Tuesday, March 30, 2021

May 2021 on Nick Jr. Africa: PAW Patrol | Abby Hatcher | Deer Squad

Below is a round-up of Nick Jr. Africa's programming highlights for May 2021!

More Highlights:



BRAND NEW EPISODES!
EPS: #710-711, 713-715
WEEKDAYS 3 – 14 MAY 15:00 WAT/ 16:00 CAT/ 17:00 EAT

PAW Patrol is a preschool series starring a pack of six heroic puppies: Chase, Marshall, Rocky, Zuma, Rubble, and Skye, who are led by a tech-savvy 10-year-old boy named Ryder

BRAND NEW EPISODES
SEASON 2: #205-212, 214-217, 220
EVERYDAY FROM 10 TO 22 MAY 10:00 WAT / 11:00 CAT / 12:00 EAT

Abby Hatcher is an animated preschool series that follows Abby and her friends the Fuzzlies, amazing and quirky creatures that live in her family's hotel!

BRAND NEW EPISODES
SEASON 1: #111-120
WEEKDAYS 17-28 MAY 2021 
15:40 WAT/16:40:CAT / 17:40 EAT

The adventure-rescue show follows four, lovable, enthusiastic and heroic deer friends who protect the animals of Central Forest and the humans who inhabit Platinum City, a futuristic metropolis surrounding their woodland home.

PAW PATROL
PREMIERE MARATHON
Premiere Ep: #716 Pups Save the Chalk Art /Pups Save a Hot Potato
Eps: 416, 419, 426, 506, 513, 525, 602, 605, 712
SATURDAY 29 & SUNDAY 30 MAY
12:00 WAT / 13:00 CAT/ 14:00 EAT

Pups Save the Chalk Art /Pups Save a Hot Potato: The Mini Patrol and the Pups race to the rescue to save a local mural before the rain comes. // Farmer Al and Yumi find out their garden is full of holes and their one-of-a-kind potato is missing. Now the pups must find the potato thief!

ABOUT NICK JR.

Nick Jr. Global is available on DStv Channel 307

With a ton of original programming as well as some familiar favourites, Nick Jr. is the go-to channel in households where two to six year olds roam. The content is entertaining enough to keep young children occupied, while parents can rest assured that the viewing experience will be one of learning.

ViacomCBS creates original entertainment content for every audience, on every screen around the world. The company’s brands strive for creative excellence and cultural impact across programming, motion pictures and digital experiences that live online, on mobile and on apps.


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

May 2021 on NickToons Africa: OG Double Dare S4 | ALVINNN!!! | TMNT + More

Below is a round-up of Nicktoons Africa's programming highlights for May 2021!


More Highlights:


SPECIAL DAYS IN MAY

SAT 1 MAY: WORKERS DAY - 12:55 WAT / 13:55 CAT / 14:55 EAT - ALVINNN!!! AND THE CHIPMUNKS: SATURDAY: S1 #101B, 102A, 107A, 116A, 202A, 203B, 212A, 213A; SUNDAY: S2 #214A, 215A, 217B, 218A, 218B, 222A, S3 #312B, S4 #408B

SUN 9 MAY: MOTHERS DAY (ZA) - 15:00 WAT / 16:00 CAT / 17:00 EAT - THE FAIRLY ODDPARENTS S1 #4B, 5A, S2 #15A, S3 #32B, S6 #93B, 94B, S7 #113A, 116B; 

THU 13 MAY: ID EL FITR - 10:00 WAT / 11:00 CAT / 12:00 EAT - CORN & PEG S2 #203, THE ADVENTURES OF KID DANGER S1 #103A; RAINBOW BUTTERFLY UNICORN KITTY S1 #114B, 123A; THE FAIRLY ODDPARENTS S3 #30A, S7 #108, 116; 44 CATS S1 #102, 107;
ALVINNN!!! AND THE CHIPMUNKS S1 #123A, 126A; SPONGEBOB SQUAREPANTS S8 #158A, S10 #209A, 214A, S11 #222A

FRI 14 MAY: ID EL FITR (HOLIDAY) - 10:00 WAT / 11:00 CAT / 12:00 EAT - KUNG FU PANDA S2 #204; RAINBOW BUTTERFLY UNICORN KITTY S1 #107A, 109A; 44 CATS S1 #107, 144; SANJAY AND CRAIG S2 #220A; DORG VAN DANGO S1 #103A; OLLIE’S PACK S1 #109B; TOON MARTY S1 #107, 116; SPONGEBOB SQUAREPANTS S5 #87A, S7 #128A, S9 #201A, S11 #231B; PEPPA PIG S2 #241, S4 #420, S7 #729; RABBIDS: INVASION S3 #317A, 318B

SAT 15 MAY: INTERNATIONAL DAY OF FAMILIES - 12:55 WAT / 13:55 CAT / 14:55 EAT - ALVINNN!!! AND THE CHIPMUNKS - SATURDAY: S1 #103A, 106B, 108B, 113A, S2 #207A, 210B, 224A, S3 #305A; SUNDAY: S1 #113B, 116B, 117A, 119B, S3 #311B, 317B, 326B, S4 #410A

THU 27 MAY: CHILDREN'S DAY (NIGERIA) 14:25 WAT / 15:25 CAT / 16:25 EAT - SPONGEBOB SQUAREPANTS S10 #212A, S11 #221B, 222A, 227A, 229A, 230A, 238A, 240A

WEEKENDS 1 TO 30 MAY AT 12:55 WAT / 13:55 CAT / 14:55 EAT

It's the best of ALVINNN!!! and the Chipmunks with a specific theme each weekend, planned just for you!

TEACHERS - *SAT 1: WORKERS DAY - SATURDAY 1: S1 #101B, 102A, 107A, 116A, S2 #202A, 203B, 212A, 213A; SUNDAY: 2: S2 #214B, 215A, 217B, 218, 222A, S3 #312B, S4 #408B

IMAGINATION / HAVING FUN - SATURDAY 8: S1 #102B, 114B, S2 #216A, 219A, 220A, 222B, S3 #307A, 325B; SUNDAY: 9: S1 #119A, S2 #205A, 215B, S3 #301B, 310B, 323A, 325A, S4 406A

FAMILY - *SAT 15: INTERNATIONAL DAY OF FAMILIES - SATURDAY 15: S1 #103A, 106B, 108B, 113, 116B, 117A, 119B; SUNDAY: 26: S2 #207A, 210B, 224A, S3 #305A, 311B, 317B, 326B, S4 #410A

COMPETITION - SATURDAY 22: S1 #106A, 111A, 114A, 112A, 124B, S2 #203A, 217A, 218B; SUNDAY 23 S3 #301A, 305B, 322A, 326A, S4 #406B, 407B, 409A, 410B

TECHNOLOGY - SATURDAY 29: S1 #101A, 102A, 105A, 107B, 121A, S2 #209A, 210A, 216B; SUNDAY 30: S2 #220B, 221A, 225A, S3 #304A, 305A, 310A, 319B, S4 #401B

SQUARE ROOT OF FRIENDS

Check out all the weird and wonderful characters that make Bikini Bottom the incredibly fun place it is!


