India's TV18 to increase stake to 51% in Viacom18, the JV with Viacom Inc *Updated*

Original Viacom18 Press Release via Viacom18.com:

TV18 to increase stake to 51% in Viacom18, the JV with Viacom Inc

Brand and Content Licence agreement extended by 10 years

Viacom and TV18 reaffirm commitment to grow the joint venture

31st January, 2018: TV18 Broadcast (NSE: TV18) and Viacom Inc (NASDAQ: VIAB), joint-venture partners in Viacom18 Media Private Limited today announced that TV18 shall take operational control of Viacom18. TV18 shall raise its stake to 51% by acquiring 1% of Viacom18’s equity from Viacom Inc. for a cash consideration of US$ 20mn. The brands and content licence agreement between Viacom Inc. and Viacom18 also gets extended by 10 years.

The partners believe that in the fast-evolving Media & Entertainment landscape in India, TV18 can drive value-addition and synergies across the multi-platform group comprising broadcast, digital, filmed and experiential entertainment and media businesses. Viacom continues to hold 49% in Viacom18, and shares TV18’s vision for scalability and enhanced efficiency at Viacom18.

Adil Zainulbhai, Chairman - Network18, said, “The transaction further enables our vision for Viacom18 to accentuate its focus on excellence and integration in the broadcast and digital space. The entertainment powerhouse continues to be bolstered by Viacom’s global expertise in content creation and curation, along with Network18 group and affiliates’ strength across the media & telecom value-chain”

David Lynn, CEO – Viacom International Media Networks, said, “Viacom 18 is one of the fastest growing companies in India’s dynamic media and technology sector and, as a result of this transaction, we believe it will be even better-positioned for accelerated growth through closer integration and alignment with the Network 18 Group and its affiliates, including India’s fastest growing mobile network, Jio. Viacom remains strongly committed to our Viacom 18 joint venture with the Network 18 Group and we are retaining the vast majority of our ownership stake in the company. We’re delighted to extend our licencing deal with Viacom 18 and see clear potential to expand it in live events and recreation, in line with our growing global presence in these lines of business.”

Sudhanshu Vats, Group CEO – Viacom18, said, “We turned 10 last year and our growth journey has been exciting to say the least. None of this would have been possible without the support and commitment of both our partners. This development will allow us to leverage deeper synergies with Jio as we enter our next growth phase. As India’s youngest full-play media organization, we remain committed to winning the hearts of our audiences across all our on-air, on-line, in-store, in-theatre and on-ground businesses- and enriching the digital life of every Indian.”

What started out as a broadcast business with 3 channels – MTV, Nickelodeon and Vh1 – in 2007, Viacom18 today has 44 television channels across 80 countries in 6 different languages. It has also diversified into 5 lines of business, spawning broadcast, digital, films, merchandise and live events. Viacom18 has reported total revenues of Rs. 30407 million in last financial year 2016-17, charting a >40X growth in topline since inception.

About TV18 Broadcast
TV18 Broadcast is the broadcasting arm of India’s leading media conglomerate Network18 Media & Investments, which is controlled by Independent Media Trust, the sole beneficiary of which is Reliance Industries. TV18 operates India’s largest bouquet of News channels across 12 languages and 26 states; with marquee properties like CNBC TV18 in Business News and CNN News18 in English News. Through its JV Viacom18, it also operates a portfolio of entertainment channels across genres, including leading premium local and global brands like Colors, Nickelodeon and MTV. Viacom18 also operates OTT platform VOOT, and produces and distributes films through Viacom18 Motion Pictures. TV18’s Infotainment JV AETN18 and distribution/syndication JV Indiacast complete the bouquet of offerings, making TV18 a full-portfolio broadcast player. For more information about TV18 and its businesses, visit www.network18online.com .

About Viacom Inc
Viacom is home to premier global media brands that create compelling entertainment content - including television programs, motion pictures, short-form content, apps, games, consumer products, podcasts, live events and social media experiences - for audiences in more than 180 countries. Viacom's media networks, including Nickelodeon, Nick Jr., MTV, BET, Comedy Central, Spike (to be rebranded as Paramount Network in the U.S.), VH1, TV Land, CMT, Logo, Channel 5 (UK), Telefe (Argentina), Colors (India) and Paramount Channel, reach approximately 4.3 billion cumulative television subscribers worldwide. Paramount Pictures is a major global producer and distributor of filmed entertainment. Paramount Television develops, finances and produces original programming for television and digital platforms. For more information about Viacom and its businesses, visit www.viacom.com .

About VIACOM18
Viacom18 Media Pvt. Ltd. is one of India's fastest growing entertainment networks and a house of iconic brands that offers multi-platform, multi-generational and multicultural brand experiences. A joint venture of Viacom Inc. and the Network18 Group, Viacom18 defines entertainment in India by touching the lives of people through its properties on air, online, on ground, in shop and through cinema.

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Nick Jr. USA To Premiere 'Cleo & Cuquin' On Monday 22nd January 2018

Nickelodeon USA has acquired broadcasting rights to Cleo & Cuquin, a brand-new 52 x seven-minute animated preschool series from Spain’s Ánima Kitchent and Mexican free-to-air (FTA) broadcaster Televisa! Based on the classic Familia Telerín cartoon, Nick Jr., Nickelodeon's top-rated preschool channel, will start to air Cleo & Cuquin weekdays at 2:30pm, 2:40pm and 2:50pm (ET/PT) from Monday 22nd January 2018!

Aimed at four- to five-year-olds, Cleo & Cuquin is based on the classic cartoon Familia Telerin. The show follows the adventures of the most famous Telerín kids. Each episode finds little rascal Cuquin getting himself into trouble, with big sister Cleo doing her best to get him out of it — with the help of Teté, Pelusín, Colitas and Maripí. Together, the brothers and sisters play their way to the answer, pretending to be astronauts, scientists, pilots, or whatever is needed to get the job done. At the end of their journey, Cleo makes up her mind about what she wants to be when she grows up … at least for that day.

In addition to Nickelodeon USA, the series has also been sold to Discovery Kids Latin America and Spanish children’s channel Clan TV.

