Sunday, May 16, 2021

Nickelodeon UK Premieres 'Hunter Street' Season 4 [Episode Guide]

A brand-new mystery is in store for the Hunter family in the all-new fourth season of Hunter Street, premiering Monday 19th April 2021 at 6:30pm on Nickelodeon UK & Ireland!


Fun, laughs and action await viewers this upcoming season, which will follow the Hunter kids undercover to find and unite both new and ancient technology, discover that they are not the only kid members of ‘The Relatives’ as they had previously thought, and take on powerful enemies with grudges against the Hunters that threaten to tear the family apart. Hunter Street season four will air on Nickelodeon’s international channels in 170+ countries and territories.

Hunter Street will see returning stars Kyra Smith as the free-spirited Hunter sister Anika; Kate Bensdorp as Evie; Eliyha Altena as Oliver; Sarah Nauta as Jasmyn; Alyssa Guerrouche as Jennie; Tooske Ragas as Kate Hunter; Ronald Top as Erik Hunter; and Cystine Carreon as Oliver’s Mom, Dottie; and some new cast members to be announced.


Below is a list of currently announced Hunter Street season four airdates for Nick UK & Eire:

Monday 19th April 2021 - An Unexpected Guest: Oliver and Anika have a new mystery - figuring out who their real dad is! An unexpected guest and an invitation to summer school sends them in a different direction.

Tuesday 20th April 2021 - Babies, Bunnies and Beards: Determined to find out what's inside the toy bunny, Anika decides to accompany Jennie to the summer school, leaving Oliver to search potential dad suspects.

Wednesday 21st April 2021 - Sally Hunter: Oliver, Jasmyn and Evie head to a book signing hoping for some bio-dad names. Meanwhile 'Sally' has a difficult initiation test by Miss Lucas, putting her cover under strain.

Thursday 22nd April 2021 - Quantum Problems and Dead Ends: Jennie and Anika hit a dead end with their investigation into the bunny's holocode device, while the hunt for the twins' dad reveals a new name.

Monday 26th April 2021 - House Arrest: The Hunters struggle to free themselves from the lockdown created by Erik's security system via a series of riddles in their very own Hunter Street Escape Room adventure.

Tuesday 27th April 2021 - The Intruder: Evie struggles to convince the others there's someone else in the house, and with Erik and Kate departing, the Hunter kids are alone with a threat lurking in their midst.

Wednesday 28th April 2021 - Mind Games: Anika and Jennie try to get to the bottom of the mysterious VR headsets. Oliver, Florian and Jasmyn are in for a shock of their own when they pay a visit to Florian's house.

Thursday 29th April 2021 - Break-in: The Hunters plan a break-in at the Academy. While Anika, Jasmyn and Jennie get their spy on, the boys are set to work trying to find a potential code word to unlock the holocode.

Monday 3rd May 2021 - Relatively Speaking: The heist doesn't go as expected and the girls discover Miss Lucas's obsession. An unexpected reveal for Daniel and Evie leaves them reeling. Can Florian be trusted?

Tuesday 4th May 2021 - Enemies Within: Miss Lucas is intent on proving that nothing suspicious is happening at the Academy. Meanwhile, Jasmyn calls Oliver for help, and the Florian situation begins to escalate.

Wednesday 5th May 2021 - Badika: Anika is noticeably different now she's 'Badika' but will the others realise there's anything wrong? Oliver, Jasmyn and Florian skip out on their chores and get an unexpected lead.

Thursday 6th May 2021 - Operation Rockabye: Anika leads an operation to kidnap Baby Harry, and Florian tries to pull the wool further over Oliver and Jasmyn's eyes. Evie, however, grows suspicious.

Monday 10th May 2021 - Sleepwalkers: Anika and Florian head into the tunnels to follow Miss Lucas.

Tuesday 11th May 2021 - Saving Anika: Jennie shows the others what she's witnessed and they plan to un-brainwash Anika. Evie still can't remember Florian, although her suspicions are starting to re-surface.

Wednesday 12th May 2021 - I Spy: The gang waits with bated breath to see whether the blocker has worked on Anika, plotting how she can act as a double agent and steal back the items she lost. Miss Lucas shares her evil plans, which have devastating implications for the Hunters.

