Wednesday, April 28, 2021

ViacomCBS Networks International and Rakuten Announce Streaming, Content and E-Commerce Partnership in Japan

ViacomCBS Networks International and Rakuten Announce Streaming, Content and E-Commerce Partnership in Japan

Nick+ to launch in Japan on Rakuten TV

Rakuten to host Nickelodeon’s first-ever digital storefront in Asia on Japan’s leading e-commerce platform, Rakuten Ichiba


Tokyo, April 20, 2021 - ViacomCBS Networks International (VCNI), a unit of ViacomCBS Inc. (NASDAQ: VIAC) and Rakuten Group, Inc. today announced the signing of a broad long-term agreement, which includes the launch of Nick+, Nickelodeon’s kids’ streaming service, on Rakuten’s video-on-demand platform Rakuten TV in Japan, covering mobile, STB/dongle, web and Smart TV devices. The partnership also includes the creation of a dedicated Nickelodeon zone on Japan’s leading e-commerce platform, Rakuten Ichiba.


“This long-term agreement with Rakuten, a key player in the media and e-commerce industry, connects the world of streaming to the world of consumer products for the first time. The integration of Nick+ and the Nickelodeon digital storefront into the Rakuten Ecosystem will enable us to create an interconnected Nickelodeon experience for consumers and leverage strategic cross-platform promotional opportunities,” said Raffaele Annecchino, President & CEO of ViacomCBS Networks International. “This innovative deal is testament to ViacomCBS’ expertise in developing unique and versatile partnerships and it will allow us to explore additional collaboration opportunities outside of Asia.” 

"We are very excited to partner with ViacomCBS Networks International to bring their iconic brands and top-tier content to new audiences through our streaming and e-commerce platforms," said Koji Ando, Rakuten Group Managing Executive Officer and Senior Vice President of Rakuten's Communications & Energy Company. "Through these new initiatives, families across the country will have even more reasons to engage with our services and enjoy the rich customer experience of the Rakuten Ecosystem. We look forward to building on this partnership to deliver even more entertaining content and initiatives in the future."

Nick+, a subscription service, is planned for launch on Rakuten TV on April 28, 2021, bringing many of the most popular series from the Nickelodeon library to Japanese audiences. Kids and families will be able to watch on demand favorite shows like SpongeBob SquarePants, PAW Patrol, Blaze and the Monster Machines, Bubble Guppies, Dora the Explorer, Blue's Clues & You!, Deer Squad, The Loud House, Game Shakers, The Thundermans and more.

In addition to hit kids and family entertainment via the Nick+ service, Rakuten will host the first-ever Nickelodeon digital storefront in Asia on the Rakuten Ichiba internet shopping mall in Japan. Showcasing a collection of select Nickelodeon products from multiple merchants, Japanese audiences will be able to easily purchase products featuring some of the brand’s most beloved characters from iconic franchises such as SpongeBob SquarePants, PAW Patrol, and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles on the new dedicated e-commerce zone on Rakuten Ichiba. Products will cover multiple categories, including fashion, stationery and collectibles.

Nick+ will be available on Rakuten TV's official site and mobile app, STB/dongle, web and Smart TV devices as of April 28, while the digital Nickelodeon storefront on Rakuten Ichiba is planned for launch in May 2021.

About ViacomCBS Networks International (VCNI)

ViacomCBS Networks International (VCNI), a unit of ViacomCBS Inc. (NASDAQ: VIAC), is comprised of many of the world’s most iconic consumer brands. Its portfolio includes Channel 5, Telefe, Network 10, Nickelodeon, MTV, Comedy Central, BET, Paramount Network, as well as streaming services Paramount+ and PlutoTV, and ViacomCBS International Studios, among others. In addition to offering innovative streaming services and digital video products, ViacomCBS Networks International provides powerful capabilities in production, distribution and advertising solutions for partners on five continents and across more than 180 countries.

About Rakuten

Rakuten Group, Inc. (TSE: 4755) is a global leader in internet services that empower individuals, communities, businesses and society. Founded in Tokyo in 1997 as an online marketplace, Rakuten has expanded to offer services in e-commerce, fintech, digital content and communications to approximately 1.4 billion members around the world. Rakuten has over 20,000 employees, and operations in 30 countries and regions. For more information visit https://global.rakuten.com/corp/.