Below is a list of currently announced brand-new Cleo & Cuquin episodes set to debut on Nick Jr. USA:

Monday 22nd January 2018 at 2:30pm - The Premiere: When Cuquin accidentally ruins Maripi's hairdo on the opening night of her school's play, Cleo sees it as an opportunity for the siblings to be hairdressers. (#101)

Monday 22nd January 2018 at 2:40pm - Ghostcatchers: Cuquin believes the tomato plant in the garden is haunted; Cleo and her siblings act as Ghostcatchers in an attempt to solve the mystery of the haunted tomato plant. Who you gonna call? (#102)

Monday 22nd January 2018 at 2:50pm - Driving Pelusin: Pelusin hurts his leg because of Cleo and Cuquin's untidy clutter, and becomes sad when he cannot do all the things he wants to do; Cleo and Cuquin decide to help Pelusin by being his chauffeurs. (#103)

Tuesday 23rd January 2018 at 2:30pm - Hiccup Monsters: Cuquin gets a major case of the hiccups; Cleo and Maripi decide to become monsters in order to scare Cuquin and get rid of his hiccups. (#104)

Tuesday 23rd January 2018 at 2:40pm - Double Plie: Maripi's plans to attend the ballet with her family are spoiled when she discovers that she has chickenpox; Cleo and Cuquin put on a show at home. (#105)

Tuesday 23rd January 2018 at 2:50pm - Elementary Dear Colitas: Cuquin loses Colitas' pet rabbit, Ghost; Cleo organizes a team of investigators to shed light on the mystery of the lost rabbit. (#106)

Wednesday 24th January 2018 at 2:30pm - Magic Cleo: Colitas is upset because she's ill and cannot go out to play in the pool, but Cleo and Cuquin soon convince her that she can have lots of fun indoors. (#107)

Wednesday 24th January 2018 at 2:40pm - The Championship: Cleo and her siblings discover the beach is not very clean; they learn to respect nature and to recycle. (#108)

Wednesday 24th January 2018 at 2:50pm - The Flower: The children are playing when they accidentally break Colitas' flowerpot; Cleo gets to work to make a new home for the flower. (#109)

Thursday 25th January 2018 at 2:30pm - Flying Tooth: Maripi loses a tooth and is ashamed of her smile; Cleo makes her see that it's not so bad and tries to get her smile back. (#110)

Thursday 25th January 2018 at 2:40pm - A Day at the Beach: Cuquin loses his favorite shovel in the sea, and he cannot build sand castles; Cleo and her siblings help him get it back the best way possible: scuba diving. (#111)

Thursday 25th January 2018 at 2:50pm - Meteor Shower: The children watch the Perseid meteor shower and make wishes upon the shooting stars; Cuquin gets frustrated because he can't speak fast enough to make a wish. (#112)

Friday 26th January 2018 at 2:30pm - Power Up: Cleo's siblings fight over who gets to play with the tablet; Cleo decides they'll pretend to be super heroes and villains and will fight for the tablet. (#113)

Friday 26th January 2018 at 2:40pm - Pijama's Party: Colitas hears a monster at night and can't sleep; she's too tired to play; Cleo decides they're going to make some anti-monster pajamas so everyone can get some sleep. (#114)

Friday 26th January 2018 at 2:50pm - Digging: Cuquin is put in charge of Dino, Tete's toy dinosaur, but he loses it; Cleo finds out that Tomato has buried the toy in the garden and decides to dig up the garden until she finds it. (#115)

Monday 29th January 2018 at 2:30pm - My Little Big Band: Cleo and Cuquin want to dance, but they fight over the music, so Cleo decides they'll make the music themselves. (#116)

Tuesday 30th January 2018 at 2:30pm - Gym Challenge: Pelusin fails gym class and assumes he'll never pass; Cleo decides to train him to pass gym class. (#117)

Wednesday 31st January 2018 at 2:30pm - Ghost Love: Cuquin and his sisters discover an injured bunny rabbit in the garden; Cleo decides they will be veterinarians and heal the rabbit's leg. (#118)

Thursday 1st February 2018 at 2:30pm: Colitas' Bee Day: Cleo and her siblings help Cuquin after he accidentally destroys a beehive. (#119)

Friday 2nd February 2018 at 2:30pm - Tete's Project: Cuquin accidentally destroys Tete's science project; Cleo decides to help Tete build a new science project. (#120)

Monday 5th February 2018 at 2:30pm - The Ball: Cuquin loses a ball in the garden shed; Pelusin goes after the ball and does not return, so Cleo decides to rescue him. (#121)

Tuesday 6th February 2018 at 2:30pm - The First Day of Spring: Cuquin realizes that spring has arrived, but there is still snow everywhere and Colitas does not want to play because there are no flowers; Cleo decides to convince her sister how much fun can be had in the snow. (#122)

Wednesday 7th February 2018 at 2:30pm - Happy Birthday: Cuquin and Tomato get too excited during Colitas' birthday and drop her cake; Cleo decides that they will all become pastry chefs and make Colitas a new cake. (#123)

Thursday 8th February 2018 at 2:30pm - Learning to Ride: Colitas is nervous about riding her new bike, especially after Cuquin scares her and she falls off, so Cleo decides to teach her how to ride. (#124)

Friday 9th February 2018 at 2:30pm - The Big Game: The children play soccer, but commit so many fouls that they all get angry; Cleo decides to be a referee so everyone will learn to play fair. (#125)

Mattel has been named as the global master toy partner for the brand, and recently launched a line of toys. Televisa Consumer Products has also signed a number of agreements in Mexico with consumer brands including Lala Milk, Atlas Mattresses and Fotorama, and Penguin Random House will publish children’s books series based on Cleo & Cuquin in Spain and Latin America by spring 2018. The deals mark the first time a Spanish company has established a licensing deal with a global toy master or a publisher such as Random House.

Supporting Mattel will be toy maker Clementoni, who will launch a line of Cleo & Cuquin-based toys in Spain in fall 2018, including puzzles, edukit toy cases and electronic games.

Cleo & Cuquin has been developed as a transmedia brand by Ánima Kitchent, Televisa, Moro Family’s company MAI and Barcelona-based Selecta Visión. In addition to the refreshed TV show, the brand includes apps like bedtime app The Bedder, web content, and music video clips which have already generated over 600 million views and 1.5 million subscribers on YouTube in just 18 months.

HITN, the non-profit, Spanish-language media network that provides educational and entertainment programming to more than 44 million American households across the country, has also reached an agreement with producer Ánima Kitchent to include Cleo & Cuquin in an early literacy initiative to help ensure kids from transcultural homes enter kindergarten on equitable footing with their peers.

The legendary Spanish hit Familia Telerín first arrived in the late 1970s, created by José Luis and Santiago Moro. A cartoon and daily jingle, the series featured six siblings who told children that it’s time to go to bed. The show introduced the song “Vamos a la cama” (“Time for bed”), which became part of the nighttime routine of a generation of parents with sleep-resistant children. It became a popular success in Spain and Mexico during the '70s and '80s, coloring the now nostalgic childhood of a generation of newish parents and young grandparents.



