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Nickelodeon

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Nickelodeon
Company typePay television network
IndustryEntertainment
PredecessorQUBE C-3 channel (Pinwheel)
FoundedApril 1, 1979; 47 years ago (1979-04-01) in United States
Headquarters
United States
Area served
United States
OwnerParamount Global
ParentParamount Media Networks
Websitewww.nick.com

Nickelodeon—commonly referred to as Nick—is a U.S.-based pay television network and serves as the primary asset of the Nickelodeon Group, which operates under Paramount Media Networks, a subsidiary of Paramount Global. Debuting on April 1, 1979, it holds the distinction of being the inaugural cable channel devoted exclusively to children, aiming its content at viewers aged 2 to 17, while also appealing to families through diverse programming segments.

The network's inception occurred with a pilot broadcast on December 1, 1977, within QUBE, an innovative cable platform in Columbus, Ohio. It was rebranded as Nickelodeon and launched nationally in 1979, premiering with Pinwheel as its first show. Initially operating without commercials, Nickelodeon incorporated advertising in 1984 alongside a brand refresh that significantly increased its audience share. This expansion culminated in its acquisition by Viacom in 1985, bringing it under the same corporate umbrella as MTV and VH1.

Nickelodeon's business model evolved by developing franchises through affiliated channels and programming blocks. The preschool-focused Nick Jr. began as a daytime segment in 1988 before becoming an independent Nick Jr. Channel in 2009. The animated series brand Nicktoons launched its dedicated channel in 2002. The educational venture Noggin, co-created with Sesame Workshop, functioned as a TV channel from 1999 until 2009 and subsequently transitioned into a streaming platform until 2024. Teen-oriented blocks like TEENick and The N combined forces to form the TeenNick channel in 2009.

By December 2023, Nickelodeon was accessible in roughly 70 million U.S. pay TV households, a decline from its peak reach of 101 million in 2011, reflecting changes in international operations and evolving market conditions.

History

The channel’s name is inspired by early 20th-century five-cent movie theaters known as nickelodeons. Its beginnings date back to December 1, 1977, when Warner Cable Communications (later Time Warner Cable) introduced QUBE, an interactive cable system based in Columbus, Ohio. The C-3 channel aired Pinwheel daily and was originally identified simply as "Pinwheel" on remote controls since it was the only program available. Although the official launch was planned for February 1979, Nickelodeon officially debuted on April 1, 1979, distributed via satellite to Warner Cable systems. The network operated without commercials initially but started including advertisements in January 1984.

Programming

Nickelodeon features a variety of animated series such as SpongeBob SquarePants, The Loud House, Middlemost Post, The Patrick Star Show, Kamp Koral: SpongeBob's Under Years, The Smurfs, Rugrats, and Monster High. Its live-action scripted lineup includes titles like Danger Force, Tyler Perry's Young Dylan, and That Girl Lay Lay. Programming during daytime hours is geared toward preschool audiences with shows including Bubble Guppies, Paw Patrol, and Blue's Clues & You!.

One significant offering was the bi-monthly news magazine for children, Nick News with Linda Ellerbee, which aired from 1992 until 2015. The series was revived in 2020 with hour-long specials focusing on social topics, starting with Kids, Race and Unity: A Nick News Special, hosted by Alicia Keys.

Since 2021, Nickelodeon has broadcast at least one live NFL game annually produced by CBS Sports, featuring distinctive elements such as green slime in the end zone and SpongeBob-themed visuals. The network also airs the weekly NFL companion show NFL Slimetime. In 2024, Nickelodeon presented its inaugural alternate Super Bowl broadcast via a SpongeBob-themed simulcast of CBS’s coverage.

Nicktoons

Nicktoons serves as Nickelodeon's label for its proprietary animated television programs. Prior to 1991, the channel's animated offerings were primarily imported content, supplemented by occasional original specials. Since that time, original animated series have become a fundamental element of Nickelodeon's schedule, occupying approximately six to seven hours on weekdays and about nine hours during weekends, including specific animation blocks dedicated to weekend programming.