Thursday 13th May 2021 - Hologram: Unlocked: Anika pretends to still be bad in order to steal back the holocode device from Miss Lucas; Jennie is able to unlock it revealing an eerie message from the past and a warning for the future.

Monday 17th May 2021 -The Missing Piece: Oliver remembers it is Dottie's birthday and prepares a celebration for her, while Anika and Jasmyn head into the tunnels to find the missing piece of the Oscillator.

Tuesday 18th May 2021 - Testing Times: Oliver's loyalties are tested as Miss Lucas manipulates him and danger befalls Daniel. Jennie finds out some background on Miss Lucas and her bitter grudge against Erik.

Wednesday 19th May 2021 - Brainwooshed: With time against them, Anika and Jasmyn rush to Orphans Inc hoping to rescue Daniel and the Jacksons, while Jennie and Josh sneak into the Academy to try and find more evidence; Evie has her own battles at home looking after the adults.

Thursday 20th May 2021 - Showdown: In a final showdown in the tunnels under Hunter House, the Hunters must stop Miss Lucas before she brainwashes the whole of Amsterdam.

Fans can visit nick.co.uk/hunterstreet to find out more about Hunter Street, as well as watch videos and play games featuring their favourite Nick characters. Fans can also like the official Nickelodeon UK Facebook page, follow Nickelodeon on Twitter and Instagram, and subscribe to the official Nickelodeon UK YouTube channel for the latest Nick news, highlights, The Scoop about their favourite stars, and videos.

Additionally, fans can catch up on previous seasons by catching the replays on Nickelodeon and by streaming episodes on demand.

Sneak Peek:

Below is a selection of screenshots from the new season of Hunter Street, which seem to suggest that a new baby will be introduced in season four, and that a stuffed rabbit holds a clue!:







Hunter Street’s success is a testament to Nick’s innovative, international production model and we know fans everywhere will enjoy seeing what adventures the Hunters get into this season,” said Nina Hahn, SVP International Production & Development, Nickelodeon.

Originally announced in February 2020, production of Hunter Street season 4 was originally planned to commence in May 2020, however, the announcement was made just before the world went topsy turvy due to the global COVID-19 (coronavirus) pandemic. Filming was then shifted to summer/autumn 2020.

Hunter Street is produced for an international audience by Blooming Media. The series was originally co-developed with the Nickelodeon Netherlands series, De Ludwigs.


H/T: Special thanks to @officialnickfan for the news!

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Classic Rugrats Comic Strip for May 16, 2021 | Nickelodeon

Classic Rugrats Comic Strip for May 16, 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!

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

Classic Rugrats Comic Strip for May 15, 2021 | Nickelodeon

Classic Rugrats Comic Strip for May 15, 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!

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

Classic Rugrats Comic Strip for May 14, 2021 | Nickelodeon

Classic Rugrats Comic Strip for May 14, 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!

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

SpongeBob Toy Goes Jellyfish Hunting! 🤓 | Kamp Koral | Nickelodeon Toymation

SpongeBob Toy Goes Jellyfish Hunting! 🤓 | Kamp Koral | Nickelodeon Toymation


It's jellyfishing day at Kamp Koral for the SpongeBob toys! SpongeBob toy tries to take advantage of jellyfish season when he gets an unexpected call!

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

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

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

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

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


Follow NickALive! on Twitter, Tumblr, Reddit, via RSS, on Instagram, and/or Facebook for the latest Nickelodeon, SpongeBob SquarePants and Kamp Koral: SpongeBob's Under Years News and Highlights!

TERRY CREWS Guest Stars as "Uncle Nedward" 💪 | Side Hustle | Nickelodeon

TERRY CREWS Guest Stars as "Uncle Nedward" 💪 | Side Hustle | Nickelodeon


Munchy's Uncle Nedward is in town, and he's played by guest star (and Isaiah Crews' dad!) Terry Crews from Brooklyn Nine-Nine! Nedward is usually a professional motivator, but he has to finally confront a few his own fears. Catch Side Hustle starring Jules LeBlanc and Jayden Bartels on Saturdays at 8/7c only on Nickelodeon!


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

Mental Health Awareness Week 2021 | ViacomCBS Networks International

Mental Health Awareness Week 2021 | ViacomCBS Networks International (Talent)


A look at what VCNI staff got up to during Mental Health Awareness Week 2021!

Find your perfect job at http://careers.vimn.com!