More information about Cleo & Cuquin, as well as fantastic games, videos and activities, can be found at cleotelerin.com.

A joint-venture founded by Latin American animation powerhouse Ánima Estudios with former executives at Spanish toon company Vodka Capital, Ánima Kitchent was launched in 2014.

“The biggest dream of any company that aims to take its kids’ content to the US is signing a deal with Nickelodeon. Having reached the agreement is a great business opportunity in the most complex and competitive market in the world,” said Víctor M López, CEO, Ánima Kitchent.

Nickelodeon picking up the rights to Cleo & Cuquin follows the number-one entertainment brand for kids partnering with Encantos Media Studios, PBC (Encantos) to develop the first collection of consumer products for infants and toddlers, inspired by the award-winning bilingual baby property, Canticos. With a collection of some of the most beloved Spanish-language nursery rhymes from all over the world, Canticos celebrates Latino culture by bringing songs such as “Los Pollitos,” “Elefantitos,” and “Mi Burrito Sabanero” to life through bilingual children’s books, interactive apps and sing-along videos.

Nickelodeon will seek consumer products and promotional partners, spanning categories including layette, toy, accessories, home, publishing and more.

Canticos short-form content is expected to launch in Spring 2018 on Nick’s digital preschool platforms, including NickJr.com, the Nick Jr. App and NOGGIN, Nick’s video subscription service.

The Canticos portfolio of characters is created by Venezuelan-American artist Susie Jaramillo. Canticos short-form content will be produced by Jaramillo, alongside husband and wife team Nuria Santamaria Wolfe and Steven Wolfe Pereira, co-founders of Encantos Media Studios.

More Nick: 2018 on Nickelodeon USA | New Shows, Specials, Events, Movies, Episodes, and More!

Originally published: Friday, December 29, 2017.

H/T: Huge thanks to @TVShowsFan for the news!; Sources: Kidscreen (II), Animation Magazine, Variety, TheFutonCritic.com, PR Newswire, Rapid TV News.

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Czech Republic's Flix TV Adds Nickelodeon To Channel Line-Up

Viacom International Media Networks (VIMN) has partnered with the Czech satellite television platform Flix TV to add Viacom's leading kids channels Nickelodeon to its channel line-up! Flix TV added Nickelodeon to its channel line-up today (Thursday 1st February 2018).

To celebrate the launch of Nickelodeon Czech Republic on Flix TV, the satellite television operator is currently hosting a special promotion throughout February, in which Nickelodeon is available to all existing and new customers who subscribe to the services basic TV package, Good TV (Dobrá TV). Following the promotion, Flix TV will then movie Nickelodeon into the operator's Better TV (Lepší TV) package on Thursday 1st March 2018.

Nickelodeon, now in its 38th year, is the leading entertainment brand for kids. It has built a diverse, global business by putting kids first in everything it does.

Nickelodeon is the place where kids rule and features top shows for kids of all ages, such as SpongeBob SquarePants, Paw Patrol,
The Loud House, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, Nella the Princess Knight, Game Shakers, Henry Danger, Dora and Friends: Into the City!, ALVINNN!!! and The Chipmunks, Shimmer and Shine, The Thundermans, Blaze and the Monster Machines, Nicky, Ricky, Dicky & Dawn, Rusty Rivets, School of Rock, Bubble Guppies, Fairly OddParents, Team Umizoomi, Bunsen Is a Beast, Zack & Quack, and Max & Ruby.

The company includes television programming and production in the United States and around the world, plus special events, consumer products, digital, recreation, books and feature films. Nickelodeon's brands reach 1.2 billion cumulative subscribers in more than 170 countries and territories, via more than 100+ locally programmed channels and branded blocks. Outside of the United States, Nickelodeon is part of Viacom International Media Networks, a division of Viacom Inc. (NASDAQ: VIAB, VIA), one of the world’s leading creators of programming and content across all media platforms.

Nickelodeon is available with three audio tracks - Czech, English and Hungarian.

The addition to Nickelodeon to its channel line-up follows the evaluation of a recent survey by Flix TV, in which customers told Flix TV that Nickelodeon was a priority.

Technical parameters for Nickelodeon:

Satellite: Eutelsat 16A (16°E)
Frequency: 11,055 GHz
Polarization: Vertical
SR: 27500
FEC: 4/5
Standard: DVB-S2
Modulation: 8PSK
Codec: H.265 / HEVC

The Flix TV platform broadcasts from the TAG (Telekom Austria Group) capacity from the Eutelsat 16A (16°E) satellite. Transmission is encrypted with the Conax encryption system.





For more information about Flix TV, please visit flixtv.cz.

Original source: Parabola.cz; H/T: ToonZone Forums /@Checkerboard; Additional sources: Broadband TV News, Google Translate.

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Nickelodeon's SLIMEFEST Returns To Blackpool This October | Nickelodeon UK

Update: Original Nickelodeon UK & Ireland Press Release via Viacom International Media Networks' (VIMN) UK & Ireland Press Centre:

NICKELODEON’S SLIMEFEST

RETURNS TO BLACKPOOL THIS OCTOBER

Nickelodeon UK and VisitBlackpool Brings Slime, Music & Mayhem Back to

Blackpool Pleasure Beach on 20^th – 22^nd October 2018

London, 1st February, 2018 – Nickelodeon UK are partnering again with VisitBlackpool to bring Nickelodeon’s SLIMEFEST back to the UK’s favourite beach resort for a third year of slime, music and mayhem following last year’s six sold out shows. SLIMEFEST 2018 will take place at The Arena at Blackpool Pleasure Beach from 20^th – 22^nd October.

Bringing back a unique mix of music acts, special guests and surprises, tickets are on sale from today (1^st February). Families can purchase tickets and find out more information at www.nick.co.uk/slime. Last year 12,000 people attended The Arena at Blackpool Pleasure Beach and 9,000 litres of slime were used across the weekend.

“SLIMEFEST 2018 promises to be yet another fun, messy and incredible weekend, it’s sure to be a hit with kids and parents alike,” said Alison Bakunowich, SVP General Manager, Nickelodeon UK & Ireland. “Last year was a huge success – with stellar acts, presenters and of course, plenty of slime. We plan to make this year’s even better!”

Cllr Gillian Campbell, Deputy Leader of Blackpool Council, said: “We are so excited to be partnering again with Nickelodeon on another SLIMEFEST. This is a great event for families and we are looking forward to more slime-filled fun this year.

