Sunday, October 07, 2018

Nickelodeon UK Rides High with Growing Mix of Original and Acquired Content, Multiple Platforms and Real-World Experiences

Nickelodeon is riding high in the UK on a growing mix of original and acquired content, multiple platforms and real-world experiences. C21 Media's Gün Akyuz reports.


Overview

Three years at the top in the UK’s cabsat pay universe is no mean feat for a kids’ network in today’s fragmented landscape. Nickelodeon continues to claim that spot across its linear channels Nickelodeon, Nick Jr. and Nicktoons, under the direction of Alison Bakunowich, Senior Vice President (SVP) and General Manager (GM) for Nickelodeon UK and Ireland.

Her brief now also oversees the UK’s Channel 5 preschool block Milkshake! and a growing portfolio of Nickelodeon brands in NEE regions, the Nordics, CEE and Russia, where it’s making equally impressive gains.


Alison Bakunowich

“It’s a result we are extremely proud of and have worked very hard at,” says Bakunowich. “Last year we had the highest share performance on record across the combined network, Nick, Nicktoons and Nick Jr, as did Milkshake!, actually. That’s what motivates us.”

In 2017, Nickelodeon grew 7% and was the top kids’ network in pay TV homes, ahead of BBC Kids (CBBC and CBeebies) and Disney, while Nick Jr. achieved its best year on record. Over on Channel 5, Milkshake! also achieved its best-ever annual share of all kids’ viewing.

As a combined network, Nickelodeon claims to have had the largest year-on-year growth of the top five channels on the kids’ EPG in pay TV homes, and where half of the top 10 shows in pay TV homes are theirs. Unsurprisingly, they include the top two preschool shows, Peppa Pig and Paw Patrol, as well as Nickelodeon animation series ALVINNN!!! and the Chipmunks (in third), Horrid Henry (fifth) and the evergreen SpongeBob SquarePants, still among the network’s top five shows. Nickelodeon also has the top four live-action series: Henry Danger, The Thundermans, Game Shakers and Nicky, Ricky, Dicky & Dawn.

That’s only part of the picture. Nickelodeon has also seen a 22% growth in Video-on-Demand (VoD) viewing this year to July, with Peppa Pig, Paw Patrol, The Thundermans, iCarly and Henry Danger driving that rise, according to the network.

“Live viewing is still critically important and still there, but VoD viewing is extremely important,” says Bakunowich. “We’re seeing huge numbers in catch-up and portable viewing. So whether it’s playing a game or watching something on the Nick Play app, for example, or the Nick Jr. play app, the consumption and the same content is still there, it’s just when and how.

“For Viacom, we see controlling the right to ‘must-see’ IP as key to growth in the emerging on-demand TV ecosystem and it’s an area in which Nickelodeon already has a strong pedigree and established pipeline.


TV movie Blurt generated Nickelodeon’s biggest live ratings since 2013

“We’ve always had a very strong brand personality, whether it’s Nick Jr., the first step on the brand ladder, right through to the live-action on Nickelodeon, there is a humour and irreverence that has always been very important to us. Specifically, it continues to be about key characters, IP, storytelling and, of course, how you consume it. Whether it’s new or returning, it’s still all about great shows for all ages, all stages, boys, girls, throughout your whole childhood. It’s that nappies-to-skinny-jeans thing.”

Nick UK also turned 25 in September. For Bakunowich, this signifies that there’s now a generation of parents who grew up with Nickelodeon. “That’s what’s interesting to me. We’re now a brand that has that connection with parent as well.”

A highlight for the network in September was the new series Rise of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, backed by a raft of consumer products. The show launched on Nicktoons on September 22, a few days after its US launch. In a first under Viacom’s enlarged UK stable, the show is being simulcast on Nicktoons and Channel 5.

“It feels really modern and a perfect evolution of that series,” says Bakunowich, for whom the show is also a “great pointer” to the generational link between parents and kids and Nickelodeon as “a shared experience.”

Nickelodeon is extending the shared experience to a growing number of live events, such as Slimefest, featuring Nick-related talent like YouTuber JoJo Siwa (JoJo Siwa: My World), Jace Norman (Henry Danger) and Kira Kosarin (The Thundermans).

Last year Slimefest ran as six shows over three days attracting 12,000 people. This year’s events and real-world activities included The Nick Jr Adventure Centre in June and July 2018. Slimefest will be back on October 20-22, to be followed by a linear airing in November, plus events with Max and Harvey and JoJo Siwa.

“We’re bringing people to the market with lots of on-the-ground events, big tent-poles like Slimefest, and smaller activations across the country in cinemas and shopping centres,” says Bakunowich, noting that all such touch points “drove back to Nickelodeon UK’s most successful year ever.”

In April, the TV movie Blurt, featuring JoJo Siwa and Jace Norman, was aired as a linear TV event, generating Nickelodeon’s biggest live ratings since 2013. Norman was brought over to the UK to promote it.



Rise of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles airs on Nicktoons

“Kids love our characters and IP and want to experience that, whether it’s slime or JoJo Siwa. It’s about getting an opportunity to experience that in the real world,” says Bakunowich. “Real-world experiences and having something for families to experience together is so important for us.”

Bakunowich says the Nickelodeon group is looking to broaden its events in the UK, Ireland and globally, “with more on-the-ground brand exposure, and more real-world interaction with our audience.”

Current schedule, acquisitions, original production



Newly launched preschool animated series Becca’s Bunch

By the end of 2018 Nickelodeon will have launched 17 new shows across the network since the beginning of the year, a mixture of in-house intellectual properties (IP) as well as local acquisitions. On the local content front, Nick has just launched preschool animated series Becca’s Bunch, acquired from Anglo-Irish outfit Jam Media. “We’re delighted with this show and how it’s performing,” says Bakunowich. “It looks really different – it’s puppetry but stunning, and very much the premise we hold true on Nick Jr., which is about adventure.”

The show was picked up for Nick in the UK as well as globally. Another is Nickelodeon-backed North American animated adventure series Top Wing.

Over on Nickelodeon, a newcomer is Cottonwood Media and ZDFE’s live-action drama about a time-travelling ballerina, Find Me In Paris, plus Nickelodeon-backed US comedy Knight Squad.

Nicktoons, meanwhile, recently debuted Rise of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. Earlier this year it picked up all five seasons of Horrid Henry, which began airing in late May, with Nicktoons airing brand-new episodes in 2019. Another recent acquisition for the toon net is DHX’s Massive Monster Mayhem.

Bakunowich is also keen to flag up UK preschool production Digby Dragon from Blue Zoo Animation. Milkshake! has now commissioned season two of the show, originally a Nickelodeon commission, for next year. “It’s been a huge performer, so Milkshake! will now be the home of Digby Dragon,” says the exec. She points out the established track-record of IP sharing between Nick and Milkshake!, covering shows like Peppa Pig and Ben & Holly's Little Kingdom, from before Viacom’s ownership.

“We’ll be doing more of that if it makes sense, and if it’s a show that will work on both networks,” she says, noting that Milkshake! skews a little younger, is more British at its core and a bit softer. Nick Jr. is “more forthright, adventure, humour and sometimes a bit glossier.”


Find Me In Paris, Cottonwood and ZDFE’s drama about a time-travelling ballerina

“We were extremely focused on almost every aspect of the channel, the brand and multiple strategies,” says Bakunowich. “Events are an extremely important part of it, as well as social. We have a multiplatform team who do on-demand scheduling – an artform in itself – but the channel business is still absolutely core to our business. It is like individual races that add up to the pentathlon, and we’re in to win them all.”

