Viacom International Media Networks (VIMN) has announced Chris Rose as the new Vice President (VP) of International Animation Production & Development for Nickelodeon. Reporting to Nina Hahn, Senior Vice President (SVP) of International Production and Development for Nickelodeon, Rose will lead the internal and external animation development and production teams for Nickelodeon International.
Chris Rose
“I am very excited to welcome Chris to the Nickelodeon family. Chris has an established track record of identifying innovative new IP and developing fresh titles that have gained industry acclaim. His creative sensibility and eye for children’s television will play a key role in developing Nickelodeon’s global animations,” said Hahn. “I trust that his passion for unique, winning content will continue to elevate the work of our animation team, and capture the attention and affection of children around the world.”
Rose brings 20 years of experience in broadcasting, development and production, and joins Nickelodeon from London-based Beano Studios (Dennis and Gnasher: Unleashed) in London, where he headed the development and production of long form television, film and theatre productions. Prior to joining Beano Studios, Rose was the Commissioning Editor of Children’s Television at the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC), developing and executive producing commissioned content for ABC’s two dedicated children’s channels, ABC ME and ABC KIDS.
Rose takes the role over from Alexi Wheeler, who is now part of Netflix’s kids and family team.
Rose has also previously worked as VP of programming and development at HIT Entertainment, and as a content and acquisitions manager for CBeebies. His kids TV credits include The Flamin’ Thongs, The Kazoops and The Deep, the latter of which airs on Nickelodeon Greece.
The moment you’ve all been waiting for is here—More NickSplat content is coming to VRV! For the first time since the channel's launch, all episodes of select series are now available to stream on VRV. Here’s a handy list of which shows that are now available to stream in full:
- All Grown Up (NEW!)
- The Amanda Show
- Catdog
- Kenan & Kel
- Rocket Power
- Rocko’s Modern Life
If you’re familiar with what happened last time, as new series come on, other series get rotated out for the time being. Unfortunately, this means that All That, Angry Beavers, Doug, The Wild Thornberrys, Chalkzone, Clarissa Explains It All, KaBlam!, Salute Your Shorts, Figure It Out and Guts are having a break from the service, but will most likely be added for fans to enjoy again in the near future.
Don’t worry about staying up all night to watch it all, though! Next month, another series will be rotated out and you’ll be able to watch other episodes of another series.
VRV understands your frustration—they don’t want to say goodbye to these shows either. This won’t affect any other content that comes to VRV, it’s just the way NickSplat content lives on VRV.
You’ll also still be able to watch shows like Are You Afraid of the Dark? and both the movie and the series of Legends of the Hidden Temple.
NickSplat is a multi-screen destination that includes beloved Nickelodeon content from the 1990’s and beyond across television and social platforms. Nickelodeon collaborated closely with VRV to create a NickSplat-branded streaming channel that features a rotating selection of nearly 30 series of Nick’s most popular nostalgic animated and live-action programming. Titles include AAAHH!!! Real Monsters, All That, Are You Afraid of the Dark?, CatDog, Clarissa Explains It All, Doug, Kenan & Kel, Legends of the Hidden Temple, Rocko's Modern Life, The Angry Beavers and The Wild Thornberrys, among others, with additional series to be added at a later date. NickSplat will be available to purchase a la carte for $5.99 per month, and will be included in the VRV premium bundle for $9.99 per month.
VRV – the premiere launch partner for NickSplat – and Viacom will curate programming on the channel throughout the partnership. Viewers can visit the NickSplat channel guide to find the latest episodes available by visiting vrv.co/nicksplatguide. Viewers can watch NickSplat on VRV now by heading over to www.vrv.co or downloading the app on Xbox One, PS4, Apple TV, Roku, Fire TV, Android TV, Chromecast, and on Android and iOS.
VRV launched in 2016 to build fans a better universe through a premium, bundled streaming experience. The platform collaborates with both digital-first and traditional media brands and currently offers 12 channels in the VRV Premium bundle including NickSplat, Crunchyroll, Funimation, Rooster Teeth, Shudder and more, alongside exclusive series like “HarmonQuest,” “Killjoys,” “Thundercats,” and “Gary and His Demons” for a monthly subscription of $9.99. Ellation is the parent company of VRV and sister-platform Crunchyroll, and is a part of the Otter Media portfolio.
Update (11/30): With NickSplat's massive collection of cartoons, shows, and movies, awesome is always on the menu. Here's everything you can expect to see in the NickSplat rotation on VRV!:
AAAHH!!! Real Monsters
All That
Angry Beavers
Are You Afraid of the Dark?
Nickelodeon Arcade
Chalkzone
CatDog
Double Dare 2000
Nickelodeon Doug
Clarissa Explains It All
Nickelodeon Global Guts
Figure It Out
Rocket Power
Nickelodeon GUTs
Hey Dude
KaBlam!
Kenan & Kel
Legends of the Hidden Temple (the TV game show)
Legends of the Hidden Temple (the TV movie)
Rocko's Modern Life
The Wild Thornberrys
All Grown Up!