Hosted by Jordan Banjo and Perri Kiely, SLIMEFEST 2017 saw performances from Diversity along with 7 chart topping acts: Pixie Lott, The Vamps, Professor Green, Matt Terry, New Hope Club, 5 After Midnight and M.O. Nickelodeon star and YouTube teen sensation JoJo Siwa also made her UK performance debut. School of Rock stars Breanna Yde and Ricardo Hurtado featured as special guests.



More information on the SLIMEFEST 2018 performers and hosts will be announced in the coming weeks. Here are the highlights from last year http://bit.ly/2DMFqQo

Over 100,000 people have attended related SLIMEFEST events across the globe at in Africa, Australia, Italy, UK and Spain.

Nickelodeon
The home of SpongeBob SquarePants, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, PAW Patrol and Nella the Princess Knight, Nickelodeon UK & Ireland Network is available in over 13 million cable and satellite homes and now reaches more than 10 million viewers a month. Launched in 1993, the top-performing Nickelodeon network comprises seven dedicated entertainment channels for kids aged 4-15 and their families: Nickelodeon, Nickelodeon HD, Nickelodeon +1, Nicktoons, Nick Jr., Nick Jr. +1 and Nick Jr. Too. The entertainment company has built a diverse multi-platform business by putting kids first in everything it does – Kids Rule! Content is at the core of the business with critically-acclaimed and hugely-popular television programming from the UK and around the world. In addition to the quality television programmes, Nickelodeon also produces bespoke content available online and on Nick Play, as well as consumer product and recreation opportunities such as the UK’s first-ever Nick theme park, Nickelodeon Land and the slimiest music festival for kids, SLIMEFEST UK.

VisitBlackpool
VisitBlackpool is the tourism arm of Blackpool Council and is tasked with promoting the UK's most popular holiday destination to leisure and business visitors, both domestically and internationally.

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Also, from BlackpoolPleasureBeach.com:

SLIMEFEST 2018

THE SLIMIEST EVENT OF THE YEAR IS BACK! Nickelodeon’s SLIMEFEST returns to Pleasure Beach, Blackpool from 20th – 22nd October 2018 in partnership with VisitBlackpool.

Filled with SLIME, MUSIC and MAYHEM join Nickelodeon for the biggest and slimiest event of the year here in Blackpool! Packed full of top music acts, special guests, your favourite Nickelodeon stars and most importantly, SLIME!

Plus, you don’t have to wait until the show starts for the fun to begin; every SLIMEFEST ticket also includes a FREE Pleasure Beach Pass, or you can choose to purchase a Pleasure Beach Wristband which gives you unlimited riding all day. You can also choose to extend your visit the fun with a 7-day Resort Pass.

Oh and shhh, we have a super slimy, big green secret to tell you. There is only ONE way for children 8-15 years old to experience the SLIME and get you up-close to your favourite stars, and that is with a SLIME PIT ticket. Accompanying parents/guardians & younger children can experience the fun with a seated ticket or a standing adult ticket (for adults and kids 15yrs +)

What are you waiting for? Check out the ticket details below and join us for the SLIME-soaked event of the year!

SLIMEFEST Dates
Performance Dates and Times:

Saturday 20th October 2018: 13.00

Saturday 20th October 2018: 18.00

Sunday 21st October 2018: 13.00

Sunday 21st October 2018: 18.00

Monday 22nd October 2018*: 13.00

Monday 22nd October 2018*: 18.00

*PLEASE BE SURE TO CHECK YOUR LOCAL SCHOOL HALF TERM DATES, TO ENSURE YOUR CHILD’S SCHOOL IS ON BREAK AT THIS TIME.

SLIMEFEST Ticket Prices
SLIME PIT Tickets, Adult Standing Tickets or Adult/Child Seated Tickets + a FREE Pleasure Beach Pass – £16.50

(saving you the cost of the Pleasure Beach Pass – £6.00)

ADDITIONAL TICKET OPTIONS:

You can also choose to add either a Pleasure Beach Wristband (giving you access to unlimited rides including Nickelodeon Land) or a Blackpool Resort Pass alongside your ticket.

Pleasure Beach Wristband – £25 (for age 12+), £23 (for age 11 and under)

Blackpool Resort Pass – £57.50

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Nickelodeon will also be on-the-ground filming throughout the three-day event, and air a special highlights show in November 2018!

NICKELODEON’S SLIMEFEST

RETURNS TO BLACKPOOL THIS OCTOBER

Nickelodeon UK & Ireland and VisitBlackpool Brings Slime, Music & Mayhem to

Blackpool Pleasure Beach 20th 22nd October

Nickelodeon UK & Ireland is again partnering with VisitBlackpool to bring Nickelodeon's Slimefest to the Pleasure Beach resort for a third year of slime, music and mayhem, following last year's six sold-out shows!

Slimefest 2018 will take place at The Arena at Blackpool Pleasure Beach from Saturday 20th - Monday 22nd October 2018, bringing fans even more SLIME, MUSIC and MAYHEM over three days.

Audience being slimed at SLIMEFEST 2017

Tickets for the star-studded event at the South Shore attraction are on sale today (Thursday 1st February 2018), with the musical acts, guests and surprises yet to be confirmed.

Last year things got messy with 12,000 people in attendance at The Arena at Blackpool Pleasure Beach and 9,000 litres of slime used across the weekend.

“Slimefest 2018 promises to be yet another fun, messy and incredible weekend, it’s sure to be a hit with kids and parents alike,” said Alison Bakunowich, Senior Vice President (SVP), General Manager (GM), Nickelodeon UK & Ireland. “Last year was a huge success – with stellar acts, presenters and of course, plenty of slime. We plan to make this year’s even better!”

Cllr Gillian Campbell, deputy leader of Blackpool Council, added: “We are so excited to be partnering again with Nickelodeon on another Slimefest. This is a great event for families and we are looking forward to more slime-filled fun this year.

Hosted by Jordan Banjo and Perri Kiely, Slimefest 2017 saw performances from Diversity along with seven chart-topping acts: Pixie Lott, The Vamps, Professor Green, Matt Terry, New Hope Club, 5 After Midnight and M.O. Nickelodeon star and YouTube teen sensation JoJo Siwa also made her UK performance debut. School of Rock stars Breanna Yde and Ricardo Hurtado featured as special guests.



More information on the Slimefest 2018 performers and hosts will be announced in the coming weeks.

Coun Gillian Campbell, deputy leader of Blackpool Council, said: “We are so excited to be partnering again with Nickelodeon on another Slimefest. This is a great event for families and we are looking forward to more slime-filled fun this year.”