About Rakuten TV

A live streaming and video-on-demand service provided by Rakuten offering users in Japan approximately 210,000 pieces of content covering movies, dramas, anime, sports, such as Pacific League Japanese pro baseball, and stage shows. The videos can be viewed on various devices, including smartphones, computers and TVs. Information on compatible devices can be found on the Rakuten TV official site: https://tv.rakuten.co.jp/static/guide/device

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Nick+ has been expanding into more international territories of late, particularly in Europe, where it launched in Germany on Deutsche Telekom’s OTT service MagentaTV, in Greece via Vodofone TV, and in Portugal via MEO, MEO GO and Vodafone. The service is also available in Canada through Corus Entertainment.

ViacomCBS announced the news on the first day of the APOS conference, which is being held virtually this year.

Following a 2019 merger of CBS Corp. and Viacom, ViacomCBS is the second incarnation of the U.S. media corporation that stretches from the Paramount Pictures movie studio to network television. Its Simon & Schuster book publishing unit is to be sold, pending regulatory approval.

Annecchino said that the reorganized group enjoys strength from: including both free and pay services; from operating globally-known brands such as Paramount, Showtime, CBS, Comedy Central and Nickelodeon; and from having a large production operation in Viacom Studios.

He said that corporate development will focus on streaming, studios and networks, with the addition of real-world partnerships in Asia.

The Pluto TV ad-supported VOD service is currently available in 25 markets and will be rolled out further. Premium SVOD service, Paramount Plus will be launched in Australia later this year, Annecchino said.

The corporation already owns free-to-air channel Network 10 in Australia, which it acquired in 2017. Annecchino said that owning a direct-to-consumer service and a linear channel in the same country enables shows to be optimized and moved between platforms.

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Rakuten and ViacomCBS team up to bring Nickelodeon content to Japan


Rakuten TV subscribers in Japan now have easy access to some of the funniest and most family-friendly entertainment from Nickelodeon.

Starting today, fans in Japan now have easy access to some of the funniest and most family-friendly entertainment from Nickelodeon’s stable of world-famous properties. Thanks to a recently-announced, wide-ranging partnership between Rakuten and ViacomCBS Networks International, the kids streaming service Nick+ is now available on Rakuten’s video-on-demand platform Rakuten TV, bringing world-class entertainment such as SpongeBob SquarePants, PAW Patrol and Dora the Explorer on demand to screens big and small.

And if all those new viewing options weren’t exciting enough (especially for Japanese parents with kids home for the Golden Week holiday), the partnership also includes the creation of Nickelodeon’s first-ever digital storefront in Asia on Rakuten Ichiba, Japan’s leading e-commerce platform.

"THROUGH THESE NEW INITIATIVES, FAMILIES ACROSS THE COUNTRY WILL HAVE EVEN MORE REASONS TO ENGAGE WITH OUR SERVICES AND ENJOY THE RICH CUSTOMER EXPERIENCE OF THE RAKUTEN ECOSYSTEM." - KOJI ANDO, RAKUTEN GROUP MANAGING EXECUTIVE OFFICER AND SVP OF RAKUTEN’S COMMUNICATIONS & ENERGY COMPANY

New and veteran Nickelodeon fans alike will be able to easily purchase Nickelodeon-branded merchandise based on beloved shows like Blue’s Clues & You!, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles and Bubble Guppies. The dedicated zone launches on Rakuten Ichiba in May 2021 and will offer Nickelodeon products from a variety of merchants, in categories including fashion, stationery and collectibles.

PAW Patrol is a pack of powered-up puppies who protect their home, Adventure Bay.

Helping iconic content find new audiences

“This long-term agreement with Rakuten, a key player in the media and e-commerce industry, connects the world of streaming to the world of consumer products for the first time,” shared Raffaele Annecchino, President & CEO of ViacomCBS Networks International. “The integration of Nick+ and the Nickelodeon digital storefront into the Rakuten Ecosystem will enable us to create an interconnected Nickelodeon experience for consumers and leverage strategic cross-platform promotional opportunities. This innovative deal is testament to ViacomCBS’ expertise in developing unique and versatile partnerships and it will allow us to explore additional collaboration opportunities outside of Asia in the future.”  

