Tag: Children’s Programming

Season Two of ‘Rugrats’ Debuting April 14 on Paramount+

Paramount+ has released the official trailer and key art for season two of the original animated series “Rugrats” reboot, which debuts with the first 13 episodes of the season April 14, exclusively on the service in the United States and Canada.

(Photo courtesy of Nickelodeon/Paramount+)

The series will also be available to stream on Paramount+ in the United Kingdom, Australia, Latin America, Brazil, South Korea, Italy, France, Germany, Switzerland and Austria at a later date.

The series reboot follows the iconic babies — Tommy, Chuckie, Angelica, Susie, Phil and Lil — as they explore the world and beyond. In the second season of “Rugrats,”the babies are back and ready to take on the world with their pint-sized perspectives. New episodes follow Tommy, Chuckie, Angelica, Susie, Phil and Lil as they cross the frozen tundra, discover the treasures of ancient babies and go on the greatest adventure of all: meeting Tommy’s new brother.

Returning to the playpen is Tommy’s little brother Dil, voiced by Tara Strong (“Teen Titans Go!”) who is reprising her role in this new series. Also joining the series this season are guest stars Yvette Nicole Brown (“Community”) as Miss Mellie, the friendly and silly tour guide at re-created Old West town Tot Springs; Wendie Malick (“The Owl House”) as Judith, Charlotte’s glamorous yet often condescending mother; Sarah Niles (“Ted Lasso”) as Nanny Pip, a proficient and encouraging robotic nanny who watches Angelica; and Alia Shawkat (“Severance”) as Trish, Betty’s new girlfriend who is eager to make friends with everyone.

The series stars E.G. Daily (Tommy Pickles), Nancy Cartwright (Chuckie Finster), Cheryl Chase (Angelica Pickles), Cree Summer (Susie Carmichael) and Kath Soucie (Phil and Lil DeVille), all of whom are reprising their roles in this new series.

The original voice cast is joined by new voices, including Ashley Rae Spillers and Tommy Dewey (Tommy’s parents, Didi and Stu Pickles); Tony Hale (Chuckie’s father, Chas Finster); Natalie Morales (Phil and Lil’s mother, Betty DeVille); Anna Chlumsky and Timothy Simons (Angelica’s parents, Charlotte and Drew Pickles); Nicole Byer and Omar Miller (Susie’s parents, Lucy and Randy Carmichael); Michael McKean (Grandpa Lou Pickles); Charlet Chung (Kimi); and Grey Delisle (Begley). Also returning as guest stars in season two are Henry Winkler (Boris); Swoosie Kurtz (Minka); Telma Hopkins (Celeste); Raini Rodriguez (Gabi); Keith Carradine (Bob Brine); and Richard Ayoade (Duffy).

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Produced by Nickelodeon Animation, the new “Rugrats” is based on the series created by Arlene Klasky, Gabor Csupo and Paul Germain. The original “Rugrats” series launched Aug. 11, 1991, and was in production for nine seasons over the course of 13 years. It earned four Daytime Emmy Awards, six Kids’ Choice Awards and its own star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

 

Episodes of ‘Nature Cat’ Among Content Added to PBS Kids Prime Video Channel in March

New episodes of “Odd Squad,”  “Let’s Go Luna!,” “Molly of Denali,” “Nature Cat” and “Cyberchase” are streaming on the PBS Kids Prime Video Channel in March.

The subscription rate for the channel is $4.99 a month with an Amazon Prime or Prime Video subscription.

Four episodes in volume 14 of “Cyberchase” began streaming March 3. Among the episode adventures, the Northern Frontier ducks are off on their annual migration, and the CyberSquad join the flock. Next, a mysterious creature is trampling through Crestwood Park, leaving visitors too scared to enter. The CyberSquad investigate, and along the way, experience the wonders of nature, learning why it’s important to leave nature as you find it. Then, something is heating up the ocean waters of Coralina, harming its lush coral reef. With the help of an action hero crab, will the CyberSquad solve this underwater mystery before it’s too late? And Jackie wins the chance of a lifetime to apprentice with the incomparable fashion designer Fabio DeZine. Jackie quickly learns it takes more than just a pretty drawing to design something with real, sustaining impact.