This is the third year Slimefest has taken place in the resort, with 2016 shows at the Empress Ballroom during Switch-On weekend, with last year's moving to the Pleasure Beach. Managing director Amanda Thompson added: “Blackpool Pleasure Beach is delighted to once again be hosting Slimefest.

"Nickelodeon Land has been a huge hit with visitors since it opened in 2011 and this event gives them the chance to experience fantastic Nickelodeon live entertainment as well as the opportunity to enjoy the only Nickelodeon branded theme park in the UK.” Families can buy tickets and find out more information at www.nick.co.uk/slime.



Slime fans in the USA will have the chance to experience the SLIME, MUSIC and MAYHEM of SLIMEFEST in 2018!

It's Time... For Slime!

About Nickelodeon

The home of SpongeBob SquarePants, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, PAW Patrol and Dora the Explorer, Nickelodeon UK & Ireland Network is available in over 13 million cable and satellite homes and now reaches more than 10 million viewers a month. Launched in 1993, the top-performing Nickelodeon network comprises seven dedicated entertainment channels for kids aged 4-15 and their families: Nickelodeon, Nickelodeon HD, Nickelodeon +1, Nicktoons, Nick Jr., Nick Jr. +1 and Nick Jr. Too. The entertainment company has built a diverse multi-platform business by putting kids first in everything it does – Kids Rule! Content is at the core of the business with critically-acclaimed and hugely-popular television programming from the UK and around the world. In addition to the quality television programmes, Nickelodeon also produces bespoke content available online and on Nick Play, as well as consumer product and recreation opportunities such as the UK’s first-ever Nick theme park, Nickelodeon Land.

VisitBlackpool has been tasked with promoting the UK’s most popular holiday destination to a worldwide audience. As the tourism arm of Blackpool Council, we work closely with local partners and stakeholders to showcase the best that Blackpool has to offer our visitors. Our role is to provide strategic leadership, guidance and advice on tourism and the visitor economy in Blackpool and to deliver services that attract and service the visitor that supports tourism businesses throughout Blackpool. www.visitblackpool.com

More Nick: Sambro To Launch Extensive Nickelodeon Slime Range In The UK In April 2018!

Original sources: Licensing.biz, Blackpool Gazette.

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Alpha Group Appointed Global Master Toy Partner for Nickelodeon’s 'SpongeBob SquarePants'

Original Nickelodeon Press Release via Business Wire:

Alpha Group Appointed Global Master Toy Partner for Nickelodeon’s SpongeBob SquarePants

New Product Line for the Iconic Franchise will include Toys, Collectibles, Plush, Novelties and More

February 01, 2018 05:00 AM Eastern Standard Time

NUREMBERG, Germany & EL SEGUNDO, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--The Alpha Group LLC, a subsidiary of The Alpha Group, one of the world’s largest developers of animation and toys, and Nickelodeon, the number-one entertainment brand for kids, today announced a global master toy partnership for the network’s iconic animated series, SpongeBob SquarePants. The brand-new product line, which will include toys, collectibles, plush and novelties, is expected to debut worldwide in 2019.

“It’s an honor for Alpha to partner with Nickelodeon for a new SpongeBob product line that will excite and unite a full spectrum of kids, teens and millennials,” said Brehan Maul, Vice President Marketing, The Alpha Group LLC. “Kids all around the world have grown up with this beloved, iconic character. This is an amazing opportunity and we are planning a full range of SpongeBob collectibles, plush, novelties and playthings. Stay tuned for what’s in store.”

“SpongeBob SquarePants is a timeless, iconic character whose humor and optimism resonates with fans of all ages around the world,” said Jon Roman, Senior Vice President, Toys, Nickelodeon. “Nickelodeon is thrilled to be working with The Alpha Group on a brand-new global line of products as SpongeBob’s 20th anniversary approaches in 2019.”

In the coming months, Alpha Group will introduce a SpongeBob SquarePants product program that will engage today’s kids, and the millennials who grew up with him.

SpongeBob SquarePants has emerged as a global pop culture phenomenon since first premiering on Nickelodeon in July 1999. The series has been the most-watched animated program for more than 15 consecutive years and is seen in over 208 countries and translated in more than 55 languages.

About the Alpha Group US LLC

The Alpha Group US is a wholly owned subsidiary of Alpha (Guangdong Alpha Animation and Culture Co., Ltd), one of the largest and most successful animation, toy and entertainment groups in Asia. Our state-of-the-art design, manufacturing and animation facilities deliver unparalleled innovation and content to support our toys and licensed products. With a true global footprint and distribution network that few others can tout, Alpha has and will continue to see aggressive growth. We are the new global player in toys and entertainment. Their portfolio of brands, including Super Wings™, Sky Rover™, Drone Force™, Regal Academy™ and Screechers Wild!™. http://www.alphatoys.com/

About Nickelodeon

Nickelodeon, now in its 38th 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 company includes television programming and production in the United States and around the world, plus consumer products, digital, recreation, books and feature films. Nickelodeon’s U.S. television network is seen in more than 90 million households and has been the number-one-rated kids’ basic cable network for 22 consecutive years. For more information or artwork, visit http://www.nickpress.com. Nickelodeon and all related titles, characters and logos are trademarks of Viacom Inc. (NASDAQ: VIA, VIAB).

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More Nick: Are You Ready Kids? SPONGEBOB SQUAREPANTS Musical Opens On Broadway!

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Nickelodeon Reveals First-Look At 'Rise Of The Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles'!

Update - Original Nickelodeon USA Press Release:

NICKELODEON REVEALS FIRST-LOOK OF CHARACTERS IN BRAND-NEW

RISE OF THE TEENAGE MUTANT NINJA TURTLES ANIMATED SERIES

Share it: @Nickelodeon @TMNT #TMNT

Nickelodeon’s Rise of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. Pictured (clockwise): Raphael, Michelangelo, Leonardo, Donatello and April O’Neil.

BURBANK, Calif.—Feb. 1--Nickelodeon today revealed a first-look of the characters in its brand-new animated series, Rise of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, which follows the band of brothers as they discover new powers and encounter a mystical world they never knew existed beneath the streets of New York City. The 2D-animated series debuts later this year on Nickelodeon.

Rise of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles reimagines the characters in a fresh new way, featuring jagged-shelled Raphael as a snapping turtle, wielding twin tonfas as his weapons; Leonardo as a red-eared slider, using an ōdachi sword; Donatello as a soft-shell turtle, sporting a tech-bo staff; and Michelangelo as a box turtle, arming himself with a kusari-fundo. Along for the adventure is the Turtles’ most trusted ally, April O’Neil, a street savvy native New Yorker and Splinter, father figure and sensei to the Turtles.