More Nick: Nickelodeon's Declaration of Kids' Rights!

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Confronting Nate Wyatt *THE REAL TEA* 🤯| Twin My Heart Season 3 REUNION pt. 2 w/ Merrell Twins | AwesomenessTV

Confronting Nate Wyatt *THE REAL TEA* 🤯| Twin My Heart Season 3 REUNION pt. 2 w/ Merrell Twins | AwesomenessTV


The girls finally get a chance to confront Nate Wyatt with all the questions they've been dying to ask... like what's the real tea on his previous relationship with Erin?! Was he leading any of the girls on?! AND are Nate and Monica still together?! Let's find out!

Watch Part 1 of the Twin My Heart season 3 reunion here!: http://nickalive.blogspot.com/2021/05/nate-wyatt-exposed-for-being-serial.html

🚨Twin My Heart Merch Alert!!!🚨: http://bit.ly/TMHmerch

→ about Twin My Heart Season 3! ←
The Merrell Twins are helping influencers find love in AwesomenessTV’s hit dating competition show. This season, the Merrell Twins are setting up Nate Wyatt to find his one true love. Through a series of competitive group challenges and one-on-one romantic dates, Nate will find his perfect match among 10 contestants!

→ WATCH more Twin My Heart Season 3!←

Disclaimer:
The entire Twin My Heart series was filmed adhering to then-current Local, State, and/or Country mandated COVID-19 safety guidelines and restrictions.

→ Cast Credits ←
Merrell Twins - @merrelltwins
Nate Wyatt - @itsnatewyatt

Erin - @erinnjohnson_
Brianna - @heartbriee
Monica - @monicacoop
Kaniona - @missmariiee
Gabbie - @gabbieadner
Daniella - @daniellaalunaa
Olivia - @oliviaanelson
Rebecca - @duchessbecca
Blanca - @blancittaaa
Sofia - @sofia_masson_ 

→ Crew Credits ←
Director & Supervising Producer: Katherine Lauren @KatherineLauren
Executive Producer: Vanessa Merrell @VanessaMerrell 
Executive Producer: Veronica Merrell @VeronicaMerrell 
Executive Producer: Paul Merrell @ThePaulMerrell 
Producers: Taylor Henriquez and Tara Cole 
Post-Production Supervisor: Dima Kovalchuk
Director of Photography: Trevor Roach 
1st AD: Aaron Ellis
Camera Operators: Connor Vickers and Charlie Reetz
Sound Mixers: Rommel Sungia and Will Mill 
1st AC and DIT: Robert P. Chuck
Line Producer: Lauren C Brooks 
Production Coordinator: Tina Poston 
COVID Safety Officer: Paul Rivet 
Set Medic: Barry Murrey

→ about AwesomenessTV! ←

Welcome to AwesomenessTV, the destination for Gen Z reality TV shows with your favorite TikTok and digital influencers. Featuring Brent and Lexi Rivera, Nate Wyatt, The Merrell Twins, Noah Beck, Larray, Alex Warren and more, see them in ways you’ve never seen them before! Like in Twin My Heart, a dating show where the Merrell Twins help their closest friends find love. And AwesomenessTV’s Next Influencer, a reality competition show where up-and-coming TikTokers compete at the chance of becoming the next big ATV star. Also, our My Dream Quinceañera channel gives you a real look at planning the Quince of your dreams with rising LatinX influencers! Here you can feel free to express yourself, have fun and get real with us. And we’ll gossip with you daily on The Daily Report 😉. New shows everyday to have an awesome day!

SUBSCRIBE FOR NEW VIDEOS DAILY!: http://bit.ly/subscribe2AwesomenessTV

→ follow AwesomenessTV! ←

#MerrellTwins​ #TwinMyHeart #AwesomenessTV​


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The Maze: Can You Escape the Labyrinth? | Josué's Workshop | Nickelodeon Latin America

¿Podrás escapar del Laberinto? | El Taller de Josué | Nickelodeon en Español


Este episodio tiene múltiples caminos desafiantes y una sola salida: tu imaginación. Crearemos juntos un laberinto que pondrá a prueba nuestra creatividad de principio a fin. ¡Vamos!

Un joven artista en su taller crea, experimenta y se divierte a través de su imaginación, desafiando su propio talento y el de algnos invitados especiales.