When it comes to talent-spotting, social media is already in the mix for Nickelodeon, which has recruited JoJo Siwa and works a lot with Max and Harvey, twin musicians with a big social media presence. “We always want to reflect society and kids, so that they’re not just from drama school, but also from bedrooms in Norwich, and you do get a broader catchment of talent,” says Bakunowich. “Because of social media, we’re able to segment our audience and communicate to them in a way we’ve never been able to before.”

She highlights Nickelodeon bulletin The Scoop’s social site, featuring Instagram-style stories aimed at girls aged 11-16, covering gossip on Nick stars and other celebrities, beauty, fashion, technology and wellness. “It allows us to talk to the tween girl end of the audience in ways we’d never communicate on the channel because that’s for a much broader audience. But it can connect with an audience that is very active on social. They communicate with us and tell us what they’re into – it’s a fantastic dialogue,” says Bakunowich.

The exec’s plans for Nickelodeon UK and Ireland over the next year remain firmly focused on “content and how it’s consumed. It continues to be our commitment and we’re constantly looking at pushing forward on platforms, on consumer products, on events and real-life experiences. There are literally no ways in which were not looking for people to work with us, whether it’s new technologies or event activations or IP ideas. We’re completely focused on the kids’ entertainment business and this market and moving ahead.”

But she does offer some advice: “We recently acquired Horrid Henry for the UK. It’s obviously a huge favourite here and works very well with our toon slate. It also works extremely well next to SpongeBob. That’s a huge factor – how well something will sit next to Nickelodeon IP.

“We’re always looking for great content, great characters that can sit in the Nickelodeon family and we’ll treat them like our own. I can’t stress that enough, because if we find something that we believe will work, we will find the money. Also, with some things we look at we’ll say, ‘Oh this is Milkshake!’ or Nickelodeon, or ‘This is great for the UK,’ and some things could be an international opportunity. That’s what, at Nick, we’re very good at. So in terms of maximising the opportunity for the creator or producer, we can facilitate that very easily.

Bakunowich doesn’t have specific acquisition hours to fill. “When we see it and we think it will work, we’ll just buy it. That’s the way we do it, rather than spending to a budget,” says the executive.

Also, from TVKIDS:

Eyes on the Prize

Andy Fry hears from leading commissioners at global and local channels about budgets, wish lists and digital initiatives.

From the global pay-TV behemoths to market-leading commercial channels and pubcasters, the pressure has never been greater for programmers to deliver compelling, engaging content for kids amid heightened competition from OTT, YouTube and a million other digital distractions.

The good news for content makers and distributors is that, for the most part, channels have maintained their levels of investments in children’s programming.

“Lagardère Active’s youth channels are profitable,” reports Caroline Cochaux, managing director of TV at the French channels operator and president of its DTT service Gulli. “Gulli is in the top three most profitable DTT channels. Each year we invest 10 percent of our turnover in animation, including linear and nonlinear rights. This is a good performance in a market transformed by digital developments.”

Sebastian Debertin, the head of fiction, acquisitions and co-productions at German kids’ pubcaster KiKA, says budgets have not changed—but there is additional pressure because digital activities need to be financed with the existing pot of money.

Jackie Edwards, the head of acquisitions and independent animation at BBC Children’s, reflects a similar sentiment when she states, “Our budget for acquisitions and independent animation has stayed the same over the last few years, but there is more funding for digital commissions.”

All kids’ linear channels have stepped up their online and on-demand activities to keep up with constant changes in viewing habits. So securing as many rights to a show as possible is crucial.

KEEPING PACE

“Consumer patterns are changing and we must adapt,” Cochaux notes. “We have learned to work with new [platforms], such as Netflix and YouTube. For example, our DreamWorks series have the first window on Netflix before arriving as linear exclusives on Gulli and Canal J. These series remain very efficient on our channels despite this first window. We are also present on YouTube with thematic channels that sometimes promote programs even before they are launched on linear.”

“We know we need to be everywhere our young, mobile fans are, so we don’t manage linear and nonlinear rights separately,” says Layla Lewis, the senior VP of global acquisitions and content partnerships at Nickelodeon. “The management of different rights creates opportunities for us to program across an entire ecosystem and also launch specifically focused, targeted and curated services, such as localized content unique to different markets in Noggin, our educational SVOD preschoolers app in Latin America and the U.S.”

Lewis’s view is backed up by Orion Ross, the VP of content, animation, digital and acquisitions, at Disney Channels EMEA. “The way we manage linear and nonlinear rights is continuing to evolve. The rights we take may differ dramatically on a show to show basis. If a series is a co-production, we may have the flexibility to share rights with partners. The biggest challenge is trying to make our deals future-proof.”

Frank Dietz, the deputy program director and head of acquisitions and co-productions at Germany’s Super RTL, adds, “One of our most important objectives is to reach kids on every possible content platform and to create sustainable excitement for our brands. We are strong believers in controlling the rights to our own IP and always try to gain rights for our own SVOD platform, Kividoo.”

DIGITAL SPIN

As Dietz notes, investing in digital is not just about making sure you can window effectively—it’s also about developing content exclusively for nonlinear services. “We invest in digital content significantly—apps, short-form content, etc.,” he says.

“With the launch of Viacom Digital Studios, producing original premium digital programming is a big priority across all Viacom brands,” adds Lewis. “This is taking shape in a variety of ways, including the new JoJo and BowBow Show Show.”

Patricia Hidalgo, chief content officer for EMEA kids and international kids strategy at Turner, references The Heroic Quest of the Valiant Prince Ivandoe as a good example of how Turner is experimenting with digital formats. “The ten comedy shorts launched as part of an interactive web game. The ability to launch new content on digital platforms allows us to experiment with how we put content out and get almost instant feedback.”

As the market evolves and channels have to stretch their budgets over linear and digital platforms, partnerships have become increasingly important across the kids’ channel landscape.

Lewis explains that while Nickelodeon draws on a robust pipeline of shows from the U.S., the company can also be “flexible and partner with content creators in a number of different ways with different deal structures. A recent example is the prebuy acquisition we did for Becca’s Bunch from JAM Media, which we committed to very early on and then got involved in the production.”

Lewis says Nickelodeon is also developing a new CGI-animated series called Deer Run with iQiyi, China’s largest video streaming platform. “It’s the first time Nickelodeon has taken a Chinese original series from its conception stage. Overall, we are always looking for new ideas and formats that allow us to tell stories in a different way.”

Disney balances its in-house production activities with third-party collaborations, says Ross. “We create content by working with independent companies and studios across Europe. For co-productions, we work with independent studios in a way that lets them hold onto some of their IP.”

Expanding on this theme, Ross adds, “We have several financing models and every series is different. We always look to set up a co-production structure that gives us the biggest budget we can achieve within the constraints of how the series is financed. We have more competition than ever and we have to deliver quality content, but that doesn’t mean throwing money at something; it can mean structuring the production in a smarter way.”

Cochaux at Lagardère says her channel group is involved with a raft of collaborations with French and international animation studios, including Squish with Cottonwood Media and Bionic Max with Gaumont.

Debertin at KiKA also points to the importance of co-productions. “We are very happy to have teamed up with Komixx for the animated series Dog Loves Books,” he says. “For Christmas, we are also looking forward to Lupus Films’ The Lost Letter, which tells the story of an enthusiastic boy and a lonely old lady who share a love for Christmas.”

The KiKA exec also mentions Hope Works, a project initiated by BBC Children’s and Sky Kids. “Hope Works brings together broadcasters and production companies from all over the world to work on a series of short films for children aged 4 to 12. KiKA will work with Sixteen South on Rise, which explores the impact social networks can have on children when used uncontrolled.”