Four episodes in volume 13 of “Let’s Go Luna!” start streaming March 10. During the adventures, in Switzerland, Carmen breaks her favorite clock and must recall what she has learned about how clocks and watches work. And Leo loves “Swiss Cheese,” but becomes obsessed with finding out who or what is making the holes. Next, in Paris, Andy gets inspired by French movie-magic innovator George Méliès. And when Honey rides off in a helium balloon over Paris, worried Carmen and pals give chase. Then in Dubrovnik, Croatia, Andy is convinced his dad is a caveman, and Carmen is assigned the “joyful” task of cheering up her grumpy grandpa. Also in Dubrovnik, Leo, the kids and Luna use a Tesla Coil to power Fabuloso’s broken reading-light hat and a perfect storm of misunderstanding and mistaken identity lead to Andy being accidentally recruited into a folkdance troupe.

Five episodes in volume 14 of “Nature Cat” arrive on the channel March 24. In the episodes, when Nature Cat comes across petrified wood, the gang is curious as to how it formed. And the pals want to build a new clubhouse but buying new stuff hurts nature. Can the gang find a different way? Next, Squeeks doesn’t want to step down as Moss Queen. Can her old buddies create their own Moss Kingdom to get her back? And when leaf-moving machines threaten to ruin everyday life, the crew fights back. Can the small gang make a big change? Then, Nature Cat is squeamish around creepy-crawlies, but the Agents need to get to know a daddy longlegs to complete their mission. And a moon-munching monster is munching the moon. Next, the pals want their favorite sunflower to stick around a little longer, but the growing season is over. And when the gang gets lost during a treasure hunt, Nature Cat says to follow mossy trees home. But will his camping trick do the trick? Plus, it’s way too hot to complete Nature Cat’s Warrior Challenge. Can the gang find a way to cool off? And Nature Cat’s friend Screechy the screech owl is an expert at hide-and-go-screech. Can Nature Cat finally win a game with his friends’ help?

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Three episodes in volume 14 of “Molly of Denali” begin streaming March 24. In “The Qyah Ice Classic/The Great Qyah Clean Up,” spring is coming and soon the river ice will break, but when? All of Qyah is making their guesses, and the one that comes closest earns a special prize. Then, spring has sprung, and the whole village pitches in to clean up Qyah. Molly and Tooey discover a mystery piece of trash that turns out to be treasure. Next, in “Puppy Sitting/Big Dreams and Blue Skies,” while Tooey and his family are away in Japan, Trini offers to puppy-sit his newest sled dog. Then, Molly is thrilled to learn about Ellen Paneok, who inspired her mom to become a pilot. Meanwhile, in “Sticker Shock/A Song for Lola,” Tooey’s brothers won’t stop using Tooey’s stuff. To keep track of who owns what, Tooey labels everything he can. And Vera’s Lola Miranda is coming back to Qyah on a visit from the Philippines, and Vera wants to surprise her with a special song.

Finally, five episodes in volume 19 of “Odd Squad” begin streaming March 31. First, three villains team up with Bonnie Blaster and her high-powered, oddness-causing gadget. Next, Jamie Jam and Marty Marmalade join forces  to trade tips to throw off the Agents and avoid getting Scaught. Then, globetrotting villain Stu Venir is turning monuments into keychains. The Agents must uncover a pattern to predict where he will strike next. And it’s Oswald’s birthday. After running into a Party Crasher creature, there are suddenly four of him who seem identical. The Mobile Unit is called upon when a lost Baby Laser Chicken is found in the Austrian countryside, and when struck with oddness, the Odd Squad Timekeeper that keeps time for all the clocks around the world suddenly stops working. Also in this volume: Orla thought she was the only ancient Agent left, but when a distress call comes through, it’s clear that she was wrong. Ancient Agent Olando heads into the field with the Mobile Unit, and in a two-part special, the Odd Squad Mobile Unit must stop a group of villains who want to break into Headquarters to steal an artifact. Little do the Agents know, their greatest challenge will come from someone inside.

Genius Brands Launches Its First AI-Generated Children’s Series ‘Kidaverse Fast Facts’

Genius Brands International has announced the launch of its first AI-generated children’s series “Kidaverse Fast Facts,” utilizing OpenAI’s ChatGPT, among other AI technologies.

The series will include new and exclusive shorts and will first premiere in March across Genius Networks’ YouTube and social channels, and then broaden its footprint under both Kartoon Channel! and Ameba across multiple AVOD, SVOD and FAST platforms including Amazon Prime Video Channels, Amazon Fire, Apple TV, Apple iOS, Android TV, Android Mobile, Pluto, Roku, Samsung, LG and Vizio Smart TVs.

“Kidaverse Fast Facts,” for children 4-11, utilizes AI for scripts, images, voices and animation. The series will include new and exclusive shorts hosted by History Henry, Science Sally and Sporty Steve, and each video will educate children, featuring lessons and facts about science, history, music, literature and more.   

