Monday, August 27, 2012

Nickelodeon Decides Not To Renew "How to Rock" For A Second Season; Series To Conclude With Festive Christmas Holiday Special Called Called "How To Rock Christmas" In December 2012

Breaking Nickelodeon News - David Israel, who is the Executive Producer on Nickelodeon's live-action comedy show "How to Rock", has announced and confirmed in a blog post on his official Tumblr blog, "On The Emmus", that Nickelodeon has decided to cancel and to not renew "How to Rock" for a second season (season 2), marking Nickelodeon's fourth live-action show cancellation this year, behind the hit Nickelodeon shows "iCarly", "Bucket & Skinner's Epic Adventures" and "Victorious", which were cancelled by Nickelodeon earlier this year.

Although David Israel, who also served as showrunner on Nickelodeon's "How To Rock", expressed his disappointment and acknowledged the disappointment of the Nickelodeon show's many fans at the Nickelodeon News, David Israel took the opportunity to remind "How To Rock" fans and Nickelodeon viewers the good news that there are still nine brand new episodes of "How To Rock" that Nickelodeon USA will be premiering and showing soon, and that the last episode (series finale) will be a 'tremendous, festive, funny and touching' Christmas holiday special called "How To Rock Christmas", where fans will be able to see Kevin Reed (Christopher O'Neal) and Nelson Baxter (Noah Crawford) dressed as elves, which Nickelodeon USA have scheduled to premiere on Saturday 8th December 2012 (transmission (TX) time to be confirmed by Nickelodeon USA).

Fans of Nickelodeon Stars Noah Crawford and Christopher O'Neal will also be able to continue to watch them on their brand new Nickelodeon show "You Gotta See This".

Below is David M. Israel's full statement about Nickelodeon's decision to not renew "How To Rock" for a second season, from his official Tumblr blog, "On The Emmus":
How To Rock The Future

Hey, HTR Fans.

David Israel here. How to Rock’s showrunner and Executive Producer.

There have been rumors swirling around about the future of How To Rock so I thought it time to set the record straight. Nickelodeon has decided, unfortunately, not to give How To Rock a second season. I know this news will be very disappointing for many of you. Believe me, it’s disappointing for me, too.

Why isn’t the show coming back? There’s no one simple answer. NIckelodeon is going through a transition right now. You already know that iCarly and Victorious are not coming back. Nickelodeon has many new shows in production and development that they believe will better suit their audience. While I don’t love their decision, I have no choice other than to accept it. The Nickelodeon executives who’ve worked on the development and production of How to Rock have been incredibly supportive of the show this past year. They’re good people who want nothing more than to make the best shows for their audience. I know it wasn’t an easy decision for them — they truly do like the show — and I’m grateful for the time and energy they’ve put in to make How To Rock as good as it is. Or was.

There is good news. We made 26 episodes. You’ve only seen 17 of them. Meaning — quick, do the math — there are NINE new episodes still to come and Nick will be showing all of them. Seasons of British shows are often 6 episodes. So if you think British right now, you still have a season and half of new How To Rocks. Smashing.

The next episode that will air is “How To Rock a Singing Telegram” on September 22nd. In it, Gravity 5 raises money for the school by performing singing telegrams in several different musical styles (including one like Big Time Rush, which is awesome). At the heart of the episode is a touching story about friendship. I know you’ll all like it. On September 29th, you’ll see “How To Rock a Yearbook” where Gravity 5 tries to get their own yearbook page, just like the Perfs have. The Perfs, of course, are two steps ahead. You’ll also learn why Zander is so secretive about last year’s yearbook from his old school — and why Stevie and Kevin will stop at nothing to uncover the secret.

There are 3 new episodes in October, including “How To Rock a High School Sensation” with special guest star Romeo Miller and “How To Rock a Camping Trip” in which you’ll be shocked which of the gang takes charge after Zander eats some bad berries. The acoustic campfire version of “Only You Can Be You” will melt you.

Our season — and series — will conclude on December 8th with “How To Rock Christmas.” Tremendous episode. Festive, funny, touching… and Kevin and Nelson are dresses as elves.

My biggest regret about How To Rock not getting a 2nd season is that I won’t be going to work everyday with the truly remarkable people who made the show happen. You know the cast and they are all incredibly talented and gracious people. Cymphonique, Samantha, Halston, Lulu, Max, Chris, Noah, Kirk, Jacob and our many guest stars brought the show to life by truly committing themselves to their characters. (Though I’m not sure Chris and Noah were ever really acting — they are that ridiculous.) I will miss our run-throughs and rehearsals and their pre-show rituals that I was fairly close to figuring out. (“Bunny bunny bunny bunny…”) All of them will continue to shine on screens and stages for years to come and I hope they look back at their How To Rock days with pride.

Behind the cast were a team of writers, producers, directors, production staff and a tireless, phenomenal crew who poured their collective hearts and souls into the show to make sure it looked good, sounded good and felt like a show worthy of being on Nickelodeon or any other channel. We never settled for average, always strived for excellence, and I think we hit far more home runs than we struck out. (Sam and Halston, that is a baseball reference. Can explain it to u more privately.)

Thank you, cast and crew, for your hard work and passion. This past year has been the best professional experience of my life. I hope it was as fun and rewarding for you as it was for me.