Salute Your Shorts
The Amanda Show
The Journey of Allen Strange
The Mystery Files of Shelby Woo
Unfabulous
Zoey 101
Official Genius Brands International, Inc. Press Release via GlobeNewswire:
Genius Brands International Secures Four New Licensing Partners for the Rainbow Rangers Preschool Brand, Which Debuted to Strong Nielsen Ratings With the Animated Series on Nick Jr. on November 5th
Cra-Z-Art, Esquire Footwear, Integrity Vitamins, and Townley Girl Join a Roster of Over 25 Licensing Leaders for 2019 Retail Program Launch
Genius Brands International Adds Roster of New Licensing Partners for its Original Preschool Brand, Rainbow Rangers
Rainbow Rangers, the new animated adventure series for girls, which premiered on Nick Jr. on November 5th to stellar Neilsen ratings, continues to attract new licensing partners in Genius Brands International, Inc.’s "Genius Brands" (NASDAQ: GNUS) ramp up to the 2019 U.S. retail launch of the preschool brand.
Genius Brands International, Inc.
BEVERLY HILLS, Calif., Nov. 27, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Rainbow Rangers, the new animated adventure series for girls, which premiered on Nick Jr. on November 5th, continues to attract new licensing partners in Genius Brands International, Inc.’s "Genius Brands" (NASDAQ: GNUS) ramp up to the 2019 U.S. retail launch of the preschool brand.
Genius Brands’ SVP of Global Licensing Lloyd Mintz announced today that the Company has signed four new licensing partners, including Cra-Z-Art for crafts and activities; Esquire Footwear for shoes and footwear; Integrity Vitamins, for developing a line of chewable, all natural, vegan, gummy vitamins for kids based on the colorful Rainbow Rangers characters; and Townley Girl, for a line of age-appropriate cosmetics and a variety of health and beauty products.
“We are thrilled with the response from licensees who are clamoring to be associated with this fresh, colorful and exciting new preschool brand,” explained Mintz. “There is already an amazing consumer awareness for the brand, heightened by the premiere on Nick Jr., of course. And once the licensing program launches at retail outlets throughout the country--starting in back-to-school 2019 with over 300 product SKU’s coming to the marketplace--we fully anticipate Rainbow Rangers will be among the top ‘must have’ consumer products for children of all ages throughout next year.”
Genius Brands has partnered with over 25 blue-chip industry-leading licensing partners for the retail launch of Rainbow Rangers, including Mattel Inc. (master toy), MacMillan Publishing (master publishing), Bentex (master apparel), A.M.E. (sleepwear), Berkshire Fashions (cold weather accessories), BioWorld (bags, backpacks), Ceaco (puzzles), Disguise (Halloween costumes), Handcraft Manufacturing (packaged underwear), H.E.R. Accessories (jewelry and hair accessories), Jay Franco (bedding and bath), Dynacraft (bicycles), Kid Galaxy (bubble toys), Kiddieland (foot-to-floor ride-ons), Planet Sox (hosiery), Spirit Halloween (direct-to-retail program), KIDdesigns (youth electronics line), and Basic Fun! (novelty toy line).
About Rainbow Rangers
The Rainbow Rangers series follows the thrilling rescue-based adventures of seven 9-year-old girls who are Earth’s first responders, protecting people, animals, resources, and the natural beauty of our world. The Rainbow Rangers, who live in the magical land of Kaleidoscopia at the other side of the rainbow, have their own distinctive personalities and superpowers. Whenever there’s trouble for the people or animals of Earth, our seven heroines zoom into action and ride their Spectra Scooters across the rainbow to save the day. Viewers will join them on exciting adventures, but also see them at home having the same daily dramas and hilarities as every preschooler watching the show. And at its heart, Rainbow Rangers is about empowering and encouraging girls to take action and make a difference in their own homes and neighborhoods to improve and safeguard the planet. Every viewer—boys and girls alike—will see themselves in at least one of these strong, unique and empowered Rangers!
Boasting a unique and highly-accomplished team of creators from the animated motion picture world, Rainbow Rangers’ creative development and production team includes Rob Minkoff (Disney’s The Lion King director), Shane Morris (Disney’s Frozen co-writer), Tim Mansfield, and New York Times Bestselling author and Emmy-nominated writer Elise Allen (Dinosaur Train, Lion Guard, Barbie specials) who is serving as head writer and co-creator. Genius Brands’ Chairman and CEO and multiple Emmy Award-winning producer of more than 5,000 episodes of children's programming, Andy Heyward, serves as executive producer, with legendary Disney alum Ruben Aquino creating key designs. Aquino is responsible for the design and animation of many of Disney’s most iconic characters from award-winning films including The Lion King, Beauty and the Beast, The Little Mermaid, Mulan and Frozen.
About Genius Brands International
Headquartered in Beverly Hills, Genius Brands International, Inc. (NASDAQ:GNUS) is a leading global kids media company developing, producing, marketing and licensing branded children’s entertainment properties and consumer products for media and retail distribution. The Company’s “content with a purpose” brand portfolio, which is led by award-winning creators and producers, includes preschool properties Rainbow Rangers for Nick Jr. and Llama Llama for Netflix; award-winning toddler brand, Baby Genius; adventure comedy STEM series, Thomas Edison's Secret Lab; and financial literacy and entrepreneurship series, Warren Buffett's Secret Millionaires Club. The Company’s content catalog also includes the animated series, Stan Lee's Cosmic Crusaders, created with Stan Lee's Pow! Entertainment. Seeing the need to provide kids and parents with a safe viewing environment that offers premium enriching and engaging programming, Genius Brands launched the Genius Brands Network – comprised of Kid Genius Cartoon Channel and Baby Genius TV, as well as an exclusive Kid Genius Cartoons Plus subscription channel on Amazon Prime. The Network channels are available in approximately 80 million U.S. households via a variety of distribution platforms, such as OTT, set-top box, internet and mobile. Through licensing agreements with category leading partners, characters from the Company’s properties also appear on a wide range of consumer products for retail. For additional information please visit www.gnusbrands.com.
