Wednesday, February 19, 2025

'Avatar: The Last Airbender' Co-Creator Reveals Nickelodeon Would 'Never' Have Approved 'The Legend of Korra'

Michael DiMartino, the co-creator of Avatar: The Last Airbender and its successor, The Legend of Korra, recently revealed new behind-the-scenes information about the production of the latter series, where some new details about both Nickelodeon shows came to light.

Korra in 'The Legend of Korra'

In a special podcast episode with The Illustration Department, DiMartino discussed the challenges of creating Avatar: The Last Airbender’s sequel series, The Legend of Korra. DiMartino stated about the sequel’s darker themes, "We could never have made Korra first, Nickelodeon would never. Even when we made the show, they were like, 'What do we do with this show?' Because it didn’t quite fit their kid audience."

DiMartino also confirmed that The Legend of Korra’s audience had been purposely aged up, stating, "Aang’s kind of middle grade and Korra’s YA, since we aged up more teenager. It just sort of naturally happened that some of the stuff got a little more dark and serious." The Legend of Korra’s content is significantly darker than that of its predecessor, from themes of trauma and depression to on-screen deaths and torture sequences that fans are still surprised were aired by Nickelodeon.

DiMartino also stated that despite the show’s success on Nickelodeon, the network was upset about acquiring a teenage audience. "A lot of teenagers were watching it and it was doing well. But for their demographics, they were like, 'We want the younger kids, we don’t want teenagers,'" he said.

Although The Legend of Korra may have struggled to get approval from Nickelodeon, the series aired to exceptional viewership, leading to the continuation of the Avatar franchise. The franchise’s upcoming animated film, Aang: The Last Airbender, will serve as the sequel movie to Avatar: The Last Airbender, following the Gaang into adulthood; it's scheduled to premiere on Jan. 30, 2026. A third series of the Avatar franchise, following the Avatar after Korra, has been confirmed by DiMartino, but no official release date has yet been announced.

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Original source: CBR.

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Fuggler Sales Soar Among Kids and Adults

Collaborations with franchises such as SpongeBob SquarePants and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles have expanded reach and amplified brand awareness for Fugglers.

Three Fugglers, including Patrick Star

The Entertainer has revealed that Fugglers – the weird and wonderfully mischievous plush toys – have been flying off the shelves, with sales increasing by 247% in the past year. The retailer is reporting that while Fugglers are popular with kids as young as five years old, they’re also appealing to teens and adults due to their quirky charm, collectability and silliness. Collaborations with franchises like Paramount's SpongeBob SquarePants and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles have expanded reach and amplified brand awareness for Fugglers, demonstrating that there’s a demand for weird, humorous and unconventional toys in the market.

The plush toys, which boast human-like teeth, vacant eyes and a ‘butt-on hole’, are now officially the third most purchased brand The Entertainer sells and according to the retailer’s buying experts, are on track to claim the top spot this year.

With 650,000 sold in recent months, insight from The Entertainer shows that a recent viral social media trend has also led to Fugglers becoming a cult sensation. Fuggler fans are hunting them down, posting and showing off their collections online, just as they do with Squishmallows. A growing trend online also sees fans ‘blinging’ up their Fugglers by adding rhinestones, accessories and outfits to give their plush monsters a unique look.

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Fugglers

The Entertainer has seen a sharp increase in Fuggler-related content across all its social media channels. And with Fuggler demand currently at an all-time high, the toy retailer has also seen demand for shoppers purchasing new releases in record time before they vanish.

The Entertainer is the home of Fugglers, manufactured by Zuru, and sells over 150 different Fuggler designs which are available across its 160+ stores and online at thetoyshop.com. The range includes Baby Fuggs, Gold Fugglers and the new Chaos Crew Fugglers, which have become best-sellers for The Entertainer. More news for Fuggler superfans is the arrival of Fuggler Gremlins, Fuggler Lord of the Rings and cute Love Fuggs, all of which are either available now, on pre-order or are coming very soon.

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Original source: Licensing.biz.

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JioHotstar Launches In India;

With the merger of Reliance-owned Viacom18 and Star India complete, JioHotstar has gone live in India, bringing together JioCinema and Disney+ Hotstar into a unified sports and entertainment content platform.