WISH LISTS

Regardless of the funding model, kids’ commissioners are on the hunt for an eclectic mix of ideas and styles.

“For CBeebies, animation, please—we are always looking for fresh, inventive concepts with great characters and compelling stories,” says Edwards. “We only prebuy for the preschool channel. For 6 to 16, live action and animation are always on the shopping list, as are shows with a strong female lead. We’re always happy to see non-pink girl shows.” Comedy is, of course, key, “but we’re also interested in a strong action adventure with a public-service heart,” she adds.

Comedy remains the focus at Cartoon Network. Likewise at sister channel Boomerang, Hidalgo says she’s “looking at classic, slapstick humor and less complicated characters and stories. Together with Cyber Group Studios, we have produced Taffy, an homage to the Hanna-Barbera style.” The focus at Boomerang, she continues, is “visually funny squash-and-stretch animation that we know is loved by the channel’s core audience target of kids 4 to 7.”

Cochaux also highlights comedy, but says Lagardère is “open to all projects, even the most atypical, as long as they match our values: openness, good humor and tolerance. We are delighted to find nuggets all over the world that represent our viewers’ diversity, whether in Rabat, Abidjan, Moscow or Paris.”

Concerning what Disney is looking for, Ross cites “character-driven and creator-driven comedies. Comedy is an essential component for Disney Channel and Disney XD audiences. Our focus for Disney Junior remains on storytelling that incorporates a sense of magic, optimism, adventure and, of course, humor. We are also looking at different formats such as short-form, limited series, mini­series and special events, because the standard series formats are not the only game in town.”

FRESH PERSPECTIVES

For Super RTL, Dietz has his eye on shows that are “not look-alikes and have a fresh fit in our portfolio.” The channel reinvented its programming lineup after it was forced to replace its pipeline of Disney content at the start of 2014. “As a result of that, we remain very active in every aspect of content sourcing,” Dietz says. “We will broadcast many originals over the next six months, some of which are co-produced or co-edited by Super RTL, and we have invested a lot of energy in the production process of these shows.”

At Super RTL’s main competitor, KiKA, Debertin is keeping an eye out for “appropriate, high-quality programs for 6- to 9-year-olds, although an outstanding preschool show could also make it on our shopping list. We’re putting a lot of effort into co-production because it is difficult to find appropriate shows that reflect today’s kids’ needs. Too often there are action-driven, violent boys’ shows or far too many ‘pinkish’ girls’ shows on offer, which in terms of gender questions are very outdated.”

More generally, says Debertin, KiKA needs “kid-centric, character-driven, adventurous stories with a good portion of humor, reflecting issues like diversity. We are finishing the production and dubbing of Tib & Tumtum, a GO-N, TF1 and KiKA co-production that offers a wonderful new world for girls and boys. With Gerhard Hahn, we are preparing the first season of Mystery Museum. KiKA and Hahn Film are open to additional partners for co-production here.”

Debertin is also looking for new hits that can emulate shows like The Wild Adventures of Blinky Bill, Insectibles and Super Wings. “In other words, shows that have a great potential to work for the core target as well as reach younger and older kids with humor and adventure. We found Super Wings and Insectibles in Asia, so we keep a close eye on concepts from this part of the world. In general, KiKA is looking for appropriate, high-quality TV shows which we can co-develop, wherever they come from.”

BACK IN ACTION

While everyone is on the hunt for fresh, compelling ideas, there is still plenty of room on broadcaster schedules for shows based on existing IP.

Nickelodeon, for example, is launching Rise of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, which Lewis says “reinvents the franchise for a new generation of fans.”

Disney Channel has in the works 101 Dalmatian Street, inspired by Dodie Smith’s 1956 novel and Walt Disney’s 1961 film 101 Dalmatians. “Disney has a wealth of heritage properties, and that allows us to draw on a well of storytelling and reimagine classics for a new audience,” Ross says.

Cochaux at Lagardère Active is excited to roll out the Barbie animated series Barbie Dreamtopia and Barbie Dreamhouse Adventures via its long-term partnership with Mattel.

Even with the wealth of content, new and returning, on the market, there are still some things that are in short supply. Super RTL’s Dietz points to the limited availability of kids’ live-action “because the shows don’t have the same shelf life as their animation equivalents.”

Turner’s Hidalgo references a lack of “experimental content that incorporates the language and style of YouTube. That’s something we are focusing on at Turner. Our team in Latin America launched two formats that worked well, Another Week and Toontubers. We’re now looking at rolling these out across EMEA. We’re also excited to have our own Cartoon Network YouTuber in EMEA, Toony Tube (a puppet).”

Nickelodeon’s Lewis adds, “There is a plethora of serialized content, but we’d love to see something that works as standalone episodes and is fun and funny. We are always happy to partner early, so come and talk to us.”

Commissioners are also eager for shows that address pressing contemporary issues. “Diversity and inclusion are very much top of mind,” says Turner’s Hidalgo. “Relatability has always been key for us, but it’s great that we’re now seeing more and more diverse characters.”

KiKA’s Debertin says he wants to see “stories that capture kids’ attention while addressing diversity in a way that goes far beyond the gender issue. We need content that strengthens not only the self-confidence and self-awareness of children but also their respect for other people, no matter what culture, country or religion they represent.”

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More Nick: Nickelodeon UK to Premiere 'The Bureau of Magical Things' on Monday 5th November 2018!

H/T: Huge thanks to RegularCapital for the news!
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Nickelodeon Making Big Gains in its Linear, Digital and Off-Line Footprint Across Northern, Central and Eastern Europe and Russia

Nickelodeon is making big gains as it expands its linear, digital and off-line footprint across Northern, Central and Eastern Europe and Russia. C21 Media's Gün Akyuz reports.


Overview

While Nickelodeon channels continue to top pay TV homes in the UK and US, the network is also a leading brand across Europe in the so-called NEE region: the Nordics, Central and Eastern Europe and Russia.

Nickelodeon is now the number one network in each of those markets under the direction of Nickelodeon's Senior Vice President (SVP) and General Manager (GM) Alison Bakunowich, whose role expanded from overseeing the UK and Ireland about one year ago to include NEE.

Nickelodeon is the top commercial kids’ channel in Sweden, Denmark and Norway; the top kids’ pay TV channel in Poland, Hungary and Czech Republic, and rising rapidly in Romania; and in Russia it’s the top pay TV channel for 4-17s.



Alison Bakunowich

What’s more, Bakunowich says linear TV growth is still underway in the CEE region, making it “a very interesting” market. In February, NickToons launched in Poland and a localised version of Nick Jr. launched in Slovenia in September. Local-language versions of the channel are already present in Hungary, Poland, Romania and the Czech Republic, and its Slovenian launch makes both Nickelodeon and Nick Jr. available as localised channels in these countries.

According to figures supplied by Nickelodeon, in Poland, the group’s portfolio reaches around 10.5% of kids aged 4-12 daily, and both Nickelodeon and Nick Jr. are the top international channels in highest average viewing terms. In Hungary, its share has grown by 5% year-to-September, to reach an 18.5% daily share of 4-14s. In the Czech Republic, Nick is the fastest growing kids’ channel portfolio, up by 54% to 2017, while Nick Jr. claims the highest average time spent (125 minutes) across all kids’ channels, including free-to-air (FTA) channels. Nickelodeon was also the fastest growing kids’ portfolio in Romania, up 29% in 2018.