Certain statements in this press release constitute "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the federal securities laws. Words such as "may," "might," "will," "should," "believe," "expect," "anticipate," "estimate," "continue," "predict," "forecast," "project," "plan," "intend" or similar expressions, or statements regarding intent, belief, or current expectations, are forward-looking statements. While the Company believes these forward-looking statements are reasonable, undue reliance should not be placed on any such forward-looking statements, which are based on information available to us on the date of this release. These forward looking statements are based upon current estimates and assumptions and are subject to various risks and uncertainties, including without limitation those set forth in the Company's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC"), not limited to Risk Factors relating to its patent business contained therein. Thus, actual results could be materially different. The Company expressly disclaims any obligation to update or alter statements whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by law.
Also, official Genius Brands International, Inc. Press Release via GlobeNewswire:
Genius Brands International, Inc. Issues Shareholder Letter
Genius Brands International's (Nasdaq:GNUS) new animated preschool series, Rainbow Rangers, continues to grow week to week since its debut on Nick Jr. on November 5th.
BEVERLY HILLS, Calif., Nov. 30, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Genius Brands International, Inc. “Genius Brands” (NASDAQ: GNUS), the global brand management company that creates and licenses multimedia entertainment content for children, released a letter to shareholders from Chairman & CEO Andy Heyward. The complete letter follows:
Dear Genius Brands Shareholders,
Rainbow Rangers Week 2 Nielsen Numbers Continue to Grow!!!
I have a quick update for those of you who are tracking the launch of Rainbow Rangers and its strong Nielsen performance debut the week of November 5th, in which we were one of the highest rated programs on Nick Jr. I am ecstatic to report that in Week #2, once again, Rainbow Rangers continued to improve and grow its ratings numbers, against our key target demo of Girls 2-5.
In our Week 1 launch, we were at .7, and in our Week 2, we moved up 16% to .81. This not only placed us amongst the top shows on Nick Jr., but also delivered a higher Nielsen rating than a number of established hit franchises.
As for the critical metric of audience retention, Rainbow Rangers also continued to retain and improve our lead in audience this week by an average of +36%.
At the end of week 1, Nick Jr. added encore performances for Rainbow Rangers on both Saturday and Sunday, and during Week 2, Nick added TWO PRIMETIME BROADCASTS this last Sunday night, November 25th, from 8pm-9pm. These are both strong steps speaking on behalf of the shows ability to perform.
Meanwhile, all of the Rainbow Rangers’ consumer products are now poised for the retail market launch in Q3 2019. Successful shows that attract viewers sell a lot of consumer product merchandise, and we believe that is exactly where Rainbow Rangers is heading!
There could not possibly be better news to report!
Sincerely,
Andy Heyward
Chairman & CEO
Genius Brands International, Inc.
Forward Looking Statements:
Certain statements in this notice constitute "forward-looking statements" within the meaning o the federal securities laws. Words such as "may," "might," "will," "should," "believe," "expect," "anticipate," "estimate," "continue," "predict," "forecast," "project," "plan," "intend" or similar expressions, or statements regarding intent, belief, or current expectations, are forward-looking statements. While the Company believes these forward-looking statements are reasonable, undue reliance should not be placed on any such forward-looking statements, which are based on information available to us on the date of this release. These forward-looking statements are based upon current estimates and assumptions and are subject to various risks and uncertainties, including without limitation those set forth in the Company's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC"), not limited to Risk Factors relating to its patent business contained therein. Thus, actual results could be materially different. The Company expressly disclaims any obligation to update or alter statements whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by law.
Viewers can visit nickjr.com, the Nick Jr. app and the official Rainbow Rangers show website, rainbowrangers.com to find out more about the show and its colorful superheroes and to watch exclusive video clips. Viewers can also follow the official Rainbow Rangers community on Facebook and Instagram for magical updates.
Stephen Hillenburg, creator of the hit Nickelodeon animated series SpongeBob SquarePants, died on November 26. He was 57. Hillenburg, a Humboldt State University graduate and former marine biology teacher, died of complications from amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), or Lou Gehrig's disease, at his home in Southern California.
Just months ago, Hillenburg ('84, marine science major, art minor) and his wife Karen created the Stephen Hillenburg Marine Science Research Award Endowment at HSU with a $135,000 gift to provide grant awards for student research projects in marine biology, oceanography, and marine fisheries.
To honor Hillenburg and his Humboldt heritage, which had a huge impact on the show, the Eureka-Humboldt Visitors Bureau is encouraging visitors to follow his fun-filled footsteps through the county. Kids of all ages will enjoy a sensational aquatic adventure. *
First stop, the Telonicher Marine Laboratory (570 Ewing St, Trinidad 826-3671, requested $1 donation) managed by Humboldt State University, where Hillenburg studied marine biology and art. The facility, perched on a cliff overlooking Trinidad State Beach, houses aquariums teeming with odd local sea life, such as a monkeyface eel, a bashful octopus, camouflaged eelgrass fish, florescent jellyfish, and one of the world’s fastest starfish. After examining a giant whale skull nearby, the grand finale awaits outside where young hands can plunk their digits over the squishy bodies of starfish, sea cucumbers and sea anemones in several open touch tanks.
