Double-Digit Nickelodeon CPM Growth Powers Strong Upfront Gains for Viacom

After more than a month of relative silence, media companies are now crossing the upfront finish line once again.

WWE's John Cena at Nickelodeon Upfront 2018

On the heels of Discovery, Inc., wrapping its negotiations, another major cable portfolio—Viacom—has also put the finishing touches on this year’s upfront market.

Heading into this year’s upfront with a new network (Paramount, formerly known as Spike) and several recent acquisitions like Whosay and VidCon, Viacom put questions about its future aside to secure upfront CPM (cost per thousand viewers reached) increases in the mid-to-high single digits for its non-kids networks and double-digit growth among its Nickelodeon networks (including Nickelodeon, Nick Jr., Nicktoons and TeenNick).

It was Viacom’s strongest upfront pricing increases in a decade, sources close to negotiations revealed to Adweek.

Buyers responded to the company’s increased digital capabilities, with strong demand for Viacom Digital Studios, which made its NewFronts debut this year. The company quadrupled the upfront deals for its Viacom Vantage data platform.

There was also robust interest in MTV’s momentum, with shows like Jersey Shore Family Vacation.

Viacom’s upfront haul was bolstered by movie studios, which are increasing their spend across the company’s portfolio. Last year, in the first upfront under ad sales chief Sean Moran and CEO Robert Bakish, the company saw high single-digit increases and positive volume growth.

For the second straight year, Viacom skipped big upfront presentations, other than its Nickelodeon event, for intimate agency dinners, during which the network presidents, Moran and Bakish made their pitch to marketers.

Those Presidents Dinners focused on how far Viacom had come in the past year and not on parent company National Amusement’s efforts to re-merge Viacom and CBS (which has led to a legal battle between CBS and National Amusements).

Sean Moran

Regardless of how things shake out with CBS, Moran told Adweek in April, “We’re excited about our own position, because we feel like we’re in a much stronger position this year than we were last year and how all the brands and the flagship six are doing, both from a ratings perspective and a multiplatform perspective.”

In addition to its networks, Viacom successfully pushed in the upfront for partnerships with influencer marketing company Whosay, which it bought in January, as well as VidCon, which it acquired in February.

During upfront negotiations, Viacom weathered the loss of two network chiefs, each of whom had been at the company for decades. BET CEO Debra Lee departed in late May and Nickelodeon Group president Cyma Zarghami exited shortly after. Zarghami’s departure, however, seemed to have no effect on upfront talks, given Nickelodeon’s big gains this year.

Several media companies finished their upfront talks in mid-June, but until the past day, no one else had crossed the upfront finish line since CBS did so a month ago.

Discovery has also just completed its upfront talks. However, several other companies, including NBCUniversal, Turner and ABC have yet to wrap their upfront negotiations.

Silvergate Media Reveals More Details For Nickelodeon's Upcoming Preschool Series 'Fashion Ally'

Silvergate Media has revealed more information about Fashion Ally, the brand-new animated preschool series that the international TV production and brand-licensing company is producing for Nickelodeon!

Announced at Nickelodeon Upfront 2018, Fashion Ally (working title) follows Ally, a little girl with big ideas and a passion for fashion. Ally is high up in the fashion world, as makes everything around her a bit brighter, bolder and more brilliant, one design fix at a time. Created by Silvergate Media’s Executive Vice President (EVP) of Creative Content, Paula Rosenthal (Nickelodeon's Sunny Day and Peter Rabbit) and commissioned by Nickelodeon, Silvergate Media has revealed that Fashion Ally will be set in the heart of New York, and that each episode will be 23-minutes long.

Fashion Ally is set to premiere on Nickelodeon as part of the networks 2018-2018 programming season.

Alongside Fashion Ally, Silvergate Media continues in production with content for its existing commissions, including Nickelodeon's hit animated preschool series Sunny Day, with season two now in production.

More Nick: Nickelodeon Upfront 2018 Full Coverage!

Original source: Animation World Network.

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Nickelodeon Confirms That John Cena Won't Be Hosting It's 'Blue's Clues' Revival

His 'audition' at last week’s upfront went viral, but it was just a joke for buyers

During Nickelodeon's 2018 upfront event last Tuesday, Nickelodeon Group president Cyma Zarghami emceed most of the proceedings, but John Cena spent almost as much time in front of the audience of advertisers, buyers and Viacom staffers. The WWE superstar and actor made several trips onstage at New York’s Palace Theatre, the home of the new hit SpongeBob SquarePants: The Broadway Musical, to talk about all of the projects he has in the works for the company.

During last Tuesday's Nickelodeon upfront, John Cena jokingly threw his hat in the ring to host Blue's Clues. | Photo: Getty Images

But none of his appearances was more amusing than when Cena strode onstage after Pam Kaufman, Nickelodeon’s Chief Marketing Officer (CMO) and President of consumer products, announced that the network would be reviving one of its most popular shows, Blue’s Clues, for a new generation of preschoolers. The series—which ended its original run in 2006—will feature a new, live-action host and CG animation.

Cena donned the show's iconic green-striped rugby shirt worn by previous hosts Steve Burns and Donovan Patton, and jokingly said he was auditioning for the role, since he was already doing so many Nickelodeon shows.

As part of my upfront coverage, AdWeek reporter Jason Lynch tweeted a picture of Cena onstage in his Blue’s Clues garb:

. @JohnCena auditioning to be the new #BluesClues host. pic.twitter.com/zuLXMCtHQ8

— Jason Lynch (@jasonlynch) March 6, 2018

That tweet went viral, sparking a wave of stories speculating that the audition was real, and that Cena indeed was in consideration for the hosting job. The wrestler contributed to the speculation himself by Instagramming a caption-less Blue’s Clues photo.

