According to The Muppet Newsflash, Disney is planning on filming some Muppet interstitials that will be airing on the Disney Channel. The interstitials will have the classic Muppets that we all know and love, as well as cameos by popular Disney Channel stars. They are expected to air later this year.
Other Muppet related projects that may be happening soon include a movie script and a web series.
Remember this?
I’m sure you’ve heard the hype about this:
Well, get ready for even more racing action when an all new Speed Racer cartoon hits Nickelodeon’s Nicktoons channel. The new show is set to launch in 2008, around the same time that the live-action movie hits theaters.
The new Speed Racer will follow a young Speed Racer entering a racing academy for the fastest kids on earth. At the academy, he discovers not only that he is the son of the legendary (original series’) Speed Racer, but also that he has a brother, Racer X, that he didn’t know even existed. Speed and X quickly team up to fight off villains and figure out who’s behind the mysterious disappearance of their father.
After only one month, Playhouse Disney’s animated My Friends Tigger and Pooh has been renewed for a second season. In the short time that it has been on the air, My Friends Tigger and Pooh has risen to a number one ranking in the 2-5 year old range and also ranks tops among children’s series with women 18-49.
My Friends Tigger and Pooh brings classic characters back to life in a way that is engaging for today’s preschool crowd. Darby and her dog Buster, along with the rest of the gang from the Hundred Acre Woods teach children problem solving, teamwork, responsibility, and many other skills.
As of this week, My Friends Tigger and Pooh is also airing in France and Canada.
Tip: Toon Zone
My Friends Tigger and Pooh, renewal, second season, Darby, Hundred Acre Wood, preschool
It occurred to me today that I had not followed up on this post regarding the future of The Upside Down Show. I originally posted about the speculations of whether the show would be canceled or not back in January, with promises of an answer in February. A little bit of quick research gave me the answer I was searching for. Previous reports made it sound like the show’s stars were debating whether they wanted to continue, but according to the June 1st post on The Umbilical Brothers‘ home page, Nickelodeon made the final decision. Here is the note from Shane and David:
To all the fans of The Upside Down Show, we reluctantly have to give you some bad news. We have received word from Nickelodeon/Noggin USA that they don’t want to do a second season. After all of the positive feedback we’ve received from around the world, and the show’s critical success, this decision is somewhat mystifying. Our executive producer Michael Bourchier has looked into other avenues to get another season off the ground and keep the show alive, but unfortunately he has run out of options. So we’d like to thank everyone involved in the show at Sesame Workshop and Blink Films, from conception (thanks Kurt and Belinda) right through to production here in Oz. The production team was brilliant, and we couldn’t ask for a better crew. And now we must move on to other challenges. Thanks for watching!
~ Shane and David
I have to say that I’m really upset about this. My son absolutely loves The Upside Down Show. It was one of the few shows that we really enjoyed watching together. What I’m even more upset about is that we deleted most of the saved episodes that were on the TiVo not too long ago. I guess now we just have to hope that the first (and only) season will be released on DVD.
The Upside Down Show, The Umbilical Brothers, Shane Dundas, David Collins, Nickelodeon, Noggin, cancellation
TV Squad reports that the Polish government recently launched a probe to find out whether the kids’ TV show Teletubbies promotes a homosexual agenda. Ewa Sowinska, a government-appointed children rights watchdog claims to be concerned about the effect that Teletubbies will have on children.
Apparently her concern started when she noticed that Tinky Winky, a character she believes to be a boy, was carrying a woman’s purse. I guess that if you are male and you are seen carrying a purse, you must automatically be gay, huh? Using that rationalization, most of the boys and men in America would be gay. I don’t think I’ve ever known a little boy that didn’t pick up his mom’s purse and carry it around or play with it at some point in time.
I hate to be standing up for the Teletubbies, because I honestly couldn’t care any less about that show but this is just ridiculous. I’m thinking all of the time and money being put into this investigation could be better spent elsewhere.
teletubbies, gay, tinky winky, homosexual, polish government
PBS Kids Sprout announced last week that they will be adding a new afternoon block, The Let’s Go Show, to their preschool line-up. The new interactive show will debut on Monday, June 25th, and will encourage kids to ask questions, be curious about the world around them, and participate in a daily musical adventure.