In 2006, Nickelodeon collaborated with DreamWorks Animation to create television series derived from DreamWorks' film properties, such as The Penguins of Madagascar. From the early 2010s onward, Nickelodeon Animation Studio has developed shows based on intellectual properties acquired by Viacom, Paramount's predecessor, including titles like Winx Club and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles.

Movies

Nickelodeon produces original made-for-television movies that typically debut during weekend evenings or school vacation periods. The network also secures broadcast rights to theatrical feature films.

Films produced by the channel’s Nickelodeon Movies division—distributed through its sister company Paramount Pictures—are occasionally aired on the network. However, most live-action movies created under this label are licensed to other broadcasters within the United States. Nickelodeon has featured selected titles such as Angus, Thongs and Perfect Snogging and Good Burger.

The network often promotes extended episodes of its original series as movies; however, these "TV movies" usually run about 45 minutes, shorter than typical television films, and frequently employ a multi-camera format consistent with standard episodes.

In 2002, Nickelodeon initiated a broadcasting partnership with Mattel, showcasing films based on Barbie dolls and later Monster High characters. The inaugural Barbie movie aired was Barbie as Rapunzel. These films were generally arranged as brokered programming, where Mattel purchased airtime to support DVD releases shortly after broadcast—a model facilitated by Nickelodeon's cable status exempting it from FCC regulations on paid programming. This collaboration concluded in 2017 with Barbie: Video Game Hero, after which the Barbie film franchise transitioned to Netflix with shorter runtimes.

Current

Former

  • SNICK – Debuting on August 15, 1992, SNICK ("Saturday Night Nickelodeon") was Nickelodeon's inaugural Saturday evening block dedicated to preteens and teenagers. It predominantly showcased live-action comedy series and occasional animated programs, including titles such as Clarissa Explains It All and Are You Afraid of the Dark?. This block concluded on January 29, 2005, giving way to a Saturday version of TEENick.
  • Nick in the Afternoon – Running during summer weekday afternoons from 1995 through 1998, this block was hosted by the character Stick Stickly. In 1999, it was replaced by "Henry and June's Summer" and saw a brief revival on TeenNick between 2011 and 2012 featuring interactive content.
  • U-Pick Live – Broadcast on weekday afternoons from October 2002 until May 2005, this interactive segment enabled audiences to select shows via online voting. Originating from Nickelodeon's New York City studios, it evolved from earlier viewer participation formats.
  • TEENick – This teen-targeted programming block aired Sundays from 2001 to 2009 and Saturdays starting in 2005. Initially hosted by Nick Cannon and later Jason Everhart, TEENick also expanded into a spin-off within Noggin’s "The N" before becoming the standalone TeenNick channel in 2009.
  • ME:TV – A short-lived live-hosted afternoon block that aired weekdays during summer 2007 from 2:00 to 6:00 p.m.
  • Nick Saturday Nights – Launched in September 2012 under the name Gotta See Saturday Nights, this primetime live-action block aired at 8:00 p.m., featuring recent episodes alongside original TV movie premieres until its discontinuation in December 2021.
  • Nick Studio 10 – A brief weekday late afternoon segment running from February to June 2013, combining wraparound hosting segments with animated series episodes on a flexible schedule.
  • That New Thursday Night – A live-action comedy hour airing from 7:00 to 8:00 p.m., spotlighting new episodes of shows like Danger Force and The Really Loud House. This block ended on June 29, 2023.
  • AfterToons – An animation-focused afternoon segment airing weekdays with rotating premieres of flagship series such as SpongeBob SquarePants and The Loud House. The block was discontinued as of November 24, 2023.

Special events

  • Nickelodeon Kids' Choice Awards – An annual live awards ceremony lasting approximately 90 minutes held every March. Winners are determined by Nickelodeon viewers through online and text-based voting. The event celebrates popular television shows, films, performers, athletes, and musicians, with recipients receiving the iconic orange blimp trophy symbolizing the network’s brand.
  • Nickelodeon Kids' Choice Sports – This July spin-off spotlights team sports and athletic accomplishments using similar audience voting methods. Award categories include "Best Male Athlete" and "King Of Swag," with winners earning a purple mohawk trophy themed around sports. The first edition was broadcast in 2014.
  • Nickelodeon HALO Awards – Initiated in 2009, this program honors five teenagers recognized for Helping And Leading Others (HALO). Hosted by Nick Cannon, it aired annually on Nickelodeon and TeenNick until 2017.
  • Worldwide Day of Play – Created in 2004 as part of the "Let's Just Play" initiative, this yearly September event encourages children to engage in physical activity. During the event, Nickelodeon along with select sister networks pause regular programming for three hours to promote outdoor play. Since 2010, it has been incorporated into The Big Help campaign, which also highlights healthy living alongside environmental awareness efforts.