MON 17: S11 #218A, 222B, 228B, 230B, 232B, 234A, 235A, 236A

TUE 18: S8 #163A, 171A, S9 #186B, 199B, 203A, S10 #209B, S11 #217A, 204B

WED 19: S9 #190B, 192, 204A, S10 #208B, S11 #218B, 236B, 239A

THU 20: S6 #110A, S7 #128A, 137A, 140A, 149B, S8 #164A, S9 #197A, S11 #233A

FRI 21: S9 #191B, 199A, S10 #206, 208A, S11 #212B, 224

MON 24: S6 #102B, 109A, S7 #136A, S8 #154B, 157B, 173B, S9 #182B, S10 #213A

TUE 25: S7 #152B, S8 #166B, S9 #179B, 196A, 197B, 201A, 202B, S10 #207A

WED 26: S7 #137B, 147B, S8 #164B, 170B, 174A, S9 #180B, 293A, S11 #226A

THU 27: S10 #212A, S11 #221B, 222A, 227A, 229A, 230A, 238A, 240A - CHILDREN’S DAY

FRI 28: S9 #280A, 191A, 193B, 294B, S10 #214A, S11 #221A, 227B, 235B

ORIGINALS
NEW EPISODES | SEASON 4 | #400-404, 406, 408-409, 411-421
WEEKDAYS 10 TO 21 MAY AT 15:55 WAT / 16:55 CAT / 17:55 EAT

Double Dare is a test of brains, speed and stamina. Two teams of contestants answer questions and perform outrageous "physical challenges", all under the watchful eye of host, Marc Summers. In the final round, they climb, slip, and slide through the wildest obstacle course on TV. It's no wonder that this show has proven to be an international success, Double Dare dives directly into the heart of childhood!

NEW EPISODE: 999
OTHER EPS: S1 #9, 2; S3 #312-313, 325-326
SUNDAY 23 MAY AT 16:50 WAT / 17:50 CAT / 18:50 EAT

Sun May 23 is World Turtle Day and what better way to pay homage to our four legged, hard shelled reptiles than to give the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles their own stunt!

Join us as we see our four heroes travel to unexpected lands, encounter alien portals and brave the bizarre. You may even see the turtles themselves transform.

SUNDAY MARATHONS
EVERY SUNDAY AT 15:00 WAT / 16:00 CAT / 17:00 EAT

We’ve packaged your Sunday laughs into neat minimarathons! Enjoy the very best in comedy animation handpicked just for you, right here on NickToons!

2 MAY: THE PENGUINS OF MADAGASCAR
9 MAY: THE FAIRLY ODDPARENTS (*MOTHER’S DAY)
16 MAY: THE ADVENTURES OF KID DANGER
23 MAY: OLLIE’S PACK
30 MAY: TEENAGE MUTANT NINJA TURTLES

ABOUT NICKTOONS

Nicktoons is available to watch on DStv Channel 308.

Available in over 13 million homes, NickToons showcases the world’s best comedy animation. Launched in 2002 and part of the Nickelodeon network of channels, NickToons broadcasts the very best in funny cartoons.

ViacomCBS creates original entertainment content for every audience, on every screen around the world. The company’s brands strive for creative excellence and cultural impact across programming, motion pictures and digital experiences that live online, on mobile and on apps.


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

May 2021 on Nickelodeon Africa: Goldie's Oldies | ALVINNN!!! S5 | Casagrandes S2 | READY SET DANCE S1

Below is a round-up of Nickelodeon's programming highlights for South Africa (SA) for May 2021!


More Highlights:


NEW SHOW | SEASON 1 | EPISODES #101-110
TX TBD

14-year-old Goldie's life is turned upside down when her family moves in with her Grandpa Maury and his three 70 something, totally bonkers housemates. Goldie's landed herself the ultimate insta-family!...If she can keep everyone together.

NEW EPISODES | SEASON 5 | #501-506
TX TBD

ALVINNN!!! and The Chipmunks, featuring international superstars Alvin, Simon and Theodore, takes us on a roller coaster ride of music, laughter and stories geared to entertain The Chipmunks' four generations of fans.

NEW EPISODES | SEASON 2 | #201-#207
TX TBD

The Casagrandes tells the story of Ronnie Anne, an independent, adventurous, 11-year-old who explores city life with her big, loving, multi-generational Mexican-American family.

NEW TO NICKELODEON!
SEASON 1 #101-115
TX TBD

READY SET DANCE will get you moving and grooving! Join Freeze and Twirl for great songs and cool moves! READY SET DANCE is inspired by the real-world in studio program and is about watching, following and joining in.

Animated hosts FREEZE & TWIRL connect the audience with the world of dance all designed to get the world moving one pre-schooler at a time!

ABOUT NICKELODEON

Nickelodeon Africa is available to watch on DStv Channel 305.

Nickelodeon is one of the most globally recognised and widely distributed multimedia entertainment brands for kids and family. Seen globally in more than 500 million households across more than 130 territories, this diverse and global brand puts kids first in everything it does! Nickelodeon's mission to make the world a more playful place.

ViacomCBS creates original entertainment content for every audience, on every screen around the world. The company’s brands strive for creative excellence and cultural impact across programming, motion pictures and digital experiences that live online, on mobile and on apps.


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

'Invader ZIM' Cast and Crew to Celebrate Show’s 20th Anniversary with Free Live Stream on Twitch

Invader ZIM Cast and Crew to Celebrate Show’s 20th Anniversary Next Week with Free Live Stream on Twitch


Orlando, Florida - PREPARE FOR DOOM! InvaderCON, the Invader ZIM fan convention owned and operated by Green Mustard Entertainment, has gathered the stars and key members of Nickelodeon's iconic animated series' production team to appear via a live Twitch stream on March 30th at 6:00 PM EDT/3:00 PM PDT!

That Tuesday will mark twenty years (to the day) since the show originally premiered on Nickelodeon: March 30, 2001. 


The following are scheduled to appear to discuss the show’s enduring legacy:

  • Richard Horvitz (the voice of “Zim”)
  • Rikki Simons (the voice of “GIR”)
  • Rodger Bumpass (the voice of “Professor Membrane”)
  • Melissa Fahn (the voice of “Gaz”)
  • Olivia d'Abo (the voice of “Tak”)
  • Aaron Alexovich (artist/character designer)
  • Eric Trueheart (writer)
  • Kevin Manthei (composer)

The stream will appear on Wasabi Anime’s Twitch channel (twitch.tv/WasabiAnime) and fans are encouraged to ask questions during the presentation via the platform’s chat.

Would you like to submit a question to possibly be asked during the stream? Here's the form: https://forms.gle/mRbmr2v4GkwGHSLK9

This is a free presentation and is not sponsored or endorsed by Nickelodeon or Viacom International Inc. Nickelodeon, INVADER ZIM and all related titles, logos and characters are trademarks of Viacom International, Inc.


ABOUT Invader ZIM: Invader ZIM is an American animated science fiction dark comedy television series created by comic book writer and cartoonist Jhonen Vasquez for Nickelodeon. The series centers on an extraterrestrial named Zim from the planet Irk, and his mission to conquer Earth and enslave the human race along with his malfunctioning robot servant GIR. He is antagonized by Dib, a young paranormal investigator who is determined to stop Zim from succeeding. Canceled after only two seasons, the series has maintained a dedicated fan following for two decades.


The story of Zim and Gir have since continued in Oni Press' hit Invader ZIM graphic novel series, with the series also being revived in 2019 for a one-off TV movie, Enter the Florpus, now streaming on Netflix. The series also had a ride based on it at Nickelodeon Universe at American Dream in New Jersey. Invader ZIM is available to stream on Paramount+.