Koji Ando, Rakuten Group Managing Executive Officer and Senior Vice President of Rakuten’s Communications & Energy Company, commented, “We are very excited to partner with ViacomCBS Networks International to bring their iconic brands and top-tier content to new audiences through our streaming and e-commerce platforms. 

"THE INTEGRATION OF NICK+ AND THE NICKELODEON DIGITAL STOREFRONT INTO THE RAKUTEN ECOSYSTEM WILL ENABLE US TO CREATE AN INTERCONNECTED NICKELODEON EXPERIENCE FOR CONSUMERS AND LEVERAGE STRATEGIC CROSS-PLATFORM PROMOTIONAL OPPORTUNITIES." - RAFFAELE ANNECCHINO, PRESIDENT & CEO OF VIACOMCBS NETWORKS INTERNATIONAL

“Through these new initiatives, families across the country will have even more reasons to engage with our services and enjoy the rich customer experience of the Rakuten Ecosystem. We look forward to building on this partnership to deliver even more entertaining content and initiatives in the future.”

Leonardo, Donatello, Raphael and Michelangelo: Pizza-loving ninjas who live in the sewers beneath New York City.

A portable solution that keeps kids entertained and engaged

Some of the shows on offer, like The Loud House or Game Shakers, are geared toward a slightly older, elementary school crowd. Others, such as Deer Squad or Blaze and the Monster Machines are more targeted toward the preschool set.

Regardless of who’s watching, parents and caregivers can rest assured that kids are being given the opportunity to learn English and engage in problem solving, teamwork, STEM, and much more, in a fun and playful way.

Who lives in a pineapple under the sea? Hint: He’s yellow, absorbent and porous.

The service is affordable, too. A month of Nick+ will cost subscribers only 440 yen per month — for reference, that’s less than the cost of a combo at most popular fast-food chains. And for anyone who’s curious about the world of Nickelodeon but hesitant to take the plunge, Nick+ offers a free 14-day trial to viewers signing up for the first time.

As SpongeBob himself once famously sang, “F is for friends who do stuff together. U is for you and me. N is for anywhere and anytime at all.” N is also for Nick+, which can now be enjoyed in Japan, anywhere and anytime at all.

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Originally published: Tuesday, April 20, 2021 at 19:24 BST.

Additional sources: Kidscreen, Variety.

Follow NickALive! on Twitter, Tumblr, Reddit, via RSS, on Instagram, and/or Facebook for the latest Nickelodeon Japan News and Highlights!

Classic Rugrats Comic Strip for April 28, 2021 | Nickelodeon

Classic Rugrats Comic Strip for April 28, 2021 | Nickelodeon

Rugrats, provided to Creators Syndicate by Nickelodeon, based off the popular animated television series has been created for children and family's to laugh and enjoy together.

Follow these comics and their take on real episodes of the show and their own spin on hilarious adventures.

Read more Rugrats comic strips!: https://www.creators.com/features/rugrats

More Nick: First Look: Nickelodeon's All-New Animated 'Rugrats' Reunites Members of the Original Voice Cast to Reprise Roles!

Follow NickALive! on Twitter, Tumblr, Reddit, via RSS, on Instagram, and/or Facebook for the latest Classic Nickelodeon, NickRewind and Rugrats News and Highlights!

Why SpongeBob Has Had No Real Crossovers

Why SpongeBob Has ZERO Real Crossovers | Vailskibum94


SpongeBob SquarePants doesn't have a single true crossover episode. Stephen Hillenburg laid down the rules early on in the show: this wasn't allowed. Why was this decision made? What makes SpongeBob a unique case where a crossover actually can't happen?

Many have requested SpongeBob crossovers with various Nickelodeon properties like The Loud House, Jimmy Neutron, The Fairly OddParents or Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. While these types of interactions happen in Nicktoons video games, there's a very good reason they don't make it on TV. 

Surprisingly, the only thing that comes close to a real crossover is hidden in Big Time Rush, which features Patchy the Pirate! Yes, that's real.