(Image: http://www.fishwithfeet.com)
The Let’s Go Show, airing weekedays from 3:00-6:00 EDT, will be hosted by Miles (Milton Barnes) and his puppy friend Banjo. Each day, the two of them will embark on a new musical journey where they will make many new discoveries, play, and learn. After each show, kids can go to SproutOnline.com to find out more about the questions posed on the show.
Here are some of the things you can expect to see on The Let’s Go Show:
– Learn a song and have a “boogie woogie break” at Music Hill;
— Enjoy a special healthy snack prepared for them by Brussel Sprout at the Sprout Diner Field;
— Create age-appropriate science experiments at Wonder Why Valley;
— Encourage viewers to become “Sprout Scouts” by helping Miles and Banjo find their way to each location by asking questions;
— Inspire kids to be creative and discover all the great things they can make and do at home with their parents and caregivers.
PBS Kids, Sprout, Preschool, The Let’s Go Show, Miles, Milton Barns, Banjo
In the new CG animated series from Phew! Ltd, Foothill Ent., and Kaleidoscope Ent., a young alligator and his jungle friends will educate children about environmental issues. Snapper will focus on issues such as global warming, alternative fuels, and sustainable living, while also exploring friendships and honesty.
Snapper is a little alligator who has been raised in the Amazon treetops by Akimbo the monkey and McCaw the parrot. Snapper learned to be just like them and is now searching to find his true identity as an alligator. Together, the three characters run the Snappy Delivery Service on the Maricombo River. Snapper tends to get into trouble along the way but always makes it to his destination.
Snapper is aimed at the 4-7 year-old crowd. Along with the prominent themes of environment, friendships, and honesty, it will also encourage adventure and imagination.
Snapper has been under development for some time at Phew! and they feel that now is the right time for it as interest in environmental issues continues to grow. It was designed as a multi-media property with internet and mobile applications in mind. With Foothill and Kaleidoscope now on board they are ready to push forward.
Snapper, Phew! Ltd, Foothill Entertainment, Kaleidoscope Entertainment, Amazon, jungle, Maricombo River, Akimbo, McCaw, environment, global warming, alternative fuels, sustainable living, friendship, honesty, adventure
You may know him as the hottie Troy Bolton from High School Musical, but it looks like Zac Efron is moving on to some other projects. The Disney Blog reports that he will be playing ‘Link’ in the new movie version of Hairspray. Some of the other big name stars taking part in the movie are John Travolta, Amanda Bynes, Christopher Walken, Queen Latifah, and Michelle Pfeiffer. The movie will be based on the stage version, which was based on the original 1988 John Waters film.
Hairspray may not be appropriate for the younger kids, but my guess is your tweens and teens will love it. If nothing else, it shares a great message about beating the odds. I loved the original movie and will definitely be checking this one out.
Here’s the trailer for the movie:
High School Musical, Zac Efron, Hairspray, Troy Bolton, Link, John Travolta, Amanda Bynes, Christopher Walken, Queen Latifah, Michelle Pfeiffer, trailer, video, movie
Nickelodeon has teamed up with media content company Chorion to bring Olivia, a new animated series based on the best-selling children’s books, to Nick Jr. Originally created by author/illustrator Ian Falconer, Olivia is a precocious piglet full of energy, self-confidence, and exuberance. As the books portray, Olivia is good at many things, but mostly she is just good at wearing out those around her.
There is no word yet as to when the series will premiere, but the first season will include 26 half-hour episodes in the US, as well as a 44 minute special. The CGI animation will stay true to Falconer’s minimalist illustrative style using the red, black, and white color scheme.
Nickelodeon, Chorion, Olivia, books, Ian Falconer, piglet, CGI animation
American Greetings Properties and DIC Entertainment have teamed up to launch a new Saturday morning programming block on CBS. 
The block will feature new updated versions of Care Bears and Strawberry Shortcake, as well a brand new series called Sushi Pack.
Viewers can expect to see 52 new 11-minute episodes of Care Bears. All of your favorite characters from Care-A-Lot will be there with an updated contemporary look.
Strawberry Shortcake will delight little girls everywhere with her sense of adventure and joy. There will be 26 22-minute episodes in the Saturday morning series.