A post shared by John Cena (@johncena) on Mar 8, 2018 at 3:18pm PST

The story received new life on Tuesday, when original Blue’s Clues host Steve Burns spoke to TMZ, and said that if Cena was indeed interested in the gig, “he and I should wrestle for it. I’m calling you out, Cena!”

Nickelodeon then tried to play peacemaker on its Twitter feed:

Maybe we can find a green striped polo big enough for both of you 💚 https://t.co/bgwXPXa0lM

— Nickelodeon (@Nickelodeon) March 13, 2018

But as all the buyers and advertisers in the Palace Theatre audience were well aware, Cena was never actually auditioning for the role. It was all just an upfront bit, one of many involving talent, network execs and buyers that upfront audiences will undoubtedly see at many of this year’s events. During last year’s NBCUniversal upfront, the company played a clever video in which Ice-T, in character as his Law & Order: SVU alter ego, interrogated buyers who were strapped to a lie detector machine.

After Cena exited the stage following his faux-audition, Zarghami told the audience, “John truly is the definition of a good sport. But he is not the host, just to be clear.”

And to erase any lingering doubts, Nickelodeon confirmed once again today to Adweek that Cena won’t be the next Blue’s Clues host. The network is holding a casting call next month to search for the revival’s host, on April 14 in Burbank, Calif. Unfortunately, all the time slots of the open audition are now filled, however, if you are 18 years old or older and would still like to be considered, you can submit a video audition. (Nickelodeon is seeking women and men of any ethnicity who can play 18-25 years old. Auditionees must be aged 18 or over.)

While he won’t be a part of the revival, Cena is working with Nickelodeon on three other projects for 2018: hosting the Nickelodeon 2018 Kids’ Choice Awards on March 24, for the second consecutive year; voicing a new original villain named Baron Draxum in Nickelodeon's upcoming 2D animated series Rise of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, premiering late 2018; and is executive producing Nickelodeon's Keep It Spotless, the network's brand-new game show, premiering Monday 26th March 2018 at 7:30 P.M. (ET/PT).

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Nickelodeon ‘Blue’s Clues’ Revival: Steve Burns Wants Old Post, Willing Fight John Cena For It

Former Blue's Clues host Steve Burns is ready to take on 16-time WWE champ John Cena for his old post when the beloved Nickelodeon show is rebooted later this year.

Steve, who hosted Blue's Clues for 7 years expressed his interest to take back his job, telling TMZ that part of the magic of the show was that there was an average Joe in the driver's seat. So far, Nickelodeon hasn't announced who's gonna be the new host, and Steve's still in the running, but production is strongly considering a female stepping in to fill Steve's old, green-striped polo.



“It seems to me that Blue’s Clues is returning now because somehow, all of the kids that I befriended way back when have kids,” Burns, who hosted the popular children’s show from 1996-2002, told TMZ. “From everything we understand about it, the millennial generation is extra super-duper nostalgic, and to think that they have such warm, fond memories of Blue’s Clues — and of me — is truly super cool and wonderful and warm and fuzzy.”

“I like the idea that the host of Blue’s Clues could be a regular-looking guy,” he said. “You know, I didn’t look like Justin Bieber or anything like that. I was just kind of a normal, weird dude. And I like the idea that the host of that show really could be your friend, really could be someone who you might meet — and who isn’t like a super buff, amazing professional wrestler.”

“I think if John Cena is serious about hosting Blue’s Clues, he and I should wrestle for it,” he quipped. “I’m calling you out, John Cena!”

Cena did a impromptu audition for the hosting gig wearing the green-striped polo at Nickelodeon Upfront 2018, where Nick first revealed plans to revive the network's iconic problem-solving interactive preschool series for a new generation of preschoolers, It's unclear if it was for real or not, but Steve seems up for the fight regardless. Cena has a partnership with Nickelodeon: The WWE superstar will be returning to host Nickelodeon’s 2018 Kids’ Choice Awards, airing live on Nickelodeon on March 24, from 8-9:30 p.m. (ET/PT); will be voicing a new original villain named Baron Draxum in Nickelodeon's upcoming 2D animated series Rise of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, premiering late 2018; and is executive producing Nickelodeon's Keep It Spotless, the network's brand-new competition series, premiering Monday 26th March 2018 at 7:30 P.M. (ET/PT).

. @JohnCena auditioning to be the new #BluesClues host. pic.twitter.com/zuLXMCtHQ8

— Jason Lynch (@jasonlynch) March 6, 2018

In 2002, Steve handed over the reigns of the show to his 'younger brother Joe', played by Donovan Patton, who appeared in 50 episodes total.

To help find the new host of Blue's Clues, Nickelodeon will host open call in Southern California on Saturday, April 14, 2018. Unfortunately, all the time slots of the open audition are now filled, however, if you are 18 years old or older and would still like to be considered, you can submit a video audition. (Nickelodeon is seeking women and men of any ethnicity who can play 18-25 years old. Auditionees must be aged 18 or over.)

It's currently unknown whether the UK version of the rebooted Blue's Clues will have a localised host. In the original series, the show was presented Kevin Duala.

Picked up for 20 episodes, the new Blue’s Clues will have a refreshed signature look. Casting for the new host will begin this month, and production on Blue’s Clues will commence this summer.

The new Blue’s Clues series centers on the energetic girl puppy Blue who invites viewers into her animated world to help solve the day’s puzzles with the help of a live-action host. Preschoolers are encouraged to interact with the action on-screen by answering questions, pointing out clues, jumping on their feet and playing along.