“We’re excited to bring this innovative series to market and, by using ChatGPT, the series is able to quickly and effectively adapt and deliver our content and concepts in a kid-friendly, snackable format,” Andy Heyward, chairman and CEO of Genius Brands, said in a statement. “The future of children’s entertainment is here, and we’re thrilled to be at the forefront of this revolution.”

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“AI is a game changer for us, providing significant cost efficiencies and speed to market, allowing us to expand our content initiatives and fuel our programming pipeline in a way that couldn’t have been possible before,” Todd Steinman, president of Genius Networks, said in a statement. “These AI tools and the content they create will certainly have a huge impact in children’s entertainment and beyond. With its innovative use of AI, we are confident that ‘Kidaverse Fast Facts’ will be a hit with kids and parents around the world.”

Special ‘A Donkey Hodie Halloween’ Streaming on PBS Kids Prime Video Channel

The new special A Donkey Hodie Halloween is available to stream now on the PBS Kids Prime Video Channel.

In the special, it’s Purple Panda’s first Halloween in Someplace Else, but he’s afraid because he doesn’t know what to expect. Donkey Hodie is there to help. She prepares Panda for all the things he’ll see on Halloween while their neighbors make it extra special. 

Other Halloween-themed shows streaming now on the channel include:

  • Caillou’s Halloween, in which Caillou has so much to look forward to from finding the perfect pumpkin to picking a costume;
  • PBS Kids: Spooky Stories, featuring a creepy collection of stories from “Dinosaur Train,” “Nature Cat,” “Ready, Jet Go!” and “Peg + Cat”; and
  • The Berenstain Bears: Trick or Treat, in which viewers join the Bear Family for  Halloween adventures from trick-or-treating around the neighborhood to taking a trip to a haunted lighthouse as Brother and Sister learn that seemingly scary things can be fun. 

 

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The PBS Kids Prime Video Channel offers more than 3,000 episodes of educational and entertaining shows and shorts for kids ages 2-8. The subscription rate is $4.99 per month with an Amazon Prime or Prime Video subscription.

Episodes of ‘Alma’s Way’ Among Titles on PBS Kids Prime Video Channel in May

New episodes of “Alma’s Way,” “Let’s Go Luna” and “Pinkalicious & Peterrific” are on the PBS Kids Prime Video Channel in May.
 
The subscription rate for the PBS Kids Prime Video Channel is $4.99 per month with an Amazon Prime or Prime Video subscription. 

Four episodes of “Alma’s Way” are streaming now in volume five of the series. In “Do the Waltzango/Big Brother Boot camp,” Eddie and Becka can’t agree on what kind of dance to do together, so Alma helps the pair create a brand-new, mash-up dance. Then, in “Checkers Champ/World’s Greatest,” André gets nervous about playing against grownups in a checkers tournament. Luckily, Coach Alma is there to help. In “Granny on the Go/Chacho’s Day Out,” Alma and Junior take Chacho to the playground, and in “Steggie Rescue/Alma Hits the Right Note,” Alma, Eddie, and Junior play a late-night game with Steggie at a sleepover.

Four episodes of “Let’s Go Luna” also are streaming now in volume 10 of the series. In “Give Me a Sign/Hip Life,” the gang visits Kumasi, Ghana, where Andy helps a friend celebrate his true artistic self by painting a new barber shop sign for his father. Then, in “Muddy Miracle/Fabuloso’s New Clothes,” Andy destroys Señor Fabuloso’s suit by mistake and must make things right before the Circo show in Kumasi. In “What a T-Wreck!/Way of the Gaucho,” disaster strikes when Andy helps a paleontologist assemble a dinosaur skeleton in Argentina.  Plus, in “Beetlemania/Robo Kid,”  Andy helps a lost pet find its owner in the huge city of Tokyo.

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Five episodes in volume 12 of “Pinkalicious & Peterrific” start streaming May 20. In “Fishtastic/The Pink Ness Monster,” Pinkalicious and Peter are excited to go fishing at the beach. Pinkalicious realizes that there is more to being a magni-fish-cent fish besides the color of your scales. Then, in “The Secret Life of Henrietta/Photographer Peter,” Daddy agrees to let Pinkalicious and Peter borrow his old polaroid camera. In “Friendship Bracelets/The Upside Down O Matic,” Pinkalicious and Jasmine make each other friendship bracelets. In “Robotta’s Singing Delivery Service/The Rhyme Off,” Robotta responds to a command, and Pinkalicious and Peter get an idea to set up their own delivery service. Then, in “Pirate Dreamboat/Peter’s Megaphone,”  Captain Toothy McSquint returns and is amazed that Pinkalicious and Peter have found his long lost pirate ship.

