Entertainment One (eOne) is gearing up for the debut of Ricky Zoom on Channel 5’s multiplatform preschool brand, Milkshake!, which is set to air episodes from series 1 daily (Monday-Friday) from Monday 20th April 2020.
To crank up excitement around the show’s terrestrial launch in the UK, Milkshake! is supporting it with pre-promotional on-air exposure and social media support nearer the time of transmission.
eOne is backing its latest preschool property with an investment in PR and digital marketing activity to drive tune-in. Building on the company’s previous success with music releases for Peppa Pig and PJ Masks, eOne is readying the digital release of three Ricky Zoom songs that will include an extended version of the theme tune and two all-new original songs, which will be available on streaming platforms from mid-April. A nationwide influencer outreach campaign spanning parenting influencers, with a combined platform of 1.2m across the UK, will promote the positive brand values of fun and family to encourage co-viewing and kids to create their own outdoor bike-style adventures together.
“Adding to our existing strong roster of international broadcasters, we’re thrilled to be bringing Ricky Zoom to the No.1 weekday pre-school destination in the UK” said eOne’s Monica Candiani, EVP, Content Sales, Family & Brands. “The show is full of enjoyable all-bike adventures that will ignite young imaginations and we look forward to introducing the colourful world of Wheelford to future fans in the UK ahead of the consumer products roll-out later this year.”
The launch of Ricky Zoom on Channel 5 follows a strong debut for the show last autumn on Nick Jr. in the UK where it has been viewed by nearly 1.5m to date. The show will join Nick Jr.’s promotional slate in Easter with a seasonal episode special set to air for audiences during the school holidays. The growing broadcast exposure will drive awareness for Ricky Zoom as eOne builds up to the consumer products roll-out in autumn which will see additional toys released by master toy partner, Tomy.
Ricky Zoom follows the adventures of Ricky, a little red rescue bike, and his loyal Bike Buddies as they zoom around their Wheelford community helping others, trying out new stunts, and learning to stand on their own two wheels.
Meet the Bike Buddies along for the ride:
- Ricky Zoom – A little rescue bike that loves to go fast, Ricky is a loyal friend and natural leader of the Bike Buddies.
- Loop Hoopla – An adventurous dirt bike with a happy-go-lucky attitude, Loop loves having fun and trying crazy new stunts.
- Scootio Wizzbang – Scootio is bright, brainy and never afraid to speak her mind. She loves using her technical genius and gadgets to solve problems.
- DJ Rumbler – DJ has a huge heart and would do anything for his friends. He also has a super toolbox and a robotic arm, so there is nothing he cannot build—or knock down.
Developed by Emmy Award-winning creator Alexander Bar and production house Frog Box, Ricky Zoom highlights the importance of friendship, resourcefulness, community and teamwork. Celebrating differences is one of many zoomtastic themes within the series. The series has been renewed for season two.
The news comes as both Milkshake! and Nick Jr. are ramping up their content amid the school closures due to the coronavirus pandemic. Additionally highlights include Nick Jr. Too becoming Nick Jr. Peppa throughout April.
More Nick: Milkshake!, Nickelodeon UK Ramp Up Content Due to Coronavirus Pandemic!
Original source: Toy World Magazine; Additional source: TVKIDS.
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