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Nickelodeon (Australia and New Zealand)

From Alfawiki
Nickelodeon Australia and New Zealand
Company typeSubsidiary
IndustryTelevision broadcasting
PredecessorMax and ClassicMax
FoundedOctober 23, 1995; 31 years ago (1995-10-23) in Australia
FateCeased transmission on Foxtel on 1 August 2023
Headquarters
Australia
Area served
Australia, New Zealand
OwnerParamount Networks UK & Australia
ParentParamount Networks UK & Australia

Nick or Nickelodeon represents a children's subscription television channel serving Australia and New Zealand, operated by Paramount Networks UK & Australia and modeled after the American Nickelodeon brand.

On 1 December 2010, the subscription services for Australia and New Zealand were consolidated, leading to the discontinuation of the New Zealand-specific channel the previous day.

The channel ceased transmission on Foxtel as of 1 August 2023, coinciding with the rebranding of the free-to-air station 10 Shake to "Nickelodeon". Despite this, the pay TV version remains accessible via Fetch in Australia and Sky in New Zealand. To differentiate it from the free-to-air counterpart, the Fetch broadcast was renamed "Nick".

History

Nickelodeon Australia commenced operations on 23 October 1995, taking over from Max and ClassicMax channels and providing a mix of live-action series and animated programs. Initially, it shared airtime with Nick at Nite during evening hours. Starting 1 July 1998, Nick at Nite began at 8:30 pm, and by 2 January 2000, Nickelodeon extended its daily broadcast until 10 pm. Mid-2000 saw the closure of Nick at Nite, allowing Nickelodeon to operate around the clock. Most content from Nick at Nite transitioned to TV1. The channel was incorporated into Optus Television’s lineup in December 2002.

On 14 March 2004, Nick Jr. launched as Australia's first dedicated 24-hour preschool channel. Prior to this, it existed as a programming segment on Nickelodeon featuring series like Dora the Explorer and Paw Patrol. Following the launch, Nick Jr.’s block on Nickelodeon was substantially reduced. Both channels adopted widescreen broadcasting starting 2 March 2009.

In 2010, Nickelodeon Australia underwent a rebranding that introduced unique bumpers separate from those used in the U.S., although some advertisements themed around iCarly remained. The channel expanded into New Zealand on 1 December 2010 by replacing the local Nickelodeon feed.

Nickelodeon Australia became available on Foxtel Play’s IPTV platform from 30 July 2013 and later on Foxtel Go streaming service starting 3 December 2013. It was also launched on IPTV provider Fetch TV on 1 January 2014.

Beginning 27 September 2020, a twelve-hour block featuring Nickelodeon and Nick Jr. programming was broadcast on the free-to-air channel 10 Shake. On 22 June 2023, it was announced that 10 Shake would be rebranded as Nickelodeon effective from 1 August. Simultaneously, Foxtel discontinued its pay-TV Nickelodeon and Nick Jr. channels; however, both continue airing via Fetch TV in Australia and Sky in New Zealand.

Programming

The programming slate of Nickelodeon Australia primarily consists of content sourced from its U.S. counterpart, including titles such as SpongeBob SquarePants and The Loud House. The channel also showcases international programs outside the U.S., alongside locally produced shows like Nick Takes Over Your School and an Australian adaptation of Nick GAS. Prominent local productions include Hot Chunks, featuring Angus King, as well as the adventure reality series Camp Orange, which debuted in 2005 with hosts Dave Lawson followed by Maude Garrett. This series spans multiple seasons through to 2009, involving teams of children competing outdoors for rewards; recent editions include Camp Orange: Spill Seekers. Additionally, a weekday morning segment titled Juice airs well-known Nicktoons such as SpongeBob SquarePants and The Adventures of Jimmy Neutron, Boy Genius without any hosting presence.

Kids' Choice Awards

Since its inception in 2003, the annual Kids' Choice Awards have highlighted children's preferred music, films, literature, and more, significantly boosting Nickelodeon's brand presence across Australia.

Programming blocks

  • Nick at Nite – From the channel's launch until mid-2000, Nickelodeon shared broadcasting hours with an Australian adaptation of Nick at Nite, which showcased vintage series such as Mister Ed and Gilligan's Island. This segment was discontinued as Nickelodeon expanded its airtime and content began to overlap with other Viacom-owned channels like TV1 and later the Sci Fi Channel.
  • Weekend Mornings – This weekend block presented two episodes each of four different Nicktoons. Initially titled Double Up, it was rebranded in 2006 to reflect Nickelodeon's updated programming style.
  • Saturday Nick Television – Debuting in 2002 with backing from Britney Spears, this Melbourne-based morning show included live games for audiences, celebrity interviews, musical performances, and comedic sketches. It was canceled in 2005 due to insufficient viewer numbers.
  • Lunchtoon – A weekday midday segment airing four half-hour episodes of Nickelodeon shows, generally scheduled between 12 pm and 2 pm.
  • Toons2Nite – A late-evening weeknight block featuring classic Nickelodeon cartoons such as Rocko's Modern Life and Aaahh!!! Real Monsters. Previously known as Classics, it was renamed to expand the variety of cartoons shown each night.

Nick Takes Over Your Beach

From 1995 through 2004, Nickelodeon conducted summer tours along Australian beaches, organizing games and activities to engage local communities.

Nickelodeon Magazine Australia

The Australian version of Nickelodeon Magazine launched in September 2005 but ceased publication after six issues in May 2006 under Australian Consolidated Press. It heavily relied on material from the US edition, which had been accessible in Australia since 1995 alongside the emergence of pay TV providers Galaxy and Foxtel. The magazine’s editorial duties were handled by Santi Pintado, a former contributor to Disney Adventures. The premiere issue was distributed free at the 2005 Nickelodeon Australian Kids' Choice Awards.

You're on Nick

To support its revamped format, Nickelodeon Australia introduced Moby Nick, a mobile bus equipped with a recording studio where children could film brief videos that were broadcast during commercial intervals.

Slimefest

Initiated in Sydney in September 2012, Slimefest is recognized as the world’s only yearly slime-themed music festival dedicated to children. The first event featured artists including Jessica Mauboy, Stan Walker, Justice Crew, Guy Sebastian, and Reece Mastin. Subsequent editions broadened both the festival’s scale and artist roster: in 2013 Big Time Rush and Samantha Jade performed; in 2014 the festival toured Sydney and Melbourne with acts like Cody Simpson, Savage, Sabrina Carpenter, and Dami Im.

Former

See also

External links

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