What about sponges like Bob? Alas, such gentle souls don’t last long in the aquaria jungles, where voracious shrimp turn them into dishes du jour. But go five miles north to Patrick’s (not named for Bob’s co-star) Point State Park (4150 Patrick’s Point Drive, Trinidad, 677-3570, $8 day-use fee per vehicle) and judicious exploration of its tide pools at low tide, in particular, those around Palmer’s Point Beach at the south end of the park, reveal bonanzas of hermit crabs, fish, mollusks, sea stars and occasional sponges. For the more ambitious, stop in the visitor center to request a “Get in the Zone” brochure to identify the tide pool creatures or a Redwood EdVenture Quest map to earn a badge on a park scavenger hunt.
Ocean, redwoods, big sky: These were some of the sights that influenced the incredibly talented Stephen Hillenburg during his Humboldt County days. You can find places that have that sweet "SpongeBob" vibe on your next visit to the region. Photo: Don Forthuber.
Naturally, the pursuit of Poriferans may prod the appetite, best satisfied by a visit to Stars Hamburgers (1535 G St, Arcata, 826-1379 or 2009 Harrison Ave, Eureka, 445-2061, which serve up grass-fed beef burgers with toppings like guacamole, bacon and blue cheese; veggie patties, Cajun fries, onion rings, chocolate malts, and of course fish & chips. The place may seem familiar. It is said to have inspired the Krusty Krab restaurant, dining establishment where SpongeBob SquarePants works in the series. Hungry for more SpongeBob fare? Try Toni's 24 Hour Truck Stop (1901 Heindon Road, Arcata, 822-0091), thought to be the muse for the show’s Chum Bucket restaurant, the arch-rival to the Krusty Krab.
For more information about the Redwood Forests of California, Eureka and Humboldt County, please visit https://www.visitredwoods.com.
* Excerpted from the Spring 2017 issue of the Humboldt Insider.
Based on a official Eureka-Humboldt Visitors Bureau press release.
Creator Stephen Hillenburg called the nature-packed, oh-so-quirky region home during his university days.
KNOW "SPONGEBOB SQUAREPANTS"? Then you know it is a timeless show, one that will be as watchable in a century as it was a decade ago, thanks in part to its creator's devotion to all-out quirk-a-tude, to gentle but sophisticated humor, and a love of nature, specifically the ocean. Know Humboldt County? Then you can understand how Stephen Hillenburg, the creator of the hit Nickelodeon series, basked in some of that quintessential Humboldtian character during his time at Humboldt State University, and later brought that character and pluck to his perfect animated series.
IT IS A BEAUTIFUL REGION, in short, that fits the sprightly show, a show that followed the adventures of a sweetly offbeat sea sponge and his pals and frenemies, very well, thanks to Humboldt's natural bounty and whimsy-loving character. If you thought the county's whimsical rep was mostly to do with its famous Kinetic Grand Championship, and its other famous and unusual events, best ponder another visit. And make it about paying homage to the memory of Mr. Hillenburg, who passed away in Southern California on Nov. 26, at age 57, following a battle with ALS.
WHERE TO FIND THAT HUMBOLDT MAGIC? It's all around, as any local will tell you, but the Eureka-Humboldt Visitors Bureau has shared some suggestions for fans of Mr. Hillenburg and his iconic series under the header of the "SpongeBob Trail." You can swing by Telonicher Marine Labratory, to eye the aquariums "teeming with odd local sea life," a place where Mr. Hillenburg put in his time studying, you guessed it, marine biology (and, of course, art, too). Patrick's Point State Park is also on the list, as well as some area places to grab a hamburger (if not a Krabby Patty).
FOR MORE INFORMATION... on this sweet travel-oriented tribute to one of Humboldt's favorite students and lovers of nature, start your SpongeBob-spunky journey to the land o' the giant trees.
The holidays are right around the corner so what better way to get in the holiday spirit than with a holiday taste test.❄️ But this one comes with a DIY twist! See which DIY recipes the Nick stars totally nail and which ones are a total fail!🎄
Featuring: Jace Norman, JoJo Siwa, Cooper Barnes, Daniella Perkins, Owen Joyner, Amarr Wooten, Lexi DiBenedetto and the cast of Nickelodeon’s new show, Cousins for Life!
What is YOUR favorite holiday food of ALL TIME?! 💛
Check out these contestants take on Takeshi’s Castle's 'Turtle Path'. Will they be able to hop over those slippery turtles, or fall straight into the water?
Catch brand-new episodes of Takeshi’s Castle every Wednesday at 6:00pm on Nicktoons UK & Ireland! Visit nicktoons.co.uk/takeshi for more Takeshi’s Castle!
Sing along with Dora and Alana to the Little Box song!
Watch all your favourite Nick Jr. friends everyday on Nick Jr.! For more magical Nick Jr. activities and games visit NickJr.co.uk and download the Nick Jr. Play app!
Hamilton Tony winner Renée Elise Goldsberry is set to show off her rapping skills once again, this time on a brand-new episode of Nickelodeon's popular animated preschool series, Sunny Day! And to celebrate, Playbill has unveiled a fantastic sneak-peek from the all-new episode! Check out Goldsberry and fellow Broadway alum Kyle Dean Massey singing “Simple and Fancy Things” from the upcoming episode here on Playbill.com!
The brand-new episode, titled “A Different Duo,” will premiere Sunday, December 2 at 11 AM ET on Nick Jr. USA. In it, Johnny‐Ray (Massey) wins a chance to perform with rap music star Fee‐B (Goldsberry), but when their styles don’t mesh, they decide to go their separate ways. It’ll take Johnny‐Ray helping Fee‐B, Sunny, and the girls out of a jam to make them all realize what the pair can achieve.