ABOUT InvaderCON: InvaderCON (InvaderCON.com) was designed as a one time pop culture event to celebrate the tenth anniversary of the television series Invader ZIM in Atlanta, Georgia in 2011. Based on popular demand, the event happened twice more in other regions to make it accessible to other fans: Los Angeles, California in 2012 and Austin, Texas in 2014. The convention is owned and operated by Green Mustard Entertainment. (GreenMustard.com)
 
From SYFY WIRE:

REMEMBERING INVADER ZIM, 20 YEARS AFTER THE FIRST INVASION

On March 30, 2001, humanity learned we were not alone in the universe… and that we were in the crosshairs of the ruthless, relentless Irken Invaders. Well… the crosshairs of the most overconfident and least-skilled of Irken invaders. Specifically, a bug-eyed, antenna sporting, green-skinned, over-emphasizing invader named Zim.

Tomorrow marks the 20th Anniversary since the poorly-disguised alien — with help from his equally poorly-disguised and possibly insane robot sidekick Gir — attempted to conquer our planet. And it went quite badly, as he understood very little of our society. He was thwarted occasionally by conspiracy-loving Dib Membrane and his sister Gaz, but most often by his own incompetence and the weirdness of our world itself. So let’s take a moment to look back at Invader Zim, 20 years after the first invasion.

Invader Zim was the brainchild of comic book creator Jhonen Vasquez, and Nickelodeon took a chance on this bizarre but lovable series by commissioning 13 episodes for a first season, which eventually totaled 2 seasons, 27 episodes, and a Netflix movie by the show’s end. A few days after the premiere episode aired, Steven Oxman of Variety gave it a relatively favorable review, claiming, “The cartoon captures a nice blend of the innocent and the satirical and should appeal to Nick’s core audience of youngsters and early teenagers.” 

Indeed, the pilot episode expertly set up the series, with Zim (voiced by Richard Horvitz alternating between insecure and demonic) and hapless robot Gir (Rikki Simons) infiltrating a suburban neighborhood and then a ‘Skool,’ only to be discovered by Andy Berman’s Dib, whom no one believes. The show sunk its hooks into the culture’s mind shortly thereafter and paved the way for what has definitely become a cult classic. In the years that followed, despite a lack of actual new Invader Zim episodes, there have been action figures, two major conventions, comic books, and a plethora of merch.

On that epic evening back in 2001, Nickelodeon held a premiere release party at a club in swanky Glendale, California. "I don’t remember much from the night besides Rikki Simons, the voice actor for Gir, having his foot crushed by someone and ending up in a cast," Vasquez tells SYFY WIRE about the night. "The show was being projected around the place, but it was too loud to really pay attention, but I do recall thinking how strange and surreal it was to see this thing from my imagination on actual television finally. It’s STILL strange to me, I think."

That day would lead to many ups and downs with the show, from inconsistent schedules, to large gaps between episodes, but like all things that eventually enter the realm of cult classics, it struck a nerve with fans. Communities began to grow around Invader Zim, especially as the era of social media began. These fan groups, adamantly committed to the show, had a hand in the continued and lasting power of the property. 

Johnny O’Hern was one such enthusiast who got involved with Operation Head Pigeons (OHP), a social media movement almost entirely run by high school underclassmen, formed after the series ended by like-minded fans with a goal of supporting an Invader Zim revival so long as it was on Vasquez's terms. "During the premiere … the full episode had me enraptured," O’Hern, whose online handle is "CB Johnny," remembers. "I would never pass on an episode … and gradually identified as a proud ‘Zim nerd.’ The irony wasn't lost (on me) at 10 years old how this bleak dystopian sci-fi horror infused Nicktoon comedy was being treated with the same reverence as Star Trek."

O’Hern recounts the many ways the fan community has kept the show alive, from earning support from cast and crew, to organizing a fan letter event called “Project Massive,” to getting exclusive sneak peeks for Zim web games, and even guest judging a Nickelodeon-sanctioned Invader Zim Tee Design Contest. And they brought the whole fan letter-writing campaign into the 21st century. “Instead of the outmoded method of sending ‘stuff with letters’ to save the show, we raised $1,127 dollars to the Toys Of Hope charity in Nick's name. Donors at InvaderCON2 (the second official Invader Zim convention held in 2012) were given eye-catching Invader Zim-themed envelopes for their letters.” But did it work? “Sure, we got Nick interested ... and that's all that mattered in the end. … We wanted new Zim only on Jhonen's terms. No exception. But the comics and movie some years later were a really pleasant surprise.”

Vasquez has never shied away from his fans. Like many creators, he does feel a connection to them, and with social media, can interact to a comfortable degree, although the past year has taken a bit of a toll on everyone. “I still use things like Twitter and Instagram so there’s a certain amount of interaction,” Vasquez says. “But things feel even more remote what with the plague making conventions a thing of memory. Conventions, love them or hate them, were where it would really hit me that there were people out there who have things in their heads that came from my head, people who actively LIVE with these characters and worlds in a way. Just like seeing my show on an actual television back in the day, the thought of an audience is awesome and fascinating and horrifying in varying amounts.”

O’Hern says the fanbase is still going strong, mainly because of the positive community mindset. “Be neighborly to the other fan projects. Contribute to their stuff and maybe they can return the gesture if there's a good fit,” he says of most Invader Zim fans’ outlook. “The great news is that on top of new action figures and a new format of InvaderCON experiences, the comic books appear to have had a healthy enough response that it could end when Jhonen wants to end it.”

As for Invader Zim’s lasting power, Vasquez believes it all comes down to the personality of not just the main character but the show itself. "The shrieking, nightmare squealing nature of it," he says. "I think it strikes a chord the way a person strikes a chord, a person that doesn’t just blend into the noise, but makes a noise all its own that an audience either loves or hates, leaving very little middle ground. I assume that because that’s the kind of thing I love and I always hope to succeed on at least that level, to make a thing people love and appreciate for how not bland it is or hate with a passion. Passion is great."

It has officially been two whole decades since the bumbling green invader first graced our television screens. As to what all this actually means to Vasquez, he has to say: “It’s odd. To me it’s not a big deal at all ... People talk nonstop about nostalgia whenever something from long ago is involved, but as the creator of the thing in question, it’s just life. It’s my life and it’s a place with characters in it that never gets old or increasingly distant. It’s as accessible and present and current as a thought, really.”

Looking back, Vasquez feels a great sense of pride for what was unleashed onto the world. But when asked if he could go back and do it differently, he says “It’s hard to look at it from that point of view. The show stuck in people’s brains for a reason, and I have to think that every aspect, flaws and all, make up the identity of the thing, the identity that makes it IT to people who still keep the show alive in some way.”

As for this 20th Anniversary, Vasquez has, “less plans and more like ceremonial obligations.

"I always drive out to that strange sinkhole in the desert where I first met the creature that granted me the power to have an animated series in exchange for its 'food,'" he continues. "I imagine I’ll do that again this year, but I do sometimes entertain thoughts of just not going, of breaking the cycle. I’m so tired.”

###


Originally published: Saturday, March 27, 2021.

Additional source: MP3s & NPCs.

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

On This Day in 2001: The Fairly OddParents Premiered on Nickelodeon

On this day 20 years ago, the Fairly OddParents poofed onto our TV screens!


