Tuesday, May 11, 2021

Nickelodeon India Announces Summer 2021 Highlights, Full of New Episodes, Movies and Campaigns

Nickelodeon India announces content line up of new episodes, movies with #NicktoonsKaSummerDose


India - The Nickelodeon franchise entertains millions of young fans across India through its endearing characters and immersive stories. Through the last year the franchise has designed many category defining initiatives that have engaged with kids, brining a smile to their faces, and kept their spirits high in these trying times, thereby reinforcing its eminence as a responsible kids and family entertainment broadcaster. Nickelodeon continues to hold the leadership mantle with the flagship channels Nick and Sonic being the No. 1 & the No. 2 kids’ entertainment channels in the category.

This summer comes with many challenges for kids as they continue to practice social distancing, being indoors and staying safe at home. The need of the hour therefore is to inspire kids to stay positive and happy, despite these difficult times.

Nickelodeon is hence all set to bring summertime fun to the homes of kids and give many unforgettable and precious experiences with #NicktoonsKaSummerDose – A fabulous content line up of all new episodes, movies, a host of fun activities and innovative engagements that will keep kids happy and engaged while they stay safe at home.


As we step into summers, summer-time fun has commenced on a high with Nick welcoming the kids’ favourite prank gang Golmaal Jr. on the channel. The prank gang now entertains kids with all new episodes of their mischievous escapades every Monday to Friday at 12.30 PM with the message #NickPeSabGolmaalHai. The comic capers of the prank gang will be made the talk of the town through a high decibel multiscreen campaign- with TV spots on the franchise and cross promotions on lead GEC channels, on YouTube, gaming portals and on social media. Adding to the euphoria will be a one-of-a-kind partnership with Mad Over Donuts through a fun and delectable summer special box of donuts presented by the Golmaal Jr Prank Gang.

While the prank gang entertains and creates a laugh riot on Nick, summer celebrations get an unexpected twist with Pinaki and Happy – The Bhoot Bandhus on Sonic. The fun & entertaining family of ghosts will add to the entertainment quotient on Sonic through all new stories every Monday to Friday at 11:30am.


The campaign promoting the fun buddies will be done through taking a multiscreen approach that includes a TV campaign and promotions on digital mediums such as YouTube. The campaign promoting the fun buddies will be done taking a multiscreen approach that includes a TV campaign and promotions on digital mediums such as YouTube. The Bhoot Bandhus will be further brought to life on social mediums through engagements wherein kids will be seen taking the fun Bhoot Bandhus Tongue Twister challenge (#BBTTChallenge) along with a host of Innovative digital engagements to make sure kids are engaged in the comfort of their homes.

Shining bright through summer are new episodes and movies across the Nickelodeon franchise. The mischievous Golmaal Gang, adorable Motu Patlu and magical Rudra will entertain kids through all new episodes on Nick. The super cool Pinaki & Happy – The Bhoot Bandhus, Shiva, Ninja Hatori and Zig and Sharko will amp up the fun with fresh stories on Sonic, giving kids a reason to celebrate.  This apart, all new episodes of The Loud House on Nick HD+ and your favorite and adorable Peppa Pig on Nick Jr. will drive up the entertainment decibel, making sure that kids have a fabulous time indoors.

There will also be movies galore as Rudra infuses magic into summer with his superhit movie “The Land of No Where” while Motu Patlu’s comic capers will entertain kids through the Mini Movie- ” The Secret Mission of Motu Patlu” that is set to premiere on Nick in May. This apart, all the new episodes and movies of your favourite toons will also be available to stream on Viacom18's fun-learn kids entertainment app, Voot Kids.

Anu Sikka, Head – Content, Programming and Strategy, Kids Cluster, Viacom18

Anu Sikka, Head – Content, Programming and Strategy, Kids Cluster at Viacom18, said “At Nickelodeon our focus is on keeping kids entertained in these challenging times. Summer is a special time for children, and we have created a very robust content pipeline of some fun and exciting stories to make sure that they have a great time and stay motivated amidst the current scenario.