Sunny Day follows the adventures of Sunny, a 10-year-old master hairstylist and entrepreneur who uses creative problem-solving to tackle any dilemma that arises in her seaside town of Friendly Falls. The series celebrates individuality, self-expression, leadership, innovative thinking, and teamwork.
Ten posters with a difference have been installed at ten sites across Camden, Hackney, Hammersmith & Fulham, Islington, Southwark, and Tower Hamlets London sites.
Ten posters with a difference have been installed at ten sites across Camden, Hackney, Hammersmith & Fulham, Islington, Southwark, and Tower Hamlets in London.
The posters will be available to see until the December 6th and mark a first for DK and the independent creative out-of-home agency Jack Arts, and promises to give fans “an immersive experience, with Nickelodeon branding at its heart”.
"Not only are they visually striking but they will play the iconic Nick ‘90s shows theme tunes via a motion sensor," read a description from the firm.
The humorous books take direct quotes and stills from Nickelodeon's beloved '90s animated series to offer advice on the themes of adulthood and relationships. With “bold and colourful” designs, the titles aim to evoke a playful nostalgia and feature throwbacks to the original animated series.
Simon Beecroft, publishing director of DK’s licensing division, said: “We're excited to be supporting our millennial-inspired, 90s throwback Nickelodeon books with a promotion to match.
"DK strives to do things differently and reach readers in new ways, and these interactive posters around London will turn heads and should inspire the odd post on Instagram.”
Rugrats Guide to Adulting and Hey Arnold! Guide to Relationships were released in October and are now available to purchase in the UK, US and Canada.
To celebrate Nickelodeon USA premiering the brand-new Power Rangers Super Ninja Steel holiday special "The Poisy Show" on Saturday, December 1, 2018 at 12:00 p.m. (ET/PT), Nick USA has unveiled a fantastic sneak peek preview from the all-new PRSNS festive episode, which you can watch in the super video clip here on Nick.com!
In the brand-new Power Rangers Super Ninja Steel Christmas special "The Poisy Show" (#822), when an old foe of the Rangers returns, the Rangers call upon Santa Claus to help them save the world! In Nick's super sneak-peek, titled "A White Christmas", the Red Ranger (Will Shewfelt) can travel anywhere this Holiday season!
"The Poisy Show" will officially bring the action packed Power Rangers Super Ninja Steel, the landmark 25th season of the iconic Power Rangers franchise to a close. Following the holiday special, Nick USA will debut Power Rangers Beast Morphers, the 26th season of the iconic long-running Power Rangers franchise, in early 2019! Click play below for a first look at PRBM!:
Set in the future, a secret agency combines a newly discovered substance called “Morph-X” with animal DNA to create the Power Rangers Beast Morphers team. The Rangers must fight off an evil sentient computer virus named Evox which is bent on taking over the source of all Ranger power, the Morphin Grid itself. Only one fighting force can come together and stop Evox once and for all: the three new Beast Morpher Power Rangers and their Beast Bot sidekicks! Featuring never-before-seen leather suits and an all-new beast-themed arsenal (including dynamic new Zords), fans should get ready for a season full of secret ops and morphinominal fun!
Power Rangers Beast Morphers will star Rorrie Travis as Devon / Red Ranger, Jacqueline Scislowski as Zoey / Yellow Ranger, Jasmeet Baduwalia as Ravi / Blue Ranger, Abraham Rodriguez as Nate, Colby Strong as Blaze, Cosme Flores as Ben, Kristina Ho as Betty, Liana Ramirez as Roxy.
For the first time ever, each of the Power Rangers will have their own sidekick in Power Rangers Beast Morphers! The Beast Bots are the lovable sidekicks that will aid the Rangers in the quest to defeat Earth’s evildoers.
- The Red Ranger’s Beast Bot will be a Cheetah named Cruise.
- The Blue Ranger’s Beast Bot will be a Gorilla named Smash.
- The Yellow Ranger’s Beast Bot will be a Jackrabbit named Jax.
Power Rangers Beast Morphers will use footage from the 2012 Super Sentai series Tokumei Sentai Go-Busters (the 36th season overall).
Missed any episodes of Power Rangers Super Ninja Steel? Catch up now at nick.com/ninjasteel and on the Nick App!
Originally published: Thursday, November 29, 2018.Follow NickALive! on Twitter, Tumblr, Google+, via RSS, on Instagram, and/or Facebook for the latest Holidays on Nickelodeon and Power Rangers News and Highlights!
Wear It, Drive It, Meme It—SpongeBob's Pop Culture Legacy
How Nickelodeon’s ‘SpongeBob’ cartoon became a cultural phenomenon.
Who lives in a pineapple under the sea? SpongeBob SquarePants—that’s who.
The oddball yellow sponge from the fictional undersea community of Bikini Bottom is one of the most recognizable cartoons of all time, thanks to creator Stephen Hillenburg.
Nearly 20 years after the series first aired on Nickelodeon, SpongeBob SquarePants is still going strong. The hit show spawned hundreds of episodes, several feature films, and a Tony Award-winning Broadway show.
Beyond that, characters and images from the show are pervasive throughout fashion, music, and Internet culture.
"SpongeBob is one of the most significant television series in meme history."
“SpongeBob is one of the most significant television series in meme history,” Know Your Meme managing editor Don Caldwell told Wired.