Fairly OddParents was created by renowned Nickelodeon creator Butch Hartman (Danny Phantom, T.U.F.F. Puppy, Bunsen Is a Beast), and started out as a series of shorts featured as part of Nickelodeon's animation showcase series Oh Yeah! Cartoons. Following the popularity of the shorts, Nickelodeon greenlit a full Fairly OddParents series, which aired for 161 episodes over 10 seasons between March 30, 2001 – July 26, 2017. The series also spawned several movies and specials, including three crossovers with Jimmy Neutron and three live-action movies, starring Drake Bell (The Amanda Show, Drake & Josh) and Daniella Monet (Victorious, Paradise Run). Fairly OddParents is currently Nickelodeon's second longest running television series, after SpongeBob SquarePants.

A live-action adaptation of Fairly OddParents is currently in development at Paramount+.

From SYFY WIRE:

'WANDS AND WINGS, FLOATY CROWNY THINGS': LOOKING BACK AS FAIRLY ODDPARENTS TURNS 20

It was the fall of 1997 and Butch Hartman needed a job. He had just been let go by Hanna-Barbera following the cancellation of Johnny Bravo, which he had worked on as a writer and episode director. With two weeks left on his contract and a wife and a month-old daughter to support, Hartman knew he needed a strong idea to keep him afloat. For many people, the inspiration for such an idea can take days, weeks, even months; for Hartman, it took about 15 to 20 minutes to come up with The Fairly OddParents.

In the amount of time it takes to watch your average Ted Talk, Hartman drew three characters that would go on to become three of the most recognizable animated stars of the early 2000s. First, he drew a ten-year-old boy, who he initially wanted to make into a scientist before scratching that idea because it would too closely resemble Dexter's Laboratory. Deciding that rather than focusing on science, he would go with magic instead, he drew a fairy godmother with a hairstyle straight out of Bedrock. Finally, because he had never heard of a fairy godfather before, Hartman gave the fairy godmother a husband who dressed like a car salesman. In those 15 to 20 minutes, Hartman had created Timmy Turner, Cosmo, and Wanda, the stars of his much-beloved and award-winning hit series, The Fairly OddParents.

The Fairly OddParents, which premiered on Nickelodeon 20 years ago today, was Hartman's first animated series and Nick's first major cartoon of the 2000s. It is the second longest-running Nicktoon at ten seasons (SpongeBob SquarePants holds the top spot) and is viewed as an essential cartoon in the lives of many who grew up in the first decade of the new millennium. For its 20th anniversary, SYFY WIRE discussed the origins and legacy of the series with Hartman and the individual who gave Hartman the opportunity to make his name in animation, his co-executive producer Fred Seibert.

Hartman and Seibert first met in the early 1990s when the latter took up the position as president of Hanna-Barbera shortly after it was bought by media mogul Ted Turner. Hartman was working as an artist at the company, part of a new generation of creatives that included Genndy Tartakovsky (Dexters Laboratory), Craig McCracken (The Powerpuff Girls), Donovan Cook (2 Stupid Dogs), David Feiss (Cow & Chicken), Van Partible (Johnny Bravo), and Seth Macfarlane (Family Guy) — many of whom would go on to not only reshape Hanna-Barbera but to legitimize Cartoon Network as a channel that could deliver high-quality and successful original cartoons.

The young roster of talent would get their first shot at making their own cartoons when Seibert created the What A Cartoon! show, an anthology program that would help the company break new ground by going back to animation's roots, producing the kind of short cartoons that would play alongside feature films.

Hartman directed three shorts for the series, two starring Pfish and Chip, a lynx and a great white shark who work for a bomb squad, and Gramps, which focused on a crotchety senior who tells his grandkids an inconceivable but factually true story of how he saved the world from an alien invasion. Hartman's first two shorts were a bit rough, which confused Seibert because Hartman had done such an exceptional job selling his ideas.

"Butch gives the best pitch in the universe," Seibert tells SYFY WIRE. It led to Seibert approaching Hartman one day and asking him why his cartoons didn't deliver once they got past the initial pitch. Hartman was honest about his early shortcomings and informed him that after every short, he would look to see what aspect of the production didn't work, and then dedicate himself to improving it. "It's really rare that somebody thinks that they're not good at something and then figures out a way to get good at it," Seibert explains. "Butch proved to me that he was like the hardest working man in show business, so by the time he got to Gramps, he moved from the back of the line to the front."

In early 1997, Seibert jumped ship to Nickelodeon where he created a similar program, Oh Yeah! Cartoons. There was one person Seibert wanted on board with him at Oh Yeah!, and that was Hartman, in part because he wanted to help Hartman make his own cartoon.

"I knew he was ready," Seibert says.

The only issue was Hartman himself.

"I said to Fred, 'I can't, I'm a pretty loyal guy, I like working with [animator] Van [Partible], and I can't leave him in the lurch,'" Hartman recalls, though Hartman's hesitance didn't stop Seibert from trying.

"I would call him up once a month, and say, 'Are you ready? Are you ready yet?' And he was never free," Seibert says. "And then, one month I don't call him and his agent calls me saying his contract is up."

The producer, with his wish finally coming true, called Hartman once again and asked if he was ready to come to Nick — and if he had any ideas. Hartman replied that he was finally ready to join Seibert and that he had an idea that Seibert would love. The producer told him to bring it to Nick on Friday, three days from the initial call. With 72 hours to come up with a new idea, Hartman had nothing — that is until those fated 15 to 20 minutes.

Because he was still under contract for those last two weeks, Hartman was obligated to share his new idea with Hanna-Barbera and Cartoon Network, who both turned him down, which didn't bother Hartman as much as you would expect. "I was actually kind of glad because I got to go take it to Fred," Hartman says. That Friday, Hartman brought in the original drawing — blown up by the Hanna-Barbera xerox department — which was then titled "Fairy Godparents," a number of storyboards, and a script where he would come up with the names Timmy (named after his youngest brother), Cosmo, and Wanda (originally named Venus).

"I knew where he had been and I knew where he was going," Seibert says. "I was ready and he was ready." Seibert accepted the pitch immediately.

During the production of the first short, Hartman made some small changes to the character's looks. He changed both Wanda's hair and Timmy's hat from blue to pink; Wanda's hair so that it would not blend into Timmy's bedroom and Timmy's hat because, as a gag, he colored it pink one day when his blue marker ran out and found that it worked better.

Seibert wanted there to be some sort of restrictions on Timmy's potentially omni-powerful wishing powers, so Hartman came up with guidelines in the form of "Da Rules," a large, floating rulebook Cosmo and Wanda would whip out to keep Timmy's more unlawful and taboo wishes in check (most of the time). These rules, which would cumulate throughout the series, ranged from the simple ("You can't use magic to win a competition," "You can't wish for true love") to the wildly specific ("No breakfast wishes after 10:30 a.m.," "Fairy magic has no effect on armadillos"). The title would also go through a pair of changes, going from "Fairy Godparents" to "Oh My Godparents" before settling on The Fairly OddParents, which was ChalkZone co-creator Bill Burnett's suggestion.

About 10 months after the initial pitch, on September 4, 1998, the first OddParents short would premiere on the eighth episode of Oh Yeah! Cartoons. The short introduces us to Timmy (Mary Kay Bergman, later Tara Strong), who, after being sent to his room early by his bossy babysitter Vicky (Grey DeLisle), meets his fairy godparents Cosmo and Wanda (Daran Norris and Susanne Blakeslee, respectively), who assist Timmy in getting some well-deserved retribution on the babysitter.

