Tuesday, September 01, 2026

'SpongeBob' x 'One Piece' Happy Meal Collab Confirmed to Set Sail Into McDonald's

It looks like what started as a food-leaker rumor is turning into a near-confirmed reality thanks to McDonald's Australia and New Zealand.

'SpongeBob SquarePants' x 'One Piece' McDonald's Happy Meal Collab

Key Takeaways (no pun intended)

  • McDonald’s is reportedly gearing up to drop a SpongeBob SquarePants x One Piece Happy Meal collab in Australia and New Zealand, after food leaker Snackolator first surfaced images of mashup toys online.
  • The leaked lineup includes seven character pairings like SpongeBob and Luffy, Squidward and Sanji, and Plankton and Usopp, with designs that look on-brand enough that fans are debating whether they're official or AI-made.
  • For now the promo appears to be New Zealand–only, following the region’s current Spider-Man: Brand New Day Happy Meal set, and McDonald's hasn't posted a launch date on its NZ site yet.

McDonald’s is rumored to be getting ready to launch Happy Meal toys that combine the worlds of two beloved franchises: SpongeBob SquarePants and One Piece.

According to popular food leaker Snackolator, the company's Australia and New Zealand locations will be releasing Happy Meals that feature seven different toys combining the worlds of one of Nickelodeon’s most popular TV shows and one of the biggest manga properties in the world.

(L-R) 'SpongeBob SquarePants' and 'One Piece'
(L-R) 'SpongeBob SquarePants' and 'One Piece.' | YouTube/Nickelodeon | YouTube/Netflix | Complex

Snackolator, who has a track record of accurately revealing food before it's officially announced, posted about the collab on Tuesday, July 28, unveiling seven different combo toys that should be released: SpongeBob and Luffy, Squidward and Sanji, Plankton and Usopp, Mrs. Puff and Linlin, Gary and Chopper, Mr. Krabs and Jinbe, and Larry and Franky.


Accompanying his announcement appears to be an official look at the toys. Keep in mind, it could be AI — but the collabs all look very realistic and properly reflective of the characters' aesthetics.

The bad news is that if you don’t live in Australia or New Zealand, you're out of luck. It appears that this collab is for Australia and New Zealand only for the time being, however, the image does tease that collab may rollout in additional countries.

SpongeBob SquarePants x One Piece

The promotion would follow McDonald's currently active Spider-Man: Brand New Day toy set in the Australia/NZ market. A specific launch date has not been posted on McDonald’s websites in either region at the time of posting.

Update (8/18) - The SpongeBob x One Piece Happy Meal collaboration has been confirmed!

The collaboration will be available with every purchase of a McDonald’s Happy Meal, and according to the official One Piece website, is happening this month (August 2026, subject to region) in the following countries:

  • Americas: Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, Paraguay, Peru, Uruguay, Venezuela, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Mexico, Nicaragua, Panama, Canada, United States
  • Europe: Belgium, France, Germany, Netherlands, Switzerland, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Latvia, Lithuania, Norway, Sweden, Croatia, Cyprus, Greece, Italy, Malta, Portugal, Slovenia, Spain, Austria, Bulgaria, Czech Republic, Hungary, Moldova, Poland, Romania, Slovakia, Ukraine, Serbia, Georgia, Turkey
  • Asia: China, Hong Kong, South Korea, Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Brunei, Vietnam, Laos, Myanmar, Cambodia
  • Oceania: Australia, Fiji, New Zealand
  • Middle East: Israel

Ironically, there are no current plans to roll out the collab in Japan, however.

The advertisement was directed by Parker Simmons, who provided storyboards to both Toei and Paramount, who each animated their separate properties and handled post production internally. SpongeBob's boarding and posing was done by crew member Simon Edwards with animation from Rough Draft Korea.

The Happy Meal box features pictures of SpongeBob and Luffy's face joining as one. Each meal also comes with a pack of SpongeBob x One Piece trading cards.

Update (8/26): The One Piece x SpongeBob SquarePants McDonald's promotion is now live in Canada, and will be coming soon to the U.S.!

Update (9/1): The One Piece x SpongeBob SquarePants collab will launch in the U.S. on Tuesday, September 15!

