless allure of Mr. Bean in season four of his animated series

One of television's most beloved characters, Mr. Bean, is set to grace the small screen once again. 

Season four of the "Mr Bean" animated series will premiere on Cartoonito Africa (DStv channel 302) on Monday, May 5.

Created 30 years ago, and relished by both children and adults around the globe, the animated series continues to capture hearts.

Developed by the multi-talented Rowan Atkinson, who is also the executive director, the latest season promises to be packed with laughter and charming antics, continuing a legacy that has entertained audiences for decades.

Mr. Bean first emerged in live performances before becoming a household name on television and film. The animated series, which launched in 2002, has since reached audiences in 195 territories, encapsulating the hearts of millions.

The brand has some 140 million followers on Meta, 72 million subscribers and 19 billion lifetime views across official YouTube channels, 10 million followers on Instagram and 14.2 million likes on TikTok.

Featuring a total of 52 episodes this season, the show continues to follow Mr Bean and his trusty companion Teddy, as they embark on a series of adventures, making plenty of mischief along the way.

In an exclusive interview with "Independent Media Lifestyle", Atkinson shared insights into Mr. Bean's enduring international appeal, attributing his success to the character's childlike essence.

"I think the key to why Mr. Bean has had the global success that he has is because he is a child ... Mr. Bean is essentially a child trapped in a man's body," said Atkinson.

Reminiscing about how his experiences on a trip to Venice in the mid-1980s inspired him to create a figure that would connect with audiences beyond the UK, Atkinson said that his vision of a non-verbal character was a strategic move to bridge language barriers that traditionally hindered comedians from reaching a global audience.

"At the beginning, I did sense that there was a strong possibility that Mr Bean would have success outside the UK.

"I was inspired by a visit to Venice, where I was so aware of how musical artists always leaned towards an international audience, whereas comedians and actors back home tend to assume their main audience will be in their own country because of the language barrier.

"I thought, wouldn't it be nice to try and create something that actually did have a chance on the international stage ...

"The idea of putting a relatively non-verbal character on television was a knowing act to go beyond my own country, and when that success happened, it didn't come as a shock, it was the fulfilment of the plan," explained Atkinson.

As excitement builds for the new season, Atkinson hinted at a fresh creative direction.

"This season, we bring in new characters, there's a little boy, a neighbour who thinks very differently from the way Mr. Bean thinks, so we've expanded the creative landscape in which the character is placed.

"All the episodes in the new series is a welcomed development ... We are very proud of this new series, I think it's very good," he shared. 

Among Atkinson's favourites from the new season is an episode featuring Mr. Bean's efforts to get his full refuse bin emptied.

"I've got about 15 favourites out of the 52 episodes we've done. I like the ones that are very Mr. Bean. There's an episode where his bin is filled to the brim and the lid won't close, so the refuse collectors won't take it away, so Mr. Bean is running his bin on wheels along the street to find the refuse truck and get rid of it ...

"It's just a very Mr. Bean-like problem, and I think it's a problem we all identify with."

While the series does not aim to convey grand societal messages, Atkinson emphasises the character's light-hearted essence, noting that "life can be fun, particularly if you're a little bit naughty." 

"I think Mr. Bean likes to enjoy himself. There is no overarching social or political ambition to the 'Mr. Bean' animated series, we are not trying to load it with messages about how you should behave, and anyway, Mr. Bean is an example of how you shouldn't behave, but that's why people enjoy watching."

With over three decades of growth, Atkinson believes Mr. Bean has gradually developed into a more multi-dimensional character, and his increased dialogue in the last two animated series reflects this evolution. 

"Over the years, Mr. Bean has changed; he has developed. I think he is slightly more interesting, a slightly more three-dimensional character now than he was, but he is still the same man, the same child trapped in a man's body.

"I think in the last two animated series he's spoken a lot more, and I like that, I find it funny."

Addressing his fans in South Africa, Atkinson expressed gratitude for their support, assuring them that this new season will offer the same delightful chaos they've cherished for years.

Despite the character's immense fame, Atkinson said he enjoys a low-key existence, refraining from the pressures of social media and focusing on his craft.

"I try to enjoy the bits that are good and try and avoid the bits that aren't good. I have to say that I find it very relaxing not being a part of social media on a personal level.

"I'm pleased that I haven't been sucked into that, which many actors and performers feel they should engage with, thus keeping the worst aspects of global recognisability at bay ... try to avoid it if you can.

"When I watch myself on TV, I detach myself, all I think about is the character, and whether the character is working and if I've done a job with the voice recordings."