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

Happy Shavuot from TeenNick Israel

כוכבי פלמח מנסים לשיר "סלינו על כתפינו" 🌾 חג שבועות שמח מטין ניק
ערוץ טין ניק


חג שבועות שמח ושקט מהמשפחה שלנו לשלכם 🧡 #ביחדעםניק
#ביחדעםניק #טיןניק #פלמח



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

Nickelodeon Universe at Mall of America Reopens to Guests

Update (5/16) - As Minnesota ends its state mask mandate, which required the wearing of masks in public spaces, Mall of America has issued the following statement:

"We are strongly encouraging all Mall of America guests to wear a face covering. At this time, we continue to require MOA team members to wear masks. Nickelodeon Universe guests will also be required to wear masks. Select tenants, restaurants and attractions may require guests to wear masks or follow other COVID-19 safety guidelines.

"We will continue evaluating the impact of this new guidance to make thoughtful decisions for the safety of our team members, guests, and tenants."

Nickelodeon Universe at Mall of America in Bloomington, Minneapolis has announced that, following having to close in November 2020 due to the on-going COVID-19 (coronavirus) health emergency, the Nickelodeon amusement park has once again reopened to visitors!


"The sign says it all! We’re back open + ready to see you! 💚 Keep in mind, at this time, Two-Hour Unlimited ride passes can be purchased on a first come, first served basis at our North entrance with a 150 capacity limit," Nickelodeon Universe announced on Facebook.


New protocols are in place to help keep everyone safe at Nickelodeon Universe.  Right now:

Tickets

Tickets are available for purchase on-site only at the Nickelodeon Shop, located on the North side of Nickelodeon Universe. All guests entering the Park need to have a ticket. Previously purchased or promotional tickets can be exchanged for one of the above, but Nickelodeon Universe strongly encourages guests to save these tickets for when they fully reopen with a larger capacity.

Current Ticket Options:

- Two Hour Unlimited Ride Wristband – $19.99+tax on non-peak days, $24.99+tax on peak days**

- Non-rider ticket – $4.99+tax

- Annual Passholders can get one, Two-Hours unlimited Rides Pass per day

Capacity

To align with state requirements and assure safe distancing, Nickelodeon Universe has been limited to a guest capacity of 150. The only entrance into Nickelodeon Universe is on the North side underneath the Ferris Wheel through the Nickelodeon Shop. Entrance into the park is on a first come, first serve basis. Once capacity is reached, guests will be entered into a virtual queue line and texted to return when a spot is available.

For more information and the latest news and updates for Nickelodeon Universe at MoA, visit https://nickelodeonuniverse.com/opening.

Nickelodeon Universe at American Dream in New Jersey is also currently open to visitors.

What's your favorite ride at Nickelodeon Universe? Let me know in the comments!


Originally published: Wednesday, January 13, 2021.

Original source: Y.105 FM.

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Miranda Cosgrove Reveals New Details About 'iCarly' Revival, Including the Return of Fan-Favorite Characters

Miranda Cosgrove received the best birthday gift on Friday (May 14) — the news that the iCarly revival series will premiere June 17 on Paramount+!


The actor' iCarly castmates Jerry Trainor, Nathan Kress, Laci Mosley, and Jaidyn Triplett were on set to celebrate Cosgrove turning 28 with a cake, which then revealed the announcement.


Along with this news, Cosgrove chatted with EW about what viewers can expect from the upcoming series, and gave us details about some awesome set reveal photos. And make sure to check out the video of Cosgrove and Trainor giving a tour of the set, which should look very familiar to fans of the original series. In the video, Trainor teases that, as the show is aimed towards an older audience, it'll feature swearing, although it's unclear whether the actor was joking or not.


The 13-episode season will pick up nearly 10 years after the Nickelodeon series, which ran from 2007 to 2012. The core cast are all reprising their roles, with Cosgrove once again embodying Carly, while Trainor and Kress are returning as Carly's brother Spencer and her friend Freddie Benson, respectively.

And because it's been a while since we've seen the cast, "Carly has gone through a lot over the last 10 years — all the characters have," Cosgrove told EW.

"With the Freddie character, he's gone through a couple divorces," the actress reveals. "Spencer has become very wealthy, so there's a lot of different dynamics and different things going on."

As for Carly, she went to college and is pretty successful, Cosgrove continues, but she's "kinda in between" where Freddie and Spencer are at.