“We are here to make kids happy and are sure that the vast and immersive stories of our Nicktoons will transport them into a world of imagination and fun, giving them a reason to celebrate while lifting up their spirits,” Sikka said.

Sonali Bhattacharya – Head – Marketing, Kids Entertainment Cluster at Viacom18, said, “We believe that as the category leader and a responsible broadcaster we have a very important role to play in keeping kids engaged and in a positive frame of mind in these difficult times.

“We have re-imagined and pivoted our marketing plans and gone multiscreen so kids can remain entertained in the security of their homes. We are certain that our young audiences will feel happy and optimistic with our innovative summer offerings,” Bhattacharya said.


Summer started with World Creativity and Innovation Week that saw Nick Jr. along with Play Date encouraging kids to unleash their creativity indoors through a curated program of various activities such as music and movement, coding adventure, clay dough, mystery parties, chocolate making amongst others.

There will be interesting virtual activations on special occasions like Mother’s Day and Yoga Day that will create many memorable and happy moments for kids and families. Each interactivity would be brought to life digitally by the adorable Nicktoons that will surely add a dash of cheer to each day.

This summer it’s time to stay home and stay safe with Nickelodeon!

In additional news, Nickelodeon India recently won two awards at the 11th Dadasaheb Phalke Film Festival! Happy & Pinaki - The Bhoot Bandhus picked up the Best Animation Award, while children's favorite Rudra won the Best Feature Animation Award for Rudra: Secret of the Black Moon. Congrats Nick!

ViacomCBS to Launch NickMusic in Hungary on June 1

ViacomCBS has announced plans to launch NickMusic, Nickelodeon's music channel for kids in Hungary (Magyarország) on Tuesday 1st June 2021! The channel will host the most popular artists among children aged 6-11.


NickMusic is a dedicated 24-hour music channel for kids, offering a dedicated 24-hour music channel for kids featuring chart-topping hits by the world’s most popular artists. From Ariana Grande, Ed Sheeran, Justin Timberlake and The Weeknd to Sia, Dua Lipa and Taylor Swift, Nick Music is curated by Nickelodeon with a line-up of the latest music videos and Top 40 hits kids will love.

It is currently unknown what feed NickMusic Magyarország will use - whether it's own independent feed, the "global" NickMusic feed, or NickMusic USA.


NickMusic will not broadcast any advertising or sponsorships. The channel is already available in the United States, Belgium, Australia, New Zealand, Latin America, Brazil and the Netherlands, among others.

ViacomCBS denies that the launch of NickMusic will marks the end of the MTV brand. MTV has the highest brand recognition amongst youth (at the level of 98%) and is currently present in 181 countries.

ViacomCBS will also launch a Nick Music channel in Poland on the same day. Both channels will replace MTV Music 24 in each territory.

From DTV News:

A NickMusic váltja az MTV Music 24-et

Június 1-jétől jön a NickMusic, a legmenőbb zenei videó-válogatás gyerekeknek.

Június 1-jén hazánkban is elindul a legújabb reklámmentes zenecsatorna, a NickMusic. Az MTV Music 24 újrapozícionálásából létrejött csatorna az új generációk körében legnépszerűbb Top 40 slágerek előadóival teremt kapcsolatot, az élvonalba berobbanó sztárok és az örök kedvencek zenei videóit sugározza folyamatosan. Elsősorban azokhoz a fiatal nézőkhöz szól majd, akik szeretik Shawn Mendez, Camilla Cabello, Ed Sheeran, Dua Lipa, Justin Timberlake, Ariana Grande és sok más felkapott mai popsztár zenéjét.

A NickMusic jól illeszkedik a ViacomCBS megújuló zenei portfoliójába, amely többféle korosztály és könyűzenei ízlés számára biztosít kínálatot.

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ViacomCBS to Launch NickMusic in Poland on June 1

ViacomCBS Poland (Polska) has announced plans to launch NickMusic, Nickelodeon's music channel for kids in the country on Tuesday 1st June 2021! The channel will host the most popular artists among children aged 6-11.


