Upfront Presentation by Nickelodeon Highlights New Shows, Original Short-Form, and New Location-Based and Virtual Experiences
Nickelodeon, a kids’ network, detailed its plans for serving the new and next generation of kids on new and next-generation platforms as it heads into the 2018-2019 season.
With content plans spanning its ecosystem, Nickelodeon launched its largest content pipeline ever—more than 800 brand-new episodes of new and returning series—a 20% increase over last year; opportunities in social through original short-form content; a reboot of Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles and a remake of the preschool entertainment landmark, Blue’s Clues; moves into areas of emerging tech, with original VR and AR experiences; and location-based experiences, like this summer’s family musical festival, Nickelodeon SlimeFest.
Details were unveiled during the network’s annual upfront presentation, held at New York City’s Palace Theatre, home of the critically acclaimed SpongeBob SquarePants: The Broadway Musical.
“With our share growing and content pipeline in overdrive, we are reinventing ourselves to best serve the new and next generation of audiences on new and next-generation platforms. Kids are both our anchor and North Star, and that bond with the audience allows us to connect to them everywhere,” said Cyma Zarghami, President, Nickelodeon Group.
During the presentation, Zarghami previewed the network’s upcoming content slate which includes: a development deal for Los Casagrandes, a brand-new companion series for animated hit The Loud House; Pony, a new animated comedy series developed by Nickelodeon International in the UK; a new game show, Keep It Spotless, executively produced by WWE Superstar John Cena; a second season of Lip Sync Battle Shorties, starring Nick Cannon and JoJo Siwa; the reimagined Rise of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles; a remake of the groundbreaking series Blue’s Clues; and Musical Dares, a new short-form series created and executive produced by Nick Cannon, and the first project by Viacom Digital Studios for Nickelodeon’s YouTube channel.
The network also reviewed plans to continue expanding its footprint through innovative new partnerships and technologies.
It announced a new partnership with IMAX to bring to SlimeZone—its first multi-player, social VR experience—to select IMAX VR centres globally this month. It is also unveiling a brand-new AR mode for its number-one Sky Whale mobile gaming app, which averages two million active monthly users and has garnered nearly 30 million downloads.
The network is also expanding its location-based offerings with Nickelodeon SlimeFest, produced in partnership with Live Nation, the multi-day music festival for kids and families will take place in Chicago, Illinois, from 9 to 10 June and feature performances by Grammy-winning DJ and producer Zedd, Liam Payne, multi-platinum artist Flo Rida, and Lip Sync Battle Shorties and social media star JoJo Siwa.
The network also has created and launched a new brand campaign, called “That’s Me,” that showcases children’s drive to be honest and authentic individuals who celebrate differences and diversity.
Beginning this week, Nick will launch the first round of spots, which celebrates history-making women and highlights the brand’s longstanding legacy of strong female characters, to inspire and empower a new generation of girls.