He added that the show currently has 90 sub-entries and some 290 related entry search results on the website—that’s more documented memes than The Simpsons, the longest-running primetime scripted series in history. "Evil Patrick Star" and "Tired SpongeBob" are among some of the most prevalent and popular ones.
“SpongeBob clearly resonates with a large part of internet culture like no other, and I don’t think this is simply driven by nostalgia,” said Caldwell.
Fashion bloggers Sam Beckerman and Cailli Beckerman (Photo by Kirstin Sinclair/Getty Images)
The show pervades hip-hop culture as well. According to Genius, the SpongeBob SquarePants TV series is referenced in hundreds of hip-hop lyrics, from D12’s song “Keep Talkin’” in 2004 to YouTube mixes of SpongeBob trap tunes. SpongeBob himself has been mentioned over 100 times on songs by artists ranging from Wu-Tang Clan to Smokepurpp.
Chuuwee, a Los Angeles hip-hop artist who collaborated with DJ duo Cookin Soul on the SpongeBob rap “Bikini Bottom,” told Noisey the impact on music is connected to the show’s influence on fashion and streetwear, saying that “growing up, we all had Jordan Dub Zeros with SpongeBob on the side and SpongeBob backpacks.”
A model walks the runway at the Moschino Autumn Winter 2014 fashion show during Milan Fashion Week. (Photo by Catwalking/Getty Images)
He added, “They started printing SpongeBob on shirts and sweaters hoping it would bring people in. Once Bay Area rappers and tastemakers started wearing them in music videos, it set up the show as an acceptable staple in the culture.”
Models present the new collection of Patrick Mohr during the Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Berlin Spring/Summer 2016. (Photo by Carsten Koall/Getty Images for IMG)
The SpongeBob character and his zany undersea community have inspired plenty of other merchandise, including lunch boxes and backpacks, mugs and notebooks, earning more than $13 billion in merchandise sales, according to The New York Times.
The hit show also inspired several fashion collaborations with a variety of brands and designers, including Vans and Moschino. Others in the industry, like PSD Underwear, paid tribute to Hillenburg and thanked him for “all the laughs.” Designer like Marc Jacobs, who has the square sponge tattooed on his arm, has praised Hillenburg and the show in the past.
The Toyota Sienna 'SpongeBob' display at the Motor City Comic Con in 2015. (Photo by Monica Morgan/WireImage)
“The colors of that cartoon are really beautiful and really sophisticated and interesting,” Jacobs told The Cut.
The colorful cartoon character even influenced the close-knit scientific community. In 2011, they named a new fungus, spongiforma squarepantsi, after the titular character.
For approximately $2,416 a night, excluding holiday pricing, travelers to Punta Cana, Dominican Republic can stay in a pineapple like their favorite undersea dwelling friend at Nickelodeon Hotels & Resorts Punta Cana.
Hillenburg never anticipated that the small-screen star would become a global brand.
“I thought we’d get four seasons, but it’s still going,” Hillenburg explained to The Guardian in 2016. “I see SpongeBob on ice-cream trucks a lot and I’ve got bootleg SpongeBob merchandise from Mexico. In Egypt, they even wear hijabs with SpongeBob on them.”
Behind this wide-ranging legacy and the deep connection celebrities and fans feel for the apple-cheeked undersea creature, Hillenburg’s legacy will likely continue traveling beyond Bikini Bottom for a long, long time to come.
SpongeBob SquarePants made its television debut in 1999 and has since become the longest-running show in Nickelodeon history. Now the fate of the show has been revealed after series creator Stephen Hillenburg's death.
Hillenburg with SpongeBob SquarePants costumed character at an event held at Tokyo International Anime Fair on March 23, 2006, in Tokyo, Japan. Photo credit: Junko Kimura/Getty Images
Hillenburg was a cartoonist, animator and marine biologist best known for creating SpongeBob. He passed away on Monday, November 26 after battling Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), which is also known as Lou Gehrig's disease. He first revealed his diagnosis in an interview with Variety in March 2017, where he explained how he "wanted people to hear directly" from him about his illness. ALS is a neurodegenerative disease that causes the muscles to weaken. It also affects one's ability to physically function.
Hillenburg wasn't just SpongeBob's creator. He served as a writer, executive producer and director on several episodes. With his heavy involvement in the animated series in mind, will the show conclude its run on Nickelodeon?
Representatives for Nickelodeon referred Newsweek to a statement the network left in the comments section of an Instagram post shared in Hillenburg's honor. Nickelodeon reassured fans the legacy of SpongeBob isn't over just yet.
"The show isn't cancelled," Nickelodeon wrote. "Steve Hillenburg's creations will continue to bring joy to kids and families everywhere."
Ahead of his death, Hillenburg was still overseeing SpongeBob's production as it entered Season 12 on November 11, 2018. Season 12 of the underwater animated series was given a 26-episode pickup. These episodes would run through 2019, which is the year of the children's show's 20th anniversary. However, SpongeBob hasn't yet to be renewed by Nickelodeon for Season 13.
A third installment in the show's film franchise, titled The SpongeBob Movie: It's a Wonderful Sponge, is currently slated to be released in theaters on July 17, 2020. The project featured Hillenburg as an executive producer and writer. With an IMDb Pro account, members can see the project boasts the credit "In Memory Of" under his profile. This likely indicates those working on the film intend to dedicate it to the late animator.