NickMusic is a dedicated 24-hour music channel for kids, offering a dedicated 24-hour music channel for kids featuring chart-topping hits by the world’s most popular artists. From Ariana Grande, Ed Sheeran, Justin Timberlake and The Weeknd to Sia, Dua Lipa and Taylor Swift, Nick Music is curated by Nickelodeon with a line-up of the latest music videos and Top 40 hits kids will love.

It's also currently unknown what feed NickMusic Polska will use - whether it's own independent feed, the "global" NickMusic feed, or NickMusic USA.

ViacomCBS describes the launch of NickMusic as a natural step in entering the Polish market with a music offer for the next generation: ViacomCBS' music portfolio includes, among others, MTV 90s, MTV Hits and MTV 00s - explains Agnieszka Odachowska, PR manager of ViacomCBS in Poland, owner of NickMusic.


NickMusic will not broadcast any advertising or sponsorships. The channel is already available in the United States, Belgium, Australia, New Zealand, Latin America, Brazil and the Netherlands, among others.

ViacomCBS denies that the launch of NickMusic will marks the end of the MTV brand. MTV has the highest brand recognition amongst youth (at the level of 98%) and is currently present in 181 countries.

MTV Music 24 launched in March 2020, when it replaced MTV Music, which itself replaced Viva Polska in Poland in 2017.

From Press.pl:

Właściciel MTV uruchomi w czerwcu muzyczny kanał dla dzieci od 6 do 11 lat

NickMusic zastąpi MTV Music 24 (fot. materiały prasowe)

W czerwcu na polski rynek trafi NickMusic, telewizyjny kanał muzyczny dla dzieci. Zajmie miejsce MTV Music 24.

Na antenie NickMusic pojawią się wykonawcy najpopularniejsi wśród dzieci w wieku 6-11 lat, jak Ariana Grande, Ed Sheeran, Dua Lipa czy Justin Timberlake. - To naturalny krok wychodzenia na rynek z ofertą muzyczną dla kolejnych pokoleń: w naszym portfolio znajdują się między innymi MTV 90s, MTV Hits czy MTV 00s - wyjaśnia Agnieszka Odachowska, PR manager ViacomCBS w Polsce, właściciela NickMusic.

NickMusic nie będzie emitować reklam i komunikatów sponsorskich. Kanał dostępny jest już m.in. w Stanach Zjednoczonych, Belgii i Holandii.

Od września 2020 roku w Polsce nadaje 4fun Kids (4fun TV) z muzyką dziecięcą, adresowany do widzów w wieku 1-8 lat.

ViacomCBS zaprzecza, że uruchomienie NickMusic oznacza wygaszanie marki MTV. Agnieszka Odachowska przypomina, że MTV ma najwyższą rozpoznawalność na świecie jako marka młodzieżowa (na poziomie 98 proc.) i jest obecna w 181 krajach. - To chyba najlepszy dowód na to, że nie zamierzamy zawieszać jej w Polsce, a wręcz przeciwnie - na jej bazie budujemy dopasowaną ofertę dla zmieniającego się odbiorcy - stwierdza. 

NickMusic zastąpi MTV Music 24 (do marca 2020 roku MTV Music), który w 2017 roku zajął w Polsce miejsce Vivy Polska. 

Pod marką Nickelodeon nadają w Polsce kanały Nickelodeon, Nick Jr i Nicktoons. W portfolio ViacomCBS na polskim rynku są również m.in. Paramount Channel i Comedy Central.

(KOZ, 11.05.2021)

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Classic Rugrats Comic Strip for May 11, 2021 | Nickelodeon

Classic Rugrats Comic Strip for May 11, 2021 | Nickelodeon



The all new CG-animated Rugrats series premieres Thursday, May 27, exclusively on Paramount+!


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

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

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

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

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Goldie's Oldies | Orange Carpet Special Edition | Nickelodeon Germany

Goldie's Oldies | Orange Carpet Spezialausgabe (Nick Deutschland)


Behind the scenes of Nickelodeon's Goldie's Oldies!