And then there are you fans. Wow are you people devoted. Especially you Shippers. As this was my first Nickelodeon show, I have never experienced fandom like I’ve seen on How To Rock. I’ve been overwhelmed (and slightly terrified) by your passion for the show and detailed observations of moments that occurred in various episodes. I am truly sorry that the How To Rock storylines won’t be continuing for multiple seasons because I know you would have been following — and complaining — every step of the way. You have no idea how gratifying it is — Chris and Noah, now would be a good time to google “gratifying” — to have the characters you helped create and develop strike such a chord with so many people. I’ve loved reading your comments about the show on Twitter (even those from the fearsome Zevie Nation) and look forward to seeing what you have to say about the final nine episodes. (Except those from the fearsome Zevie Nation).

I did read some comments about Nickelodeon after the Victorious news came out. I know how difficult it can be when some of your favorite shows go away. And I get the frustration. Try to keep in mind that the people at Nick really are trying to serve their audience the best they possibly can. Be open to the new shows that will be coming on in the next several months. They may surprise you.

Thank you, How To Rock Family, for going on this journey with me. I have loved every minute of it (almost) and could not be more proud of this season. Rather than focusing on what we didn’t get to do, let’s focus on all we’ve done. Life’s too short to worry, don’t you know it’s true. Only you can be you, only I can be me.

Rock On.

David
[Credit: Thanks to NickALive! reader Suraj Shah for finding and sharing the above "Camp Orange 2" video.]

UPDATE - Following the announcement of the Nickelodeon News that Nickelodeon Productions would not be commissioning a second season of "Rock To Rock", Nickelodeon, the Nickelodeon Stars of the show, and the show's executive producer, David Israel, have Tweeted (posted) their thoughts about Nickelodeon's cancellation of the show on their official Twitter profile pages.

Tweeted by Nickelodeon USA on their official Twitter profile page (@NickelodeonTV):
How To Rock wasn't renewed for a 2nd season, but there are 9 new eps left to air & @Disrael knows you'll like them! http://at.nick.com/Rgaqne.
Also, Tweeted by David Israel, the executive producer of the Nickelodeon series "How To Rock", on his official Twitter profile page (@Disrael):
Will there be a how to rock sountrack.!!??
There are plans for a #HowtoRock Soundtrack [How To Rock Soundtrack]. Which I've heard and is awesome. Will keep u all posted.
And:
it sucks really bad how to rock didnt get a 2nd season :( however, i cant help but wonder if you will ever reveal if zevie is real
All will be revealed. Or nothing will be revealed. What will be revealed will be revealed. Boom.
Also:
since we wont get to know... was zevie ever going to get together?
9 more episodes. So much time left for you to get no answers.
And:
you are a tease. at least something about grace and nelson? they are my favorite couple. :)
Guess you're just gonna have to watch the Back 9
Also:
:( will we get a soundtrack at least?
I think there will be a soundtrack. There is one in the works -- and it's awesome.
And:
Will they sell How To Rock Episodes on DVD? D:
Not sure about HTR DVD's but will find out. The great news is that I have all the DVD's. Great news for me, anyway.
Also:
[...] All the good shows r stopping!! iCarly, Victorious, and now HTR! I wonder if @DIsrael is bummed😰
He is bummed
:(( I'm sorry I really liked the show & think u did excellent. Will u be writing another nick show?
Quite possibly
Also, Tweeted by Nickelodeon Star and actor Noah Crawford, who portrays the tech-savvy, sci-fi loving keyboard player for Gravity 5 character Nelson Baxter on "How To Rock", on his official Twitter profile feed (@_noahcrawford_):
Very sad How To Rock will not be getting another season. Met some amazing new friends on that show and will always remember the fun we had.
And:
The best episodes have yet to air so look forward to them! And I hope you have enjoyed watching Nelson as much as I have enjoyed playing him
Also:
Remember when one door closes another opens. I've got some exciting projects on the horizon that you're gonna love. Love you all, -Noah
And:
Whoa whoa it's @kirkfox's [Nickelodeon Star and actor Kirk Fox, who portrays the Brewster High School history teacher Mr. March on "How To Rock"] birthday??? Ohhh yeahh my man! Time to party it up. Happy B-Day studly
@kirkfox: quit working without me! Not cool. You and @chrisoneal4 making all that nickelodeon coin. Thanks for birthday wishes.
Also, Tweeted (posted) by Nickelodeon Star and actress Lulu Antariksa, who portrays Gravity 5's smart, strong-headed,tough bass player character Stevie Rena Baskara on Nickelodeon's "How To Rock", on her official Twitter profile stream (@LuluAntariksa):
I loved Stevie so much. I loved her I don't care attitude, and I'll always belive she had a secret crush on [Zander Robbins; portrayed by Nickelodeon Star and actor Max Schneider] :).
I love Stevie, too. And I'm really going to miss her.
Also, Tweeted by Nickelodeon Star and actress Samantha Boscarino, who plays the "How To Rock" characrer Molly Garfunkel, the new Queen of the Perfs and the antagonist of the series, on her official Twitter profile page (@Samantha Boscarino):
You're the best David! Thanks 4 a great experience. Will miss the #HowToRock fam!