FilmRise Picks Up Distribution Rights to Children’s Programming From WildBrain

FilmRise, the New York-based film and television studio and streaming network, has announced a partnership with WildBrain to distribute children’s programming.

The deal gives FilmRise non-exclusive North American English and Spanish-language distribution rights to more than 900 episodes across 10 children’s programs on AVOD and FAST platforms. 

Programs included in the deal are all four seasons of “Where on Earth is Carmen Sandiego,” starring Academy Award-winner Rita Moreno as the voice of Carmen; both the classic and new adaptations of “Strawberry Shortcake,” including WildBrain’s new original series “Berry in the Big City”; the first four seasons and movie spinoffs of the animated sci-fi adventure “Slugterra”; “Kid vs. Kat”; “The L.A. Complex”; “Sabrina”; and “Super Mario.” 

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“As one of the world’s premiere children’s content creators and distributors, WildBrain has an incredible library of well-known productions and brands for younger audiences,” Danny Fisher, CEO of FilmRise, said in a statement. “We are fortunate to be partnering with them as we continue to expand our children and family programming offerings.”

“Partnering with FilmRise allows our popular properties to reach a larger and wider range of audiences,” Lara Ilie, VP of revenue share and transactional at WildBrain, said in a statement. “We are excited to share these lovable programs with more families.”

Chizicks Exit Genius Brands, ChizComm Companies

ChizComm Ltd. and ChizComm Beacon Media founders Harold and Jennifer Chizick have left Genius Brands, ChizComm and ChizComm Beacon Media.

“We are extremely disappointed to be leaving Genius Brands and ChizComm after less than a year of being with Genius Brands,” they said in a statement. “However, our vision on how to best grow the company does not align well with Genius Brands.

“Last week, Genius Brands imposed organizational changes that reduced our role in the company and was a breach of our agreement with Genius Brands. Efforts to resolve this matter in an amicable fashion have been unsuccessful. We believe that we have been terminated on a without cause basis and now have no choice but to depart the company and explore options for how to recoup the considerable sums remaining due to us.

“ChizComm staff is at the heart of everything we do. We want to thank this phenomenal team — past and present — that have contributed to building a great organization that prioritizes integrity, drive and passion. And to the ChizComm client base, it has been an honor working in partnership to unlock opportunities and drive growth. Stay tuned for what we do next.”

Genius Brands International issued a statement in response: “Harold Chizick and Jennifer Chizick, employees of the company’s ChizComm subsidiary, have been terminated for cause. The company believes this decision to be in the best interest of its shareholders and customers. Business will continue as usual under current management, with Donna MacNeil as President of ChizComm and Kathleen Campisano as Global Chief Marketing Officer and General Manager of ChizComm Beacon Media subsidiaries. The company is fully invested in the success of these subsidiaries and believes it will be more fully realized under Ms. MacNeil’s and Ms. Campisano’s leadership.”

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Harold and Jennifer Chizick in 2013 founded ChizComm Ltd., a marketing communications and media buying agency in the lifestyle, family, entertainment, toy and gaming spaces.

In February 2021, ChizComm Ltd. and ChizComm Beacon Media were acquired by Genius Brands. Harold Chizick served as CEO of both companies and Jennifer Chizick as COO of ChizComm Ltd. Additionally, Harold Chizick was named president of marketing, content sales and consumer products for Genius Brands.

In the past year working with Genius Brands, Harold Chizick secured a master toy partner for “Rainbow Rangers,” led the partnership to have Kartoon Channel! stream on Pluto TV, and led the marketing to deliver over 70 million views on “Stan Lee’s Superhero Kindergarten,” according to a statement from the Chizicks.

FilmRise Licenses Children’s Programming, Including ‘Barney’

FilmRise, the New York-based film and TV studio and streaming network, has licensed a selection of children’s programs, including “Barney and Friends,” “Angelina Ballerina” and “Camp Lakebottom,” from 9 Story Distribution International for placement on its North American AVOD-based FilmRise Streaming Network.

The deal includes non-exclusive licenses to Seasons 10-14 of “Barney and Friends,” the first four seasons of “Angelina Ballerina,” and the first three seasons of “Camp Lakebottom.”

“These popular children’s programs fit perfectly into our strategy of increasing our market share within the children’s/family space,” FilmRise CEO Danny Fisher said in a statement. “Audiences have an enduring appetite for these established, recognizable family-friendly TV series for kids, and we are pleased to offer them to new generations of children with no fee to their parents.”

