Here at Collider, we cover a lot of stuff, be itStar Wars, superheroes, or cinephile fare, and everything from movies and TV, to video games and web series. There’s something for everyone. But there’s so much stuff out there that sometimes our younger audience members get left out. So every once in a while, we’d like to shine a spotlight on some family-friendly content that parents and caregivers can confidently watch with the little ones.
In today’sCollider Kidssegment, we’re bring you the word that Nickelodeon is rebooting its beloved kids programBlue’s Clues. The network will have a new generation of preschoolers searching for clues, as it brings back the beloved puppy Blue in a remake of its groundbreaking series. Picked up for 20 episodes, the newBlue’s Clueswill have a refreshed signature look and casting for the new host will begin this month, including an open call in Southern California on April 14th. For more info, visithttp://blues-clues-host-casting.nick.com. Production onBlue’s Clueswill commence this summer.
“With Blue’s Clues, Nickelodeon launched what became TV’s first generation of interactivity for preschoolers and set the bar for quality, curriculum-driven shows we have made since,” saidCyma Zarghami, President, Nickelodeon Group. “The new, modern version of Blue’s Clues will capture all the original’s creativity and visual identity for a whole new audience ready for its fun adventures and expertly designed problem-solving curriculum.”
The newBlue’s Cluesseries centers on the energetic girl puppy Blue who invites viewers into her animated world to help solve the day’s puzzles with the help of a live-action host. Preschoolers are encouraged to interact with the action on-screen by answering questions, pointing out clues, jumping on their feet and playing along.
The originalBlue’s Cluesseries launched in September 1996 to critical praise from educators, parents and preschoolers and ran for six groundbreaking seasons. Created byTraci Paige Johnson,Todd KesslerandAngela C. Santomero,Blue’s Cluesdrew acclaim and high ratings for its unique interactivity that helped change the way kids watch television and has remained one of the most popular preschool shows of all time. The landmark series also raised the bar in preschool television by exploring advanced subject matter such as sign language, geography, physics, emotions and anatomy.
The classicBlue’s Clueslibrary is currently available on NOGGIN, Nickelodeon’s video subscription service for preschoolers, and short-form content can be found on the Nick Jr. App and NickJr.com. But wait, there’s more from Nick’s network news below!
‘Los Casagrandes’ in the Works as a ‘Loud House’ Spinoff
Nickelodeon also announced the development ofLos Casagrandes(working title), a companion series to the animated hitThe Loud Housethat will follow Lincoln Loud’s friend Ronnie Anne and her extended family, the Casagrandes, who live together in the big city. Nickelodeon has also greenlit a fourth season (26 episodes) ofThe Loud House, which will include a six-episode story arc featuring the Casagrandes. Since its launch in 2016,The Loud Househas remained one of Nickelodeon’s top-rated shows and is currently the number-one series across television with Kids 2-11 and Kids 6-11 year to date.
“Los Casagrandes expands The Loud House universe, and features heart, humor and a multi-generational ensemble that will speak to kids and families of today,” saidCyma Zarghami, President, Nickelodeon Group.
Los Casagrandesis being developed to have Ronnie Anne and Bobby Santiago adjust to their new life in the city, where they now live with their big, loving and chaotic multi-generational family, the Casagrandes. In the series, Ronnie Anne will make new friends, build stronger bonds with her relatives and explore the endless possibilities city life has to offer. Bobby will help Grandpa Hector run the family’s corner store, and becomes familiar with the neighborhood’s quirky characters.
The Casagrande family was first introduced in theThe Loud Housespecial, “The Loudest Mission: Relative Chaos,” and will continue to appear throughout the current third season.The Loud Housecenters on 11-year-old Lincoln Loud and his ten sisters as he gives an inside look at what it takes to survive the chaos of a huge family. Viewers can catch all-new episodes in its regular timeslot Fridays at 6:00 p.m. (ET/PT) on Nickelodeon.
The Loud Houseis co-executive produced byMike Rubiner(KaBlam!), who previously served as story editor since the series launch in 2016. Award-winning American cartoonistLalo Alcaraz(Coco) will serve as a cultural consultant and consulting producer for the six-episode arc ofThe Loud Housefeaturing the Casagrandes.