Watch SpongeBob SquarePants on Nickelodeon and The SpongeBob Movie: Sponge On The Run & Kamp Koral: SpongeBob's Under Years on Paramount+!

Listen to The SpongeBob Musical here!: https://spongebobmusical.blogspot.com

SpongeBob SquarePants: Battle for Bikini Bottom - Rehydrated is now available on PC, Xbox One, PlayStation 4, Nintendo Switch and mobile devices!

CALLING ALL GOOFY GOOBERS! (ROCK!) Are ya ready for a deep dive into the world of SpongeBob SquarePants? The SpongeBob YouTube channel is THE PLACE for all fan-favorite SpongeBob moments! We’re serving up everything from legendary scenes to remixes of classic songs to deep dives into Bikini Bottom lore. Be sure to check back every week for Music Mondays, Wumbo Wednesdays, and Flashback Fridays! Subscribe now at https://www.youtube.com/SpongeBobOfficial!

Shop SpongeBob!: https://www.spongebobshop.com - SpongeBob face masks now available, with ALL proceeds going to charity!


Follow NickALive! on Twitter, Tumblr, Reddit, via RSS, on Instagram, and/or Facebook for the latest Nickelodeon and SpongeBob SquarePants News and Highlights!

What's On Nick | Nickelodeon Premiere Highlights | Week 17

Your guide to What's New on Nickelodeon for the week of Monday, April 26 - Sunday, May 2, 2021!



For Nickelodeon's full highlights for April 2021, click here. For May's highlights, click here.

All times ET/PT.


Friday, April 30, 2021

10:30 a.m. - Santiago Of The Seas - The Silver Lasso/The Sea Dragon's Treasure: Santiago and Mami team up to take down an old foe and retrieve a lost family treasure. / After Enrique nabs a Sea Dragon’s golden egg, it’s up to the good pirates to nab it back before things get out of control. (#113) [promo]

7:00 p.m. - SpongeBob SquarePants - Plankton's Intern: Plankton needs help to steal the secret formula, so he hires an intern who knows more about Mr. Krabs than anyone else. (#264A) [promos]

7:30 p.m. - The Barbarian and the Troll - My Sharon-Ah: Brendar faces off against a Royal Order rival, but the result casts doubt about her ability to complete her ultimate quest. (#105) [promos]

8:00 p.m. - SpongeBob: Puppet Edition! Shorts - 'Can You Spare a Dime?' - Puppet Edition!: Squidward quits his job at the Krusty Krab after Mr. Krabs accuses him of stealing his very first dime. Luckily his neighbor SpongeBob is there to take care of him! (Though to some bossy results.) The Pineapple Playhouse presents "Can You Spare a Dime?" (#883)

Saturday, May 1, 2021

8:00 p.m. - Side Hustle - Juckles: When Jaget (Jacques Chevelle) gets a girlfriend, everyone fears the pairing means a new meanness is on the horizon, but dating softens Jaget; when the kids learn the pair might break up, they scramble to keep them together. (#119) [promos]

8:30 p.m. - Drama Club - S.A.D.: Darcy (Lili Brennan) is excited to go to the school dance this year, but Mack (Telci Huynh) is determined to avoid it at all costs after an embarrassing incident at the last one. (#105; premiered Saturday, April 24 at 8:00 a.m. on TeenNick) [promos]

Additional Highlights:

It's time to show off your Danger Force knowledge! The Danger Force needs YOUR help! Play trivia during the show to unlock their powers and much more with Danger Force Power Source! All week long, watch your favorite heroes and play-along with the brand new Danger Force Power Source trivia game on Nickelodeon's FREE SCREENS UP app, available for both iOS and Android devices, and via nickplay.com! Help save Danger Force by unlocking their powers, early points, and get a chance to see your nickname on the Hero Board! Play Danger Force Power Source every night all week from 8:00 p.m. ET/PT starting Monday, April 26, 2021, only on Nickelodeon! Click here for more information!

Watch the latest Premieres on your DVR - April 26, 2021 (Nickelodeon U.S.)


You're Watching The Loud House Bumpers:




Originally published: Monday, April 26, 2021.