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Not Wanting to Go to Kindergarten | Sounds Familiar | Nick Jr. in Spanish

No quiere ir al kinder | Suena Familiar | Nick Jr. en Español


Hoy en este Manual de Supervivencia vas a aprender a cómo sobrevivir a que tu hij@ no quiera ir a la escuela.


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NickToons UK to Premiere New Episodes of 'Ollie's Pack' from Monday 17th May 2021

NickToons UK & Ireland will be premiering brand new episodes of Ollie's Pack from Monday 17th May 2021 at 5:30pm! New episodes will include the series finale, "Back to the Pack (Part 1) / Back to the Pack (Part 2)".


In  "Back to the Pack (Part 1) / Back to the Pack (Part 2)," airing on Monday 17th May 2021, Ollie accidentally tears his pack while trying to find out about his dad, which causes a portal to open, and the fabric of space and time to unravel in weird ways.



Originally published: Saturday, May 08, 2021
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Join Us For Sunday Dinner | Little Lens #4 | Nickelodeon

Does your family have a special dinner night and/or celebrate any special food traditions? Check out Nickelodeon's new digital series, Little Lens, where black kids tell their stories! 🎥 Episode #4: Join Us For Sunday Dinner:



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Meet My Hero | Little Lens #3 | Nickelodeon

You don't need superpowers to be a hero! Who’s your hero? Check out Nickelodeon's new digital series, Little Lens, where black kids tell their stories! 🎥 Episode #3: Meet My Hero:




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Celebrate Juneteenth with Noggin

Celebrate Juneteenth with Noggin!


This Juneteenth, Noggin invites you and your kids to dance with them! Simply record your family doing the dance moves listed on Noggin.com. Upload your video to your Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram page with accompanying hashtag #WhyWeDance. Follow and then tag @noggin and @alvinailey in your post, and you may be featured in Noggin's "Why We Dance" compilation video releasing in June 2021.


For more information, including the dance moves and tips on how to film your video, visit https://www.noggin.com/rhymes-through-times-dance.

Legal residents of US aged 18+ only. All videos are subject to the submissions guidelines.

"Why We Dance" is the final episode in the three-episode musical series Rhymes Through Times featuring Christopher Jackson from Hamilton. Kids can watch as Katherine Dunham and Alvin Ailey, portrayed by Nella the Princess Knight and AJ from Blaze and the Monster Machines, express themselves through dance. You can stream "Why We Dance" now in Noggin. To find out more about Katherine Dunham and Alvin Ailey, visit Noggin.com.


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LatinX in Animation Announces First-Ever Animation Day

As part of LALIFF 2021, LXiA is presenting a day of premieres, panel discussions, an animated short contest, and master classes, featuring speakers like Jorge Gutierrez, Sherley Ibarra, Carlos López Estrada, Phil Lord, and Lindsey Olivares.


LatinX in Animation (LXiA) has just announced its first-ever Animation Day as part of the Los Angeles Latino International Film Festival’s 20th Edition.

Co-founded in 1997 by actor, director, and producer Edward James Olmos, the Los Angeles International Latino Film Festival (LALIFF) showcases talents and perspectives of Latinx filmmakers from all over the world.

Until now, animation has not had a standalone event; this year, Animation Day has programmed a line-up boasting exclusive premieres, panel discussions, an animated shorts contest, and master classes. Sponsors for the event include Warner Bros. Animation and Cartoon Network Studios.

From June 2-6, audiences will have access to LXiA’s first-ever Animated Shorts Program, presented by Cartoon Cartoons, Cartoon Network Studios’ recently announced animated shorts content initiative. In keeping with LALIFF’s international lens, the program will feature works from directors across Colombia, Mexico, Argentina, Australia, Germany, the UK, and the US. The Animated Shorts jury includes Manny Hernandez, Executive Producer for the upcoming Cartoon Network Studios series We Baby Bears; Doreen Spicer-Dannelly, Executive Producer and CEO of Spicerack Productions, Inc.; and Carlos Zaragoza, Production Designer for Sony Pictures Animation’s original animated musical Vivo. The winning animated short will receive a one-year subscription to Storyboard Pro presented by Toon Boom.