The original Blue’s Clues series launched in September 1996 to critical praise from educators, parents and preschoolers and ran for six groundbreaking seasons. Created by Traci Paige Johnson, Todd Kessler and Angela C. Santomero, Blue’s Clues drew acclaim and high ratings for its unique interactivity that helped change the way kids watch television and has remained one of the most popular preschool shows of all time. The landmark series also raised the bar in preschool television by exploring advanced subject matter such as sign language, geography, physics, emotions and anatomy.

The classic Blue’s Clues library is currently available on NOGGIN, Nickelodeon’s video subscription service for preschoolers, and short-form content can be found on the Nick Jr. App and NickJr.com.

Who do you want to see in the famous Blue's Clues thinking chair? Sound off in the comments below!

More Nick: Nickelodeon Upfront 2018 Full Coverage!

Sources: People.com, Uproxx, Inquisitr.

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Nickelodeon Australia Highlights Another Year Of Audience Growth At Australian Upfront Presentation

PAW Patrol, Shimmer and Shine, Nella the Princess Knight, JoJo Siwa and SpongeBob SquarePants feature in all-star presentation

Nickelodeon Viacom Consumer Products (NVCP) showcased a jam-packed property portfolio to key retailers and licensees at its annual Australian upfront event held on Monday 5th March 2018 in Melbourne. The presentation emphasised the brand’s strong positioning across all areas of the business including on-air, on-the-ground, on digital and at retail.

The superstar lineup of six Viacom executives from the USA, Europe and Australia shared hosting duties to talk about the coming year.

Senior Vice President (SVP) international consumer products Mark Kingston spoke first and said: “Following the amazing success we’re having with our content, we are continuously looking forward at ways to grow the Nickelodeon brand beyond television. We’re doing this with our most global outlook ever, which allows us to accelerate our speed to market on new franchises and use the scale of Viacom to provide even more creative solutions and resources to support all our international regions.”

The upfront showcased Nickelodeon Australia and New Zealand’s success over the past 12 months and the strong consumer products portfolio currently dominating shelves at retail. PAW Patrol continues to break records globally ensuring it remains the #1 pre-school property with kids everywhere after winning the 2018 Licensed Pre-School Property of the Year at the Australian Toy Association’s Product of the Year Awards on Sunday night. Following a year in the Australian market, Rusty Rivets has been seeing phenomenal success both on-air and in retail. The series introduces pre-schoolers to the maker movement and the Spin Master range of toys allows kids to replicate the building techniques they’ve seen on the show. 2018 will be another big year for Rusty Rivets with more new episodes and an expanded licensing program hitting retail from June.

Mark Kingston

Nickelodeon star JoJo Siwa and her global bow domination have taken Australia and the globe by storm. Her star power will continue to hit the mark in 2018 with tween girls across the world. The range of Nickelodeon JoJo Siwa products will continue to expand in 2018 with more skews across all categories.

Kingston said the Nickelodeon network would be screening 700 episodes of new and returning series this year.

Ben Cox, Vice President (VP) and General Manager (GM) of Nickelodeon Australia and New Zealand, presented on the success of the brand within the Australian and New Zealand markets, including the phenomenal growth of the brand beyond linear television. “As the strongest kids TV brand in Australia, we pride ourselves on continuing to create immersive real-world experiences for our audiences, expanding the brand’s footprint far beyond the television screen. 2017 saw brand partnerships with P&O, Victoria’s Falls Creek, Cricket Australia and more. In 2018 we’ll continue to strengthen these existing relationships while adding new experiences for our fans.”

Nickelodeon finished 2017 ranked #1 among Children 5-12, and Nick Jr. ranked #1 commercial channel among Children 0-4.

Nickelodeon Networks reached over six million viewers on subscription television in 2017 alone.

Claire O’Connor, Vice President, consumer products and retail marketing Asia Pacific, highlighted that 2018 will be an even bigger year for the brand. “Nickelodeon currently has the largest and strongest slate of pre-school programming we have ever seen. The popularity of our properties on Nick Jr. in Australia and New Zealand has helped drive incredible growth for our consumer products business. In Australia, in the next 18 months we’ll be launching three brand new shows with consumer products ranges – 2018 is going to be another huge year for our brands.

“But it’s not just the pre-school brands that will be action-packed. The latest iteration of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, Rise of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, will premiere on Nickelodeon this year, seeing the franchise reach new heights with a new generation of both kids and super fans.”

O’Connor said Nickelodeon had ordered a season five of PAW Patrol.

New brands launching

2018 will bring the launch of two brand new pre-school properties to Nick Jr., Sunny Day and Top Wing. Pre-schoolers join Sunny, a 10-year-old master hairstylist and entrepreneur, as she goes on exciting new adventures in her seaside town of Friendly Falls in Sunny Day.

Top Wing follows a team of eager young birds as they work together to help their island community, go on amazing adventures and earn their wings as full-feathered rescue birds. There will be a new product line inspired by the show debuting at retail in the US this year, followed by international markets, including Australia, next year.

MTV continued its engagement with millennial fans through live events, brand integrations and consumer product lines showcasing a brand that resonates more than ever with Australians. Ben Richardson, senior vice president and general manager of Viacom International Media Networks (VIMN) Australia and New Zealand, highlighted: “2017 was a huge year for MTV Australia and New Zealand, and our goals for the MTV consumer products business in 2018 are all about deepening the relationship with our audience by creating on-trend products across fashion, technology and fitness.”

Richardson spoke about the strength of the Nickelodeon retro brands and the power of JoJo Silva. “You can’t but help catch her infectious positivity.” He also spoke about merchandising JoJo bows (10m+ sold!), how Nickelodeon is sliming the world and the success of the MTV Beats & Eats initiative.

Together with Haven Licensing, NVCP concluded the evening with a special presentation recognising key retailers and licensees.