Programming blocks on broadcast channels

  • Unnamed UPN segment – In 1998, Viacom considered launching a new programming block on UPN, but the project was never realized.
  • Nickelodeon en Telemundo – Beginning November 9, 1998, Telemundo introduced a daily lineup featuring Spanish-dubbed Nickelodeon shows such as Rugrats and Blue's Clues. This weekday block was discontinued in September 2000 to make room for the news broadcast Hoy En El Mundo. Following NBC's acquisition of Telemundo, Nickelodeon's agreement ended in November 2001; however, some series returned in 2004 under the Telemundo Kids banner.
  • Nick on CBS/Nick Jr. on CBS – From September 14, 2002, Nickelodeon provided a two-hour Saturday morning segment for CBS, which was co-owned by Viacom after its 1999 purchase. The block included programs like As Told by Ginger, The Wild Thornberrys, and Rugrats. In 2004, the focus shifted to preschool content under the "Nick Jr. on CBS" brand, showcasing shows such as Blue's Clues and Dora the Explorer. This block was replaced in September 2006 by the KOL Secret Slumber Party lineup following the corporate separation of CBS and Viacom, which later reunited in 2019.

Nick Jr. Channel

Nick Jr. Channel is a subscription-based network aimed at children aged two to six, offering both current and classic preschool series from Nickelodeon alongside original exclusive content. It debuted on September 28, 2009, as a spin-off from Nickelodeon's preschool block, replacing Noggin, which transitioned to a streaming platform in 2015 with a focus on preteen programming distinct from Nick Jr.'s offerings. On October 1, 2012, the channel launched NickMom, a four-hour nighttime block designed for parents that ran until September 28, 2015. Outside of NickMom hours, the channel primarily broadcasts promotional material and sponsorship acknowledgments rather than conventional commercials.

Nicktoons

Nicktoons is a pay TV channel that began operations on May 1, 2002, initially named Nicktoons TV. After undergoing several rebrandings, it reverted to Nicktoons in 2009. The network showcases a combination of animated and live-action Nickelodeon programs including Henry Danger, The Fairly OddParents, The Loud House, SpongeBob SquarePants, and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (2012), as well as original series produced exclusively for Nicktoons.

TeenNick

TeenNick caters to teenagers and young adults, evolving from the TEENick block that aired on Nickelodeon between 2001 and 2009. The channel merged content from TEENick with The N, a former Noggin programming block. TeenNick’s schedule primarily features current and past Nickelodeon shows—some relocated due to lower ratings on the main channel—alongside selected acquired sitcoms and dramas. While it permits more mature themes than other Nickelodeon channels, TeenNick has gradually adopted more stringent content guidelines.

NickMusic

NickMusic is a U.S.-based subscription television channel that broadcasts music videos tailored for Nickelodeon’s demographic. It debuted on September 9, 2016, taking over the channel space previously occupied by MTV Hits. Owned by Paramount Media Networks within the Nickelodeon Group, NickMusic follows an automated "wheel" programming format with loops beginning at 6 a.m. Eastern Time and repeating at 2 p.m. and 10 p.m. Occasionally, lyric videos replace original clips to meet compliance requirements.

Initially launched as MTV Hits in 2002, the channel concentrated exclusively on contemporary hit music videos, occasionally including older tracks. Both MTV Hits and NickMusic operate without traditional commercials, aside from promotional content for Nickelodeon or MTV properties. The network does not create original shows; the shared program TeenNick Top 10 was canceled in 2018. By 2024, NickMusic’s emphasis on younger pop performers has lessened due to strategic reductions at Paramount Global and shifts in industry staffing impacting content creation.