The series stars the voice talent of Omar Miller (Ballers) as Raphael, Ben Schwartz (Parks and Recreation) as Leonardo, Josh Brener (Silicon Valley) as Donatello, Brandon Mychal Smith (You’re The Worst) as Michelangelo, Kat Graham (The Vampire Diaries) as April O’Neil and Eric Bauza (Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles) as Splinter. WWE Superstar John Cena lends his voice as villain, Baron Draxum, an alchemist warrior mutant who seeks to turn all of humanity into mutants.

The Turtles’ hold distinct personality traits and skills, including: Raphael, as the oldest and biggest brother, he is the leader full of enthusiasm and bravado; Leonardo, the self-professed ‘coolest’ brother possesses irreverent charm and a rebel heart; Donatello, a mechanical genius and tech wizard whose ninja skills are second only to his coding; and Michelangelo, the youngest brother, a skateboarder and artist who is wild and imaginative.

Viewers can visit the Rise of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles page on Nick.com for more information and follow @TMNT for Turtle Power updates. The character art was revealed today on Facebook Live.

The new 26-episode series is co-executive produced by Andy Suriano (character designer, Samurai Jack) and Ant Ward (supervising producer, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles) at Nickelodeon in Burbank. Veteran animation industry voice actor Rob Paulsen is voice directing the series.

Kat Graham voices April O’Neil in Nickelodeon’s Rise of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles.

Josh Brener voices Donatello in Nickelodeon’s Rise of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles.

Ben Schwartz voices Leonardo in Nickelodeon’s Rise of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles.

Omar Miller voices Raphael in Nickelodeon’s Rise of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles.

Brandon Mychal Smith voices Michelangelo in Nickelodeon’s Rise of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles.

Eric Bauza voices Splinter in Nickelodeon’s Rise of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles.

Pictured (L-R): Nickelodeon’s Rise of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles voice cast; Kat Graham (April O’Neil), Josh Brener (Donatello), Omar Miller (Raphael), Brandon Mychal Smith (Michelangelo) and Ben Schwartz (Leonardo).

Considered one of the most popular kids’ television programs of the 1980s, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles is a classic, global property created in 1984 by Kevin Eastman and Peter Laird. It first debuted as a successful comic book series and then became a hit animated TV show, a live-action television series and later spawned numerous blockbuster theatrical releases. The property is a global consumer products powerhouse, winning in every category that has hit shelves to date—with toys, apparel, video games, DVDs and more—and generating billions of dollars at retail. Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles has been the number-one action figure for the past three years and the franchise is a previous recipient of the Toy Industry Association’s top honor for Property of the Year at the TOTY Awards.

About Nickelodeon

Nickelodeon, now in its 38^th 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 company includes television programming and production in the United States and around the world, plus consumer products, digital, recreation, books and feature films. Nickelodeon’s U.S. television network is seen in more than 90 million households and has been the number-one-rated kids’ basic cable network for 22 consecutive years. For more information or artwork, visit http://www.nickpress.com. Nickelodeon and all related titles, characters and logos are trademarks of Viacom Inc. (NASDAQ: VIA, VIAB).

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Nickelodeon to Reveal New 'Rise of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles' Information and Character Art on 2/1 *Live Updates*

Mark your calendars, dudes! Nickelodeon's official Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Facebook page will be revealing character art for the networks upcoming brand-new 2D-animated TMNT series, Rise of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles on Thursday 1st February 2018! Watch on Facebook LIVE at 1PM EST for Nick's official first-look, plus information about the special guests that will be appearing throughout the first season, and more Turtley Awesome sewer surprises! Booyakasha!

Update (2/1): Nickelodeon will also be running a Turtle-riffic sweepstake's during the live webcast in which fans can win original art by Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles co-creator Kevin Eastman! See the Tweet below for details!

Live Updates:

- Rise of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles will be pumped up with even more comedy, whilst keeping the action fans know and love!

- Each Turtle brother will be of a different species.

-- Raphael will be a snapping turtle.

-- Donatello will be a soft-shelled turtle, and has built a range of interchangeable Battle Shells, with one hinted as having its own personality. Donnie will also be dry-witted. Donnie in this version of TMNT will be completely different from any other versions of the character.

-- Splinter will be a mutated Russian blue dwarf rat.

-- Leo will be super intelligent and be very quippy. Leonardo will be a red eared slider turtle.

-- Leo will take Mikey under his wing, and will be the first to come up with a catchphrase.

-- Michelangelo will be the youngest turtle. He'll have a innocence about him, be full of energy and be fun loving. He'll be a buck shelled turtle. Mikey can go completely inside his shell.

- COWABUNGA is back in Rise of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles!

- Rise of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles will feature dimensions, allowing fan-favorite characters from past series, such as Ice Cream Kitty, to come back!

Click HERE to a first-look at the characters of Rise of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles!

Rise of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles follows Raphael, Leonardo, Donatello and Michelangelo on all-new adventures as they seek to unlock the mystical secrets of New York City. From the tallest skyscraper to the dankest sewer drain, the Turtles will encounter absurd new mutants and battle bizarre creatures all while enjoying their favourite slice of pizza. Tapping into mystic, ninja powers they never knew existed, the four brothers must learn to work together and navigate the perils of the modern age and hidden realms in order to fulfill their destiny to become a team of heroes.

Rise of the #TMNT character reveals coming this Thursday! Watch LIVE on Facebook for an exclusive first-look & enter for a chance to WIN original art by @kevineastman86 More information: https://t.co/9iBNtUFADC pic.twitter.com/1DXEzF2nF1

— TMNT (@TMNT) January 30, 2018

The voice cast of Rise of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles will star: stars the voice talent of Omar Miller (Ballers) as Raphael, Ben Schwartz (Parks and Recreation) as Leonardo, Josh Brener (Silicon Valley) as Donatello, Brandon Mychal Smith (You're The Worst) as Michelangelo, Kat Graham (The Vampire Diaries) as April O'Neil, and John Cena as Baron Draxum.

Pictured (L-R): Nickelodeon’s Rise of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles voice cast; Kat Graham (April O’Neil), Josh Brener (Donatello), Omar Miller (Raphael), Brandon Mychal Smith (Michelangelo) and Ben Schwartz (Leonardo).