Spencer, who's "the most successful of all" the characters, still resides in the original loft he and Carly lived in, though he's remodeled it a bit. Cosgrove says she and Trainor worked with the set designer to keep some of the flair from the old series in the new set.

For instance, you can see below the bottle bot, a sculpture Spencer made that was a fixture on iCarly. Though they couldn't track down the original, the team asked the artist who made it to build one as identical as possible to be in Spencer's living room. Similarly, the designers had the same couch from the original reupholstered and updated.


"They tried to do a lot of cute, little things for the fans from the original that stayed the same," Cosgrove says.

You can also see that the loft's upstairs, which Carly used as a studio to film "iCarly," has been updated but looks pretty similar to the original.

The new show will catch up with Carly, who's now in her 20s and hasn't kept up with her "iCarly" web show that she hosted with her friends Freddie and Sam (Jennette McCurdy) as teens.


"She hasn't done 'iCarly' in a long time, and she decides to start it up again in the pilot," Cosgrove says. "So we're exploring what her new show is. And even though it's 'iCarly,' it's not the same as it was before. So we've been exploring a lot of different things with that, just like what a 26-year-old would really be doing if they had a YouTube channel nowadays."

Cosgrove, who's also an executive producer on the show, says she's excited to see how Carly will navigate YouTube and Instagram given how much the internet has grown since iCarly went off the air.


Not revealed yet is Carly's apartment, which is also at Bushwell Plaza, the same building in Seattle that Spencer's apartment is in. In the upcoming project, she lives with her roommate and best friend Harper (Mosley). And it wouldn't be iCarly without Freddie nearby, though this time around it may not be great news for the character.

"He's gone through a divorce and he's moved back in with his mother," Cosgrove says. "So Mary [Scheer], who played his mom on the show is back and we all are living in the same apartment building together."

Another new addition to the show is Triplett, who plays Millicent, Freddie's snarky and social media-savvy stepdaughter whom he adopted.

"It's funny because it's a lot of the old because we do have like the little studio we used to film in and we have Spencer's apartment, but then we have a lot of new sets and new characters, so it's like half and half," Cosgrove notes.


The revival will explain everyone's backstory in the pilot, and she says it was exciting to think about what all the characters would have been doing over the last decade. Cosgrove doesn't answer whether the show will address Sam's absence on the show, but she does promise the return of some fan-favorite recurring characters. Nevel Papperman (Reed Alexander), Carly's pretentious nemesis is slated to return, and they recently did an episode featuring Nora Dershlit (Danielle Morrow), the stalker "iCarly" fan who appeared in the original.

Currently halfway through filming, Cosgrove says she doesn't know how the last four or five episodes will play out yet. She has her own curiosities she wants the show to address, like what happened with Spencer and Carly's mom. And she says Trainor is dying for Spencer's unseen friend Socko to finally appear.

What Cosgrove is clear on, however, is what kind of show she wants iCarly to be, especially since it took the team "a really long time to figure out."

"We really tried to make this show, along with the showrunner Ali [Schouten], as much for the fans of the original as possible, because it's not really a kid show anymore," Cosgrove says. "It's mainly made for the people who watched when they were little, they're now more in their 20s."

"We're getting to explore different things with [what] the characters go through that we would never have been able to do before, that's a lot more like stuff that's happened in our real lives and things that people in their 20s and 30s go through," she adds. "It's just been a fun reunion getting to see everybody, and I'm really excited for people to see it."

Watch a mountain of family entertainment, including many of your Nickelodeon favorites, on Paramount+! Try it FREE today at paramountplus.com!


Originally published: Friday, May 14, 2021.

Additional source: VarietyVailskibum94.

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

Nickelodeon Content Was a Key Driver For Paramount Plus Subscriber Growth During Q1 2021

ViacomCBS revealed during their Q1 2021 earnings report and conference call that Nickelodeon programming was one of the key drivers of sign ups for the company's recently launched streaming service, Paramount+!


Some of the most watched Nickelodeon content watched on the platform during the first quarter of the year included the SpongeBob SquarePants universe (classic episodes and exclusives Kamp Koral: SpongeBob's Under Years and The SpongeBob Movie: Sponge on the Run), the original iCarly series and PAW Patrol.