SpongeBob is voiced by voice actor Tom Kenny. Kenny, who's been recognized with Daytime Emmy Awards and Annie Awards wins for his efforts, has also lent his voice to cartoon characters such as Heffer in Rocko's Modern Life, a series which Hillenburg also worked on, Dog in CatDog, and the Ice King in Adventure Time. The show also stars Bill Fagerbakke as Patrick Star, Carolyn Lawrence as Sandy Cheeks, Roger Bumpass as Squidward, Clancy Brown as Mr. Krabs and Mr. Lawrence as Plankton.
"Obviously, SpongeBob is a comedy, but it really was inspired by me liking marine science," Hillenburg said in a Nickelodeon Animation featurette in 2015. "I focused on that and I never thought the two would come together, actually."
Originally published: Thursday, November 29, 2018.
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Stephen Hillenburg, the creator of the beloved Nickelodeon animated series SpongeBob SquarePants, died on Monday, November 26. He was 57.
The cause of death was ALS (amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, also referred to as Lou Gehrig’s disease), which Hillenburg revealed he had been diagnosed with in March of last year, saying in a statement at the time that he would continue to work on the animated series, “for a long as I am able.”
Remembering Stephen Hillenburg: The Genius Behind SpongeBob SquarePants | Nick
Remembering the creative mastermind behind SpongeBob SquarePants Stephen Hillenburg.
“I wanted people to hear directly from me that I have been diagnosed with ALS,” he said at the time. “Anyone who knows me knows that I will continue to work on 'SpongeBob SquarePants' and my other passions for as long as I am able. My family and I are grateful for the outpouring of love and support."
ALS is a disease that affects nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord. It progressively kills the neurons that control muscles, eventually leading to paralysis. The fight for a cure came into the spotlight in 2014 with the ice bucket challenge, which raised more than $100 million. Scientists are still racing to find a cure.
“We are incredibly saddened by the news that Steve Hillenburg has passed away following a battle with ALS,” Nickelodeon said in a statement on Tuesday. “He was a beloved friend and long-time creative partner to everyone at Nickelodeon, and our hearts go out to his entire family. Steve imbued SpongeBob SquarePants with a unique sense of humor and innocence that has brought joy to generations of kids and families everywhere. His utterly original characters and the world of Bikini Bottom will long stand as a reminder of the value of optimism, friendship and the limitless power of imagination.”
As a child with a passion for art, Hillenburg also became fascinated with the ocean after watching Jacques Cousteau documentaries on television.
In a 2012 Nerdist podcast interview, he recalled going diving for the first time and discovering the underwater world didn't resemble the black-and-white pictures he had seen.
"It just was a shock for me," he recalled, "and I was riveted by that experience."
The two-time Emmy winner graduated from Humboldt State University in 1984 with a bachelor’s degree in Natural Resource Planning and Interpretation, with an emphasis on marine resources. He then became a marine biology teacher at the Orange County Marine Institute (now the Ocean Institute) in Dana Point, California. This interest, combined with his artistic talent and love of the sea and its creatures, led him to create and write The Intertidal Zone, a science lesson in comic book form designed to keep the young students engaged.
That comic book about the briny denizens of a tide-pool would become the early foundation of Bikini Bottom, the vivid community where SpongeBob SquarePants shares with friends like Squidward, Patrick, Sandy, Pearl, Mr. Krabs, and Plankton. The characters from the illustrated teaching tools would later become the denizens of SpongeBob’s home, Bikini Bottom.
Stephen Hillenburg directs Patrick and SpongeBob in a scene from the animated motion picture "The SpongeBob SquarePants Movie." Photo: David Strick, Paramount Pictures
"Obviously, SpongeBob is a comedy, but it really was inspired by me liking marine science," he said in a 2015 interview. "I focused on that, and I never thought the two would come together."
He began his animation career in 1987, pursuing a degree in Experimental Animation at the California Institute of Arts in Valencia and earning his Master of Fine Arts in 1992.
That same year he won an award for Best Animated Concept at the Ottawa International Animation Festival for his animated short Wormholes, which went on to be shown at various international animation festivals. From 1993 to 1996 he would pursue work in television as a director and writer on Nickelodeon series Rocko’s Modern Life and Rugrats.
Wormholes [Stephen Hillenburg]
Martin Olson, a writer on Rocko's Modern Life, admired a comic book that Hillenburg had drawn and written about tide pools. "It got me thinking, 'If I were to do a show, it would be about these invertebrates and these crazy animals that exist in the ocean,'" Hillenburg recalled. "It was that moment that said, 'Maybe I should pursue this.'"
"I decided, 'OK, if I'm doing it about one character, what's the kind of character that I like? First of all, what's the weirdest character? What's the weirdest animal?' The sponge came to mind," he told the Nerdist podcast.
From there, he began to work full-time on writing producing, and directing on the animated series that would eventually become SpongeBob SquarePants. The first episode aired on Nickelodeon on May 1, 1999 and the series commenced its full run on July 17 of that year. By its second season it was a runaway hit with youngsters as well as cult sensation with college-aged audiences, who even organized viewing parties for the show. The series has aired nearly 250 episodes to date.
Hillenburg was the showrunner and executive producer from 1999 to 2004. The show took a hiatus in 2002 so the SpongeBob team could turn their attention to an ambitious undertaking — transplanting the highest rated show in Nickelodeon’s history to movie theaters.
The series has won both U.S. and British Emmy Awards - some of the highest television awards in U.S. and U.K., Annie Awards, and ASACP Awards and has been dubbed or sub-titled in more than 60 languages, including Urdu, Azerbaijani and Maori.
Earlier this year, he was honored with a special Emmy “for his contribution and impact made in the animation field and within the broadcast industry”.