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“Barney & Friends” is  targeted at children ages 2–7. It features the title character Barney, a purple anthropomorphic Tyrannosaurus rex who conveys educational messages through songs and small dance routines with a friendly, silly and optimistic attitude.

“Angelina Ballerina” is a British animated children’s television series, based on the Angelina Ballerina series of children’s books. The program is about Angelina Mouseling, a fictional young mouse who is training to become a ballerina. Dame Judi Dench performs the voice of Miss Lilly, her ballet teacher.

“Camp Lakebottom” follows 12-year old boy named McGee. When McGee sets out for summer camp, but ends up on the wrong bus, he meets Squirt and Gretchen, and they end up at Camp Lakebottom. The forgotten, weird place has a lot of adventures in store for the three friends and their enemy Buttsquat.

HBO Max Launching New Kids Cartoon Network Sept. 13

WarnerMedia is taking a new approach to children’s programming. The media company is set to launch the new “Cartoonito” preschool block on Sept. 13 on HBO Max and Cartoon Network. The new platform offers a modern approach to preschool programming with a focus on “humancentric learning,” including programming that celebrates individuality and originality, while championing creativity, compassion and inclusion.

The humancentric learning framework developed in partnership with educational psychologist Dr. Laura Brown, which aims to help children develop their unique potential and encourage them to treat others with compassion, respect and fairness.

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On Max, Cartoonito will be presented as a dedicated page featuring a collection of new preschool shows, including “Little Ellen” and the second season of the “The Not-Too-Late Show With Elmo,” along with other staples such as “Esme & Roy” and “Sesame Street,” among others.

Cartoonito on Cartoon Network will be available Monday through Friday (6 a.m. to 2 p.m. ET/PT) and will include new series “Bing,” “Mush-Mush & The Mushables” and “Thomas & Friends: All Engines Go.” Preschoolers and families can also tune in Saturday-Sunday (6 to 8 a.m. ET/PT) for additional new Cartoonito shows, including “Lucas the Spider.”

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“Cartoonito’s offerings on Max and Cartoon Network will reflect a wide array of diverse content that connects kids and their caregivers through relatable stories, lovable characters and meaningful social emotional learning both in and between the shows,” Amy Friedman, head of kids and family programming at WarnerMedia, said in a statement.

Episodes of ‘Arthur,’ ‘Hero Elementary’ and ‘Wild Kratts’ Headed to PBS Kids Prime Video Channel in July

PBS Distribution will be adding new volumes of “Arthur” and “Hero Elementary,” along with a “Wild Kratts” special, to the PBS Kids Prime Video Channel in July.

The subscription rate for the PBS Kids Prime Video Channel is $4.99 per month with an Amazon Prime or Prime Video subscription.

Due July 2 is Arthur Vol. 24. In one episode, George creates a piece of art for the country-wide art show with the help of guest artist, Kevin Sampson. Also, Arthur must learn how to control his temper after getting angry over a pair of sneakers in “George Scraps His Sculpture/Arthur’s Big Meltdown.” Then, in “The Great MacGrady,” Arthur and his friends find out that Mrs. MacGrady is diagnosed with cancer. The kids must learn how to come together to support each other.

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Starting to stream July 16 is Hero Elementary Vol. 8. In the two-part “Heroes in Space,” Sara is excited to celebrate the full moon viewing with her pals, but they notice that half the moon seems to be gone. Sparks’ Crew flies to the moon to investigate where the other half went. In “Squeak to Me/Team’s Song Theme Song,” Sparks’ Crew wants to make their own theme song. Then, when Sparks’ Crew is looking for their classmates in “Search and Rescue/Secret Lives of Teachers,” the kids are shocked to see their teacher on the weekend outside of school. What happens when a toy train display featuring a model replica of City Town is ruined is explored in “Back on Track/Switcheroo-er.”

Coming July 13 is Wild Kratts: Cats and Dogs. In the special, while on the African savanna, Chris Kratt and Martin Kratt observe lots of wild cats and dogs interacting with each other. Soon, Wild Kratts kids are calling in from all over to ask about these wild animals and whether they’re like their own pets. Zach, who has been secretly listening to all the questions, comes up with a scheme to capture and sell these creatures as “special” pets. The brothers, plus Aviva, Koki, and Jimmy, race to save the wild cats and dogs and protect them so they can live free and in the wild.

Also coming to the PBS Kids Prime Video Channel in July are Let’s Go Luna Vol. 8 and Nature Cat: Ocean Commotion.