The highly comedic voice cast shapes the team in a fresh way and breathes new life into the characters' distinct personalities, including: Raphael, as the oldest and physically biggest brother, he is now the leader and his enthusiasm and bravado puts him front and centre for most of their bizarre adventures; Leonardo, the self-professed ‘coolest' brother possesses irreverent charm and a rebel heart; Donatello, an unflappable mechanical genius and tech wizard whose ninja skills are second only to his coding; Michelangelo, the youngest brother, an artist and awesome skateboarder with a wild colorful, and imaginative personality; the Turtles' most trusted ally, April O'Neil, a street savvy native New Yorker who is always ready to join in the fun; and Baron Draxum, an alchemist warrior mutant who seeks to turn all of humanity into mutants. Additionally, Eric Bauza (Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles) joins the cast as Splinter, both father figure and sensei to the Turtles.


Veteran animation industry voice actor Rob Paulsen is voice directing the series. Paulsen most recently voiced Donatello in Nickelodeon's CG-animated series Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, and voiced Raphael in the 1987 original series. With over 2,000 half-hours of animation voice-over to his credit, Paulsen's versatility is heard in many series.

The new 26-episode series is co-executive produced by Andy Suriano (character designer, Samurai Jack) and Ant Ward (supervising producer, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles) at Nickelodeon in Burbank, Calif.

Andy Suriano is an artist, illustrator and performer, and an Emmy and Annie Award-winning character designer and storyboard artist. His past credits include: Star Wars: Clone Wars, The Fairly OddParents, Duck Dodgers, Fosters Home for Imaginary Friends, Disney's Mickey Mouse shorts, Samurai Jack, and The Powerpuff Girls, among others.

Ant Ward is an animator, writer and producer best known for his work as supervising producer on Penguins of Madagascar and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. The Emmy Award-winner was integral to developing Nickelodeon's CG-animation pipeline.

Rise of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles is set to debut on Nickelodeon USA and Nickelodeon UK later this year.

More Nick: Nickelodeon Reimagines The Iconic "Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles" In All-New 2D Animated Series, "Rise Of The Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles"!

Originally published: Friday, January 26, 2018.

H/T: ToonZone Forums /@ToonJay723; Additional source: Wikipedia.

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'There's a Sponge in My Soup'; 'Teacher's Pests' & 'Spin the Bottle' Final Storyboards | SpongeBob SquarePants | Vincent Waller

Vincent Waller, the Creative Director on Nickelodeon's hit original animated series SpongeBob SquarePants, has unveiled three Sponge-Tastic videos on his official YouTube channel featuring the Final storyboards for the SpongeBob SquarePants episodes "Teacher's Pests", "There's a Sponge In My Soup" and "Spin the Bottle"! Check them out below, and watch the finished episodes in full on Nickelodeon, at nick.com/spongebob and on the Nick App!

Teacher's Pests



Written by: Ben Gruber Boarded by John Trabbic Plussing by Dave Cunningham and Amazing crew. Animatic Editor: Estrella Capin

There''s a Sponge in my Soup



Written by: Kaz Original board by: Kelly Armstrong Plussed by Dave Cunningham and Crew of crazy good cartoonists
Animatic editor: Estrella Capin

Spin the Bottle



Plussing Adam Paloian, and stellar crew of funny drawing type peoples!!
Written by: KAZ
Animatic Editor: Estrella Capin

More Nick: Are You Ready Kids? SPONGEBOB SQUAREPANTS Musical Opens On Broadway!

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I am a Gamer: Giovanna Reyes | Nickelodeon Animation

Meet Giovanna from finance in Nickelodeon Animation's celebration of gaming culture at Nick with Super League Gaming!



Check out the Nickelodeon Animation Studio on their other sites:

Official NAS Website: http://nickanimationstudio.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NickAnimation
Tumblr: http://nickanimation.tumblr.com/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/NickAnimation
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nickanimation/

More Nick: Nickelodeon Animation Now Accepting Applications For Summer 2018 NICKternship Program | NICKterns!

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Tiny Henry! | The Adventures of Kid Danger | Dan Schneider

Schwoz (Michael D. Cohen) shrinks Henry (Jace Norman) down so he can fly a drone in this clip from The Adventures of Kid Danger episode "Game of Drones"! IT'S TINY HENRY!!!



Catch The Adventures of Kid Danger, Fridays at 6:30 P.M. ET/PT on Nickelodeon USA, and check out MORE from The Adventures of Kid Danger on Nick.com and the Nick App!

Dan Schneider is an American actor, screenwriter, and producer of films and television. He is the president of his own production company called Schneider's Bakery, Inc. On the internet, he and his production company often go by the nickname DanWarp.

Follow Dan:
Website: DanSchneider.com
Blog: danwarp.blogspot.com
Instagram: @DanWarp
Twitter: @DanWarp
Facebook: /DanWarp
Snapchat: DanWarp
YouTube: /DanWarp
Tumblr: danschneider.tumblr.com

More Nick: 2018 on Nickelodeon USA | New Shows, Specials, Events, Movies, Episodes, and More!

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Henry & Charlotte’s Best BFF Moments | Henry Danger | Nickelodeon

Henry (Jace Norman) and Charlotte (Riele Downs) are best friends and fans can’t get enough of their moments together on Henry Danger! Whether Henry’s destroying one of Charlotte’s inventions or if Charlotte’s trying to remove a muffin from Henry’s mouth with a duster buster, they always have each other’s back! Watch this video and see how these BFFs live dangerously together! Catch more Henry Danger on Nickelodeon!



More Nick: Enter Nickelodeon's Kids' Choice Awards Sweepstakes And Win Tickets To KCA 2018!

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Nickelodeon Global Video Round-Up | Thursday 1st February 2018

Check out a selection of video clips featuring your favourite Nickelodeon shows and stars from Nickelodeon channels around the world!

I Am Frankie | Lab Set-up | Nickelodeon UK

While helping to set-up her mothers home laboratory, Jenny (Sophia Forest) tells Frankie (Alex Hook) that she's upset about the move. Frankie tries to bond with Jenny the only way she knows how.



Watch more I Am Frankie on Nickelodeon! Visit nick.co.uk/frankie and the Nick Play app to find out more about I Am Frankie, as well as to watch more super video clips and to take the "Which Character Are You?" quiz!

More Nick: Nickelodeon UK Premieres 'I Am Frankie'!

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Быть блогером. Шестой выпуск | Nickelodeon Россия

Смотри шестой выпуск нового шоу Nickelodeon Быть блогером.