The winners were: Caprice Australia (2018 Softlines Partner of the Year), Hunter Leisure (Hardlines Partner of the Year), Kelloggs Australia (Promotional Partner of the Year), Cotton On Group (Retailer of the Year), Funtastic (Partner of the Year) and Pnina Horn (Lifetime Achievement Award).

Also, from Toy & Hobby Retailer:

Nickelodeon | Viacom primed for another year of growth

Nickelodeon | Viacom Consumer Products (NVCP) showcased a jam-packed property portfolio to key retailers, licensees and press at its annual Australian upfront event last night in Melbourne. The presentation emphasised the brand’s strong positioning across all areas of the business including on-air, on-the-ground, on digital and at retail.

“Following the amazing success we’re having with our content, we are continuously looking forward at ways to grow the Nickelodeon brand beyond television,” Mark Kingston, NVCP International Consumer Products SVP said.

“We’re doing this with our most global outlook ever which allows us to accelerate our speed to market on new franchises, and use the scale of Viacom to provide even more creative solutions and resources to support all our international regions.”

The upfront showcased Nickelodeon Australia and New Zealand’s success over the past 12 months and the strong consumer products portfolio currently dominating shelves at retail.

Paw Patrol continues to break records globally ensuring it remains the number one preschool property with kids everywhere after winning the 2018 Licensed Pre-School Property of the Year at the Australian Toy Association’s Toy of the Year Awards on Sunday night.

Following a year in the Australian market, Rusty Rivets has been seeing phenomenal success both on-air and in retail. The series introduces preschoolers to the maker movement and the Spin Master range of toys allows kids to replicate the building techniques they’ve seen on the show. 2018 will be another big year for Rusty Rivets with more new episodes and an expanded licencing program hitting retail from June.

Nickelodeon’s JoJo Siwa and her global bow domination have taken Australia by storm, her star power will continue to hit the mark in 2018 with tween girls across the world. The range of Nickelodeon JoJo Siwa products will continue to expand in 2018 with more skews across all categories.

Ben Cox, Vice President and General Manager of Nickelodeon Australia and New Zealand presented on the success of the brand within the Australian and New Zealand markets, including the phenomenal growth of the brand beyond linear television.

“As the strongest kids’ TV brand in Australia, we pride ourselves on continuing to create immersive real-world experiences for our audiences, expanding the brand’s footprint far beyond the television screen,” Cox said.

“2017 saw brand partnerships with P&O, Victoria’s Falls Creek, Cricket Australia and more. In 2018 we’ll continue to strengthen these existing relationships while adding new experiences for our fans.”

Fuelled by local productions, tent pole events and world-leading preschool properties across both television channels, Nickelodeon finished 2017 ranked number one among children aged five to 12 years, and Nick Jr ranked number one commercial channel among children aged from newborn to four years. Nickelodeon Networks reached over six million viewers on subscription television in 2017 alone.

Claire O’Connor, NVCP Consumer Products and Retail Marketing Asia Pacific, highlighted that 2018 will be an even bigger year for the brand.

“Nickelodeon currently has the largest and strongest slate of preschool programming we have ever seen,” O’Connor said.

“The popularity of our properties on Nick Jr in Australia and New Zealand has helped drive incredible growth for our consumer products business. In Australia, in the next 18 months we’ll be launching three brand new shows with consumer products ranges – 2018 is going to be another huge year for our brands.”

“But it’s not just the preschool brands that will be action-packed, the latest iteration of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, Rise of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, will premiere on Nickelodeon this year, seeing the franchise reach new heights with a new generation of both kids and super fans,” she said.

Showing no signs of slowing down, Nickelodeon is cementing its place in the lives of kids and families through innovative and successful shows and products.

“We are committed to building franchises from the ground up, and we’re now doing this with our most global outlook ever,” Kingston said.

2018 will bring the launch of two brand new preschool properties to Nick Jr, Sunny Day and Top Wing. Preschoolers join Sunny, a 10-year-old master hairstylist and entrepreneur, as she goes on exciting new adventures in her seaside town of Friendly Falls in Sunny Day.

Inspired by Sunny and her friends colourful and creative personalities, Sunny Day consumer products will feature the bold, vibrant colour palette from the show and will begin with a new line of toys from Mattel.

Top Wing follows a team of eager, young birds as they work together to help their island community, go on amazing adventures and earn their wings as full-feathered rescue birds. A new product line inspired by the show will make its retail debut in the US this year, followed by international markets, including Australia, next year. The product line, which span figures, vehicles and plush is the first global-scale preschool master toy agreement Nickelodeon has struck with Hasbro.

The new themes coming through in 2018 will support the growth of the Paw Patrol franchise and with Rusty Rivets and Shimmer and Shine continuing to build momentum in the Australian market, Nickelodeon are consolidating their position as the number one licensor in preschool.

MTV continued engagement with Millennial fans through live events, brand integrations and consumer product lines showcasing a brand that resonates more than ever with Australians.

“2017 was a huge year for MTV Australia and New Zealand, and our goals for the MTV consumer products business in 2018 are all about deepening the relationship with our audience by creating on trend products across fashion, technology and fitness,” Ben Richardson, Viacom International Media Networks Australia and New Zealand SVP and GM said.

In December 2017, MTV Australia unveiled a world-first partnership with Madame Tussauds in Sydney with the opening of The MTV Music Zone, giving museum goers a full MTV Awards experience with recording booths, 360- augmented reality experiences and a virtual reality feature to learn Michael Jackson’s dance moves. MTV also made waves across retail with a collaboration with ASOS and Supre for an ‘80s inspired clothing line.

“Through 2018 and beyond we plan to serve the next generation of fans across all platforms and experiences while continuing to diversify our business and strengthen the global portfolio of the Viacom brands,” Kingston said.

Together with Haven Licensing, NVCP concluded the evening with a special presentation that recognised key retailers and licensing partners.