Animation events kick off on Thursday, June 3rd, with the live debut and Q&A of Crypt TV’s first animated horror drama for Facebook Watch, Woman in the Book. Directed by Jeanette Jeanenne and Jeanette Moreno King, the series’ lead voice talent features Diane Guerrero and Alfonso Herrera.

On Friday, June 4th, the day begins with virtual coffee chats, or cafecitos, that will spotlight professionals from studios that include Nickelodeon Animation Studio, Warner Bros. Animation, Cartoon Network Studios, Walt Disney Animation Studios, Disney Television Animation, and Netflix, capturing the scope and variety of perspectives in the animation industry.

Among the highly anticipated cafecitos is a discussion with some of the team behind Sony Pictures Animation’s The Mitchells vs. The Machines, which is out now on Netflix, including Producer Phil Lord, Production Designer Lindsey Olivares, and Head of Story Guillermo Martinez. The cafecitos will also include a conversation between Charise Castro Smith, Screenwriter and Co-Director on Disney's forthcoming feature Encanto, and Encanto's Producer Yvett Merino. Additional cafecitos will feature executives such as Nickelodeon’s VP of Recruiting and Talent Development Camille Eden, Creator and Executive Producer of Cartoon Network Studios’ Victor & Valentino Diego Molano, and a roundtable discussion with Disney Television Animation.

In support of industry professionals, Nickelodeon Animation Studio will also provide exclusive talks with recruiters in Storyboarding and Design as well as artist portfolio reviews. Complementing this, Animation Day will feature a set of masterclass workshops and talks. In partnership with Netflix, Animation Day will include a Writing for Animation Masterclass aimed at preparing emerging writers with the necessary skills to land their first writing gig. Instructors for the three-hour class include Maya and the Three writer/director/executive producer Jorge Gutierrez (El Tigre: The Adventures of Manny, The Book of Life), alongside Sherley Ibarra, Animation Outreach & Engagement, and Creative Executive Julian Malagon. Walt Disney Animation Studios will also present a Masterclass discussion with Carlos López Estrada, Director of Raya and the Last Dragon, in conversation with film journalist Carlos Aguilar.

Covering topics from page to post, Animation Day promises an expansive and extensive program for attendees. LALIFF’s Executive Director, Rafael Agustín, remarked, “Animation is an often-underappreciated art form that is sometimes mislabeled as a ‘genre’ when it's actually a medium. LALIFF is proud to spotlight the array of storytelling and industry professionals that make up this very special sector of the entertainment industry.”

Animation Day’s program has been curated by the Latino Film Institute’s newest signature program, LatinX in Animation (LXiA). Launched in 2018 by Co-Founders Magdiela Hermida Duhamel and Bryan Dimas, LXiA was acquired by the Latino Film Institute the following year in 2019. LXiA represents a diverse group within the animation, VFX, and gaming industries and is dedicated to uniting a talented pool of innovators with heart to create exceptional stories across multiple platforms. LXiA does so by organizing activities and events focused on networking, community service, and professional development. But, this will be LxiA’s first Animation Day of its own.

“I feel like I’ve been preparing my whole life to create, empower and unite a group of people with entertainment,” says Duhamel. “Animation Day at LALIFF is one of those milestones that brings credibility and visibility to our community.”

Dimas added, “What I am most proud of LXiA for is just the general enthusiasm and passion from the animation community. We started as a small group of 60 people, and now, even with a pandemic, we have over 2500 members in less than three years. It’s definitely a movement we’re building.”

LALIFF will run from Tuesday, June 2nd, to Sunday, June 6th. Animation Day will be held Friday, June 4th. For the LALIFF full programming slate and schedule please visit www.laliff.org.Tickets will go on sale on May 11 and will be available to purchase through the festival’s site here.