SpongeBob x One Piece Happy Meal characters

  • Plankton × Usopp
  • Sandy Cheeks × Nami
  • Larry the Lobster × Franky
  • Mrs. Puff × Big Mom (Charlotte Linlin)
  • Squidward × Sanji
  • Flying Dutchman × Blackbeard (Marshall D. Teach)
  • Pearl Krabs × Nico Robin
  • Gary × Tony Tony Chopper
  • SpongeBob SquarePants × Monkey D. Luffy
  • Patrick Star × Roronoa Zoro
  • Mr. Krabs × Jinbe
  • SpongeBob SquarePants × Gear 5 Luffy

Commercial:



Watch the SpongeBob SquarePants Universe, including Kamp Koral: SpongeBob's Under Years and The Patrick Star Show on Nickelodeon and Paramount+! Try it at ParamountPlus.com.


Add NickALive! to Google Preferred Sources

Listen to The SpongeBob Musical here!

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! Subscribe now at https://www.youtube.com/SpongeBobOfficial!

Subscribe to the official Patrick Star YouTube Channel: https://bit.ly/PatrickStarSubscribe


SpongeBob Big Guy Pants Okay.

Originally published: July 29, 2026.


SpongeBob D. Luffy. SpongeBob x Luffy.
Follow NickALive! on Twitter, Reddit, Instagram, Facebook, Google News, Tumblr, via RSS and more for the latest Nickelodeon and SpongeBob SquarePants Universe News and Highlights!
Posted at No comments:
Labels: , , , , , , , , ,

Creative Educators Network Announces Friday Field Trips, Mitchell McClung Award Honorees, and Rainn Wilson Keynote for 2026 Burbank Institute

Creative Educators Network Announces Friday Field Trips, Mitchell McClung Award Honorees, and Rainn Wilson Keynote for 2026 Burbank Institute

Creative Educators Network Logo
Creative Educators Network

LOS ANGELES, Aug. 26, 2026 -- The Creative Educators Network (CEN) returns to Burbank September 23 through September 25, 2026 with a high-impact event celebrating creative educators and connecting them to the robust creative industries of Los Angeles. This year's Institute will celebrate individuals who are making a great impact on creative workforce education and will offer a three-day program with a full slate of Friday Field Trips hosted by leading industry partners.

Kick-Off Event

This year's Kick-Off Event will feature the third annual Mitchell McClung Awards, honoring an outstanding creative educator and industry partner for their commitment to preparing young creatives. The Creative Educators Network congratulates this year's recipients: Julia Pinhey, Visual and Performing Arts Director & Technical Theatre Instructor at Santa Susana High School, and Sony Pictures Entertainment. Sony Pictures Entertainment is a longtime supporter of Creative Educators Network and its annual Sony Ambassador program, which provides 20 students with training and real work experience at the Institute. Sony Pictures' award will be accepted on their behalf by Lani Monos, Vice President, Global Corporate Social Responsibility.

"This year's winners embody the service and commitment to the field that the Mitchell McClung Award celebrates. Julia Pinhey's rigorous, industry-connected Technical Theatre program at Santa Susana prepares students to turn their passion into careers, with many going on to work professionally across Los Angeles. Sony Pictures has shown that same commitment through its sustained leadership of the Ambassador program, giving four cohorts of Los Angeles students access to training, paid work-based learning, and the professional and personal connections that can open doors for years to come." - Ashley Adams, Executive Director, Creative Educators Network.

This year, the Institute will also posthumously honor Herb Trawick, celebrated producer and record executive, with a special Mitchell McClung Award recognizing his lasting contributions to the industry and his instrumental work on the new CA-AED Standards.

"Herb Trawick understood that the future of the creative industries depends on who we bring into the room. He leveraged his relationships, credibility, and deep industry knowledge to connect educators and emerging talent with the people doing the work. His impact will live on through the legacy he created with Pensado's Place and the pathways he helped build for aspiring music industry professionals." - Allison Frenzel, Education Programs Consultant, CA Department of Education.

The Kick-Off will also feature a keynote from beloved actor from The Office, Rainn Wilson, along with a student performance by the students of Santa Susana High School.

Friday Field Trips

The Institute's Friday Field Trips will give educators an inside look at the studios and companies shaping the creative industries. Host partners include:

  • Gnomon
  • Ableton
  • Disney Live Entertainment
  • Volt
  • Nickelodeon
  • Sony Digital Media Production Center
  • Key Code Media
  • IATSE Local 80
  • MUD
  • CA Film Commission

The Creative Educators Network Burbank Institute is more than an event, it's a celebration of creativity, resilience, and the transformative power of investing in the future of the creative workforce. Join us for three days dedicated to professional growth, industry alignment, and the future of creative learning.