The winners were:

2018 Softlines Partner of the Year: Caprice Australia

Hardlines Partner of the Year: Hunter Leisure

Promotional Partner of the Year: Kelloggs Australia

Retailer of the Year: Cotton On Group

Partner of the Year: Funtastic

Lifetime Achievement Award: Pnina Horn

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More Nick: PAW Patrol Live! "The Great Pirate Adventure" to Set Sail in Australia in May 2018!

Original source: Mediaweek.

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Nickelodeon's 'Blue's Clues' Is Back, Remade For A New Generation Of Preschoolers | Nick Upfront 2018 [Updated]

Original Nickelodeon USA Press Release:

NICKELODEON’S BLUE’S CLUES IS BACK,

REMADE FOR A NEW GENERATION OF PRESCHOOLERS

New Blue’s Clues Series, Picked Up for 20 Episodes,

will Feature All-New Production and Animation

Casting for New Host Begins this Month

NEW YORK–March 6, 2018– Nickelodeon will have a new generation of preschoolers searching for clues, as it brings back the beloved puppy Blue in a remake of its groundbreaking series, Blue’s Clues. Picked up for 20 episodes, the new Blue’s Clues will have a refreshed signature look and casting for the new host will begin this month, including an open call in Southern California on April 14. For more info, visit http://blues-clues-host-casting.nick.com. Production on Blue’s Clues will commence this summer.

“With Blue’s Clues, Nickelodeon launched what became TV’s first generation of interactivity for preschoolers and set the bar for quality, curriculum-driven shows we have made since,” said Cyma Zarghami, President, Nickelodeon Group. “The new, modern version of Blue’s Clues will capture all the original’s creativity and visual identity for a whole new audience ready for its fun adventures and expertly designed problem-solving curriculum.”

The new Blue’s Clues series centers on the energetic girl puppy Blue who invites viewers into her animated world to help solve the day’s puzzles with the help of a live-action host. Preschoolers are encouraged to interact with the action on-screen by answering questions, pointing out clues, jumping on their feet and playing along.

The original Blue’s Clues series launched in September 1996 to critical praise from educators, parents and preschoolers and ran for six groundbreaking seasons. Created by Traci Paige Johnson, Todd Kessler and Angela C. Santomero, Blue’s Clues drew acclaim and high ratings for its unique interactivity that helped change the way kids watch television and has remained one of the most popular preschool shows of all time. The landmark series also raised the bar in preschool television by exploring advanced subject matter such as sign language, geography, physics, emotions and anatomy.

The classic Blue’s Clues library is currently available on NOGGIN, Nickelodeon’s video subscription service for preschoolers, and short-form content can be found on the Nick Jr. App and NickJr.com.

Nickelodeon, now in its 38^th 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 company includes television programming and production in the United States and around the world, plus consumer products, digital, recreation, books and feature films. Nickelodeon’s U.S. television network is seen in more than 90 million households and has been the number-one-rated kids’ basic cable network for 22 consecutive years. For more information or artwork, visit http://www.nickpress.com. Nickelodeon and all related titles, characters and logos are trademarks of Viacom Inc. (NASDAQ: VIA, VIAB).

# # #
Update (3/10): Sources close to the production of Nickelodeon's Blue's Clues revival have told TMZ that producers are considering having a female host on the updated show!

Sources tell TMZ that production for the reboot is paying close attention to what fans want via social media. So far, the hashtag #BringBackSteve has been trending, and production hasn't ruled out bringing fan fave Steve Burns back.

Sources also say they're not planning on changing much, just updating things a bit. The new host will be wearing the signature green striped polo shirt and khaki pants that previous hosts wore, but likely without pleats in the pants.

As for why the show's coming back after all these years, TMZ are told producers feel like they can connect with their old audience again, many of whom are starting to have kids of their own. As for dream celebrity guests for the revival, TMZ are told they wouldn't turn down Chrissy Teigen, John Legend and their daughter, Luna.

More Nick: Nickelodeon Upfront 2018 Full Coverage!

Originally published: Tuesday, March 06, 2018.

Additional source: PerezHilton.com.

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Nickelodeon Orders 'Lip Sync Battle Shorties' Season 2 | Nick Upfront 2018

Original Nickelodeon USA Press Release:

MAKE SOME NOISE!

NICKELODEON RENEWS LIP SYNC BATTLE SHORTIES FOR SEASON TWO

 Brand-New Season of the Ultimate Music Showdown Competition Series for Kids to Feature Returning Host Nick Cannon and Show Sidekick JoJo Siwa

Share it: @Nickelodeon #LipSyncBattleShorties

NEW  YORK–March 6, 2018– Nickelodeon today announced it has renewed its hit competition series Lip Sync Battle Shorties for a second season with 10 half-hour episodes.  The ultimate music showdown, which to-date ranks as the number one show with kids 6-11 in its Friday night timeslot, features real kids lip-syncing pop songs in celebration of their favorite artists, while competing for the iced-out Shorties mic. Multi-faceted entertainer Nick Cannon returns as host, along with show sidekick JoJo Siwa. Production will begin in Los Angeles this summer.

In Lip Sync Battle Shorties, three amped up battlers hit the stage, as they lip-sync songs from some of the most popular names in music including: Kelly Clarkson, Bruno Mars, Beyoncé, Lady Gaga, Imagine Dragons and more. Each performance comes straight from the participants’ imagination, allowing them to personalize all creative elements from song and costume selection to epic dance moves and eccentric themes.  Also featured in every episode is the Shorties Dance Crew, a 10-person, in-house backup crew who has mastered all styles of dance from breakdancing to ballroom and a special celebrity guest.

“We’re thrilled to be coming back for a second season of Lip Sync Battle Shorties on Nickelodeon! It’s an incredibly positive engaging platform for kids to be their most creative, imaginative, authentic selves,” said executive producers Casey Patterson and Jay Peterson.

