Nickelodeon is an entertainment company and television network for children. In addition to television programs, Nickelodeon produces apps (computer applications), books, films, games, and videos.
Some of the most popular shows on Nickelodeon have included the animated cartoon series “SpongeBob SquarePants” (1999- ), “PAW Patrol” (2013- ), “The Loud House” (2016- ), and “Rise of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles” (2018-2020). Other popular Nickelodeon shows included the live action “The Thundermans” (2013-2018), “Henry Danger” (2014-2020), and “All That” (1994-2005; 2019-2020).
Nickelodeon also produces the Kids’ Choice Awards, an annual ceremony in which children vote for their favorites in such categories as actors, cartoons, motion pictures, television shows, and superheroes. Winners receive a statuette of an orange blimp with the Nickelodeon logo. The awards are also known for sliming hosts, presenters, winners, and sometimes the crowd. Sliming involves drenching, soaking, splashing, or spraying people with neon green liquid slime. The prank was first introduced on the Canadian children’s television show “You Can’t Do That on Television” (1979-1990), which also aired on Nickelodeon.
Game shows have been presented on Nickelodeon for much of its history. The comedy game show “Double Dare,” which first aired in 1986, challenged contestants with trivia questions and obstacle courses. The program was revived a number of times. The popular game show “Nickelodeon GUTS” (1992-1995) was known for its sport-based competitions. “GUTS” players ended each episode by racing to climb an obstacle-covered, artificial mountain called the Aggro Crag, Mega Crag, or Super Aggro Crag. The adventure game show “Legends of the Hidden Temple” (1993-1995) challenged teams to obtain an artifact through a series of puzzles and rooms.
Nickelodeon began as a children’s television network named Pinwheel. It was created by Warner Cable in 1977. In 1979, Pinwheel was renamed Nickelodeon. The network became popular for Nicktoons, a block of cartoon programming introduced in 1991. Popular Nicktoons included “Doug” (1991-1994), “The Ren & Stimpy Show” (1991-1996), and “Rugrats” (1991-2006). Nickelodeon also became known for such live action shows as “Clarissa Explains It All” (1991-1994), the original “All That” (1994-2005), “Kenan & Kel” (1996-2000), and “The Amanda Show” (1999-2002). Popular Nickelodeon cartoons that began airing in the 1990’s and early 2000’s included “Rocko’s Modern Life” (1993-1996), “Hey Arnold!” (1996-2004), “CatDog” (1998-2005), “Rocket Power” (1999-2004), “The Fairly OddParents” (2001-2017), and “The Adventures of Jimmy Neutron: Boy Genius” (2002-2006).
Nickelodeon also presents programming under the brands Nick Jr., Nick at Nite, and TeenNick. Nick Jr.’s audience includes toddlers and preschoolers. Series that have aired on Nick Jr. include “Dora the Explorer” (2000-2019), “Peppa Pig” (2004- ), “Bubble Guppies” (2011-2019), “Blaze and the Monster Machines” (2014-2021), “Abby Hatcher, Fuzzly Catcher” (2018-2021), and “Blues Clues & You” (2019- ).
TeenNick and Nick at Nite’s audiences are kids aged 8 through 17. Nick at Nite also reaches an adult audience. TeenNick has rerun such popular live action series as “Drake & Josh” (2004-2007), “Ned’s Declassified School Survival Guide” (2004-2007), “Zoey 101” (2005-2008), “iCarly” (2007-2012), “Big Time Rush” (2009-2013), “Victorious” (2010-2013), and “Every Witch Way” (2014-2018). Nick at Nite reruns classic television sitcoms (situation comedies) from other networks.