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ARIA - twinnin' (ft. AteloMidas) [Official Music Video]

ARIA - twinnin' (ft. AteloMidas) [Official Music Video]


stream twinnin' on all streaming platforms!
castles ep out soon!

Starring: ARIA
Directed by: Ques Williams

Dancers: 
Ava Adams
Kaliyah Allen
Madison Alsobrook
Addysen Buggs
Cameron Cox
Lyniah Gethers
Kamari Moreland
Jordan Patterson
Korie Pillow
Myshay Pretty
Jayla Wolfe
Teacher: LaToya Brooks


Originally published: Tuesday, April 27, 2021.

Follow NickALive! on Twitter, Tumblr, Reddit, via RSS, on Instagram, and/or Facebook for the latest Nickelodeon and All That News and Highlights!

New Commenting System

Hi all,

As you may have already noticed, NickALive! has changed its commenting system. Instead of Disqus, NickALive! is now be using Blogger's native commenting system.

Unfortunately, this means two things:

- Comments from Disqus can't be exported onto Blogger. However, they have been backed up. They are also still backed up on Disqus.

- You'll now need a Google account (you'll have one if you use YouTube, Gmail, Drive, etc) to comment.

At the moment, all comments are being moderated, meaning that comments made take a little while to appear. This is just so I can get comfortable with the system and to see how spam is handled.

If you don't wish to continue commenting on the blog, you can always leave your comments on NickALive!'s social media channels, including Twitter, Facebook, RedditInstagram and Discord.

I apologise for any inconvenience this moved as caused, and I hope to hear from you on which platform you choose to use!

Thankyou,
Stewart / NickALive! Editor. :)


The Nick Box Unveils Second Sneak Peek from Spring 2021 Edition [SOLD OUT]

Update: The Spring 2021 edition of The Nick Box has officially sold out! Stay 'tooned for news of upcoming editions!

Acquire the Pendant of Life!


Culture Fly has lift the lid on their second sneak peek from the Spring 2021 edition of The Nick Box - an exclusive Olmec keychain inspired by Nickelodeon's iconic '90s game show, Legends of the Hidden Temple! The keyring comes in a special LOTHT presentation box! This pendent will go excellently with RSVLTS' newly released Legends of the Hidden Temple shirts!


The Legends of the Hidden Temple pendant keychain joins the previously announced Cynthia doll inspired by the Rugrats episode "The Seven Voyages of Cynthia".

Update (3/12) - The Nick Box has unveiled a third sneak peek from their Spring 2021 edition - a Legends of the Hidden Temple hoodie raincoat!:



The theme for the the Spring 2021 Nick Box is... Action & Adventure!

Subscriptions are now open to reserve your spot!

Are you a current subscriber? No need to do anything else. Subscriptions automatically renew in March.

New to The Nick Box? Visit https://thenickbox.com/pages/the-nick-box and choose your plan!

Orders for the Spring 2021 The Nick Box must be made before March 10, and subscribers will be billed the week of March 14th. The box will ship during mid-late April.

Already a subscriber? You don't need to do anything else. Your subscription will be renewed in March.

Don't forget to check out the brand new Bikini Bottom Box! https://thenickbox.com/pages/the-bikini-bottom-box


Watch all your ‘80s, ‘90s, and ‘00s Nickelodeon favorites on NickRewind, your late-night destination for your favorite childhood Nickelodeon cartoons and live-action shows! NickSplat doesn't question football-shaped heads, but embrace them - along with Reptar bars, a Big Ear of Corn, orange soda, and even slime for Pete (and Pete's) sake. Make your slime-covered Nickelodeon childhood dreams come true every night on TeenNick USA, and anytime you want Nick Pluto TV, NickHits on Amazon Prime Video Channels and Nick on Paramount+!

Like NickRewind on Facebook, subscribe to the NickRewind YouTube channel and follow NickRewind on Twitter and Instagram for exclusive digital content from all of your throwback favorites like Rugrats, Hey Arnold!, iCarly, Victorious, Kenan & Kel, CatDog, Doug, Rocko’s Modern Life, The Amanda Show, Clarissa Explains It All, The Ren & Stimpy Show, Are You Afraid of the Dark?, and so much more!