In the Nordics, Nickelodeon’s portfolio expanded with the launch of NickToons in February 2017. In Sweden, Nickelodeon has claimed the top spot for kids 6-11 among commercial channels since November 2016. Nick Jr. followed suit as top commercial kids channel among 3-7s since December 2017; and Nickelodeon’s performance in Denmark and Norway follows a similar trajectory.


European productions like Hunter Street help drive the channel’s drivers

Bakunowich oversees a NEE region of real variations in Nickelodeon’s presence and channel configuration as well as programming preferences in individual markets. “In some regions we have all three channels – Nickelodeon and Nick Jr. and NickToons – in others we just have Nick and Nick Jr.”

When it comes to the Nordic markets, she says: “The thing that’s most interesting is just how strong digital platforms are.” Nickelodeon’s Nordic digital pay platform partner Viaplay has generated more than one million downloads of its award-winning Nick Play app, in what is Europe’s most developed OTT region.

Bakunowich says Nickelodeon’s Nordics performance, as elsewhere, is about “the entire ecosystem. You can’t ignore the fact you’re on more platforms, but consumption is extremely high and that’s the business we’re in. It’s about getting people to consume our content and you do that on all the platforms available to you.”

It’s also a region where Nickelodeon now launches shows simultaneously on all platforms. “It’s still about having a hit show that your audience can find,” says the exec. “From that point of view, it hasn’t changed, it’s just become a bigger opportunity, let’s say.”

In fact, Bakunowich says: “For Viacom, we see controlling the right to ‘must-see’ IP as key to growth in the emerging on-demand TV ecosystem and it’s an area that Nickelodeon already has a strong pedigree and established pipeline.”

The region is also part of Nickelodeon’s global strategy to broaden its brand presence through live events and on the ground real-world experiences – an area Bakunowich flags as a big opportunity for the group. In Denmark, a Paw Patrol Live Tour in collaboration with platform operator YouSee last year attracted over 10,000 kids and it due to return this autumn. The Paw Patrol Live Tour will be extended to Sweden in Spring 2019.

In CEE, the group has held an annual Nickelodeon Day of Play in Poland since 2013 and in Hungary since 2017, where effectively the channel goes dark for two hours in favour of real-world play activities. In Russia, the channel goes dark for six hours. This year’s event in Poland in August included a live performance by local popstar Dawid Kwiatkowski and attracted 14,000 people. Romania launched its first such event this September.


Becca’s Bunch was acquired from Anglo-Irish outfit Jam Media for a global roll-out

Current schedule, acquisitions

All of Nickelodeon’s NEE markets rely on its US content pipeline, but European productions like Hunter Street (produced in conjunction with its Dutch counterpart, De Ludwigs) are also among the ratings drivers. The latest crop set to launch across the region includes Nick US-produced Rise of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, Top Wing, Knight Squad and Star Falls. But there’s also Becca’s Bunch, acquired from Anglo-Irish firm Jam Media for a global roll-out, and Bureau of Magical Things, from Australia’s Jonathan M Shiff Productions.

Bakunowich says Nickelodeon’s top-performing shows in the Nordics are similar to those in the UK and Ireland. Live-action shows are particularly popular, accounting for between 37% and 45% of Nickelodeon’s ratings in Sweden, Denmark and Norway, notably slightly older more aspirational ones like The Thundermans, Game Shakers and Henry Danger. Nick’s Euro production Hunter Street was another, topping Nick’s ratings in Sweden and coming second in Denmark. For Nick Jr, the drivers are Paw Patrol, Shimmer & Shine and Blaze & the Monster Machine, which accounted for 51% of ratings so far this year (January to September) in the Nordics.

Although Nickelodeon doesn’t have any local productions in the Nordics yet, Bakunowich says there are a lot of local connections with social media influencers feeding into additional content for digital platforms in the region.

In CEE markets, the premiere run of Hunter Street season two in Poland picked up a 13.5% share of 4-12s, a 161% increase on season one. Hungary’s top shows included The Loud House and The Thundermans. In Romania, it was Nicky, Ricky, Dicky & Dawn. Meanwhile, animation is the top content driver for Nickelodeon in Russia with shows like SpongeBob SquarePants, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles and Fairly OddParents. But Bakunowich says live-action series like The Thundermans, Henry Danger and Hunter Street also do well.

Flagging up a unique feature of Nickelodeon’s Polish market, Bakunowich says: “We have a huge pipeline of telenovelas we make in Miami as part of the Nickelodeon Lat Am business and they work exceptionally well in Poland outside Spanish-speaking markets.” Shows include Chica Vampiro, Yo Soy Franky and the upcoming Vikki RPM this fall.


The Nick US pipeline includes Rise of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles

Nickelodeon’s programming is as gender-neutral as it is about strong, positive role models for boys or girls, so “adventure, fun and drama are usually at the heart of our telenovelas,” says Bakunowich, noting that most of them attract a strong overall audience.

Referring to girls specifically, she continues: “We’ve always had a strong position on this whether it’s Nella The Princess Knight or even the new telenovela launching in Poland, Vicky RPM – she’s a female racing driver.

“There’s always been that twist on its head with Nickelodeon, even going back to iCarly, who’s basically a female business woman. Game Shakers, one of our current shows, is about two girls who invented a game and started a business. It marries that thing about challenging female stereotypes and also the entrepreneurship we see in kids today.”

Citing recent Nickelodeon research, which highlights that “being different is cool” for its core kids demo, Bakunowich says: “Being your real self and being celebrated for that is something we’ll just continue to do, whether it’s about gender or equality. It’s just a part of who kids are today and if we don’t reflect that we’re completely irrelevant.”

On the current awareness-raising around gender fluidity, she adds: “Kids today are looking at, and when we go out and talk to them they’re just so open and embracing. It gives me a lot of faith.”

Interesting developments are also coming out of Russia, where Nickelodeon has an established linear presence with Nickelodeon and Nick Jr., and a YouTube channel. In June and July this year, Nickelodeon increased its linear share of 4-17s by 6% over last year and its reach was up by 9%.

On the digital front, Nick is the top website among kids’ broadcasters, including public broadcasters, pulling in up to 1.5 million monthly visits, and it was one of the most popular among kids in Russia and CIS, in part thanks to its gaming content.

Its YouTube channel has also become a key part of Nickelodeon’s strategy in Russia, adds Bakunowich. It has generated one million subscribers over a fairly short period of time, and Nickelodeon and Nick Jr combined now attract over 80 million views per month.


US-produced CG toon Top Wing

Nick’s YouTube channel carries a selection of Nickelodeon’s half-hour longform shows. A big event, for instance, will be the launch of the first episode of Rise of the Teenage Mutant Ninja, which will go out simultaneously on YouTube as well as linear in Russia, “as a way of getting that reach out to drive back awareness,” says Bakunowich.

Original production

A related development in the past year was the successful launch of its first local production, a competition format called Be a Blogger (8×10’) in November 2017. Each week local celebrities and popular bloggers showed kids how to create new blogs, with the winner becoming the host on Nickelodeon’s Russian YouTube channel in 2018. Following its success, the format was picked up by Nickelodeon Benelux.

The exec says Nickelodeon is “always looking” for new original production opportunities. “Russia has some great creative talent out there and we’re always looking for a good idea to come from anywhere. It may be that it’s just for Russia or it may be an idea that works anywhere. Hunter Street is one of my favourite examples. It was a local Dutch show, we thought it was a great script and decided to make an English-language version to show around the world. That’s absolutely the opportunity we have. We can make a local show or we can make a global show.”