For more information on LatinX in Animation, please visit www.latinxinanimation.org or contact info@latinxinanimation.org.


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Rocco Pucillo Serving as Story Editor on 'Middlemost Post'

Nick News Brief: Animator Rocco Pucillo (Inspector Sun and the Curse of the Black Widow, Mega Man: Fully Charged) is working as a Story Editor on Nickelodeon's upcoming animated series, Middlemost Post, Deadline is reporting!

Announced in June 2020, Middlemost Post (working title) is an all new animated series which combines quirky characters with hilarious adventures and unwavering friendship. The series is slated to premiere in July 2021 on Nickelodeon.

Created and co-executive produced by John Trabbic III (SpongeBob SquarePants, storyboard director), the 20-episode 2D-animated series follows a former rain cloud, a brawny mailman and their magical pet walrus as they deliver packages to the unusual inhabitants of Mount Middlemost.


Middlemost Post is produced by Nickelodeon Animation Studio in Burbank, with Dave Johnson serving as co-executive producer and story editor, and Chris Battle (Aaahh!!! Real Monsters, El Tigre: The Adventures of Manny Rivera, The Mighty B!, Duckman) serving as a character designer. Additional casting news and premiere date will be announced in the coming months.

Middlemost Post captures everything we look for in a new series--an imaginative and truly unique world, lovable characters who care deeply about each other and big comedic moments to drive the story,” said Ramsey Naito, Executive Vice President, Nickelodeon Animation. “The series is created by our very own John Trabbic, with writing partner Dave Johnson, and we can’t wait to bring to life the characters and places in this artist-driven series for our global audience.”


In Middlemost Post, Parker J. Cloud, an exuberant raincloud, lives and works in the Middlemost Post Office with Angus, a burly, rule-abiding mailman who cherishes his solitude and values efficiency, and Russell, their magical pet walrus whose stomach is so big that it doubles as a storage room. Together they journey through Mount Middlemost and the six territories of Somewhere to deliver the mail, while meeting some exceptionally quirky and peculiar people along the way. But as this loving and unconventional trio grows closer, they remain blissfully unaware that they have been brought together by one fateful stormy event.

“This show, when [Trabbic] first pitched it to us, just was so unique,” Naito said in a separate statement. “It had all the qualities we look for. It was character driven. It had an ensemble that illustrated a really comedic relationship, with a backdrop that was fun and exciting. [And] it really feels original.”

“It’s a chance for us to just let our imaginations go wild,” Trabbic says.

Adds Johnson: “Parker is just a kid who’s learning life, but he [wears his] emotions on his sleeve, and because he’s a cloud, he’s pliable and can transform.”

Middlemost Post's greenlight comes on the heels of recent announcements for Big Nate, Kamp Koral: SpongeBob’s Under Years, and a third season of The Casagrandes. The original series exemplifies Nickelodeon’s commitment to bringing fresh innovative content to kids and families around the world.


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Nickelodeon GUTS with 'Mo' - Moira Quirk | Podcast: The Ride

Nickelodeon Guts with “Mo” - Moira Quirk | Podcast: The Ride


Moira Quirk, Mo from Nickelodeon GUTS and Global GUTS herself, joins Podcast: The Ride to discuss making the Nickelodeon game show at Nickelodeon Studios, working in Florida theme parks, and voice acting!

Stream GUTS on Paramount+! Try it free at paramountplus.com!




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How Josh Dela Cruz Found His Identity and Inspires a New Generation of Viewers | Blue’s Clues & You

Joshua Dela Cruz also offers parents advice on how to discuss these challenging times with their children


Joshua Dela Cruz is the first Asian American Pacific Islander to host a major children’s show — Nickelodeon’s Blue’s Clues & You!

Singing and dancing with an animated dog isn’t a stretch for the 32-year-old actor, who studied theater and appeared in Aladdin on Broadway (as well as being a real-life dog dad).

But like many AAPI performers, Dela Cruz downplayed his Filipino heritage for years just to land roles.