Former sister channels

  • Nickelodeon Games and Sports for Kids (Nick GAS) launched on March 1, 1999, as a pay-TV channel showcasing Nickelodeon’s game shows and competitions, serving as a children’s counterpart to the Game Show Network. It ceased operations on December 31, 2007, replaced by a full-time version of Noggin’s teen block The N. An automated loop of Nick GAS remained available on Dish Network until April 23, 2009.
  • NickMom was a late-night programming segment on Nick Jr., introduced October 1, 2012, targeting parents with original programming before shifting to acquired sitcoms and films. Due to Viacom’s budget cuts in 2015 and low viewer ratings, NickMom and its website were discontinued on September 28, 2015.
  • Nick 2 functioned as a secondary timeshift channel for Nickelodeon, accessible through premium cable packages. It offered Eastern and Pacific feeds timed for opposite time zones to provide viewers with additional scheduling options. Operating approximately from 2000 until November 2018 (initially named Nick TOO), it was part of MTV Networks Digital Suite. Nick 2 never broadcast in HD except via Xfinity IPTV. The channel was phased out due to the increasing popularity of video-on-demand services rendering timeshift channels obsolete. Both time zone feeds continue to be available unbranded on Xfinity and satellite platforms.
  • NickRewind (TeenNick block) launched on July 25, 2011, originally titled The '90s Are All That, later rebranded as The Splat and ultimately NickRewind. It featured classic Nickelodeon series from the 1980s through the early 2000s aimed at nostalgic audiences. This block ended on January 31, 2022; TeenNick’s overnight lineup now primarily consists of reruns.

Other services

Service Description
Nickelodeon HD Launched November 14, 2007, Nickelodeon HD is the high-definition simulcast of Nickelodeon broadcasting in 1080i format. HD programming began airing March 9, 2008. It includes most original series since that year—both live-action and animated—as well as Nick at Nite episodes produced or remastered in HD, feature films, and original movies released after 2005. Programs not available in HD are presented in pillarboxed standard definition (4:3). Since 2018, many providers downscale this feed for standard-definition broadcasts.
Nick on Demand Nick on Demand offers Nickelodeon’s video-on-demand content through most subscription platforms, featuring live-action series, animated shows, and preschool programming. Nick at Nite does not provide an on-demand service due to contractual restrictions limiting its programming to evening hours.
Noggin Originally launched as a television channel in collaboration with Sesame Workshop on February 2, 1999, Noggin transitioned into an educational mobile application aimed at preschool children starting March 5, 2015.
Nick Pluto TV Introduced May 1, 2019, Nick Pluto TV is a free streaming channel available via Pluto TV that features archival Nickelodeon programming. Separate channels exist for Nick Jr., while Nick at Nite content is offered under the TV Land brand with fully licensed syndicated shows by Paramount Global. Previously, Pluto TV hosted additional Nickelodeon-branded channels such as NickGames and NickMovies.
Paramount+ Paramount+ is Paramount Global’s streaming service encompassing much of Nickelodeon’s catalog including classic productions like You Can't Do That on Television and Double Dare, following its rebranding from CBS All Access in 2021.


Nickelodeon Animation Studio

The Nickelodeon Animation Studio, previously known as Games Animation, Inc., maintains two primary locations in Burbank, California and New York City. It functions as a central hub for creating numerous Nicktoons and Nick Jr. series featured on the network.

Nickelodeon Productions

Located in New York, Nickelodeon Productions develops original sitcoms, animated content, and game-related programming for Nickelodeon. Established in 1987 under the name Games Productions following Viacom's acquisition of MTV Networks, it continues to play a vital role in the network’s content creation efforts.

Nickelodeon on Sunset

From 1997 until 2017, Nickelodeon on Sunset operated as the main production studio for Nickelodeon. Situated in a historic building that was once the Earl Carroll Theater in Hollywood, this facility hosted production activities for a wide array of Nickelodeon shows.

Nickelodeon Games

The network’s video game division, Nickelodeon Games (formerly known as Nick Games, Nickelodeon Software, and Nickelodeon Interactive), originated within Viacom Consumer Products. Early game releases were published by Viacom New Media. The division formed a significant partnership with THQ starting with The Ren & Stimpy Show title in 1992. This collaboration expanded to console games in 1998 with several Rugrats titles and further extended in 2001 when THQ secured rights to The Wild Thornberrys. The partnership also produced original franchises like Tak and the Power of Juju, strengthening Nickelodeon's footprint in interactive entertainment.