After the first short, Seibert asked for Hartman to change Timmy's hair color, as its original red made him look more like Vicky's kid brother. Hartman changed it to brown — and Seibert has a tinge of regret about it today. "Honestly, while I understand why it's so great that Vicky's hair is red, I always wished that Butch had kept Timmy's hair red because it really sticks out," he says.

Hartman would go on to produce nine more shorts (referred to as the show's "Season 0"), which would expand on the world of OddParents and introduce the audience to some of the supporting characters who would appear throughout the series, such as Vicky's younger sister Tootie (Alison Hood, then DeLisle), a fairy homage to Arnold Schwarzenegger named Jorgen Von Strangle (Norris), and Von Strangle's wife, The Tooth Fairy (DeLisle), as well as The Crimson Chin (Jay Leno), Timmy's favorite comic book hero.

In January 2000, in between the airing of the seventh and eighth OddParents shorts, Hartman received a call from Nick asking for six half-hour episodes of The Fairly OddParents. For Hartman, it was the opportunity he had been waiting for.

"I've been in the industry for 15 years, and I knew all the pieces that needed to be included to make a series," Hartman says. "It wasn't just about writing characters, it wasn't just about writing a funny joke. It's having to be a manager of people, you need to deal with the writers, the artists, the voice actors, the musicians working on your score — edit it all together and deliver something people want to watch, and then do it again."

From its very first episode, OddParents was one of Nick's highest-rated programs. "Nickelodeon was trying it in different time slots all over, and it always doubled the rating of whatever came before," Seibert shares. In no time at all, OddParents found itself being the second highest-rated program on children's television, only behind Nick's golden goose (or sponge if you will), SpongeBob SquarePants. At one point, OddParents even surpassed the almighty sponge as the No. 1-rated kids program, an astounding feat considering that those early seasons are considered the prime years for the Krusty Krab's resident frycook.

One reason why OddParents could compete with SpongeBob was due to the reach of its audience. Besides 12 million children watching the series week to week, 10 million adults did as well.

"Fairly OddParents is one of those rare shows that really resonated with people beyond demographics," Hartman explains.

The show's peak would come in 2008 when Hartman introduced a new character who would shake up the dynamic of the series: Cosmo and Wanda's baby, Poof (also voiced by Strong). The beach ball-shaped fairy baby would first appear in the Season 6 opener, a two-part special titled, "FairlyOdd Baby." The special would not only go on to become the highest-rated episode of the series, but also the highest-rated hour in the history of the channel. Hartman recalls receiving a call shortly afterward from the head of Nick, telling him that the only program that drew a higher rating that year was the Super Bowl.

"That's what I was told, that's what I'm going with," Hartman says, adding that Nick was actually close to canceling the series until the ratings came in for the special. "Poof really did save Fairly OddParents."

The show would continue, on and off, until 2017, earning itself a number of Annie Awards and both Daytime and Primetime Emmys across 10 seasons. Hartman also helped bring OddParents to the third dimension, writing the three live-action, made-for-television films that had Drake Bell starring as Timmy Turner. In its final season, OddParents would make the jump from standard to high definition and be animated using Flash, which Hartman describes as being "really fun," but also admits that it "took a little training to get used to."

Hartman has stayed busy since 2017. His latest series, HobbyKids Adventures, is streaming on YouTube, and Hartman hosts his own personal YouTube channel where he hosts live streams of him drawing, answering fan questions, and even offering up tutorials (such as "How to do a Professional Storyboard") for aspiring animators. He and his wife Julieann Hartman are also preparing to launch their own streaming service, OAXIS, focused on family entertainment.

As he hits 35 years working in the entertainment industry, Hartman is set on exploring new ventures for his talents, but that doesn't mean he is done with OddParents just yet.

In February, Viacom announced that Timmy and his fairy godparents would be returning in a new live-action Fairly OddParents series that will appear on Paramount+ (which is where the series is currently streaming), joining the likes of Invader Zim, Rocko's Modern Life, and soon Rugrat. "I'm really looking forward to seeing where this series can go and how it will appeal to a new generation," Hartman says.

Not announced in that press conference was news of any new Fairly OddParents cartoons. That said, Hartman says, if given the chance, he would have no issue once again spending his days and nights drawing "wands and wings, and floaty crowny things" once more.

###

Check out Nickelodeon's On This Day and Remember When Facebook pages to find out awesome Nick moments from every era throughout Nickelodeon history!

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


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Fairly OddParents 20 YEAR ANNIVERSARY SPECIAL | Butch Hartman

Fairly Odd Parents 20 YEAR ANNIVERSARY SPECIAL | Butch Hartman


Stay tuned for a SPECIAL EXTENDED VERSION of this video COMING SOON to XOTV! https://xotv.me/channels/416-butch-hartman


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44 Cats | Season 2 - A very special girl! [FULL EPISODE] | Rainbow Junior - English

44 Cats | Season 2 - A very special girl! [FULL EPISODE] | Rainbow Junior - English


Granny Pina is anxious and busy, because a very special guest is coming to visit: her granddaughter Isotta. The cats discover that young girl can talk to animals!

Watch 44 Cats on Nick everywhere!

Visit the official 44 Cats show website at 44cats.tv to find out more about the show and its musical stars, as well as watch exclusive video clips, play pawesome games and download purr-tastic activities!

More Nick: Nickelodeon International Acquires '44 Cats' Season 2!
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Join Paramount+ for a First Contact Day Celebration on Monday, April 5

JOIN PARAMOUNT+ FOR A FIRST CONTACT DAY CELEBRATION ON MONDAY, APRIL 5

Virtual First Contact Day Celebration Will Commemorate Pivotal Moment of Exploration and Acceptance in Star Trek History, first depicted in Star Trek: First Contact

Programming Includes Themed Panels with Cast and Creatives from Star Trek Series, Cast from Star Trek: First Contact, Exclusive News from the Star Trek Universe on Paramount+, The Return of #StarTrekUnitedGives and More


March 30, 2021 - Paramount+ invites fans from around the world to a virtual celebration of First Contact Day on Monday, April 5. As depicted in the film Star Trek: First Contact, April 5, 2063 is the day that humans first make contact with Vulcans, marking a pivotal moment of exploration and acceptance in Star Trek history. The virtual event will honor and commemorate this future date by providing Star Trek fans exclusive programming, including themed panels with the cast and creatives from classic and current Star Trek television series and cast from Star Trek: First Contact, exclusive news from the Star Trek Universe on Paramount+, curated episode marathons, the return of the #StarTrekUnitedGives initiative and more. Additional information on free First Contact Day programming and initiatives can be accessed at StarTrek.com/FirstContact.


A follow up to Star Trek Day, First Contact Day is also a continued celebration of Star Trek creator Gene Roddenberry and the world he created and first introduced to audiences almost 55 years ago, championing diversity, inclusion, acceptance and hope.

First Contact Day virtual programming and initiatives include:

  • FIRST CONTACT DAY GLOBAL PANELS (12:00-2:45 PM, PT/3:00-5:45 PM, ET)

Join hosts Wil Wheaton and Mica Burton for almost three hours of free themed virtual panels and programming that will feature cast members and creative minds from Star Trek as they discuss exploration, unity through diversity and new frontiers in the franchise, while offering exclusive sneak peeks into what's next in the Star Trek Universe on Paramount+.