“When I graduated college, all I wanted to be was ethnically ambiguous so that I could work,” Dela Cruz told TheWrap’s Lawrence Yee. “I would walk into auditions and say to myself, ‘Please don’t see me as Asian, please don’t see me as Asian.’ Because I knew that there were only like five shows that were for people like me on Broadway, and which were written by white men. And I knew that if it weren’t those shows, I don’t have a great chance.”

It wasn’t until he got involved in the Asian theater community that he began to change his thinking about himself and, more importantly, how he represented himself. After joining Here Lies Love — the story about former Philippines first lady Imelda Marcos — at the Public Theater and working with other Filipino actors did the actor have a breakthrough.

“[The Asian theater community] are actors that were not ashamed of who they were. And that’s when I realized, ‘Oh, I have been ignoring and suppressing who I am in order to fit into this world.’ That is the status quo,” Dela Cruz admitted. “As an actor, you’re supposed to be emotionally available. You’re supposed to be as honest as possible in the moment. And how could I be emotionally available and as honest as possible if I was telling myself, ‘Don’t see me as Asian, just be ethnically ambiguous?'”

“Then going into Aladdin and being in a diverse cast that was unapologetically Black, Latin, and Asian and everything that I realized, ‘Josh, you look the way that you look You are Asian. You are Filipino American.’ That was a huge moment in my life because then things really began to unfold,” he added. “I realized the power in identity, and celebrating who you are, and what that is, and how that can unlock a greater power.”

The turning point came when he landed the lead in Nickelodeon’s 2018 Blue’s Clues revival. In the debut episode, “Meet Josh,” Dela Cruz is introduced as the cousin of former hosts Steve and Joe, played by white actors Steve Burns and Donovan Patton, respectively (Burns actively participated in finding a host among thousands of hopefuls).

Dela Cruz credits both the change in his personal perspective and the colorblind casting process to landing this role.

“I never saw myself as a TV actor,” Dela Cruz recalled. “Even when I went into school, I was like, ‘I’m going to study theater, I’m going to be in musicals.’ Why? Because I knew about Lea Salonga. I knew about BD Wong, I knew about Lou Diamond Phillips. I didn’t see that on TV. I never saw things people that I identified with that weren’t a foreigner or a villain.”

“As I started to figure out who I am as an Asian actor, I started realizing that the box [media] created is screwed up. So why am I going to try to fit into that box? I should just be myself and pursue film and television, right?”

“The opportunity to become the host of Blue’s Clues & You! was something that I never saw in a million years because it’s such an influential, huge show,” he added. “I used to watch the show with my little sister, I remember sitting on my aunt’s pink rug, watching every morning and playing along with her. It’s such a huge show that I never thought that I would ever be in this position. But then to do so as an Asian man is incredible. Because I didn’t see that on TV.”

The unfettered way his character was brought in, the introduction of his grandma or lola (veteran Filipina actress Carolyn Fe) and the support of the production have encouraged him further.

But Dela Cruz also recognizes that his audience — young kids — are lacking encouragement and going through unprecedented times with the coronavirus pandemic and movements in support of Black lives and against Asian hate.

“Racism is such a difficult conversation but such an important conversation to have. I think there was a study where kids at the age of 4 and 5 start to have biases. And then on the other side of that, they also feel discrimination for the way that they look,” he explained.

“As much as we would like to think that we are filtering that what our kids see there, it’s so easy to walk in on a conversation or seeing something on the news or a phone or on an iPad. That’s unavoidable. Somebody is going to be talking about it. And I think one of the best things that you can do is look at your own biases, look at your own actions, because there are a lot of things that we do and say that, at the surface seem harmless.”

Watch more of TheWrap’s interview with Dela Cruz in the video below. The series recently wrapped its third season, and a fourth season is in development.

Season 2 of Blue’s Clues & You is airing on Nick Jr. and streaming online at nickjr.com.

The original Blue's Clues series and its spin-off Blue's Room are available to stream on Paramount+ and Noggin.