Sushi Pack, the new animated series for kids ages 6-11, features five crime-fighting pieces of sushi. The members of the Sushi Pack aim to protect Wharf City from villains in 52 action-packed 11-minute episodes.
Jeffrey Conrad, Senior Vice President, Creative for American Greetings Properties states, “We are excited about bringing the new look of Care Bears to another generation of kids, as well as introducing the brand new Sushi Pack and showcasing our timeless Strawberry Shortcake through this new programming.”
The three new series will compliment CBS’s existing programming beginning in September 2007.
American Greetings Properties, DIC Entertainment, CBS, Saturday morning, Care Bears, Strawberry Shortcake, Sushi Pack, Jeffrey Conrad
(Source: Nickelodeon)
One of the most common complaints I hear about children’s television is that it encourages kids to sit in front of the TV instead of being active and using their imagination. TV shows and video games are often cited as some of the leading causes of childhood obesity and other pediatric health problems.
In 2005, Nickelodeon partnered with the Alliance for a Healthier Generation to try to combat this problem. The “Let’s Just Play” initiative was formed to encourage kids to engage in healthy and active lifestyles. Using Nickelodeon’s multimedia platforms, the group has been able to spread their message and reach millions of kids.
Beginning Sunday, April 29, at 8:30 p.m. ET/PT, Nickelodeon will premiere the second season of its Let’s Just Play Go Healthy Challenge. The six month series, airing during TeenNICK, will showcase real kids participating in a challenge to live a healthier lifestyle. It will feature two 12-year-olds, Kenderick and April, as they participate in the challenge to become healthier. It will also include a revolving third storyline each month that will focus on an individual or group of kids working to improve health and wellness in their personal lives or communities. Various NFL players will also appear in the new “Workout Like a Pro” segments, where they will provide fitness tips.
This year’s challenge will include all new multimedia content and tools online to help kids participate. Beginning April 5th, kids can download a personalized tracker to their desktops to help them track their progress during the Let’s Just Play Go Healthy Challenge. The tracker includes a list of favorite activities and healthy food options. Kids can use the tracker and an online e-calendar to keep their activities and healthy habits organized.
In order to reach the most viewers, the Let’s Just Play Go Healthy Challenge will be available on multiple platforms. TurboNick will be streaming the full episodes, along with behind-the-scenes footage of the challengers. Episodes will also be available as free downloads from iTunes and made available on video-on-demand platforms. Profiles of Kenderick and April will also be featured in the April and May issues of Nickelodeon Magazine.
While the television segments may be aimed at the elementary and tween/teen crowd, I think parents can also adapt many of the healthy habits showcased for the younger audience as well. There is no reason that your toddlers and preschoolers can’t start learning healthy habits early on.
TV, television, video games, childhood obesity, health, Nickelodeon, Alliance for a Healthier Generation, Let’s Just Play, Go Healthy Challenge, TeenNICK, Kenderick, April, NFL, Workout like a Pro, multimedia, TurboNick, iTunes, Nickelodeon Magazine
Kids’ WB (now playing on CW) has announced their new 2007-2008 season lineup and it includes five new animated series. Each new series is said to be full of action and adventure and will be sure to please the Kids’ WB audience.
“World of Quest” combines adventure and comedy to restore order to the kingdom. When his parents are kidnapped, Prince Nestor asks for help from Quest, the planet’s greatest warrior. Quest happens to be the only hero who can wield the Shatter Soul Sword, which is necessary to defeat the kidnapper, Lord Spite. With the sword missing, the three of them are on mission to find it.
“Eon Kid” is the story of Marty, an 11-year-old kid who unexpectedly becomes the human extension of the Fist of Eon. The Fist gives Marty amazing fighting powers, but he suddenly finds himself in the middle a centuries-old struggle between good and evil.
Teenager Tony Jones is the star of “Magi-Nation,” a new series about a boy transported into a world far beyond his own imagination. In this new world, created by a powerful race known as the Magi, Tony meets Edyn and Strag and teams up with them to protect their world from the evil Shadow Magi.
Though it is full of plenty of adventure, “Will & Dewitt” focuses on self-discovery and adventure. Will is a little kid searching for big adventure. Dewitt, a talking frog, functions as a personal life coach guiding and encouraging Will to reach his full potential.