JioHotstar logo

Viacom18 operates several Paramount channels in India, including Nickelodeon, Nickelodeon Sonic, Nick Jr., and Nickelodeon HD+.

JioStar’s combined platform features some 300,000 hours and says it has 500 million users. It is available for free, with subscription tiers. The platform is available at two pricepoints—a quarterly rate of just Rs. 149 (US$1.71) for an ad-based tier, and a monthly membership of Rs. 299 (US$3.45) that’s ad-free. JioHotstar is currently operating on what was previously the Disney+ Hotstar app. The plan is to phase out the JioCinema app once its memberships have expired, according to TechCrunch. Existing customers of both JioCinema and Disney+ Hotstar will be transitioned to JioHotstar.

Kiran Mani, CEO of digital at JioStar, noted: “At the core of JioHotstar is a powerful vision—to make premium entertainment truly accessible to all Indians. Our promise of ‘Infinite Possibilities’ ensures that entertainment is no longer a privilege but a shared experience for all. By integrating AI-driven recommendations and offering streaming in over 19 languages, we are personalizing content like never before.”

“JioHotstar is setting a new benchmark for digital-first entertainment,” added Kevin Vaz, CEO of entertainment at JioStar. “The platform is immersive, inclusive and audience-centric. While we have endless entertainment to offer, we are committed to continually innovate and elevate storytelling, ensuring that every Indian, regardless of language, discovers content they love.”

In addition to housing most of Disney’s catalogue (including top kids franchises like Bluey, Inside Out and Frozen), the platform has also acquired international titles from Paramount Global, Warner Bros. Discovery, HBO and NBCUniversal.

On the kids front specifically, JioHotstar offers a mix of international franchises (such as Kung Fu Panda, Home Alone and Doraemon) and local programming (including Disney titles like tween sitcom Best of Luck Nikki and CG-animated series The Legend of Hanuman). 

Sports is a key part of the offering, with tournaments like ICC events, IPL and WPL, plus Premier League and Wimbledon. Enhanced features include ultra-HD 4K streaming, AI-powered insights, real-time stats overlays and multi-angle viewing. Sanjog Gupta, CEO for sports at JioStar, said, “Sports in India is more than just a game—it’s a shared experience that unites millions. JioHotstar is revolutionizing how fans experience live sports, combining the best of technology, access, storytelling and innovation with the fan at the heart of everything. Whether it’s the pride in India Cricket, the electric atmospherics of Premier League, passion for India’s Indigenous sports or exposure for grassroot-level competitions, we will deliver a range of experiences, catering to both ‘lean in’ and ‘lean back’ behaviors across a billion screens. We are now taking this philosophy beyond sports by bringing culture-defining live experiences to our audiences. The overwhelming response to Coldplay’s Music of the Spheres live-stream has set us off on this exciting new journey towards infinite possibilities.”

Affordability should help position the service for growth, along with its emphasis on live sports coverage and music.

Paramount Conjures Up 'Monster High' Season 2 On DVD

Paramount Home Entertainment and Nickelodeon Home Entertainment will release Monster High season two on DVD on Tuesday, February 18, 2025! The three-disc DVD boxset, featuring all 20 episodes from the sophomore season of the hit animated series, is available to pre-order today, including on Amazon.com and Walmart.

Monster High

Monster High (2022): Season Two [DVD]

Product Description

It's a new semester at Monster High! The Boo Crew find themselves navigating a variety of monstrous situations, including a vacation at Scare-adise Resort that takes a mysterious turn, a mythological showdown during a music festival, a magic-powered competitive game night, and more. Monster mayhem is always on the menu at Monster High. With each pop quiz the undead life throws their way, the fan-favorite monsters learn that they have what it takes to change the world. This 3-disc set includes all 20 episodes from Season Two with over 7 hours of spooktacular fun! Living the scream!