Globally, Nickelodeon programming was a significant driver of sign-ups and engagement on Paramount+, helping global streaming subscribers to rise to 36M in Q1, adding 6M subscribers.

Upcoming Paramount Plus highlights include Nickelodeon's Star Trek: Prodigy, a CG-animated Rugrats reboot (May 27), a iCarly revival (June 2021), and PAW Patrol: The Movie.

ViacomCBS CEO Robert M. Bakish talked more about how Nickelodeon has been a key driver of Paramount+'s success during the company's Q1 2021 earnings call:

"On Paramount+, the biggest drivers of sign-ups were live sports and specials, including the Super Bowl, NCAA Tournament, UEFA Champions League, Oprah with Meghan and Harry and The Grammy Awards, as well as kids’ content, including programming from the SpongeBob universe and iCarly, and original programming, including The Stand and Star Trek: Discovery. Original programming, content from cable brands and Paramount movies drove almost half of Paramount+ subscriber engagement.

[...]

Nickelodeon in particular is turning into a powerful driver of subs and engagement probably more quickly than we would have thought. It's a clear sub driver since the relaunch and it now accounts for a strong double-digit share of streams. And that's really because of the combination of compelling exclusive originals, of course, the SpongeBob movie, Sponge on the Run and the new Kamp Koral series combined with a big known library. That's a recipe that clearly works. I think it's also worth noting that the SpongeBob franchise in totality, quickly moved to the top of the rankers at Paramount+. And probably what's most important here is this is an example of us replicating our strength in a legacy linear position here in kids in streaming. And we've also seen early positives from unscripted and reality as well as movies. So early days for Paramount+, but we very much like what we see in terms of consumer reaction to the product and as you know, based on that we're leaning in even more.

[...]

I want to just dig in a little bit deeper into the comments about what people are actually doing on Paramount+. It seems like Nickelodeon just looking at like sort of the top shows every day, seeing things like SpongeBob and Paw Patrol, it seems like they are driving a very substantial part of viewership and wondering, like, when you look at sort of the promotion you talked about sports and some of the stuff that you have and certainly it had some originals, but it looks like the kids' stuff is really driving viewership. I guess a big picture question is like, you said double-digits, like is it half the kids, like how substantial is kids' programming and how do you get more viewership of some of the adults skewing fair, I'd be curious how you're thinking about the marketing message because it seems like kids has been a very powerful force for you? And then I just want to follow up on two things; one, you said you haven't commented are Paramount+ subs higher today than 36 million, could you give us any clarity on that? And then I think you mentioned one movie -- one original movie a week in 2022, does that include the 45 day after movies that are coming out in theaters or is that a dedicated original movie every single week, I just wasn't clear of what you meant by that?

[...]

So on Paramount+ and kids, clearly kids is working for us. And no, it is not half of the consumption. Again, material double-digit percentages, but nowhere near half. What's driving that relative to the other call it genres and demographics is really the fact that we were able to at launch provide not only critical mass of library product, which we can do in other categories, but volume of exciting, exclusive, originals link to known franchises. And that in particular was the combination of the SpongeBob movie, which obviously was a theatrical movie, we chose to redeploy on Paramount+, and the new SpongeBob series Kamp Koral. We had that ready to go because we had a movie for theaters and because we had a series that we were going to launch on Nickelodeon, call it linear.

As you look forward, those kind of things start to happen in the other genres. I mean, I'm very excited about what's going on with reality. As you know, we launched with Real World New York, it was only a couple episodes, so it wasn't really volume. And MTV, The Challenge, there was a little more volume, but it's the first series. As the year plays out, we basically have one new exclusive original in the reality space and unscripted space every month. So that's more fuel for that tank and that should start converting that genre lane for Paramount+, and we will market that particularly leveraging our linear networks and social where we know those fan bases are.

The other one I'd really highlight is movies. I mean, we have Paramount -- we have movies on Paramount+ today, but frankly not that many of them. That game changes dramatically in June, where we first dropped an additional 1000 and there are real movies, they're not deep library. Then we late in June have Infinite, which can create a lot of noise. I've seen the films on film, people love Mark Wahlberg. And then that leads to more -- a lot more, I call it library, again not deep library, including pay one library in July, and then quiet place on a short window from theatrical leading into later in the summer Paw Patrol. So we got a lot going on. And people love movies, in premium television. They love movies in streaming, they are based on engagement, love movies on Paramount+, we just don't have the volume we're about to have.