She doesn’t rule out potentially coproducing animation with Russian partners either “if we find the right idea.”
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Nickelodeon Turkey to Premiere 'Rise of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles' on Sunday 28th October 2018

COWABUNGA! The Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles return in Rise of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, Nickelodeon's brand-new 2D-animated series which reimagines the characters in a fresh new way, launching on Nickelodeon Turkey (Türkiye) on Sunday 28th October 2018!


Nickelodeon’s Rise of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. Pictured (clockwise): Raphael, Michelangelo, Leonardo, Donatello and April O'Neil.

Raph, Leo, Donnie and Mikey emerge from the sewers and tap into undiscovered ninja powers in Nickelodeon's reimagined, 2D-animated series Rise of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, which made its world debut on Monday 17th September 2018 on Nickelodeon USA. The action-comedy series follows the band of brothers as they discover new powers and encounter a mystical world they never knew existed beneath the streets of New York City. Following its US launch, the series is now rolling out globally across Nickelodeon's channels and branded blocks in 170+ countries and territories. Click here for more international Rise of the TMNT premiere dates.

The series follows the Turtles on all-new adventures as they master new powers, encounter absurd mutants and battle bizarre villains, each with their own motivations. Ranging from mystics, mutants and madmen, new creatures and villains emerge to take on Raph, Leo, Donnie and Mikey in battles across New York City. From the tallest skyscraper to the dankest sewer drain, the brothers learn to work together and navigate the perils of New York City and the hidden realms below in order to fulfill their destiny to become a team of heroes.

In the half-hour launch episode, "Mystic Mayhem," the Turtles discover for the first time that they're not the weirdest things in New York.


The US-dub of Rise of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles stars the voice talent of Omar Miller (Ballers) as Raph, a jagged-shelled snapping turtle; Ben Schwartz (Parks and Recreation) as Leo, a red-eared slider turtle; Josh Brener (Silicon Valley) as Donnie, a soft-shell turtle; Brandon Mychal Smith (You're The Worst) as Mikey, a box turtle; Kat Graham (The Vampire Diaries) as April O'Neil, a street savvy native New Yorker; Eric Bauza (Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles) as Splinter, father figure and sensei to the Turtles; and WWE Superstar John Cena as the villainous, Baron Draxum.

The line-up of guest stars voicing new mutants and bizarre villains in the US-dub of RTMNT includes: Lena Headey (Game of Thrones) as Big Mama, a gigantic spider mutant; John Michael Higgins (Pitch Perfect) as Warren Stone, a former news anchor turned mutant earthworm; Tom Kenny (Sünger Bob Kare Pantolon) as Albearto, a singing, birthday-loving rampaging robot; Sam Richardson and Tim Simons (Veep) as Muninn and Huginn, gargoyles who are never far from their master, Baron Draxum; John Rotten Lydon (Public Image Ltd 'PiL' and Sex Pistols) as Meat Sweats, a power-hungry mutant pig; Rhys Darby (Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle) as Hypno-Potamus, a mutant magician/hippo; and Jorge Gutierrez (El Tigre) as Ghostbear, a human pro-wrestler champion with a taste for cheating.

In addition, Rob Paulsen (Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles) and Maurice LaMarche (Animaniacs) reunite behind the mic as Foot Lieutenant, the de-facto leader of the Foot Clan, and Foot Brute, the Foot Lieutenant's right hand man.

Rise of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles is locally titled Ninja Kaplumbağalar'ın Yükselişi in Turkey.

Originally published: Sunday, October 7, 2018.
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November 2018 on Nickelodeon Central and Eastern Europe (CEE) | Rise of the TMNT | Knight Squad | I Am Frankie | Thundermans Finale + More

Below is a round-up of Nickelodeon Central and Eastern Europe's (CEE) programming highlights for November 2018!


Nickelodeon CEE's October 2018 highlights are available here.

All times CET; Unless otherwise noted, localised episode titles are Hungarian.

Nick Jr. CEE's November 2018 highlights are available here.

--- This November, Nickelodeon Central and Eastern Europe will be premiering:

-- Brand-new episodes of The Loud House season three:

- 2018-11-12 18:10 3x09 The Mad Scientist / Missed Connection
- 2018-11-13 18:10 3x12 Breaking Dad / Gown and Out
- 2018-11-14 18:10 3x13a Ruthless People
- 2018-11-15 18:10 3x13b What Wood Lincoln Do?
- 2018-11-16 18:10 3x14a Scales of Justice
- 2018-11-19 18:10 3x14 Crimes of Fashion
- 2018-11-20 18:10 3x15a Absent Minded
- 2018-11-21 18:10 3x15b Be Stella My Heart
- 2018-11-22 18:10 3x16a Sitting Bull
- 2018-11-23 18:10 3x16b The Spies Who Loved me

"The Loud House" is locally titled "A Lármás család" in Hungary and "Casa Loud" in Romania.

-- Brand-new episodes of PAW Patrol season five:

- 2018-11-11 07:35 5x11 Ultimate Rescue: Pups Save the Royal Kitties
- 2018-11-18 07:35 5x06 Sea Patrol: Pups Save the Flying Diving Bell / Sea Patrol: Pups Save a Soggy Farm
- 2018-11-25 07:35 5x07 Pups Save the Butterflies / Pups Save an Underground Chicken

"PAW Patrol" is locally titled "A mancs őrjárat" in Hungary and "Patrula căţeluşilor" in Romania.

-- The Thundermans series finale!:

- 2018-11-04 19:35 4x29b Viharos viadal: 2. rész (The Thunder Games - Part 2)

-- Brand-new episodes of Rise of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles! [More Info]

- 2018-11-04 19:55 1x02 Origami Tsunami / Donnie's Gift
- 2018-11-11 19:55 1x03 War & Pizza / Newsworthy
- 2018-11-18 19:55 1x04 Repo Mantis / Down with the Sickness
- 2018-11-25 19:55 1x05 The Fast and the Furriest / Mascot Melee

"Rise of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles" is locally titled "A tini nindzsa teknőcök felemelkedése" in Hungary.

Brand-new episodes of I Am Frankie season two!:

- 2018-11-01 20:00 2x04 I am Taking a Break
- 2018-11-02 20:00 2x05 I am Buggin
- 2018-11-05 20:00 2x06 I am Compromised
- 2018-11-06 20:00 2x07 I am Busting Out
- 2018-11-07 20:00 2x08 I am Under Suspicion
- 2018-11-08 20:00 2x09 I am Not Myself
- 2018-11-09 20:00 2x10 I am Next
- 2018-11-12 20:00 2x11 I am a Creature
- 2018-11-13 20:00 2x12 I am an Android
- 2018-11-14 20:00 2x13 I Am Frankensteena
- 2018-11-15 20:00 2x14 I Am Part of a Plan
- 2018-11-16 20:00 2x15 I Am In Trouble With Mom
- 2018-11-19 20:00 2x16 I Am an Android...or Am I?
- 2018-11-20 20:00 2x17 I Am Jealous
- 2018-11-21 20:00 2x18 I Am in Need of a Plan
- 2018-11-22 20:00 2x19 I Am Missing You
- 2018-11-23 20:00 2x20 I Am the Only Hope
- 2018-11-26 20:00 2x21 I Am Being Blackmailed
- 2018-11-27 20:00 2x22 I Am...Good - season two finale

"I Am Frankie" is locally titled "Frankie vagyok" in Hungary and "Sunt Frankie" in Romania.

-- The brand-new show Knight Squad [More Info]!

