Nickelodeon Online Launches Nicktropolis

According to C21 Media, Nickelodeon Online has launched Nicktropolis.

Nickelodeon's universe goes online

Nickelodeon, the children's TV network of Viacom's MTV Networks, has today launched Nicktropolis, its web-based virtual world for children.

The new project is in the same vein as online universe Second Life, allowing kids access to their own virtual community where they will have the opportunity to watch video, explore Nickelodeon-branded and original environments and interact with other kids or Nickelodeon characters in real time.

The site will push popular Nickelodeon brands and help young viewers to interact with Nickelodeon characters as well as each other. Online 'avatars', 3D representations of other kids online, will be registered anonymously so as to avoid the risk of unwanted tapping of personal information.

The initiative follows MTV Networks recent online projects such as NeoPets, AddictingGames.com and Xfire.

"Virtual worlds like Nicktropolis are part of our strategy to bring immersive, relevant entertainment experiences to our audiences wherever they are, and to build communities around our content across every kind of platform," said Judy McGrath, chairman and CEO at MTV Networks.

Antony Reeve-Crook
30 Jan 2007
© C21 Media 2007

TurboNick jumps aboard MS Vista platform

According to C21 Media, Nickelodeon has announced that it will offer TurboNick on the Windows Vista platform.

TurboNick jumps aboard MS Vista platform

Nickelodeon has confirmed it will offer its kids broadband video service TurboNick on the Windows Vista platform when the latter launches at the end of the month.

TurboNick will be launched on Media Center for Windows Vista, allowing Nickelodeon's audience to access TurboNick using a remote for the first time.

When Windows Vista starts on January 30 TurboNick users will have access to a video catalogue of Nickelodeon content by browsing either the channels, shows or Nickelodeon characters themselves. There is also an option for users to create their own personalised playlists, rate video content and play trivia challenges and games based on Nickelodeon properties.

Nick content available through the partnership includes hundreds of clips in addition to full-length Nicktoons, including SpongeBob SquarePants, Avatar and Jimmy Neutron, as well as live-action series from The Amanda Show to Zoey 101.

The TurboNick service also goes behind the scenes with TEENick, which features online exclusives, celebrity interviews and extended versions of select kids titles.

Steve Youngwood, executive VP of digital media for Nickelodeon and MTVN Kids and Family Group, said the launch gives audiences a brand new way to interact with Nickelodeon's shows. "We are always looking to better our consumers' experiences. This is the latest entertainment platform on which we are able to extend our programming and content offerings for kids and families," he said.

Nickelodeon recently launched TurboNick 2.0 on Nick.com, its broadband video platform, which offers streaming video, customised playlists, content in multiple languages and the ability to search the Nickelodeon content library.


Antony Reeve-Crook
8 Jan 2007
© C21 Media 2007

Nickelodeon International Buys Rights To Viva Piñata

According to C21 Media, Nickelodeon International has bought the rights to Viva Piñata.

4Kids hangs up new Piñata episodes

NEWS BRIEF: 4Kids Entertainment is bringing 52 new episodes of the CG animated television series Viva Piñata to Natpe.

As well as the new episodes, available in high definition, 4Kids has also announced TV broadcast agreements for the property with YTV in Canada; France 3 Television; RTL2 in Germany; Canal J pay satellite TV in France; Nickelodeon in the UK, the Netherlands, Spain, Australia and New Zealand (pay TV in all markets except the Netherlands); NRK in Norway; SIC in Portugal; and Israel's UCOI.

Viva Piñata, about friends who embark on wild adventures on Piñata Island, airs on Saturday mornings in the US on 4Kids TV on Fox.

The property made its video game debut last month, developed by Microsoft.

12 Jan 2007
© C21 Media 2007

Nicktoons Network Buys Rights To Planet Sketch

According to C21 Media, the Nicktoons Network in the US has bought the rights to Planet Sketch.

US Nicktoons drawn to Planet Sketch

Planet Sketch, from Canada's Decode Entertainment and the UK's Aardman Animations, has found a new home on the Nicktoons Network in the US.

Nicktoons Network has ordered all 26 11-minute episodes of the hit coproduction, which will premiere in spring 2007.

The animated sketch show features characters such as the Street Rappers, the Gnaughty Gnomes and the Parping Ponies, two horses who never manage to hold down a decent job due to flatulence issues.

The series was originally commissioned by Teletoon Canada and the UK's CiTV. It has also been acquired by a host of major international broadcasters, including France 3; ABC Australia; Jetix Europe; Cartoon Networks in Asia Pacific and Latin America; WDR ARD in Germany; TV 12 in Singapore; Belgium's VRT; Denmark's TV2; and South Africa's M-Net. It also recently premiered on Nickelodeon in France.

Keith Dawkins, VP and general manager of Nicktoons, said: "We take great pride in having established ourselves as a home for fresh content, compelling characters and creators, and Planet Sketch delivers all of this wrapped up into one series."

Jules Grant
22 Jan 2007
© C21 Media 2007

Nick Jr. Channel Has No Current Plans To Show These Classic Children's TV Shows

According to NickTVAnt on the official Nick Jr. Channel message boards, the Nick Jr. Channel has no current plans to show the classic children's television shows The Raggy Dolls, SuperTed, Tube Mice and Henry's Cat.

New shows on Nick Jr?

I read on another website that you are bringing some new shows to Nick Jr including The Raggy Dolls, SuperTed, Tube Mice and Henry's Cat but you don't seem to have any information about this on your site. Could you please tell me if these shows are coming to Nick Jr or not?

Not any time soon

Hi there! I'm afraid that the information you've read is not true. We're never quite sure how rumours like this tend to start, but unfortunately in this case there are no plans to show any of those programmes any time in the near future.

We are bringing on more new shows all the time, though, and we have some very exciting new shows on the way in the new year, which we hope you'll enjoy.