Whether you're a seasoned creative educator or new to the field, the 2026 Creative Educators Network Burbank Institute is your opportunity to gain fresh tools, make meaningful connections, and be inspired by the future of creative education. Registration and more information available here.

About Creative Educators Network- The Creative Educators Network (formerly the AME Institute) envisions a world where all students, and particularly those furthest from opportunity, have the access and preparation needed to succeed in the creative workforce of today and tomorrow. We realize this vision by equipping educators with the tools and training they need to empower the next generation of our creative workforce. Sponsors include Sony Pictures Entertainment, Snap Foundation, California Film Commission, Focusrite, Soundtrap, Adobe, Dolby, Key Code Media, Visit Burbank, Figma, Lenovo, and Wacom.

Learn more about the Creative Educators Network at www.creativeeducatorsnetwork.org/

###

Shop Paramount+ at ParamountShop.com

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

Add NickALive! to Google Preferred Sources


Official Creative Educators Network press release courtesy of PR Newswire.
Follow NickALive! on Twitter, Reddit, Instagram, Facebook, Google News, Tumblr, via RSS and more for the latest Nickelodeon News and Highlights!
Posted at No comments:
Labels: , , , , , ,

Pluto TV Expands Its Anime Strategy with Major Franchises, Broader English Dub Access and New Simulcast Programming

PLUTO TV EXPANDS ITS ANIME STRATEGY WITH MAJOR FRANCHISES, BROADER ENGLISH DUB ACCESS AND NEW SIMULCAST PROGRAMMING

One-Punch Man and Kenichi: The Mightiest Disciple Debut on Pluto TV with Free Streaming's Only English Dubs, Alongside New Channels and Expanded Dub Access to Fan-Favorite Anime

Anime on Pluto TV
Pluto TV

LOS ANGELES, Aug 31 — Anime is a growing part of how Pluto TV reaches adults 18-34, its fastest-growing audience, as the platform builds a more deliberate, curated free streaming experience for younger viewers. This September Pluto TV is expanding its anime offering with a new slate of titles, broader English dub access and two new linear channels, bringing some of the genre's most acclaimed and widely watched titles to a free streaming audience for the first time.

More than 45 billion minutes of anime content were streamed in the U.S. in 2025, according to Nielsen, underscoring the genre's growing place in mainstream entertainment. On Pluto TV, adults 18-34 account for nearly half of anime viewing hours, while viewers who watch anime spend nearly three times as many hours on the platform as viewers across the rest of the service.

Building on the recent arrival of English-dubbed and subtitled versions of global mega-hits Vinland Saga and Dororo, the lineup adds Inuyashiki: Last Hero and Kabaneri of the Iron Fortress, as well as One-Punch Man and Kenichi: The Mightiest Disciple, both available for the first time in free streaming with English dubs. The expansion also brings broader dub access to NARUTO, Pretty Guardian Sailor Moon, Inuyasha, Zom 100: Bucket List of the Dead and Captain Tsubasa, already popular series on the free streamer.

Two new channels are also joining the platform in September: It's Anime and Big A Anime. It's Anime features an English-dub-focused lineup spanning current series, catalog favorites and fresh simulcasts from Japan. Big A Anime features a curated lineup of acclaimed anime series and films, including Vinland Saga, Dororo and titles from the Kabaneri of the Iron Fortress franchise, alongside fan-focused programming including Anime Showdown and specials from major anime and pop culture events.

"Anime is one of the biggest genres for young audiences today, and it's only growing," said Will Gurman, SVP, Content Partnerships & Programming, Pluto TV. "Expanding dub access opens the door for viewers who might not otherwise try anime, while our deeper catalog keeps growing for the fans who've been with the genre for years. We're building a destination that works for this big and growing audience."

Pluto TV's anime offering is already anchored by some of the genre’s most recognizable and enduring franchises, including One Piece, NARUTO, Pretty Guardian Sailor Moon, Hunter x Hunter, Death Note and Yu-Gi-Oh!. Now, more than 1,300 hours of programming will add even greater depth across a range of anime subgenres. Additional titles joining the on-demand and linear channel line-up with both dubs and subs include:

  • Vampire Knight — Day and Night class coexist at Cross Academy, despite the fact the Night Class are all vampires!
  • Kabaneri of the Iron Fortress — The action series set in a world overrun by iron-plated monsters.
  • Terror in Resonance — The psychological thriller following two young men carrying out a bombing campaign across Tokyo.
  • Mononoke — The supernatural horror series known for its distinct visual style and folklore-driven mysteries.
  • Hikaru no Go — Hikaru Shindo’s life changes when ancient Go master Fujiwara-no-Sai possesses him.