Let me use that to actually go to your third question for a second, which is around a movie a week, does it include short window, pay one or not? Yes, it includes short window pay one, call that a dozen pictures a year. The original movie per week will be an exciting movie per week. It will be a range of different kinds of movies. Some of them will be blockbusters that are heavily marketed from theatrical, the quiet place to type films. Some of them -- the vast majority of them will be made for Paramount+, those will be sourced from Paramount through our Paramount Players studio or sub studio, as well as through other studio operations we have including Nickelodeon. As you know, we have the Awesomeness side of Nickelodeon, which has done a great series of YA movies, including for streamers. So really excited about deploying that and getting that to have something on the platform every week that's fresh for someone to watch.

That will be followed by the streaming premiere of A Quiet Place Part 2 after its 45-day theatrical run and we will follow that with the Paw Patrol movie, a treat for families eagerly awaiting a feature length version of the most popular preschooler character in the world.

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From IGN:

Nickelodeon, Once a Possible Casualty of the Streaming Wars, Is Paramount Plus' Future

Nickelodeon is key to Paramount+'s success

Between 2010 and 2020, Nickelodeon lost more than 60% of its audience.

Snapped up by Netflix, YouTube, Amazon, and other streaming-first or user generated content platforms, Nickelodeon began to feel like a product of a bygone era. It didn’t necessarily matter that Nickelodeon was still the most popular kids network on cable TV; the issue was cable TV was bleeding customers as cord cutters turned to streaming alternatives.

Kids content was arguably more susceptible to the changing tides. Children are more digital friendly, and cheaper mainstays like YouTube Kids, Netflix, and Disney+ provided an always-on, ad-free, constant alternative to a television schedule. Nickelodeon executives were aware of their declining ratings. There were some options throughout the mid-aughts — NickHits launched on Roku and Amazon Prime Video Channels, while Viacom (now ViacomCBS) licensed some of Nickelodeon's most popular shows to Netflix.

Some helped, but none really stuck the landing. Until Paramount+ launched, and Nickelodeon found its new moment.

Bookended with classic Paramount films and live sports, Nickelodeon became part of a bigger general entertainment streaming package that caught people’s attention. If kids were spending more time watching entertainment online, Nickelodeon would meet them where they were. It’s working, according to ViacomCBS CEO Bob Bakish.

Yes, Spongebob Squarepants is still popular.

“Nickelodeon, in particular, is turning into a powerful driver of subs and engagement, probably more quickly than we would have thought,” Baskish said. “It's a clear sub driver since the relaunch, and it now accounts for a strong double-digit share of streams...I think it's also worth noting that the SpongeBob franchise in totality quickly moved to the top of the rankers at Paramount+.”

In layman terms, Nickelodeon is a primary reason people are signing up for Paramount+. This may seem obvious, but the battle for kids content is only just heating up for three reasons:

1. Kids watch a lot of television

2. Having kids content on a streaming service makes the service a necessity not an option

3. Streaming becomes multi-generational

Ever Heard of Paw Patrol?

Saying kids consume large amounts of television is an understatement. In 2020, the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry found that “children ages 8-12 in the United States spend 4-6 hours a day watching or using screens,” on average. They’re increasingly spending more time watching things online, mostly split between Netflix and YouTube.

While YouTube is the most popular platform among kids, it poses a threat that parents hate: It’s completely unregulated and there are risks that children will come across content they shouldn’t. Netflix is better. Disney+, arguably the best. Anything that goes on Disney+ is certified Disney. Not only are parents paying for a brand they know their kids will enjoy, but it’s safe.

Netflix is getting into the kids game, but there are still two companies whose brands are synonymous with children's television: Disney and Nickelodeon. When developing a general entertainment service (as opposed to a niche offering like Criterion), not playing to kids’ interest is a nail in the coffin more often than not. Even Apple is trying to find its way into the kids market, partnering with Skydance Animation — a studio run by former Pixar chief John Lasseter. (Lasseter left Pixar after allegations of sexual harassment were brought forward.)

But whereas Netflix and Apple have to try and come up with kids programming that draws tykes in and keeps their attention, Nickelodeon, Disney, and Cartoon Network, which has found its home on HBO Max, don’t have to try as hard to convince consumers they have the goods. As Brian Robbins, president of Nickelodeon, told Variety last year, “franchises are so important in a world where there is so much content being made.” See: a Star Trek cartoon airing on Nickelodeon. Big franchise plus big network ideally equals audience recognition.