Шоу Быть блогером - это собственный проект канала Nickelodeon, в котором самые яркие интернет-знаменитости рассказывают о том, как запустить свой блог, снять первое видео и завоевать аудиторию. Наши главные участники – пять Учеников, прошедшие непростой отбор. В каждом выпуске они получают задание снять видео на определённую тему. И чтобы с ним справиться, им на помощь приходят наши ведущие – Миша Шевчук и Максим Старосвитский из RoomFactory и актриса Полина Гренц. Ведущие вместе с крутыми гостями шоу делятся секретами профессии блогера и разбирают работы участников. Героям придётся хорошенько постараться и доказать, что именно они достойны быть Учениками проекта Быть блогером, ведь в любой момент их могут заменить...

Ну а тот, кто справится лучше всех со всеми заданиями станет официальным блогером телеканала Nickelodeon Россия в интернете на целый год! Хочешь быть блогером? Тогда это шоу для тебя!

Больше информации: http://blog.nickelodeon.ru/

Больше Nick: January 2018 On Nickelodeon Russia!

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Nicktoons USA To Premiere New 'Bunsen Is A Beast' Episode 'Beauty Or The Beast; Friend Or Phony' On Friday 9th February 2018

Nicktoons USA will premiere the brand-new Bunsen Is a Beast episode "Beauty or the Beast; Friend or Phony" at 4:45am ET/PT on Friday 9th February 2018! Following its debut, Nicktoons will encore the all-new episode on Saturday 10th February 2018 at 11:00pm ET/PT.

In the brand-new Bunsen Is a Beast episode "Beauty or the Beast" (#126B), Mikey must choose between Bunsen and his dream girl! Then, in "Friend or Phony" (#126A), Mikey and Bunsen are on a game show!

"Beauty or the Beast; Friend or Phony" is thought to be the first season finale - and unfortunately, possibly the series finale - of Bunsen Is a Beast.

Fans can find out more information about Bunsen Is a Beast, as well as watch full-length episodes, short-form clips and play games on nick.com and the Nick App.

More Nick: Nickelodeon USA's February 2018 Premiere Highlights!

Sources: Nickandmore!, @TVShowsFan, ToonZone Forums /@PinkiePie97, Wikipedia, Bunsen Is A Beast Wikia, Zap2it TV Listings.

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PETA Wants The Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles To Go Dairy-Free With Vegan Pizza In Nickelodeon's 2D-Animated Reboot

PETA Wants The Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles To Go Dairy-Free With Vegan Pizza In Nickelodeon Reboot

PETA is hoping that a change to the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles' diet in Nickelodeon's upcoming animated series, Rise of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, will encourage viewers to switch to a vegan diet.

Pizza has always been a mainstay in the diet of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, but PETA (People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals) is hoping to convince Nickelodeon to make one slight change to the staple food in the new animated series Rise of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles.

PETA sent a letter to the network asking that the turtles switch to a dairy-free vegan pizza when they return to television. The letter points out that Nickelodeon’s young viewers (Generation Z), their siblings, and their parents are going vegan at higher rates than ever before with many pizza joints around the nation embracing the trend. Their claims are supported by some rather impressive statistics that highlight the growing shift towards a vegan diet.

"Modern kids are embracing vegan food, so why shouldn't modern Ninja Turtles?" asks PETA Senior Vice President (SVP) Lisa Lange. "Vegan pizza is popular, and it's healthier and far kinder to animals than old-fashioned dairy cheese pizza. PETA thinks that's something the 'Heroes in a Half Shell' would support."

PETA is hoping that this subtle change to the TMNT’s diet will encourage more fans to switch to vegan which “would be great news for cows” who often suffer horrible deaths at the hands of the dairy industry.

“I've got to believe that the Turtles would be willing to help save other animals' lives,” Lange adds.

Announced in March 2017 at Nickelodeon Upfront, the 2D-animated Rise of the Teenage Mutant Turtles will reimagine the iconic characters created by Kevin Eastman and Peter Laird, and make several changes to established Turtles lore — perhaps most notably, Raphael is now the leader, and Leonardo is the “self-professed ‘coolest’ brother.” The voice cast includes: Omar Miller (Ballers) as Raphael, Ben Schwartz (Parks and Recreation) as Leonardo, Josh Brener (Silicon Valley) as Donatello, Brandon Mychal Smith (You're The Worst) as Michelangelo, and Kat Graham (The Vampire Diaries) as April O'Neil, and John Cena as new villain Baron Draxum. The 26-episode first season is set to debut on Nickelodeon in the USA and UK later this year.

You can read the full letter PETA sent to Nickelodeon below.

January 31, 2018

Cyma Zarghami

President

Nickelodeon

Dear Ms. Zarghami,

I’m writing on behalf of People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) and our more than 6.5 million members and supporters worldwide—a bunch of them dyed-in-the-half-shell fans of Mikey, Leo, Raph, and Donnie—to say, “Bodacious!”

That was the reaction around here when word got out about Rise of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. What really got PETA buzzing, though, was the “different direction” that you spelled out for the new series. More laughs? Mystic ninja powers? Gnarly!

But every fan worth his or her nunchucks knows that wherever the show leads the Turtles, they’ll be fueling up with pizza. It’s practically their raison d’être, right? That’s another reason why I’m getting in touch: to ask that their pies and slices be vegan, because compassionate eating is the direction that TMNT fans, their siblings, and their parents are taking.

Check this out: Generation Z already scarfs down 57 percent more tofu and chugs 550 percent more nondairy milk than millennials do. Meanwhile, 70 percent of U.S. college campuses offer daily vegan options—that’s an awesome 42 percent jump from just four years ago—and one in five even have an all-vegan dining station. Twenty-six percent of all consumers say that they’ve cut back on eating meat in the last 12 months, and 58 percent of adults drink nondairy milk.

What’s that mean for reptilian—and human—pizza connoisseurs? More than 40 restaurant chains across the country, including Two Boots, &pizza, and Pizza Studio in the Turtles’ New York City stomping grounds, have taken note and added vegan cheese to their menus, and many of them now offer cruelty-free toppings like mock meats, seasoned tempeh, and tofu.

Putting vegan pizza on the Fab Four’s plates is sure to inspire fans to try it themselves, and that would be great news for cows. The dairy industry isn’t kind to these gentle, intelligent beings—they often spend their lives standing on concrete floors, separated from their babies and tethered to machines until their milk production wanes. Their misery ends at the slaughterhouse.

I’ve got to believe that the Turtles would be willing to help save other animals’ lives.

Thanks for your time and for considering this important issue. I’m looking forward to discussing it with you.

Sincerely,

Lauren Thomasson

PETA

--Ends--

More Nick: Nickelodeon Announces 'Rise Of The Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles' Voice Cast!

Sources: ComicBookMovie.com, CBR.

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