The panels will serve as the global centerpiece of First Contact Day, and each will uniquely honor the legacy and importance of the core values of acceptance and exploration in Star Trek while creating a memorable experience for fans. In addition, Star Trek updates, announcements and footage will be showcased throughout.

The First Contact Day themed panels and panelists are as follows:

· Star Trek: First Contact 25th Anniversary Panel, featuring cast members Patrick Stewart, Jonathan Frakes, Brent Spiner and Alice Krige as they discuss behind-the-scenes memories and the film's importance 25 years after its premiere.

· "Creating First Contacts" Panel, Costume Designer Gersha Phillips (STAR TREK: DISCOVERY), Senior Concept Designer Neville Page, VFX Supervisor Jason Zimmerman and Make-up & Prosthetics Department Head James Mackinnon (STAR TREK: PICARD) come together in conversation about creating the incredible worlds of Star Trek, as seen in STAR TREK: DISCOVERY and STAR TREK: PICARD.

· "Women In Motion" Panel, featuring STAR TREK: DISCOVERY'S Sonequa Martin-Green, STAR TREK: PICARD's Michelle Hurd and Isa Briones, and STAR TREK: LOWER DECKS' Dawnn Lewis as they look back at how Star Trek: The Original Series actress Nichelle Nichols helped pave the way for women of color on television and overall, her lasting impact on not only Star Trek, but science and culture.

· "Second Contact" Panel, Mike McMahan, the creator of STAR TREK: LOWER DECKS, Paul F. Tompkins, the co-host of Star Trek: The Pod Directive and Brent Spiner and Jonathan Frakes of Star Trek: The Next Generation discuss how some of the hilarious B-stories from past series like Star Trek: The Next Generation paved the way for new iterations of "Star Trek," including STAR TREK: LOWER DECKS, the Star Trek franchise's first animated comedy.

· STAR TREK: PRODIGY Panel, series executive producers Kevin and Dan Hageman are joined by Captain Kathryn Janeway herself of Star Trek: Voyager and Kate Mulgrew, who is reprising her role in animated form in PRODIGY, as they talk about the highly anticipated upcoming CG-animated kids series from Nickelodeon and CBS Studios.

Fans worldwide will be able to livestream the First Contact Day panels for free at StarTrek.com/FirstContact. The panels will also be available to stream for free in the U.S. on PlutoTV and Paramount+'s Twitch page.

After their initial airing, the panels will be available on-demand on Paramount+'s YouTube Channel and on Paramount+.

#STARTREKUNITEDGIVES CAMPAIGN

On April 5, for every person that tweets the hashtag StarTrekUnitedGives (#StarTrekUnitedGives), Paramount+ will donate $1 to organizations who do the real-world work of championing equality, social justice and the pursuit of scientific advancements.

"BEST OF FIRST CONTACTS" EPISODIC STREAMING MARATHON, PRESENTED BY PARAMOUNT+ (9:00 AM, PT/12:00 PM, ET)

For fans based in the U.S. only, First Contact Day celebrations will kick off with part one of a streaming marathon of episodes featuring iconic first contacts from 10 different Star Trek series. The marathon will pause for the duration of the First Contact Day global panels and will resume with part two after the panels conclude.

The "Best of First Contacts" streaming marathon schedule on Monday, April 5 is as follows:

· 9:00 AM, PT/12:00 PM, ET - "Best of First Contacts" Star Trek Episodic Marathon, Part 1 begins

· 12:00 PM, PT/3:00 PM, ET - Part 1 of Marathon Concludes; First Contact Day panels begin

· 2:45 PM, PT/5:45 PM, ET - "Best of First Contacts" Star Trek Episodic Marathon, Part 2 begins

· 6:00 PM, PT/9:00 PM, ET - Marathon concludes; First Contact Day panels replay

The Star Trek episodes included in the "Best of First Contacts" streaming marathon are as follows:

· Star Trek: The Original Series: Season 1, Episode 18 - "Arena"

· Star Trek: Lower Decks: Season 1, Episode 1 - "Second Contact"

· Star Trek: Deep Space Nine: Season 4, Episode 7 - "Little Green Men"

· Star Trek: Short Treks: Season 2, Episode 6 -"Children of Mars"

· Star Trek: Voyager: Season 4, Episode 1 - "Scorpion, Part 2"

· Star Trek: Discovery: Season 2, Episode 2 - "New Eden"

· Star Trek: The Animated Series: Season 1, Episode 7 - "The Infinite Vulcan"

· Star Trek: Enterprise: Season 1, Episode 6 - "The Andorian Incident'

· Star Trek: The Next Generation: Season 4, Episode 15 - "First Contact"

· Star Trek: Picard: Season 1, Episode 8 - "Broken Pieces"

The marathon of episodes will be available to stream for free at StarTrek.com/FirstContact for viewers based in the U.S. only.

OFFICIAL "STAR TREK" MERCHANDISE SALE

The official Star Trek Shop is offering 20% off all merchandise, including special First Contact Day products. Please visit https://shop.startrek.com/ on April 5 to access and learn more about the sale.

FIRST CONTACT DAY SOCIAL OPPORTUNITY FOR FANS

Calling all Star Trek fans! On April 5, fans are encouraged to share their point of "first contact" with the Star Trek Universe, whether it's a memory from when they first connected with a series or film or the moment they felt represented on screen. Use the hashtags #StarTrek, #FirstContactDay and #FirstContact for a chance to be retweeted by the official "Star Trek" Twitter handles.

#FirstContactDay Facebook: @StarTrekonPPlus, @StarTrek, @ParamountPlus Twitter: @StarTrekonPPlus, @StarTrek, @ParamountPlus Instagram: @StarTrekonPPlus, @StarTrek, @ParamountPlus  

About Paramount+:

Paramount+, a direct-to-consumer digital subscription video on-demand and live streaming service from ViacomCBS, combines live sports, breaking news, and a mountain of entertainment. The premium streaming service features an expansive library of original series, hit shows and popular movies across every genre from world-renowned brands and production studios, including BET, CBS, Comedy Central, MTV, Nickelodeon, Paramount Pictures and the Smithsonian Channel. The service is also the streaming home to unmatched sports programming, including every CBS Sports event, from golf to football to basketball and more, plus exclusive streaming rights for major sports properties, including some of the world's biggest and most popular soccer leagues. Paramount+ also enables subscribers to stream local CBS stations live across the U.S. in addition to the ability to stream ViacomCBS Streaming's other live channels: CBSN for 24/7 news, CBS Sports HQ for sports news and analysis, and ET Live for entertainment coverage. For more information about Paramount+, please visit www.paramountplus.com and follow @ParamountPlus on social platforms.

About the Star Trek Universe on Paramount+:

The Star Trek Universe on Paramount+ includes current and upcoming seasons of the original series Star Trek: Discovery, Star Trek: Picard, the animated series Star Trek: Lower Decks and the upcoming Star Trek: Strange New Worlds and Star Trek: Prodigy, the first Star Trek series aimed at younger audiences. The Star Trek Universe on Paramount+ also includes all 726 episodes from the six classic Star Trek series and a selection of Star Trek films.

###


Press release via TheFutonCritic.com; Additional source: ComicBook.com; H/T: Anime Superhero Forum /@RoyalRubble.