“Spider-Man,” a new animated series based on the popular comic will start at the beginning with 16-year-old Peter Parker entering his junior year of high school. He has recently discovered his new powers and now must figure out how to balance the stresses of being a teenager and combating crime.
Also renewing for the 2007-2008 season are the following Kids’ WB favorites: Shaggy & Scooby-Doo Get a Clue!, Tom and Jerry Tales, Legion of Super Heroes, The Batman, and Johnny Test.
Kids’ WB, World of Quest, Eon Kid, Magi-Nation, Will & Dewitt, Spider-Man, Shaggy & Scooby-Doo Get a Clue!, Tom and Jerry Tales, Legion of Super Heroes, The Batman, Johnny Test
On Friday, April 13th, Nickelodeon will finally reveal the origins of the biggest feud in Bikini Bottom. We all know that Plankton and Mr. Krabs are sworn enemies, but do you also know that they used to be the best of friends? The whole story will come out on the SpongeBob SquarePants “Friend or Foe?” episode. According to Nickelodeon:
In the new episode, Mr. Krabs recounts the origin of his bitter rivalry with Plankton following one of Plankton’s failed attempts at stealing his Krabby Patty formula. He reveals that there was a time when the two were actually the best of friends, and through a series of flashbacks, tells the tale of how their friendship turned sour. Patchy the Pirate hosts the show and joins in the fun by attempting to create his own Pirate version of the Krabby Patty.
Leading up to the new episode, Nickelodeon will be airing an interactive SpongeBob marathon from 5:00-10:00 p.m. ET/PT, with the “Friend or Foe?” episode airing at 8:00 p.m. Nickelodeon will also be holding a live-action contest from 5:00 to 8:30 p.m., where two teams of kids will compete in a series of funny and messy physical group challenges. It will air during a special edition of ME:TV. Each team will be infiltrated by a secret “foe” who is working for the other team. Kids can play along at home by signing on to Nick.com and entering clues and statistics about each team member to determine who might be the “foe”. Kids can log on to TurboNick now for a sneak peak.
“SpongeBob SquarePants: Friend of Foe?” will also be released nationwide on DVD on April 17th.
SpongeBob SquarePants, Friend or Foe, feud, Mr. Krabs, Plankton, Nickelodeon, Nick.com, TurboNick, ME:TV, marathon, new episode
Bindi Irwin, the 8-year-old daughter of the late “Crocodile Hunter” Steve Irwin, plans to take up just where her father left off. Before his death, he and Bindi had begun filming a weekly series to teach people to become more involved in wildlife conservation.
Bindi: The Jungle Girl will feature clips previously recorded with Steve Irwin, archived footage, and new content. Bindi will interact with a variety of animals while explaining the need for all of them to be given respect and protection.
The show will premiere June 9th, on the Discovery Kids channel.
Bindi will also be hosting My Daddy the Croc Hunter, a one-hour special airing June 8th on Animal Planet. It will include clips from Bindi’s early childhood.
Bindi Irwin, Steve Irwin, Crocodile hunter, Bindi: The Jungle Girl, animals, wildlife, conservation, My Daddy the Croc Hunter
There is no doubt that I am more than just a little obsessed with Noggin’s Jack’s Big Music Show but it seems that I’m not the only parent out there searching for answers about the show. After many, many searches I always seem to come up empty handed. Cynical Dad, however, decided to take matters into his own hands and managed to get an interview with Spiffy Pictures, the creators of the show. Although their answers seem a little reserved, they did touch on some of my most pressing questions:
Will there be a third season of Jack’s Big Music Show?
We don’t know about that at this point, as the second season is pretty new to everyone. Hopefully we won’t wait as long to shoot new ones than we did for the first-second season. Even though our fans really stuck with us. Thanks!Currently the only merchandise available from Jack’s Big Music Show is the CD. What other types of merchandise will we eventually see in stores?
We think a second CD and a DVD with four episodes on it, one of them never seen before! (cool, huh?)Will you be involved in the upcoming Jack’s Big Music Show live tour?
We haven’t gotten a green light on a live tour. But we would be, for sure.
For the rest of the interview you’ll have to hop on over to Cynical Dad’s blog. I’ll be sure to keep you posted as soon as I find out any more info.
Jack’s Big Music Show, merchandise, cd, dvd, tour, third season, Cynical Dad, interview, Noggin
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