- 2018-11-26 19:00 1x01 Opening Knight - évadnyitó
- 2018-11-27 19:00 1x01 Opening Knight (extended version)
- 2018-11-28 19:00 1x02 A Knight at the Roxbury
- 2018-11-29 19:00 1x03 Knight in Shining Armor Day
- 2018-11-30 19:00 1x04 One Magical Knight

--- Additionally, Nick CEE will air a selection of Nickelodeon Original Movies and specials every Sunday at 11:15 throughout November, replayed the following Saturday at 11:15:

Sunday 4th November 2018 - Hey Arnold!: The Jungle Movie (Hé, Arnold! - A Dzsungel film)
Sunday 11th November 2018 - Blurt! (Ne szólj szám!)
Sunday 18th November 2018 - Nicky Deuce
Sunday 25th November 2018 - Swindle (Svindli a négyzeten)

More Nick: Malta And Viacom Partner For Nickelodeon Treasure Hunt Malta; Air Malta Unveils Nick-Branded Plane!

Original source: Gyerek-Világ; Additional source: Google Translate.
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Nickelodeon Central and Eastern Europe to Premiere 'Knight Squad' on Monday 26th November 2018

Nickelodeon Central and Eastern Europe will premiere Knight Squad, Nickelodeon's newest live action comedy series, on Monday 26th November 2018 at 19:00 (CET)! Set at a magical school for knights in training, where two mismatched students form an unlikely alliance to protect each other’s secret and pursue their dreams, new episodes of Knight Squad will continue to air weekdays at 19:00 on Nick CEE.


Get ready for an enchanted series full of magic, castles and swords when two mismatched students at Knight School form an unlikely alliance to protect each other's secrets and pursue their dreams to become knights.

There is only one place in the magical land of Astoria where the young and fearless can train to become elite warriors - Knight School! Meet Ciara, the fierce and competitive star student who is hiding a colossal secret - she is the royal princess in disguise! Things only get crazier at school when Arc, a cocky and streetwise outsider, strolls in with a pretty big secret of his own.

This unlikely pair will have to team up if they want to become legendary knights. Teamed with two other students to form the Phoenix Squad, Ciara and Arc hope to outshine the school’s other squads for the honour of one day representing Astoria in battle. But in this fantastical kingdom full of powerful beasts, magical spells, and schoolyard frenemies, that might be harder than they think.


In the first ever episode, "Opening Knight", a rambunctious princess named Ciara and a and a mischievous drifter named Arc discover each other's secret and the two become unlikely partners, banding together to achieve their dream of becoming legendary knights!

Below is a list of brand-new episodes of Knight Squad season one set to premiere on Nickelodeon Central Eastern Europe in November 2018:

2018-11-26 19:00 1x01 Opening Knight - series premiere
2018-11-27 19:00 1x01 Opening Knight (extended version)
2018-11-28 19:00 1x02 A Knight at the Roxbury
2018-11-29 19:00 1x03 Knight in Shining Armor Day
2018-11-30 19:00 1x04 One Magical Knight

Knight Squad stars Owen Joyner (100 Things To Do Before High School) as "Arc," Daniella Perkins (Legendary Dudas, Blurt) as "Ciara," Amarr M. Wooten (American Housewife) as "Warwick," Lexi DiBenedetto (Modern Family) as "Prudence," Lilimar (Bella and the Bulldogs) as "Sage", Kelly Perine (Santa Hunters) as "Sir Gareth"; and Seth Carr as "Fizzwick". Guest stars include: The Thundermans stars Maya Le Clark and Jack Griffo as Brea and Sir Swayze, respectively, and Kira Kosarin; Nicky, Ricky, Dicky & Dawn star Lizzy Greene; Tenzing Norgay Trainor as "Jimbo"; and Maria Canals-Barrera (Danny Phantom, The Brothers Garcia) as Saffron.


Picked up for an initial 20 episodes, Knight Squad is created and executive produced by Sean Cunningham and Marc Dworkin, executive producers of The Thundermans, and being produced by Liv and Maddie producers John D. Beck and Ron Hart. Nickelodeon recently renewed Knight Squad for a 10-episode second season.

Knight Squad made its world premiere on Nickelodeon USA in February 2018, and is currently rolling out on Nickelodeon channels and programming blocks globally.

Nickelodeon Central and Eastern Europe is broadcast in Romania, Croatia, Bulgaria, Serbia, Czech Republic, Hungary, Moldova, Malta, Montenegro, Ukraine, Slovenia, Estonia, Lithuania, and Latvia, and is broadcast with English, Romanian, Croatian, Bulgarian, Serbian, Czech, Hungarian, Slovenian, Russian, Polish, Estonian, Lithuanian and Latvian soundtracks.

More Nick: Malta And Viacom Partner For Nickelodeon Treasure Hunt Malta; Air Malta Unveils Nick-Branded Plane!

Original source: Gyerek-Világ.
Follow NickALive! on Twitter, Tumblr, Google+, via RSS, on Instagram, and/or Facebook for the latest Nickelodeon Central and Eastern Europe and Knight Squad News and Highlights!

Nickelodeon Austria and Switzerland to Premiere 'Knight Squad' on Thursday 15th November 2018

Nickelodeon Austria (Österreich) and Nickelodeon Switzerland (Schweiz) will premiere Knight Squad, Nickelodeon's newest live action comedy series, on Thursday 15th November 2018 at 19:10 Uhr! Set at a magical school for knights in training, where two mismatched students form an unlikely alliance to protect each other’s secret and pursue their dreams, new episodes of Knight Squad will continue to air regularly on Nick Österreich and Nick Schweiz.


Knight Squad will also debut on Nickelodeon Germany (Deutschland) on Thursday 15th November 2018 at 19:05 Uhr.

Get ready for an enchanted series full of magic, castles and swords when two mismatched students at Knight School form an unlikely alliance to protect each other's secrets and pursue their dreams to become knights.

There is only one place in the magical land of Astoria where the young and fearless can train to become elite warriors - Knight School! Meet Ciara, the fierce and competitive star student who is hiding a colossal secret - she is the royal princess in disguise! Things only get crazier at school when Arc, a cocky and streetwise outsider, strolls in with a pretty big secret of his own.

This unlikely pair will have to team up if they want to become legendary knights. Teamed with two other students to form the Phoenix Squad, Ciara and Arc hope to outshine the school’s other squads for the honour of one day representing Astoria in battle. But in this fantastical kingdom full of powerful beasts, magical spells, and schoolyard frenemies, that might be harder than they think.


In the first ever episode, "Opening Knight" ("Rittersein für Anfänger"), a rambunctious princess named Ciara and a and a mischievous drifter named Arc discover each other's secret and the two become unlikely partners, banding together to achieve their dream of becoming legendary knights! Episode two, "Ritterliche Rivalitäten" will air on Friday 16th November 2018 at 18:05 Uhr.

Leading up to the debut of Knight Squad, Nickelodeon Österreich and Nickelodeon Schweiz will premiere the two final episodes of the networks hit live-action comedy series Die Thundermans from 18:10 Uhr, which will lead straight into Knight Squad. In the bittersweet hour-long series finale, "Die Thunder Spiele" ("The Thunder Games"), viewers will get the chance to say goodbye to their favourite superhero family. The finale will also air on Nick Deutschland at 18:15 Uhr.

To celebrate the launch of Knight Squad, nick.ch and nickelodeon.at have launched Nickelodeon Österreich and Nick Schweiz's official Knight Squad show websites, which feature information about Nick's brand-new series and super sneak-peek previews!