“SpongeBob’s vocal cords might be mine,” he said. “But SpongeBob’s playful spirit of gentle anarchy, his humor and the joy he takes in his vibrant, colorful, music-filled world come directly, directly, 100 percent from my good buddy, Mr. Stephen Hillenburg.”
In February at the Annie Awards in Los Angeles, Hillenburg was among those given a Winsor McCay honor for his career contributions to animation. Tom Kenny, the voice of SpongeBob, made the stage presentation and accepted the award on Hillenburg's behalf as he remained seated to receive a standing ovation.
Hillenburg also wrote, produced, and directed The SpongeBob SquarePants Movie, which was released in 2004 and went on to gross over $140 million worldwide. Hillenburg then wrote the story for and was the executive producer of the sequel, The SpongeBob Movie: Sponge Out of Water, in 2015. A third film, "It’s a Wonderful Sponge", is due to be released in August 2020. Additionally, the character found life on the stage in the Tony-winning SpongeBob SquarePants: The Broadway Musical, which, by the time of its Sept. 16, 2018 closing, it had played 29 previews and 327 regular performances. The musical is set to tour North America from Fall 2019.
Hillenburg had envisioned the first film as the swan song for Bikini Bottom, a big-screen finale that would save the show from “jumping the shark,” as he put it. The Nickelodeon appetite for the brand was too strong to let it be left on a shelf, however, so Hillenburg decided it was time to leave his animated eco-system in the hands of others.
“It reached a point where I felt I’d contributed a lot and said what I wanted to say,” Hillenburg later explained to the Washington Post. At that point, the show needed new blood, and so I selected Paul [Tibbitt] to produce. I totally trusted him. I always enjoyed the way he captured the SpongeBob character’s sense of humor. And as a writer, you have to move on.”
Hillenburg’s signature creation is a whole empire unto itself: Comics, toys, clothes, and much more. It’s one of the most watched children’s shows of all time.
In May of last year, SpongeBob was renewed through a 12th season, set to premiere in 2019.
“I thought we’d get four seasons, but it’s still going,” he told the Guardian in 2016. I see SpongeBob on ice-cream trucks a lot and I’ve got bootleg SpongeBob merchandise from Mexico. In Egypt, they even wear hijabs with SpongeBob on them.”
"The fact that it's undersea and isolated from our world helps the characters maintain their own culture," Hillenburg told The Associated Press in 2001. "The essence of the show is that SpongeBob is an innocent in a world of jaded characters. The rest is absurd packaging."
Hillenburg also was an early voice actor for Potty the Parrot and played the ukulele for some of the show's original music.
Though Hillenburg had no direct involvement in writing the musical – Kyle Jarrow wrote the book and Tom Kitt’s original music was combined with songs from David Bowie, John Legend, The Flaming Lips, Sara Bareilles, among many others – the spirit of the animated series flowed through the production from beginning to end.
The cast did not perform in costumes mimicking the cartoon, but rather in garb suggesting character: Ethan Slater’s SpongeBob, for example, wore rolled-up plaid pants, a yellow shirt and a red tie, letting his skyrocket enthusiasm do what no mask could.
So full of the animated series’ energy – childlike but knowing, sweet but not sticky – the musical captured the attention of Broadway producers and New York theater owners during a 2016 Chicago run. SpongeBob SquarePants: The Broadway Musical began previews at New York’s Palace Theatre on November 6, 2017, and opened on December 4, 2017. The musical was awarded with 12 Tony nominations, and won one.
Hillenburg — or Steve as he was known to family, friends, and fans — was born August 21, 1961, at Fort Sill in Lawton, Oklahoma. After leaving the military, his father, Kelly N. Hillenburg, Jr., became a draftsman and designer for aerospace companies. His mother Nancy taught visually impaired students.
He has been described by colleagues as "a perfectionist workaholic" and once revealed why he didn't love the spotlight.
"I make animation because I like to draw and create things. I have no real interest to be on camera or to be a celebrity. It's not that I don't like people, but I like having my privacy," he said.
He is survived by his wife of 20 years Karen Hillenburg, son Clay, mother Nancy Hillenburg (nee Dufour) and brother Brian Kelly Hillenburg, his wife Isabel, and nieces Emma and Hazel.
In 2017, the Princess Grace Foundation-USA (PGF-USA) announced the Stephen Hillenburg Animation Award. Karen and Stephen Hillenburg endowed the Foundation with the gift, which will encourage and assist future animators to develop and hone their crafts. Stephen himself received his Princess Grace Award in 1991 and a Statue Award in 2002. He is the first Princess Grace Award winner to honor the Foundation with the gift of such a scholarship.
Earlier this year, Hillenburg furthered his contribution to the marine sciences through an endowment designed to support student research. Created by Hillenburg and his wife Karen with a $135,000 gift, the Stephen Hillenburg Marine Science Research Award Endowment at Humboldt State University (HSU) will provide grant awards for student research projects in marine biology, oceanography, and marine fisheries.
Nickelodeon will be observing a moment of silence to honor his life and work today, Tuesday, November 27. 💛
R.I.P. Stephen Hillenburg. August 21, 1961 - November 26, 2018
Both the ALS Association and the Muscular Dystrophy Association have information on how to support those diagnosed and their families, as well as ways to donate to research efforts and related causes.
Following the tragic news of Stephen's untimely death, SpongeBob fans have been taking to social media to pay tribute to the legend, thanking him for his creation, which "enriched lives" and "stirred up laughter for years to come":