The anime expansion extends a content strategy built around titles with cultural relevance and devoted fan communities, following recent series additions including X-Files, The 100, Arrow, Hart of Dixie, My Wife and Kids, Alias, Burn Notice, Jane the Virgin and Crazy Ex-Girlfriend.

###

Shop Paramount+ at ParamountShop.com

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

Add NickALive! to Google Preferred Sources


Follow NickALive! on Twitter, Reddit, Instagram, Facebook, Google News, Tumblr, via RSS and more for the latest Nickelodeon and Pluto TV News and Highlights!
Posted at No comments:
Labels: , , , , , , , , , ,

Weekly Original Sports Series 'NFL Play Action' to Launch on Paramount+ September 9

WEEKLY ORIGINAL SPORTS SERIES NFL PLAY ACTION TO LAUNCH ON PARAMOUNT+ SEPTEMBER 9

'NFL Play Action' Key Art
Paramount+

August 28, 2026 – Paramount+ goes inside the game with the launch of NFL Play Action, a new weekly original sports series that breaks down the week’s biggest NFL matchups. Executive produced by NFL MVP and Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen, Skydance Sports, and the NFL, the magazine-style studio show debuts on September 9 and tackles 360 degrees of the NFL for a co-viewing, family audience: football, fashion, food, follies, and more. Thirteen 30-minute episodes stream globally on Paramount+ every Wednesday night.

Hosted by Kyle Brandt (Good Morning Football) and co-hosted by fitness instructor, media personality and entrepreneur Ally Love, NFL Play Action brings a fresh, dynamic energy to game week, pairing Brandt's football pedigree with Love's fluency of sports, fashion, and entertainment. Together, they'll anchor the can't-miss weekly cultural recap of NFL football this fall, spotlighting the biggest storylines, stars, and moments both on and off the field.


The sports series is produced by Skydance Sports, with Jesse Sisgold, Jon Weinbach, Lauren Gaffney, Chris Ogden, and Matt Greenfield as Executive Producers for Skydance Sports, Josh Allen and Lindsey Cohen, and Ross Ketover, Ken Rodgers, Keith Cossrow and Jessica Boddy executive producing for NFL Films. Kyle Brandt also executive produces, and Dan Marks and Ben Davies serve as co-executive producers for the series.

The series complements Paramount+’s lineup of CBS Sports’ NFL coverage, which includes every live NFL ON CBS game in the local market, THE NFL TODAY, THE NFL TODAY+ and daily coverage from CBS Sports HQ.

'NFL Play Action' Key Art/Poster
Paramount+

***

About Paramount, a Skydance Corporation
Paramount, a Skydance Corporation (Nasdaq: PSKY) is a leading, next‑generation global media and entertainment company, comprised of three business segments: Studios, Direct-to-Consumer, and TV Media. The Company's portfolio unites legendary brands, including Paramount Pictures, Paramount Television, CBS, CBS News, CBS Sports, Nickelodeon, MTV, BET, Comedy Central, SHOWTIME®, Paramount+, Pluto TV, Skydance Animation, Film, Television, and Interactive/Games, and the newly established Paramount Sports Entertainment. For more information, please visit www.paramount.com.

About Skydance Sports
Skydance Sports is the industry-leading sports content studio behind critically acclaimed films and series including the Golden Globe-nominated Air (Amazon), America’s Team: The Gambler and His Cowboys (Netflix), Hard Knocks: Offseason with the New York Giants (HBO), and Emmy-nominated Rafa (Netflix). Upcoming projects include docuseries The Dynasty: UConn Huskies (Apple TV), Hulu drama series The Land from Dan Fogelman, and Mr. Irrelevant, a theatrical film with Paramount Pictures.