Below is Nick Österreich and Nickelodeon Schweiz official show description for Knight Squad:

"Eine wilde Prinzessin und ein verschmitzter Rumtreiber teilen ein Geheimnis... Beide fangen unter neuem Namen an der Ritterschule an. Sie werden zu ungleichen Verbündeten und arbeiten zusammen, um zu legendären Rittern zu werden."

Knight Squad stars Owen Joyner (100 Dinge bis zur High School) as "Arc," Daniella Perkins (Legendary Dudas, Blurt! - Voll verplappert) as "Ciara," Amarr M. Wooten (American Housewife) as "Warwick," Lexi DiBenedetto (Modern Family) as "Prudence," Lilimar (Bella and the Bulldogs) as "Sage", Kelly Perine (Mission Weihnachtsmann) as "Sir Gareth"; and Seth Carr as "Fizzwick". Guest stars include: Die Thundermans stars Maya Le Clark and Jack Griffo as Brea and Sir Swayze, respectively, and Kira Kosarin; Nicky, Ricky, Dicky & Dawn star Lizzy Greene; Tenzing Norgay Trainor as "Jimbo"; and Maria Canals-Barrera (Danny Phantom, The Brothers Garcia) as Saffron.


Picked up for an initial 20 episodes, Knight Squad is created and executive produced by Sean Cunningham and Marc Dworkin, executive producers of The Thundermans, and being produced by Liv and Maddie producers John D. Beck and Ron Hart. Nickelodeon recently renewed Knight Squad for a 10-episode second season.

Knight Squad made its world premiere on Nickelodeon USA in February 2018, and is currently rolling out on Nickelodeon channels and programming blocks globally.

Mehr Nick: Nickelodeon GSA to Premiere New Unboxing Game Show 'TOY TOY TOY – Die Unboxing Show' on Saturday 3rd November 2018!
Follow NickALive! on Twitter, Tumblr, Google+, via RSS, on Instagram, and/or Facebook for the latest Nickelodeon Austria, Nickelodeon Switzerland, Knight Squad and The Thundermans News and Highlights!

Nickelodeon Germany to Premiere 'Knight Squad' on Thursday 15th November 2018

Nickelodeon Germany (Deutschland) will premiere Knight Squad, Nickelodeon's newest live action comedy series, on Thursday 15th November 2018 at 19:05 Uhr! Set at a magical school for knights in training, where two mismatched students form an unlikely alliance to protect each other’s secret and pursue their dreams, new episodes of Knight Squad will continue to air regularly on Nick Deutschland.


Knight Squad will also debut on Nickelodeon Austria (Österreich) and Nickelodeon Switzerland (Schweiz) on Thursday 15th November 2018 at 19:10 Uhr.

Get ready for an enchanted series full of magic, castles and swords when two mismatched students at Knight School form an unlikely alliance to protect each other's secrets and pursue their dreams to become knights.

There is only one place in the magical land of Astoria where the young and fearless can train to become elite warriors - Knight School! Meet Ciara, the fierce and competitive star student who is hiding a colossal secret - she is the royal princess in disguise! Things only get crazier at school when Arc, a cocky and streetwise outsider, strolls in with a pretty big secret of his own.

This unlikely pair will have to team up if they want to become legendary knights. Teamed with two other students to form the Phoenix Squad, Ciara and Arc hope to outshine the school’s other squads for the honour of one day representing Astoria in battle. But in this fantastical kingdom full of powerful beasts, magical spells, and schoolyard frenemies, that might be harder than they think.


In the first ever episode, "Opening Knight" ("Rittersein für Anfänger"), a rambunctious princess named Ciara and a and a mischievous drifter named Arc discover each other's secret and the two become unlikely partners, banding together to achieve their dream of becoming legendary knights! Episode two, "Ritterliche Rivalitäten" will air on Friday 16th November 2018 at 18:15 Uhr.

Leading up to the debut of Knight Squad, Nickelodeon Deutschland will premiere the two final episodes of the networks hit live-action comedy series Die Thundermans from 18:15 Uhr, which will lead straight into Knight Squad. In the bittersweet hour-long series finale, "Die Thunder Spiele" ("The Thunder Games"), viewers will get the chance to say goodbye to their favourite superhero family. The Die Thundermans finale will also air on Nickelodeon Österreich and Schweiz at 18:10 Uhr.

To celebrate the launch of Knight Squad, nick.de has launched Nickelodeon Deutschland's official Knight Squad show website, which features information about Nick's brand-new series and two super sneak-peeks!

Below is Nick Deutschland's official show description for Knight Squad:

"Eine wilde Prinzessin und ein verschmitzter Rumtreiber teilen ein Geheimnis... Beide fangen unter neuem Namen an der Ritterschule an. Sie werden zu ungleichen Verbündeten und arbeiten zusammen, um zu legendären Rittern zu werden."

Knight Squad stars Owen Joyner (100 Dinge bis zur High School) as "Arc," Daniella Perkins (Legendary Dudas, Blurt! - Voll verplappert) as "Ciara," Amarr M. Wooten (American Housewife) as "Warwick," Lexi DiBenedetto (Modern Family) as "Prudence," Lilimar (Bella and the Bulldogs) as "Sage", Kelly Perine (Mission Weihnachtsmann) as "Sir Gareth"; and Seth Carr as "Fizzwick". Guest stars include: Die Thundermans stars Maya Le Clark and Jack Griffo as Brea and Sir Swayze, respectively, and Kira Kosarin; Nicky, Ricky, Dicky & Dawn star Lizzy Greene; Tenzing Norgay Trainor as "Jimbo"; and Maria Canals-Barrera (Danny Phantom, The Brothers Garcia) as Saffron.


Picked up for an initial 20 episodes, Knight Squad is created and executive produced by Sean Cunningham and Marc Dworkin, executive producers of The Thundermans, and being produced by Liv and Maddie producers John D. Beck and Ron Hart. Nickelodeon recently renewed Knight Squad for a 10-episode second season.

Knight Squad made its world premiere on Nickelodeon USA in February 2018, and is currently rolling out on Nickelodeon channels and programming blocks globally.

Below is Nickelodeon Deutschland's official press release announcing the networks Autumn/Winter 2018 programming highlights!:

Die Herbst-Highlights 2018 bei Nickelodeon


28/09/2018


Berlin, 28. September 2018 – Bunt sind nicht nur bald die Wälder, sondern auch die TV-Highlights bei Nickelodeon im Herbst: Das “Nick Jr. Power Team” bringt kluge und erfinderische Identifikationsfiguren für Vorschulkids. Bei Nick moderiert der Animations-Charakter Lincoln Loud als Premiere im deutschen TV die Nick “Chillzone”. Die Thundermans liefern sich zum Serienfinale einen furiosen Kampf mit Dr. Colosso und die neue Serie Knight Squad zeigt, wie die Ausbildung für Ritterinnen und Ritter an einer magischen Schule so läuft. Ausserdem kehrt mit Das Haus Anubis ein beliebter Klassiker unter den deutschen Nickelodeon-Produktionen zurück auf den Bildschirm.

“NICK JR. POWER TEAM” – DER TÄGLICHE SERIENBLOCK FÜR VORSCHULKIDS

Das “Nick Jr. Power Team” besteht aus beliebten Animation-Serien und vertrauten Charakteren, mit welchen sich die jüngsten Fernsehzuschauer identifizieren können. Dabei lernen die Kids ganz viel über Mut und Eigenständigkeit, Erfindergeist und Technik, aber vor allem auch über Problemlösung und Freundschaft. Das “Nick Jr. Power Team” präsentiert sich ab 1. Oktober immer montags bis freitags von 6:25 Uhr bis 7:25 Uhr und samstags und sonntags von 5:50 Uhr bis 9:45 Uhr in Form von extra dicken Serienblöcken:

Montags: Blaze und die Monster-Maschinen, der junge Monstertruck, der nicht nur mutig und schlau ist, sondern sich selbst dank seines technischen Wissens zu jeder beliebigen Maschine umbauen kann – vom Flugzeug bis zum Küchengerät.