Nick.com

Launched in October 1995 initially through AOL's Kids Only channel before transitioning to the broader internet, Nick.com serves as Nickelodeon's flagship website. It provides streaming access to video clips and full episodes from its programming lineup. By March 1999, it had become the highest-rated website among children aged 6 to 14, leveraging television content synergy to drive web traffic. In 2001, a collaboration with Networks Inc. enabled broadband video game rentals on Nick.com, tapping into the expanding high-speed internet market to enhance both gaming and streaming offerings.

Mobile Applications

In February 2013, Nickelodeon introduced a complimentary mobile app available on Apple and Android platforms. Access to episodes required users to authenticate through TV Everywhere credentials provided by subscription services. In December 2023, Paramount Global declared plans to discontinue this app along with other Paramount-owned applications; all were officially shut down by January 31, 2024.

Nickelodeon Movies

Established in 1995 as Paramount Pictures’ family entertainment division under Paramount Global ownership, Nickelodeon Movies focuses on film production. Its inaugural release was the 1996 mystery-comedy Harriet the Spy. The studio produces movies based on Nickelodeon's animated series such as The Rugrats Movie and The SpongeBob SquarePants Movie, alongside original live-action and animated films.

Nickelodeon Magazine

Nickelodeon Magazine debuted in 1993, delivering a mix of comedy, interviews, recipes, and comics centered on well-known Nicktoons. The magazine discontinued publication in December 2009 as a result of industry downturns. A relaunched edition was issued by Papercutz between June 2015 and mid-2016.

Nick Radio

Nick Radio began broadcasting on September 30, 2013, through a collaboration with iHeartMedia, mainly accessible via the iHeartRadio platform and Nick.com. Designed for a young audience, it showcased Top 40 and pop tracks with radio-friendly edits, alongside celebrity interviews and guest DJ appearances by Nickelodeon personalities. The station unexpectedly ended operations on July 31, 2019, being succeeded by Hit Nation Junior, reflecting difficulties in maintaining artists and the viability of children's radio formats amid the rise of streaming services.

Nickelodeon Universe

Located within the Mall of America, Nickelodeon Universe holds the distinction of being the first indoor Nickelodeon-themed amusement park in the United States. Initially branded as "Camp Snoopy" and later "The Park at MoA," the venue was reimagined in 2007 to incorporate rides themed around Nickelodeon properties such as SpongeBob SquarePants: Rock Bottom Plunge, Fairly Odd Coaster, and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Shell Shock.

In collaboration with Triple Five Group, a second Nickelodeon Universe opened its doors on October 25, 2019, at the American Dream Meadowlands complex. This park claimed the title of the largest indoor theme park in the western hemisphere, overtaking the Mall of America location which held that status from 2008 until 2019.

On August 18, 2009, Nickelodeon and Southern Star Amusements revealed intentions to develop an outdoor Nickelodeon Universe on the site of the former Six Flags New Orleans, aiming for completion by the end of 2010. However, this licensing deal was terminated on November 9, 2009, resulting in cancellation of the project.

Theme park areas

Current attractions

  • Nickland at Movie Park Germany features rides themed after Nickelodeon shows, including a SpongeBob SquarePants "Splash Battle" and a roller coaster based on Jimmy Neutron: Boy Genius.
  • Nickelodeon Land at Blackpool Pleasure Beach, inaugurated on May 4, 2011, offers rides inspired by series such as SpongeBob SquarePants, Avatar: The Last Airbender, Dora the Explorer, and The Fairly OddParents.
  • Nickelodeon Land at Sea World (Australia), opened in September 2015, contains multiple attractions themed around SpongeBob SquarePants and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles.
  • Nickelodeon Land at Parque de Atracciones de Madrid, launched in 2014, provides rides based on franchises including Jimmy Neutron, SpongeBob SquarePants, and Paw Patrol.
  • Nickelodeon Playtime/Nickelodeon Adventure are immersive children's entertainment centers located in Essex, England and Shenzhen, China, designed to deliver authentic Nickelodeon-themed experiences.