‘Lip Sync Battle Shorties’ Gets a Season 2 Renewal
Nickelodeon has renewed its hit competition seriesLip Sync Battle Shortiesfor a second season with 10 half-hour episodes. The ultimate music showdown, which to-date ranks as the number one show with kids 6-11 in its Friday night timeslot, features real kids lip-syncing pop songs in celebration of their favorite artists, while competing for the iced-out Shorties mic. Multi-faceted entertainerNick Cannonreturns as host, along with show sidekickJoJo Siwa. Production will begin in Los Angeles this summer.
InLip Sync Battle Shorties, three amped up battlers hit the stage, as they lip-sync songs from some of the most popular names in music including:Kelly Clarkson,Bruno Mars,Beyoncé,Lady Gaga,Imagine Dragonsand more. Each performance comes straight from the participants’ imagination, allowing them to personalize all creative elements from song and costume selection to epic dance moves and eccentric themes. Also featured in every episode is the Shorties Dance Crew, a 10-person, in-house backup crew who has mastered all styles of dance from breakdancing to ballroom and a special celebrity guest.
“We’re thrilled to be coming back for a second season of Lip Sync Battle Shorties on Nickelodeon! It’s an incredibly positive engaging platform for kids to be their most creative, imaginative, authentic selves,” said executive producersCasey PattersonandJay Peterson.
Nickelodeon Greenlights Traditionally Animated Buddy Comedy Series ‘Pony’
Nickelodeon also announced a 20-episode order forPony, an original 2D-animated buddy comedy that follows the life of an average girl, Annie, her (almost) average family and what happens when an excitable, unpredictable, loveable and talking pony comes to live with them in their city apartment.Ponyis the first animated comedy series to be greenlit for the U.S. from Nickelodeon International. Created byAnt Blades,Ponyis based off a short of the same name from Nickelodeon’s 2015 International Animated Shorts Program.
Ponyfollows Annie’s everyday life as a 9-year-old, from working at her parent’s city farm, located on their apartment balcony, homework, school friends and, most importantly, her friendship with Pony. Pony is Annie’s biggest cheerleader and best friend, although sometimes his optimism and enthusiasm lands the pair in unusual situations.
Ant Blades started his creative career writing and drawing for the cartoon stripBewley. After his short stint as an animator, Blades worked for years in the digital creative industry before moving back to the animation field and setting up Birdbox, a studio that produces commercials, on-air spots and funny short films.
Nickelodeon’s International Animated Shorts Program is now a monthly themed outreach effort for original and funny content to fuel its dynamic development slate. Concepts for the program are received in all animation styles from 2D, digital 2D, stop motion, CG and mixed media. Finalists are provided with the necessary artistic and production support to help them complete their fully animated original, humor-based and character-driven short.
DreamWorks Animation Television invited Girls Inc. LA to celebrate International Women’s Day 2018 with Spirit Riding Free! Every story we tell, every line we draw, and every voice we empower, we change the world.
In honor of International Women’s Day 2018, DreamWorks Animation Television invited members of the nonprofit Girls Inc. LA to its Glendale, CA, campus to celebrateSpirit Riding Free. The girls met with the female cast, executive producer, and artists who work on the show for an inspiring discussion on girl power and the importance of female representation in entertainment.
DreamWorks also premiered the season 4 trailer, teasing exciting new adventures to come for Lucky and the PALs. Saddle up! Season 4 of the hit DreamWorks Animation Television and Netflix seriesSpirit Riding Freepremieres next Friday, March 16th. This exciting new season features Lucky and Spirit as they embark on new thrilling explorations while facing unexpected surprises. Lucky’s grandpa plans a surprise visit to Miradero, Aunt Cora surprises the family with news leading Lucky to live without rules, and El Circo Dos Grillos comes to town leading Lucky on a surprising, daring adventure. See more moments of the new season in the trailer below!
The series is executive produced byAury Wallingtonand starsAmber Frank(The Haunted Hathaways),Sydney Park(The Walking Dead),Bailey Gambertoglio(Bubble Guppies) andNolan North(Deadpool). Season 4 also features the voice talents ofVictor Garberas Lucky’s grandpa James Prescott, Sr.
Lucky, Spirit, and the rest of the PALs are back and ready for more adventures! In the all new season of Spirit Riding Free, you’ll meet Lucky’s grandfather, the circus comes to town, and Lucky finds out her life is about to change forever! The journey begins on Netflix March 16!