@ParamountPlus
@PeakParamount
#ParamountPlus

# # #

Shop Paramount+ at ParamountShop.com

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

Add NickALive! to Google Preferred Sources


H/T: TheFutonCritic.com; Additional imagery courtesy of Vital Thrills.
Follow NickALive! on Twitter, Reddit, Instagram, Facebook, Google News, Tumblr, via RSS and more for the latest Nickelodeon, Paramount Plus and NFL Slimetime News and Highlights!
Posted at No comments:
Labels: , , , , , , , , , ,

Paramount+ Renews Carl Weber's 'Black Hamptons' and 'Family Business', and Tyler Perry's 'Divorced Sistas' and 'Zatima' for Additional Seasons

PARAMOUNT+ RENEWS CARL WEBER'S BLACK HAMPTONS AND FAMILY BUSINESS, AND TYLER PERRY'S DIVORCED SISTAS AND ZATIMA FOR ADDITIONAL SEASONS

'Divorced Sistas', 'Family Business', 'Zatima', 'Black Hamptons'
Paramount+/BET Studios

August 27, 2026 - Paramount+, in partnership with BET Studios, today announced the renewal of The Black Hamptons (Season 3), Tyler Perry's Divorced Sistas (Season 3), The Family Business (Season 7) and Tyler Perry's Zatima (Season 6).

From the drama and intrigue of Black Hamptons to the enduring, tightly bound family sagas of Family Business, Tyler Perry's Zatima and Divorced Sistas - these series are a testament to the deep connection these characters and their worlds have built with fans season after season.

'The Black Hamptons' Key Art
Paramount+/BET Studios

Title: The Black Hamptons
Season: 3
EPs: Carl Weber, ND Brown Jones, Trey Haley
Logline: In this adaptation of Carl Weber's novel, the Britton family faces high tensions with the newly arrived Johnsons in the upscale Black town of Sag Harbor, NY.
Talent: Lamman Rucker, Vanessa Bell Calloway, Elise Neal, Brian White, Karon Riley, and Mike Merrill
Episode count: 10 Eps

'The Family Business' Key Art
Paramount+/BET Studios

Title: The Family Business
Season: 7
EPs: Carl Weber, ND Brown Jones, Trey Haley, Ernie Hudson
Logline: The wealthy Duncans run their lucrative New York-based criminal enterprise with iron fists, and family always comes first.
Talent: Ernie Hudson, Valarie Pettiford, Darrin Dewitt, Javicia Leslie, Tami Roman, Sean Ringgold, Michael Jai White, Arrington Foster and Lisa Raye McCoy.
Episode count: 10 Eps

'Tyler Perry's Divorced Sistas' Key Art
Paramount+/BET Studios

Title: Tyler Perry's Divorced Sistas
Season: 3
EPs: Created, directed, written and executive produced by Tyler Perry.
Logline: What begins as one confession cracks open everything this group of women thought they were protecting. Years of deception, half-truths, and emotional compromises finally surface, forcing Rasheda, Geneva, Naomi, Tiffany, and Bridgette to confront not just the men in their lives, but one another.
Talent: LeToya Luckett, Khadeen Indréa, Porscha Coleman, Briana Price, Jennifer Sears, DeVon Franklin, Ronreaco Lee, and Robert Christopher Riley.
Episode count: 16 Eps

'Tyler Perry's Zatima' Key Art
Paramount+/BET Studios

Title: Tyler Perry's Zatima
Season: 6
EPs: Created and executive produced by Tyler Perry.
Logline: Revelations are birthed from misunderstandings, lessons of love and loss are painstakingly learned, and forgiveness and reconciliation dominate. For Zac and Fatima, the fight to protect their family becomes the center of everything as they learn what it truly takes to hold a life and a future... Together.
Talent: DeVale Ellis, Crystal Reneé Hayslett, Nzinga Imani, Remington Hoffman, Cameron Fuller and Guyviaud Joseph.
Episode count: 16 Eps

About Paramount+:

Paramount+ is the global flagship streaming home of premium original series and entertainment from some of the most enduring brands in television to subscribers around the world. Drawing on decades of beloved IP, Paramount+ also features a diverse offering of live sports, feature films, news and series from across the Paramount portfolio including CBS hits like Marshals and Tracker, all BET Original Series, the Avatar animated universe from Nickelodeon and more. It is a key pillar of the Direct-to-Consumer division at Paramount, a Skydance Corporation (Nasdaq: PSKY), whose portfolio spans Paramount Pictures, Pluto TV, and Skydance Animation, Games and Sports divisions. For more information, visit www.paramount.com.

###

Shop Paramount+ at ParamountShop.com

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

Add NickALive! to Google Preferred Sources


Official Paramount+ press release courtesy of TheFutonCritic.com; Imagery courtesy of Vital Thrills.
Follow NickALive! on Twitter, Reddit, Instagram, Facebook, Google News, Tumblr, via RSS and more for the latest Nickelodeon and Paramount Plus News and Highlights!
Posted at No comments:
Labels: , , , , , , , ,
Subscribe to: Posts (Atom)