Dienstags: Der junge Erfinder Rusty Rivets sammelt mit seiner besten Freundin Ruby alle möglichen Dinge um daraus Neues zu konstruieren. Mit ihren Erfindungen erleben die beiden viele Abenteuer und lösen dabei das eine oder andere Problem.

Mittwochs: Nella, die Ritterprinzessin verwandelt sie sich durch einen Zauberspruch in einen Ritter mit magischen Fähigkeiten. Gemeinsam mit ihrem sprechenden Einhorn Trinket, dem Ritter Garrett und dessen Pferd Clod erlebt sie verschiedene Abenteuer, kämpft gegen Vorurteile und setzt sich für Gerechtigkeit ein.

Donnerstags: Die vier Vogel-Kadetten der Top Wing Academy erleben verschiedene Abenteuer, bei denensie dank gutem Teamwork und viel Sozialkompetenz den Bewohnern ihrer Basis auf Swirl Island immer hilfreich zur Seite stehen.

Freitags: Die Zwillings-Flaschengeister Shimmer und Shine sind zwar noch in Ausbildung, doch jeden Tag versuchen sie ihrer Befreierin und Freundin Leah einen Wunsch zu erfüllen. Dabei geht zwar oft etwas schief, doch gemeinsam meistern die Drei jede Situation.

Samstags und Sonntags: Folgen aus allen Serien des “Nick Jr. Power Teams”.

Ab dem 26. November, immer montags bis freitags um 5:45 Uhr und 8:50 Uhr sowie samstags und sonntags 8:50 bis 10.00 Uhr, geht dann die Paw Patrol wieder bei Nick Jr. auf Patrouille. Dabei unterstützen die sechs Helfer auf je vier Pfoten die Bewohner in Adventure Bay bei der Lösung ihrer Probleme.

ANIMATIONS-CHARAKTER LINCOLN LOUD MODERIERT DIE “CHILLZONE” BEI NICK UND BEANTWORTET FAN-FRAGEN

Lincoln Loud aus Willkommen bei den Louds ist eigentlich ein ruhiger Charakter, der am liebsten nur mit Unterwäsche bekleidet seine Comics liest und dabei seine laute Familie – Eltern plus zehn (!) nervige Schwestern – ausblendet. Dabei wendet er sich oft direkt an die Zuschauer und erzählt, wie er den Alltag in eben diesem irrelauten Haus überlebt. Also, wenn jemand Moderations- und Lebenserfahrung mitbringt, dann Lincoln Loud. Darum wird er als erster Animationscharakter im deutschen TV auch nicht nur die “Chillzone” zwischen den einzelnen Episoden moderieren, sondern auch ein Fanpost-Special, in welchem er Fragen und Wünsche der Nick-Zuschauer vorlesen oder ihre Bilder zeigen und kommentieren wird. Die “Chillzone” läuft immer montags bis freitags von 17:20 bis 18:40 Uhr und liefert dem November einige Highlights:

- Am Montag, dem 5. November startet die 3. Staffel der Animationsserie Willkommen bei den Louds. Die neuen Folgen laufen ab dann immer wochentags um 17:20 Uhr und läuten die “Chillzone” ein.

- Am Donnerstag, den 15. November ab 18:15 Uhr feiern Die Thundermans ihr Serienfinale mit einer Doppelfolge, damit alle Fans den Abschied von der chaotischen und liebenswerten Superhelden-Familie, vor allem aber von Phoebe und Max, richtig zelebrieren können.

- Direkt im Anschluss um 19:05 Uhr startet die brandneue Serie Knight Squad. Es geht um eine magische Schule im Königreich Astoria, wo angehende Ritterinnen und Ritter ausgebildet werden. Dort schliessen zwei sehr unterschiedliche Schüler, Arc und Ciara, einen Pakt, um ihre Geheimnisse zu bewahren und ihrem Traum vom Leben als Ritter zu folgen.

- Die letzte Novemberwoche wartet mit dem Lincoln Loud Fanpost-Special auf.

EIN KLASSIKER IST ENDLICH ZURÜCK: NICK ZEIGT DAS HAUS ANUBIS AB DEM 19. NOVEMBER

Das Haus Anubis, eine spannende Mystery-Serie um acht Teenager in einem Internat, lief in Deutschland, Österreich und der Schweiz von 2009 bis 2012 mit durchschlagendem Erfolg. Ab Montag, dem 19. November um 19:50 Uhr ist die Serie zurück, um eine neue Generation zu begeistern.

###

Mehr Nick: Nickelodeon GSA to Premiere New Unboxing Game Show 'TOY TOY TOY – Die Unboxing Show' on Saturday 3rd November 2018!

Additional sources: Google Translate, fernsehserien.de.

Bildmaterial
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October 2018 on Nickelodeon Italy | Rise of the TMNT | The Loud House | PAW Patrol | I Am Frankie S2 | Sunny Day

Below is a round-up of Nickelodeon Italy's (Italia) programming highlights for October (Ottobre) 2018!


Nickelodeon’s Rise of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. Pictured (clockwise): Raphael, Michelangelo, Leonardo, and April O'Neil.

Nickelodeon Italia: (canali 605 e 606 di Sky)

The Loud House (A casa dei Loud)
New Episodes
Airs: Weekdays at 19:30 from Monday 1st October 2018

Rise of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles
New Show [More Info]
Premieres: Wednesday 31st October 2018 at 20:20

Nick Jr. Italia (canali 603 e 604 di Sky)

Sunny Day
New Episodes
Airs: Weekdays at 20:00 from Monday 8th October 2018 (special on Wednesday 31st October 2018)

PAW Patrol
New Episodes (including the all-new special Mighty Pups)
Airs: Weekdays at 19:00 from Monday 22nd October 2018

TeenNick Italia: (canale 620 di Sky)

I Am Frankie Season 2 (I Am Franky 2)
New Season [More Info]
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Di Più Nickelodeon: Nickelodeon Italy Unveils Autumn/Winter 2018 Programming Highlights!

Original source: Digital-Forum /@Andry10k; Additional source: Google Translate.
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Nickelodeon UK, Nicktoons UK, Nick Jr. UK and Nick Jr. Too Free to All Virgin Media TV Customers During October 2018

British cable television provider Virgin Media is having a free preview month during October 2018 for a selection of its children’s channels, including Nickelodeon (channel 712), Nicktoons (channel 717), Nick Jr. and Nick Jr. Too (channels 715/716)! Subscribers to Virgin Media’s lowest TV package, named "Player" will get to enjoy hit shows such as Nickelodeon's Henry Danger, SpongeBob SquarePants and Nicky, Ricky, Dicky & Dawn; Nicktoons' Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles and The Loud House; and Nick Jr.'s Peppa Pig, PAW Patrol and Dora The Explorer for no extra charge.


Player package subscribers will also enjoy a free preview of Cartoon Network, Boomerang, Cartoonito and ZooMoo HD during October. From pre-school kids to teens, there’s something for all ages. Find out more about what’s on these channels and where you can find them with Virgin TV's rundown at https://www.virginmedia.com.

More Nick: 'Rise of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles' Toys Launch in the UK!

Original source: RegularCapital.
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