Based on the pop culture phenomenon of lip-sync battling, the original Paramount Network Lip Sync Battle series features celebrities going head to head–lip-syncing the song of their choice–battling for the coolest bragging rights on the planet. The series is a ratings and multiplatform superstar for Paramount Network. Lip Sync Battle Shorties and the award-winning and Emmy-nominated series, Lip Sync Battle, are executive produced by Casey Patterson of Casey Patterson Entertainment, Jay Peterson of Matador Content, James Sunderland, LL Cool J, John Krasinski, Stephen Merchant, Rick Schwartz and Eight Million Plus Productions.

Nick Cannon has entertained audiences in film, on television, on record, onstage and online for nearly 20 years. The talented artist continues to dominate all facets of entertainment as a comedian, host, actor, writer, director, executive producer, deejay, philanthropist and children’s book author. The two-time Emmy®-nominated Lip Sync Battle on Paramount Network is a global powerhouse that can be seen in over 120 territories spread out over six continents. The critically-acclaimed series has delivered over one billion cross-platform views since launch, over two million YouTube Channel subscribers, over two million fans on Facebook.

Casey Patterson Entertainment is a full service production company producing premium content, live events, and talent-driven series and specials with offices in New York City and Los Angeles. Casey Patterson is an Emmy®-nominated, critically-acclaimed executive producer who has created an array of groundbreaking programming during her 20-year tenure at Viacom. Patterson’s current projects include the breakout hit-series Lip Sync Battle, the highest-rated series in Spike history, Spike’s One Night Only: Alec Baldwin, the newly revamped 2017 MTV Movie & TV Awards, Rock the Troops with Dwayne Johnson’s Seven Bucks Productions, Nickelodeon’s Lip Sync Battle Shorties, Taraji’s White Hot Holidays, and Guys Choice. Additional credits include such high-profile events as the 2016 MTV Movie Awards, The Concert for New York City, The Concert of the Century at the White House, Saturday Night Live 25th Anniversary Special, The Comedy Awards, Between Two Ferns – A Fairy Tale of New York, The Video Game Awards, SCREAM Awards, GQ Men of the Year Awards, VH1’s Vogue Fashion Awards, VH1’s Divas Live, FOX’s Billboard Music Awards, and NBC’s Concert for America.

Nickelodeon, now in its 38^th 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 company includes television programming and production in the United States and around the world, plus consumer products, digital, recreation, books and feature films. Nickelodeon’s U.S. television network is seen in more than 90 million households and has been the number-one-rated kids’ basic cable network for 22 consecutive years. For more information or artwork, visit http://www.nickpress.com. Nickelodeon and all related titles, characters and logos are trademarks of Viacom Inc. (NASDAQ: VIA,VIAB).

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My TV Show Got Season 2!!!! | JoJo Siwa Vlogs

YAYYY!!! Season 2 of LSBS is happening!!!I MESSED UP, SLIME FEST IS JUNE 9TH AND 10TH!!!
More Nick: JoJo Siwa, Zedd, Liam Payne and Flo Rida to Headline Nickelodeon USA's Inaugural 'SlimeFest' Music Festival!

Originally published: Tuesday, March 06, 2018.

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Nickelodeon Upfront 2018

Below is a round-up of all the exciting news Nickelodeon announced during Nickelodeon Upfront 2018 in New York City!

-- Nickelodeon Developing 'The Loud House' Companion Series 'Los Casagrandes'; Renews 'The Loud House' For Season 4

-- Nickelodeon Greenlights New Original Animated Comedy Series 'Pony'

-- Nickelodeon's 'Blue's Clues' Is Back, Remade For A New Generation Of Preschoolers

-- Nickelodeon Brings Augmented Reality To 'Sky Whale' Game App And New 'Do Not Touch' App

-- Nickelodeon Greenlights 'Musical Dares', Brand-New Digital Short-Form Series From Nick Cannon

-- Nickelodeon Orders 'Lip Sync Battle Shorties' Season 2

-- Nickelodeon Reveals Character Art Of 'Baron Draxum', Voiced By WWE Superstar John Cena, In 'Rise of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles'

-- Nickelodeon Unveils Content Pipeline Of More Than 800 New Episodes, Details Expansion Into Location-Based And VR Experiences

More Nick: JoJo Siwa, Zedd, Liam Payne and Flo Rida to Headline Nickelodeon USA's Inaugural 'SlimeFest' Music Festival!

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Nickelodeon Unveils Content Pipeline Of More Than 800 New Episodes, Details Expansion Into Location-Based And VR Experiences

Original Nickelodeon USA Press Release:

NICKELODEON UNVEILS CONTENT PIPELINE OF MORE THAN 800

NEW EPISODES, DETAILS EXPANSION INTO LOCATION-BASED

AND VR EXPERIENCES

Nickelodeon’s Upfront Presentation from Stage of SpongeBob SquarePants: The Broadway Musical Highlights New Shows, including Blue’s Clues Remake; Original Short-Form; New Location-Based and Virtual Experiences

Presentation Punctuated by Special Appearances by WWE Superstar and 2018 Kids’ Choice Awards Host John Cena; Lip Sync Battle Shorties’ Nick Cannon and JoJo Siwa; Cast Members of Rise of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Cast Members, Kat Graham, Brandon Mychal Smith and Josh Brenner; and Performances by the Cast of SpongeBob SquarePants: The Broadway Musical

NEW YORK–March 6, 2018– Nickelodeon, the number-one kids’ network, detailed its plans for serving the new and next generation of kids on new and next-generation platforms as it heads into the 2018-2019 season. With content plans spanning its ecosystem, Nickelodeon announced: its largest content pipeline ever–more than 800 brand-new episodes of new and returning series–a 20% increase over last year; opportunities in social through original short-form content; a reboot of Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles and a remake of the preschool entertainment landmark, Blue’s Clues; moves into areas of emerging tech, with original VR and AR experiences; and location-based experiences, like this summer’s family musical festival, Nickelodeon SlimeFest. Details were unveiled during the network’s annual upfront presentation, held today at New York City’s Palace Theatre, home of the critically acclaimed SpongeBob SquarePants: The Broadway Musical.