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Nickelodeon UK Brings Slime Music and Mayhem Back to Blackpool with SLIMEFEST 2021

NICKELODEON BRINGS SLIME MUSIC AND MAYHEM TO BLACKPOOL

Nickelodeon UK and VisitBlackpool bring Slime, Music & Mayhem back to Blackpool’s Pleasure Beach Arena on 16th – 18th October

Tickets on sale now at www.nickslimefest.co.uk

Diversity’s Jordan Banjo and Perri Kiely return to their hosting duties and will be joined by ‘The X Factor: Celebrity’s’ Max and Harvey and Tik Tok social star Holly H

#SlimefestUK @NickelodeonUK


London, 29th March 2021 – Nickelodeon UK are once again partnering with VisitBlackpool to bring Nickelodeon’s SLIMEFEST back for a fifth year of slime, music and mayhem following 2019's sold out shows.

SLIMEFEST 2021 will take place at The Arena at Blackpool Pleasure Beach from 16th – 18th October.
SLIMEFEST 2021 will see longstanding SLIMEFEST hosts Jordan Banjo and Perri Kiely returning to the stage, and will this year be joined by Max and Harvey and Holly H for all 6 shows. They’ll host Nickelodeon’s unique mix of amazing music acts, special guests, and most importantly SLIME! Tickets are on sale now. Families can purchase tickets and find out more information at www.nickslimefest.co.uk

Nickelodeon also today confirmed the first act set to appear at SLIMEFEST 2021: KiD RAiN.

SLIMEFEST Show Schedule

  • Saturday 16th October: Shows at 1pm (SOLD OUT) and 6pm (SOLD OUT)
  • Sunday 17th October: Shows at 1pm (SOLD OUT) and 6pm
  • Monday 18th October: Shows at 1pm and 6pm

More information on the SLIMEFEST 2020 performers for Blackpool and London will be announced in the coming months.


Please be sure to check your local school half term dates, to ensure your child's school is on break at this time.

Oh, and shhh, Nick has have a super slimy, big green secret to tell you. There is only ONE way for children 8-15 years old to experience the SLIME and get you up-close to your favourite stars, and that is with a SLIME PIT ticket. Accompanying parents/guardians & younger children can experience the fun with a seated ticket or a standing adult ticket (for adults and kids 15yrs +)

Plus, you don’t have to wait until the show starts for the fun to begin; every SLIMEFEST ticket also includes a Pleasure Beach Pass, or you can choose to purchase a Pleasure Beach Wristband which gives you unlimited riding all day. Blackpool Pleasure Beach is home to the U.K.'s only Nickelodeon Land!

What are you waiting for? Join Nick for the biggest SLIME-soaked event of the year!

SLIMEFEST marks the return of Nickelodeon's annual music festival for kids, following SLIMEFEST 2020 being postponed due to the COVID-19 (coronavirus) pandemic. It's currently unknown whether Nickelodeon will still be hosting SLIMEFEST in London, as initially planned.

The Pleasure Beach Arena will strictly follow Government and Health Authority guidelines.  A whole range of Covid-19 procedures and protocols have been implemented to ensure the safety of guests, staff and performers.  The wearing of face coverings may be required in designated areas and organisers will update ticket holders closer to the event with any specific procedures relating to Covid-19.  SLIMEFEST will be compliant with any Covid-19 regulations applicable at the time.

If SLIMEFEST 2021 is unable to proceed due to Government or Health Authority guidance, Nickelodeon will transfer your booking to an alternative date or refund your booking.  The terms and conditions relating to this are available at https://www.blackpoolpleasurebeach.com/whats-on/slimefest/.


SLIMEFEST 2019 saw performances from Diversity along with music acts: Professor Green, Scouting for Girls, New Hope Club, Max and Harvey, Road Trip, Jess Folley and The Thundermans star Kira Kosarin as a special guest. Watch the highlights below!:


Over 100,000 people have attended related SLIMEFEST events across the globe in the US, Australia, Italy, UK, Germany and Spain.


Nickelodeon
The home of SpongeBob SquarePants, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, PAW Patrol and Nella the Princess Knight, Nickelodeon UK & Ireland Network is available in over 13 million cable and satellite homes and now reaches more than 10 million viewers a month. Launched in 1993, the top-performing Nickelodeon network comprises seven dedicated entertainment channels for kids aged 4-15 and their families: Nickelodeon, Nickelodeon HD, Nickelodeon +1, Nicktoons, Nick Jr., Nick Jr. +1 and Nick Jr. Too. The entertainment company has built a diverse multi-platform business by putting kids first in everything it does – Kids Rule! Content is at the core of the business with critically-acclaimed and hugely-popular television programming from the UK and around the world. In addition to the quality television programmes, Nickelodeon also produces bespoke content available online and on Nick Play, as well as consumer product and recreation opportunities such as the UK’s first-ever Nick theme park, Nickelodeon Land and the slimiest music festival for kids, SLIMEFEST UK.

VisitBlackpool
VisitBlackpool is the tourism arm of Blackpool Council and is tasked with promoting the UK's most popular holiday destination to leisure and business visitors, both domestically and internationally.

Blackpool Pleasure Beach
Blackpool Pleasure Beach is the UK’s favourite amusement park and is also home to the UK’s only Nickelodeon Land. Family thrills and memories to last a lifetime are assured on Nickelodeon Land with 12 rides, a whole host of your favourite Nickelodeon characters and live entertainment across the six acre site.

More Nick: Channel 5 to Host Inaugural '5 On The Farm Festival' (Ft. Milkshake!) in South Yorkshire!

Originally published: Monday, March 29, 2021 at 19:37 BST.
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Moving up to Bel Air | Big Time Rush

Moving up to Bel Air | Big Time Rush


Remember when the Big Time Rush boys moved to Bel Air?





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'Bridge Life' Music Video | The Barbarian and the Troll Sneak Peek | Nickelodeon

It's tough to troll when you're under a bridge all day. The Barbarian and the Troll premieres Friday, April 2, at 7:30 p.m. (ET/PT) on Nickelodeon. Check out a new super sneak peek below!


The quest is yet to come in Nickelodeon’s all-new live-action puppet comedy series, The Barbarian and the Troll, premiering Friday, April 2, at 7:30 p.m. (ET/PT).  The series follows Evan, a bridge troll in search of adventure, and Brendar, a fierce female warrior on a quest to defeat the evil demon who has imprisoned her brother.

In the premiere of The Barbarian and the Troll, Evan the troll decides to burn his bridge and venture out into the world of Gothmoria for the first time to fulfill his lifelong dream of becoming a singer.  He soon meets Brendar, who had been expelled from the Royal Order of Warrior Princesses and is now known as a “feared and revered” barbarian.  After Evan convinces Brendar to bring him on her quest to vanquish the evil demon, they cross treacherous terrain to confront bizarre and magical creatures and encounter an eclectic puppet cast of wacky characters.


The series stars Spencer Grammer (Rick & Morty) as the voice of Brendar, Gothmoria’s most feared and revered warrior; and Drew Massey (Mutt & Stuff, Sid the Science Kid) as Evan, a bridge troll with a dream of becoming a singer.  Joining Massey as puppeteers and voice talent are Colleen Smith, Allan Trautman, Sarah Sarang Oh, Nicolette Santino, Peggy Etra, James Murray and Jeny Cassady.  The series also features the voice of comedian Gina Yashere.