Product details
MPAA rating: Unrated (Not Rated)
Age Rating: TV-Y7
Package Dimensions: 7.5 x 5.25 x 0.5 inches; 10.56 ounces
Media Format: Subtitled, NTSC, DVD
Run time: 7 hours and 30 minutes
Release date: February 18, 2025
Actors: Gabrielle Nevaeh, Iris Menas, Courtney Lin, Tony Revolori
Dubbed: English, Spanish
Studio: PARAMOUNT
ASIN: B0DN3H6JQT
Country of Origin: USA
Number of discs: 3

Everyone’s Favorite Boo Crew Returns To The Haunted Halls Of Monster High

MONSTER HIGH (2022) - SEASON TWO

Available on DVD on February 18. 2025

LOS ANGELES, CA – (February 13, 2025) –It’s a new semester at Monster High! The Boo Crew find themselves navigating a variety of monstrous situations where monster mayhem is always on the menu. With each pop quiz the undead life throws their way, the fan-favorite monsters learn that they have what it takes to change the world. The progressive new Monster High series is all about identity, acceptance, and empowerment.  and Season Two promises audiences more stories centered on these themes which make them fierce and fearless: just what they need to make their school – and the world – a better place.

The reimagined Monster High (2022) - Season Two follows the iconic teenage children of legendary monsters Clawdeen Wolf, Draculaura, Frankie Stein, Deuce Gorgon and friends as they discover who they are in the one place where they all belong: Monster High.

Monster High (2022): Season Two features original and legacy characters alike, includes all 20 episodes and will be available in this 3-disc set from Paramount Home Entertainment and Nickelodeon Home Entertainment on Tuesday, February 18th, 2025 for the suggested retail price of $13.99.

Monster High (2022): Season Two – Episode List – Disc One
·      Rule School Part One
·      Rule School Part Two
·      New Witch in Town
·      Play It Again, Clawd
·      Mummy In The Mirror
·      How To Scare A Banshee
·      So Chill
·      Mix Up Meowlody
·      The Haunted Sand Castle Caper Part One
·      The Haunted Sand Castle Caper Part Two
·      Fangs For The Memories
·      Two-Riffic
·      Monster High-Jinx
·      Vamps Just Wanna Have Fun

Monster High (2022): Season Two – Episode List – Disc Two
·      The Babysitters’ Crypt
·      Humans In High School
·      Dawn Of The Dread
·      Frankie Patrol
·      The Deuce Date
·      Big Paw, Little Paw
·      Ghoulishly Ghoul-Ma
·      Gil To The Rescue
·      Oh Rats
·      Fired Up
·      The Shapeshiftian Candidate Part One
·      The Shapeshiftian Candidate Part Two
·      Codex Come Back
·      Officially Complicated

Monster High (2022): Season Two – Episode List – Disc Three
·      Little Smoothie Shop of Horrors
·      The Great Bat Detective
·      You’ve Got Meow
·      Finnegan Faces The Music
·      Monster Fest Part 1
·      Monster Fest Part 2
·      Monster Fest Part 3
·      Monster Fest Part 4
·      Attack Of The Besties
·      Night Of The Living Frog
·      One Were To Rule Them All Part One
·      One Were to Rule Them All Part Two

Monster High Season Two synopsis:

It’s a new semester at Monster High! The Boo Crew find themselves navigating a variety of monstrous situations, including a vacation at Scare-adise Resort that takes a mysterious turn, a mythological showdown during a music festival, a magic-powered competitive game night, and more. Monster mayhem is always on the menu at Monster High. With each pop quiz the undead life throws their way, the fan-favorite monsters learn that they have what it takes to change the world. This 3-disc set includes all 20 episodes from Season Two with over 7 hours of spooktacular fun! 

Monster High (2022): Season Two fast facts:
Street Date: February 18, 2025
DVD: 191329273678 (DVD)
Closed Captioning: English SDH
Audio: 5.1 Dolby Digital AC3 Surround (English + Spanish)
Video: Widescreen
Total Run Time: 7 hrs, 1 min
US Rating: PG
US MSRP: $13.99 (DVD)

About Mattel

Mattel is a leading global toy and family entertainment company and owner of one of the most iconic brand portfolios in the world. We engage consumers and fans through our franchise brands, including Barbie®, Hot Wheels®, Fisher-Price®, American Girl®, Thomas & Friends™, UNO®, Masters of the Universe®, Matchbox®, Monster High®, MEGA® and Polly Pocket®, as well as other popular properties that we own or license in partnership with global entertainment companies. Our offerings include toys, content, consumer products, digital and live experiences. Our products are sold in collaboration with the world’s leading retail and ecommerce companies. Since its founding in 1945, Mattel is proud to be a trusted partner in empowering generations to explore the wonder of childhood and reach their full potential. Visit us at mattel.com.