Join Nickelodeon's official I Was A Nick Kid Facebook Group!: https://www.facebook.com/groups/IWasANickKid/

More Nick: First Look: Nickelodeon's All-New Animated 'Rugrats' Reunites Members of the Original Voice Cast to Reprise Roles!

Originally published: Monday, March 01, 2021.

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The Bikini Bottom Box Unveils Second Sneak Peek at Spring 2021 Edition [SOLD OUT]

Update: The Spring 2021 edition of The Bikini Bottom Box has officially sold out! Stay 'tooned for news of upcoming editions! Can't wait? Shop all things SpongeBob at https://www.spongebobshop.com!

Culture Fly has lift the lid on their second sneak peek of the Spring 2021 edition of The Bikini Bottom Box - a amazing Glove World puppet!


As previously reported, the theme for the Spring 2021 edition of The Bikini Bottom Box is Glove World. The handy Glove World puppet joins the previously announced spectacular Fiery Fist O' Pain Photo Frame!

The Spring Bikini Bottom Box is available to pre-order. Reserve your box now!


New to The Bikini Bottom Box? Visit https://thenickbox.com/pages/the-bikini-bottom-box and choose your plan!

Orders for the Spring 2021 Bikini Bottom Box must be made before March 10, and subscribers will be billed the week of March 14th. The box will ship during mid-late April.

Already a subscriber? You don't need to do anything else. Your subscription will be renewed in March.

From the same people behind The Nick Box comes The Bikini Bottom Box, the first-ever SpongeBob SquarePants subscription box is here!


Each Bikini Bottom Box brings fans exclusive SpongeBob SquarePants merchandise to your door 4 times a year. Each box is packed with exclusive apparel, accessories, collectibles, homeware and decor inspired by iconic moments from the show. A new box is delivered quarterly, every season. A total of four boxes a year. Fans can order their Bikini Bottom Box online. Annual plans start at $39.99 a box.

The Bikini Bottom Box launched with its winter 2020 edition.

ICYMI: The Spring 2021 "Action & Adventure" edition of The Nick Box is also available to pre-order!


Originally published: Wednesday, March 17, 2021.

Follow NickALive! on Twitter, Tumblr, Reddit, via RSS, on Instagram, and/or Facebook for the latest Nickelodeon and SpongeBob SquarePants News and Highlights!

New 'Side Hustle' Episode 'Love Sensei' and 'Scare Bear' Announced

Side Hustle director Wendy Faraone has revealed the episode titles of two upcoming new episodes of Nickelodeon's hit live-action comedy series on her official Instagram!


Episode #123 is titled "Love Sensei", and is written Maegan McConnell and Heather Wood, and Episode #124 is a Halloween-themed episode titled "Scare Bear", which is written by Wesley Jermaine Johnson and Scott Taylor. Faraone serves as a director on both episodes.



Starring social media sensations and real-life best friends, Jules LeBlanc and Jayden Bartels, Side Hustle follows best friends, smart and sarcastic Lex (LeBlanc) and confident and tough Presley (Bartels), as they devise a plan to make money when fireworks accidentally destroy a boat belonging to the dad of their quirky friend and neighbor, Munchy (Isaiah Crews). Created and executive produced by Dave Malkoff (Henry Danger, Sam & Cat, Victorious) and shot in front of a live studio audience, Side Hustle season one (26 half-hour episodes) is being shot in Los Angeles.

Forced to come up with creative ways to earn money to pay for the damages, Lex, Presley and Munchy enlist the help of Presley’s tech-savvy younger brother, Fisher (Mitchell Berg), who creates an app to connect with people looking for help with small jobs, and Munchy’s bossy older brother Jaget (Jacques Chevelle), who makes sure they keep up with the payments.

John Beck & Ron Hart (Knight SquadFuller House, Liv and Maddie) serve as executive producers and showrunners. Production of Side Hustle for Nickelodeon is overseen by Shauna Phelan, Senior Vice President, Live-Action Scripted Content. Omar Camacho serves as Nickelodeon’s Executive in Charge of Production for the series.


Follow NickALive! on Twitter, Tumblr, Reddit, via RSS, on Instagram, and/or Facebook for the latest Nickelodeon Upfront 2021, Danger Force, Young Dylan and Side Hustle News and Highlights!