“With our share growing and content pipeline in overdrive, we are reinventing ourselves to best serve the new and next generation of audiences on new and next-generation platforms,” said Cyma Zarghami, President, Nickelodeon Group. “Kids are both our anchor and North Star, and that bond with the audience allows us to connect to them everywhere.”

During the presentation, Zarghami previewed the network’s upcoming content slate which includes: a development deal for Los Casagrandes, a brand-new companion series for animated hit The Loud House; Pony, a new animated comedy series developed by Nickelodeon International in the UK; a new game show, Keep It Spotless, executive produced by WWE Superstar John Cena; a second season of Lip Sync Battle Shorties, starring Nick Cannon and JoJo Siwa; the reimagined Rise of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles; a remake of the groundbreaking series Blue’s Clues; and Musical Dares, a new short-form series created and executive produced by Nick Cannon, and the first project by Viacom Digital Studios for Nickelodeon’s YouTube channel.

Nickelodeon also reviewed plans to continue expanding its footprint through innovative new partnerships and technologies. Today, Nick announced a new partnership with IMAX to bring to SlimeZone–its first multi-player, social VR experience–to select IMAX VR Centres globally this month. Plus, Nick is unveiling a brand-new AR mode for its number-one Sky Whale mobile gaming app, which averages two million active monthly users and has garnered nearly 30 million downloads.

The network is also expanding its location-based offerings with Nickelodeon SlimeFest, produced in partnership with Live Nation, the multi-day music festival for kids and families will take place in Chicago, IL, June 9-10 and feature performances by Grammy-winning DJ and producer Zedd, Liam Payne, multi-platinum artist Flo Rida, and Lip Sync Battle Shorties and social media star JoJo Siwa.

Nickelodeon also has created and launched a new brand campaign, called “That’s Me,” that showcases kids’ drive to be honest and authentic individuals who celebrate differences and diversity. Beginning this week, Nick will launch the first round of spots, which celebrates history-making women and highlights the brand’s longstanding legacy of strong female characters, to inspire and empower a new generation of girls.

With more than 800 episodes of new and returning series in its pipeline this season, Nickelodeon has content in every genre:

Preschool:

Nickelodeon is the number-one network for preschooler’s year to date, a leading position it has held for the past four years. Nick currently owns eight of the top 10 shows for Kids 2-5 this year, led by number-one-ranked PAW Patrol.

This season, the network will premiere more than 300 new episodes of returning hit shows, including PAW Patrol, Blaze and the Monster Machines, Shimmer and Shine, and Nella the Princess Knight. Nickelodeon has also greenlit the following new series:

• Abby Hatcher, Fuzzly Catcher (26 episodes) –This animated preschool series centers on Abby and her new friends the Fuzzlies, who are amazing and quirky creatures that live in her family’s hotel. Together with her best Fuzzly friend Bozzly, Abby goes on wild adventures to fix Fuzzly mishaps and help them in any way she can. Produced by Spin Master Entertainment (PAW Patrol), Abby Hatcher Fuzzly Catcher features a social-emotional curriculum highlighting empathy, compassion and problem-solving skills.
• Blue’s Clues (20 episodes) – This remake of the groundbreaking curriculum-driven, interactive series Blue’s Clues will bring back beloved puppy Blue for an all-new generation of preschoolers. The new series will be produced with a brand-new, live-action host and CG animation. Blue’s Clues was created by Traci Paige Johnson, Todd Kessler and Angela C. Santomero.
• Butterbean’s Café (40 episodes) — This animated series centers on a fairy named Butterbean and her adventures running the neighborhood café with her friends. Butterbean’s Cafe features creative cooking, and a social-emotional curriculum that highlights entrepreneurial and leadership skills. Created by Jonny Belt and Robert Scull (Bubble Guppies), the series will premiere later this year.
• Fashion Ally (working title, 40 episodes) – This animated series follows a little girl, Ally, in the high fashion world as she makes everything around her a bit brighter, bolder and more brilliant, one design fix at a time. Fashion Ally is created by Paula Rosenthal and produced by Slivergate Media (Sunny Day, Peter Rabbit).
• The Swashbuckling Adventures of Capitán Calavera (working title, 20 episodes) – This animated action-adventure series follows 8-year-old Robi Montes, a brave and kind-hearted pirate, as he embarks on daring rescues, searches for treasures and keeps the high seas safe from villains like the nefarious pirate Bonnie Bones in a fantastical Caribbean world. The interactive series is created by Niki Lopez, Leslie Valdes and Valerie Walsh Valdes (Dora the Explorer), and infused with a Spanish-language and culture curriculum.

Animation:

Nickelodeon is the number-one network for Kids 2-11 and Kids 6-11 year to date, with its February performance marking 18 straight months at number one with Kids 6-11. Besides being home to TV’s top two animated kids’ shows, The Loud House and SpongeBob SquarePants, Nick currently owns eight of the top 10 shows with Kids 2-11 and Kids 6-11.