The Barbarian and the Troll is co-created and executive produced by Mike Mitchell (Trolls, The Lego Movie 2: The Second Part) and Massey.  Mitchell also serves as the show’s primary director.  Production of The Barbarian and the Troll for Nickelodeon is overseen by Zack Olin, Senior Vice President, Live Action; and Shauna Phelan, Senior Vice President, Live-Action Scripted Content.


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YTV Canada to Premiere 'Are You Afraid of the Dark?: Curse of the Shadows' on Friday, April 9

YTV TO PREMIERE ARE YOU AFRAID OF THE DARK?: CURSE OF THE SHADOWS ON APRIL 9


Canada - YTV will premiere the long-awaited second season of Nickelodeon's Are You Afraid of the Dark?: Curse of the Shadows, the beloved horror anthology series based on the '90s kids' cult classic, on Friday, April 9 at 9:00 p.m. (ET/PT).

Are You Afraid of the Dark?: Curse of the Shadows, a six-part limited series, follows an all-new Midnight Society group of kids who learn of the terrifying curse cast over their small seaside town, and are haunted by a mysterious creature known as the Shadowman.

The new members of the Midnight Society are: Luke, played by Bryce Gheisar (The Astronauts, Wonder); Jai, played by Arjun Athalye; Hanna, played by Beatrice Kitsos (Child's Play, iZombie); Gabby, played by Malia Baker (The Baby-Sitters Club); Seth, played by Dominic Mariche (The Christmas Yule Blog, A Gift to Cherish); and Connor, played by Parker Queenan (Party of Five, Andi Mack). Joining them on their adventure is Ryan Beil as fan-favorite character Sardo.


Are You Afraid of the Dark?: Curse of the Shadows is produced by ACE Entertainment (To All The Boys I've Loved Before, The Perfect Date) with ACE founder Matt Kaplan and Spencer Berman serving as executive producers and Paul Kim as co-executive producer. Jeff Wadlow (Fantasy Island, Truth or Dare) serves as executive producer and the primary director for the series. JT Billings (Beware That Girl, Charming) serves as showrunner and executive producer.

Production of Are You Afraid of the Dark?: Curse of the Shadows for Nickelodeon is overseen by Shauna Phelan, Senior Vice President, Live-Action Scripted Content; and Zack Olin, Senior Vice President, Live Action. Brian Banks serves as Nickelodeon's Executive in Charge of Production for the series.

Online at ytv.com, fans can find out more about their favourite YTV shows. Fans can also follow YTV on Instagram and subscribe to the YTV YouTube channel for the latest YTV news, highlights, schedules, videos and games. Nickelodeon programming is also available on the Nick+ streaming service.

ARE YOU AFRAID OF THE DARK SEASON 2 2020 GALLERY Pictured: Seth (DOMINIC MARICHE), Hanna (BEATRICE KITSOS), Gabby (MALIA BAKER), Jai (ARJUN ATHALYE), Luke (BRYCE GHEISAR), and Conner (PARKER QUEENAN) in ARE YOU AFRAID OF THE DARK on Nickelodeon. Photo: LINDSAY SIU/Nickelodeon. © 2020 Viacom International, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

One of the Nickelodeon's most iconic series from the '90s, the original Are You Afraid of the Dark? delivered riveting stories of horror to young audiences, all from a kid's perspective. Are You Afraid of the Dark? is owned by DHX and was created by D.J. MacHale and Ned Kandel, who are also executive producers on the project.



About ACE Entertainment

ACE Entertainment, which was founded by producer Matt Kaplan in 2017, has been behind some of today's most relevant millennial content including the hit Netflix film To All The Boys I've Loved Before and its sequel To All the Boy's I've Loved Before: P.S. I Still Love You, The Perfect Date also starring Noah Centineo, the Netflix romantic drama Irreplaceable You and Spontaneous starring Katherine Langford. The company is developing the YA features 10 Blind Dates based on the novel by Ashley Elston, Replica based on Lauren Oliver's best-selling novel of the same name, the Vatican based thriller White Smoke with Nicholas McCarthy attached to write and direct, Loveboat Taipei based on the New York Times bestselling novel of the same name by Abigail Hing Wen and the family comedy Runaway based on the true story of a 12 year old who tricks his family, steals his mom's credit card and runs away to Bali for the trip of a lifetime. ACE Entertainment's television division has projects in development with almost every available streaming platform including Netflix, Disney + and Peacock.

About Nickelodeon

Nickelodeon, now in its 41st year, is the number-one entertainment brand for kids. It has built a diverse, global business by putting kids first in everything it does. The brand includes television programming and production in the United States and around the world, plus consumer products, digital, location-based experiences, publishing and feature films. Nickelodeon and all related titles, characters and logos are trademarks of ViacomCBS Inc. (Nasdaq: VIACA, VIAC).

About YTV

Celebrating over 25 years on the air, since its launch in 1988, YTV features high quality programming from entertaining live-action comedies and reality series for kids and their families, to night time drama for teens. With hosted dayparts such as the popular after-school block The Zone and weekend movies for the entire family in Big Fun Movies, there are plenty of entertaining options for viewers of all ages. For more information about YTV, please visit www.ytv.com. YTV is owned and operated by Corus Entertainment Inc.

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'The Barbarian and the Troll' Sends Its Heroes on a Dangerous Quest in New Sneak Peek

The Barbarian and the Troll's Brendar and Evan begin their dangerous quest across Gothmoria in a new clip from Nickelodeon's brand new puppet comedy.


Evan and Brendar begin their dangerous quest in an awesome clip from an episode of Nickelodeon's The Barbarian and the Troll, courtesy of CBR!


The clip picks up as the musical bridge troll Evan (played by Drew Massey of Mutt & Stuff and Sid the Science Kid) is given the opportunity to join Brendar (Spencer Grammer of Rick & Morty) on her quest across Gothmoria. However, Brendar quickly regrets letting Evan join her as he is quickly caught in the middle of a spider web. "It's not my fault giant spiders leave their webs everywhere," Evan says in defense. "There should be a law."

After chopping Evan down with her ax, Brendar beings to explain to him how Gothmoria is a dangerous place, and he can't walk around with his heads in the clouds. Unfortunately, once Brendar turns around she discovers that Evan is once again caught in another spider web. "Tastes like spider-flavored chewing gum," Brendar's ax says. The clip ends with Evan in another dangerous predicament when he's eaten by a hungry tree.

In the premiere of The Barbarian and the Troll, Evan the troll decides to burn his bridge and venture out into the world of Gothmoria for the first time to fulfill his lifelong dream of becoming a singer. He soon meets Brendar, who had been expelled from the Royal Order of Warrior Princesses and is now known as a “feared and revered” barbarian. After Evan convinces Brendar to bring him on her quest to vanquish the evil demon, they cross treacherous terrain to confront bizarre and magical creatures and encounter an eclectic puppet cast of wacky characters.

The Barbarian and the Troll stars Spencer Grammer, Drew Massey, Colleen Smith, Allan Trautman, Sarah Sarang Oh, Nicolette Santino, Peggy Etra, James Murray, Jeny Cassady and Gina Yashere. The series, co-created by Mike Mitchell, who also serves as director, and Drew Massey premieres Friday, April 2 at 7:30 p.m. ET/PT on Nickelodeon.


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