Again, it can seem obvious, but brand recognition — and more importantly, character recognition — is vitally important in the streaming space. In 2019, 60% of Netflix’s usage came from kids and family driven entertainment. Netflix has partnered with DreamWorks Animation, Sony, and even ViacomCBS to ensure kids can find their old and new favorite shows on the streaming service. Paramount+ and Disney+ don’t have to try to convince kids (and their credit card wielding parents) that they’re home to favorite movies and TV shows. They just have to keep producing.

For every new High School Musical series or Mighty Ducks show, Nickelodeon is going to have a Paw Patrol movie or new Spongebob Squarepants film. ViacomCBS is launching an entire studio dedicated to producing more content based in the Avatar: The Last Airbender universe.

Kids already know the characters, and having more of what they know might convince them to spend more time on Paramount+ than Disney+. Companies look at a few key streaming metrics: what leads to people signing up (growth), what are people watching (engagement/usage), and what’s preventing them from canceling (retention). Kids content, if done properly, helps accomplish all three.

“Clearly, ‘kids’ is working for us,” Bakish said on a recent earnings call, adding that ViacomCBS is leaning into producing more Nickelodeon originals for Paramount+. “We’re really excited about getting to have something on the platform every week that's fresh for someone to watch.”

We Can’t Cancel

The key to pulling ahead in the colloquial streaming wars is finding a way to be a necessity instead of an option.

There are a few ways to do this: HBO Max is the best place for HBO fans to watch their favorite shows or anticipated new shows, Hulu is the only streaming service to watch new FX series on, and Disney+ is the only streaming service that’s 100% kid friendly. Let’s examine the last one.

If you live in a household with kids, Disney+ is a no brainer. The streaming service is on the cheaper end of the spectrum, it’s guaranteed to carry something they want to watch, and there’s no risk of stumbling upon shows or films they shouldn’t be watching. If parents are into Marvel and Star Wars, well, that’s just an added bonus.

Before Disney+ launched, Disney’s former head of streaming, Kevin Mayer, reiterated that Disney+ was more than just a platform for kids. That’s true, but Disney’s biggest strength is that it’s so synonymous with safety, gold standard entertainment (classic animated films), and characters that kids already know and love. The core to being a successful entertainment company in 2021 is love and being able to monetize that love. No company is better at that than Disney.

On the kids front, one company that comes close is Nickelodeon. In 2018, Spongebob Squarepants was still the most recognizable kids brand in the United States, according to Parrot Analytics. Paw Patrol is rated the most popular kids show in the United States. New upcoming series that play on classic titles, like Rugrats and iCarly, are tapping into decades-plus of recognizable programming that parents and kids might enjoy together.

This, too, is key — 75% of parents polled in a Common Sense Media report in 2018 said they spend multiple hours a week watching television with their kids. New parents may have grown up with Spongebob and iCarly themselves. Paramount+ has enough Nickelodeon catalog to encourage adults to revisit childhood favorites like All That, CatDog, Drake and Josh, Rocket Power, Fairly OddParents, and Hey Arnold while their kids watch their own favorite series.

Nickelodeon, alongside Disney and Cartoon Network, become a part of every new generation. If executed right and brought together on one platform, bookended with a plethora of other content, Disney+, HBO Max, and Paramount+ become obvious ongoing subscriptions instead of possibilities.

This Is Just the Start

The fight for kids’ attention in the streaming space feels like it’s only just beginning. WarnerMedia is rebranding its Cartoon Network division to make it the company’s family brand, and ordering way more series. Apple is beginning to tap into the kids market, and Netflix is trying to release six animated films a year — more than Disney Animation Studios and Pixar combined. Plus, Netflix has a litany of kids shows, and partnerships with crucial studios like Moonbug (makers of Cocomelon, one of the most popular global kids channels on YouTube). Disney will continue to Disney.

ViacomCBS is in a position to become a go-to streamer for kids content. Executives overseeing Paramount+ need to determine how to make it a necessity, not just an option. The answer might not be in a new Halo live-action show or another NCIS; the answer might be found in Bikini Bottom.

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Originally published: Thursday, May 06, 2021.

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