The network will air more than 200 episodes of returning animated hits like SpongeBob SquarePants and The Loud House this season, and has announced the following new shows:

• Los Casagrandes (working title) – A companion to the animated hit The Loud House, this series in development follows Lincoln Loud’s friend Ronnie Anne and his brother Bobby Santiago as they adjust to their new life in the city, where they now live with their big, loving and chaotic multi-generational family, the Casagrandes.
• Pony, an original 2D-animated buddy comedy that follows the life of an average girl, Annie, her (almost) average family and what happens when an excitable, unpredictable, loveable and talking pony comes to live with them in their city apartment. Pony is the first animated series to be greenlit for the U.S. from Nickelodeon International.
• Rise of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (26-episodes) – This new re-imagined 2D-animated series follows the band of brothers as they discover new powers and encounter a mystical world they never knew existed beneath the streets of New York City. Along for the adventure is the Turtles’ most trusted ally, April O’Neil, a street savvy native New Yorker and Splinter, father figure and sensei to the Turtles. The series debuts later this year.

Live Action:

Nickelodeon is the number-one network for Kids 2-11 and Kids 6-11 year to date, with its February performance marking 18 straight months at number one with Kids 6-11. Nick currently owns eight of the top 10 shows with Kids 2-11 and Kids 6-11, led by shows like top-ranked The Loud House, The Thundermans, and Henry Danger.

In live action, the network will roll out over 300 brand-new episodes of hit series including Henry Danger, The Thundermans, and Nicky, Ricky, Dicky & Dawn, and the following new and returning shows:

• Keep It Spotless (20 episodes) – This new competition series, executive produced by WWE Superstar Jon Cena, features real kids competing in a variety of physical and paint-filled challenges with one goal in mind—to stay as clean as possible. Produced by ITV Entertainment and Hard Nocks South Productions, and based on a UK format from Possessed, Keep It Spotless is scheduled to premiere later this month.
• Knight Squad (20 episodes) – This brand-new comedy, which premiered earlier this month, is set at a magical school for knights in training, where two mismatched students (Daniella Perkins and Owen Joyner) form an unlikely alliance to protect each other’s secret and pursue their dreams.
• Lip Sync Battle Shorties (10 episodes, season two) – The hit competition series, renewed for a second season, features real kids lip-syncing pop songs in celebration of their favorite artists, while competing for the iced-out Shorties mic. Production will begin in Los Angeles this summer with multi-faceted entertainer Nick Cannon returning as host, along with show sidekick JoJo Siwa.

Short Form:

Musical Dares (10 episodes) – This brand-new, short-form series is a new twist on the classic concept of musical chairs. Created and executive produced by Nick Cannon, the live-action game show will combine real kids, physical competition and a full-blown dance party. Musical Dares is the first project by Viacom Digital Studios for Nickelodeon’s YouTube channel.

Additionally, Nickelodeon’s pipeline is rounded out with TV Movies and tentpoles including, Rocko’s Modern Life: Static Cling and Invader Zim specials. The brand will also feature three major TV events this year: 2018 Kids’ Choice Awards on March 24, with returning host and WWE Superstar John Cena; Kids’ Choice Sports in July; and HALO Awards in November.

*Ratings Source: Nielsen Media Research (1/1/2018-2/25/2018), Live+7 blended, 3 t/c min

Nickelodeon, now in its 38^th 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 company includes television programming and production in the United States and around the world, plus consumer products, digital, recreation, books and feature films. Nickelodeon’s U.S. television network is seen in more than 90 million households and has been the number-one-rated kids’ basic cable network for 22 consecutive years. For more information or artwork, visit http://www.nickpress.com. Nickelodeon and all related titles, characters and logos are trademarks of Viacom Inc. (NASDAQ: VIA, VIAB).

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More Nick: Nickelodeon Unveils Content Pipeline Of More Than 800 New Episodes, Details Expansion Into Location-Based And VR Experiences | Nick Upfront 2018!

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Nickelodeon Reveals Character Art Of 'Baron Draxum', Voiced By WWE Superstar John Cena, In 'Rise of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles' | Nick Upfront 2018

Original Nickelodeon USA Press Release:

NICKELODEON REVEALS CHARACTER ART OF VILLAIN

BARON DRAXUM, VOICED BY WWE SUPERSTAR JOHN CENA,

IN ALL-NEW RISE OF TEENAGE MUTANT NINJA TURTLES ANIMATED SERIES

Share it: @Nickelodeon @TMNT #TMNT

Nickelodeon today revealed a first look at the character art of original villain, Baron Draxum, voiced by WWE Superstar John Cena, in the all-new animated series Rise of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles.  Cena will portray the Turtles’ newest nemesis, alongside Omar Miller (Ballers) as Raphael, Ben Schwartz (Parks and Recreation) as Leonardo, Josh Brener (Silicon Valley) as Donatello, Brandon Mychal Smith (You’re The Worst) as Michelangelo, Kat Graham (The Vampire Diaries) as April O’Neil and Eric Bauza (Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles) as Splinter. Cena unveiled the artwork at Nickelodeon’s Upfront presentation, held today in New York City.

“I’ve always been a fan of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles franchise, so getting the opportunity to voice a character, especially the villain Baron Draxum, is truly special,” said Cena.

An alchemist warrior mutant from the Hidden City, Baron Draxum is the self-proclaimed protector of all mutant-kind. Using ooze, he plans to mutate all of humanity with his insect-like creatures called Oozesquitoes.  Cena’s recurring character will debut in the premiere episode of Rise of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, bowing later this year on Nickelodeon.

Rise of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles follows the band of brothers as they discover new powers and encounter a mystical world they never knew existed beneath the streets of New York City.  The new 26-episode series is co-executive produced by Andy Suriano (character designer, Samurai Jack) and Ant Ward (supervising producer, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles) at Nickelodeon in Burbank, Calif. Veteran animation industry voice actor Rob Paulsen is voice directing the series.

Viewers can visit the Rise of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles page on Nick.com for more information and follow @TMNT for Turtle Power updates.

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