Former areas

  • Nickelodeon Universe was a prominent section within Paramount's Kings Island, recognized as "Best Kid's Area" by Amusement Today from 2001 until its closure in 2009 following the park’s acquisition by Cedar Fair after CBS/Viacom split.
  • Nickelodeon Studios at Universal Orlando operated between 1990 and 2005, producing numerous Nickelodeon programs before production shifted to New York and Burbank. The venue subsequently became home to the Blue Man Group Sharp Aquos Theatre until its closure in 2021. Other attractions like Jimmy Neutron's Nicktoon Blast (2003–2011) were replaced by newer rides such as Despicable Me: Minion Mayhem. In 2012, a SpongeBob-themed retail outlet took over Universal's Cartoon Store location.
  • Nickelodeon Central existed across several Paramount Parks including California's Great America, Carowinds, and Kings Dominion. These zones were phased out following ownership changes when CBS Corporation sold parks to Cedar Fair, which opted not to renew Nickelodeon licensing agreements. The sole remaining Nickelodeon Central was at Dreamworld (Australia), later renamed "Kid's World" and subsequently "DreamWorks Experience" after license termination in 2011.
  • Nickelodeon Blast Zone at Universal Studios Hollywood operated from 2001 until 2007 featuring Nickelodeon-themed attractions like "Nickelodeon Splash" and "The Wild Thornberrys Adventure Temple." This area was rethemed and ultimately replaced by attractions linked to other franchises such as Harry Potter and DreamWorks.
  • Nickelodeon Splat City, present at California's Great America, Kings Island, and Kings Dominion from the mid-1990s through early 2000s, included slime-centric attractions like the "Green Slime Zone Refinery." These zones were later converted into Nickelodeon Central or Nickelodeon Universe before being discontinued due to changes in park ownership.

This collection of theme park environments exemplifies Nickelodeon's strategic deployment of its intellectual properties to expand global operations via immersive entertainment offerings. This approach aids brand growth while diversifying revenue within the amusement park sector.

Hotel Brands

  • Nickelodeon Suites Resort was a Nickelodeon-themed hotel located in Orlando, Florida, positioned near Universal Orlando and a short distance from Walt Disney World. Established in 1999 and redesigned in 2005, it offered kid-oriented themed suites, an on-site water park, arcade games, and entertainment inspired by Nickelodeon series, along with a Nick at Nite lounge catering to adult guests. On June 1, 2016, the property was rebranded as the "Holiday Inn Resort Orlando Suites."
  • Nickelodeon Resorts by Marriott was an intended hotel chain featuring a waterpark and 650 guestrooms. Announced in 2007 with plans to debut in San Diego by 2010, the project was ultimately discontinued in 2009. The status of the remaining 19 proposed hotels remains unclear.
  • The Nickelodeon Hotels & Resorts brand inaugurated its first property in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic, in 2016 through collaboration with Karisma Hotels and Resorts. A second resort followed in Riviera Maya, Mexico, opening in 2021. Additional developments include a third resort scheduled for 2025 adjacent to The Land of Legends theme park in Antalya, Turkey; a fourth set to open in Everest Place, Orlando, Florida, by 2026; and a fifth planned for 2027 in Garden Grove, California.

Cruises

  • Nickelodeon at Sea comprised a collection of themed cruise experiences developed in partnership with Norwegian Cruise Line, offering Nickelodeon-inspired amenities and entertainment. This collaboration concluded in 2015.
  • As part of this initiative, Norwegian Cruise Line also operated select Nickelodeon-themed cruises aboard the Norwegian Jewel and Norwegian Epic vessels.

International

Between 1993 and 1995, Nickelodeon introduced international channels across the United Kingdom, Australia, and Germany. By 1995, its programming was broadcast in over 70 countries worldwide. Since then, the network has expanded to include language- and culture-specific channels throughout Europe, Asia, Oceania, and Canada. Additionally, it has licensed programming to both free-to-air and subscription broadcasters such as KI.KA and Super RTL in Germany; RTÉ Two and TG4 in Ireland; YTV and formerly Vrak.TV in Canada; Canal J in France; Alpha Kids in Greece; CNBC-e in Turkey; and 10 Shake in Australia.

External links

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