About Nickelodeon

Nickelodeon, now in its 45th year, is the number one entertainment brand for kids. It has built a diverse, global business by putting kids first in everything it does. The brand includes television programming and production in the United States and around the world, plus consumer products, digital, location-based experiences, publishing, and feature films. For more information or artwork, visit http://www.paramountpressexpress.com/nickelodeon. Nickelodeon is a part of Paramount’s (Nasdaq: PARA, PARAA) global portfolio of multimedia entertainment brands.

About Paramount Home Entertainment

Paramount Home Entertainment (PHE) is part of Paramount Pictures Corporation (PPC), a global producer and distributor of filmed entertainment. PPC is a unit of Paramount (NASDAQ: PARA, PARAA), a leading global media and entertainment company that creates premium content and experiences for audiences worldwide. The PHE division oversees PPC’s home entertainment and transactional digital distribution activities worldwide. The division is responsible for the sales, marketing, and distribution of home entertainment content on behalf of Paramount Pictures, Paramount Animation, Paramount Television Studios, Paramount Players, MTV, Nickelodeon, Comedy Central and CBS and applicable licensing and servicing of certain DreamWorks Animation titles. PHE additionally manages global licensing of studio content and transactional distribution across worldwide digital distribution platforms including online mobile and portable devices and emerging technologies.

About Paramount Pictures

Paramount Pictures Corporation (PPC), a global producer and distributor of filmed entertainment, is a unit of Paramount (NASDAQ: PARA, PARAA), a leading global media and entertainment company that creates premium content and experiences for audiences worldwide. Paramount Pictures controls a collection of some of the most powerful brands in filmed entertainment, including Paramount Pictures, Paramount Animation, and Paramount Players. PPC operations also include Paramount Home Entertainment, Paramount Pictures International, Paramount Licensing Inc., and Paramount Studio Group.

MONSTER HIGH™ and associated trademarks and trade dress are owned by Mattel. ©2025 Mattel. Nickelodeon is a trademark of Viacom International

***

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'Monster High: Season Two' DVD Cover Art (3D)

'Monster High: Season Two' DVD Cover Art

Monster High™: Skulltimate Secrets™ is out now on PC and all consoles! Find out more here!: http://www.nickalive.net/2024/10/monster-high-skulltimate-secrets.html

Stream a Mountain of Entertainment, including your Nickelodeon favorites on Paramount+! Try it FREE at ParamountPlus.com!

Shop your Nickelodeon faves at ParamountShop.com


Originally published: January 08, 2025.

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Tonies Introduce Listen & Play Bags, Featuring PAW Patrol, Peppa Pig and More

For little adventurers at home or on the go, Tonies' brand new Listen & Play Bags keep all their goodies safe and sound - so no more missing Tonies, just endless fun wherever they roam!

PAW Patrol | Tonies Listen & Play Bags

Children’s audio system Tonies® are introducing Listen & Play Bags, a brand new range of carry cases for the Toniebox and figurines!

With space for a Toniebox, headphones, charging station and lots of Tonies, the all-new Listen & Play Bags are perfect for keeping tonies essentials safe and sound and in one place. There’s even a flap so users can open up the speaker for songs and stories on-the-go. And don’t worry about the odd bump and tumble – the bags are robust and easy to clean, with padded dividers and mesh pockets to keep everything snug as a tonies bug.

Peppa Pig | Tonies Listen & Play Bags

Tonies' Listen & Play Bags are available in a wide range of designs, including bags featuring licensed properties PAW PatrolPeppa Pig and Disney's Frozen.

Tonies' Listen & Play Bags collection is available to purchase today at tonies.com.

PAW Patrol | Tonies Listen & Play Bags
Peppa Pig | Tonies Listen & Play Bags

Peppa Pig | Tonies Listen & Play Bags

PAW Patrol | Tonies Listen & Play Bags

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