Tag: The Smurfs

Upcoming DVD Releases

Posted on by Danielle Langer





COMING ON FRIDAY 7/29:
* 21 Jump Street – The Complete Series (VEI)
$39.99 SRP DVD

—–Officer Tom Hanson (Johnny Depp) leads his band of agents in the special Jump Street division by going undercover to infiltrate local schools, to put a stop to crime and keep students safe from corrupt influences. The 21 Jump Street team is a mixed group, including the wise-cracking Officer HT Ioki (Dustin Nguyen), the brilliant Officer Judy Hoffs (Holly Robinson Peete), the streetwise Officer Doug Penhall (Peter DeLuise), and the hard-nosed Captain Adam Fuller (Steven Williams). This landmark television program co-created by Patrick Hasburgh and Stephen J. Cannell (THE A-TEAM, THE ROCKFORD FILES) not only served as the springboard for Johnny Depp’s career, but also dealt with timely social issues including alcoholism, hate crime, drugs, racism, AIDS, abuse and promiscuity. Each episode resolves with moral lessons being learned and justice being served. The smash TV series comes with all 5 seasons.
NOTE: this title was released in 2010 by Mill Creek Entertainment, but that DVD has gone out of print; VEI is putting out this new version for fans who missed buying it
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COMING ON 8/9:
* Amazing Race – The 7th Season (CBS/Paramount)
$29.99 SRP DVD MOD

EXTRAS: All Access Pass; Commentaries; Featurette
—–Get ready for the adventure of a lifetime with all twelve episodes of THE AMAZING RACE SEASON 7 on DVD! Eleven new passport-winning teams are ready to tackle the unusual and extreme on their way to the finish line and a million-dollar prize. Setting the pace for the adrenaline-racing journey are TV’s favorite reality couple, Rob and Amber, and a panorama of breathtaking sights from Buenos Aires to Botswana. With special features, and gripping audio commentaries from the team members themselves, this must-own 4-disc collection is your international passport to excitement. Join the globe-trotting phenomenon that has won the Emmy for Best Reality-Competition Program. 4-disc set.
NOTE: this title was originally released to stores on DVD in 2005, but has since gone out-of-print; the studio is re-releasing the DVD as a Manufacture On Demand (MOD) item for fans who missed buying it…why this particular season? The studio hasn’t explained, but it IS interesting for us to note that one of this season’s contestants – Joyce – previously played a recurring role (“Ensign Gates”) on Star Trek: The Next Generation, which is ALSO on today’s Roundup (see below). But that’s probably a coincidence.
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COMING ON 8/30:
* The Good Witch – The Complete Series (Cinedigm)
$99.99 SRP Blu-ray MOD

—–The Good Witch takes viewers on a magical journey with Cassie Nightingale and her daughter Grace. When Dr. Sam Radford moves in next door to Grey House with his son, they are charmed by the ‘magical’ mother-daughter duo. 14-disc set.
NOTE: this title was released on DVD format earlier this year, in March; now the item is being made available in Blu-ray Disc format via Manufacture On Demand (MOD) online sellers
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COMING ON 9/13:
* Cobra Kai – Season 4 (Sony)
$30.99 SRP DVD

—–The battle for the soul of the Valley reawakens. New alliances. Faced with a common enemy, Daniel (Ralph Macchio) and Johnny (William Zabka) decide to start working together, while Kreese (Martin Kove) looks to the past for a new ally of his own. Terry Silver returns to the dojo. Have patience: he’s just getting everything rolling. Higher-than-ever stakes. Who will take it all at the All Valley Tournament? Legends will be born in Cobra Kai Season 4. 2-disc set.
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COMING ON 9/20:
* Legacies – The 4th and Final Season (Warner)
$29.99 SRP DVD

—–As Season 4 begins, Hope must choose between saving the boy she loves and ending Malivore’s threat once and for all. This choice will have life-changing consequences for Alaric Saltzman and the Super Squad. Working together, these young and powerful vampires, witches and werewolves will face their darkest and most deadly threat of all and The Salvatore School will be torn apart in the process. 4-disc set.

* Star Trek: The Next Generation – The Complete Series (CBS/Paramount)
$160.99 SRP Blu-ray

—–Restored and meticulously remastered in brilliant high definition, Star Trek: The Next Generation is a true milestone in TV history. With such thought-provoking episodes as “The Measure of a Man” and “The Inner Light,” the return of the Borg in “The Best of Both Worlds,” and the time-shattering confrontation between Captain Jean-Luc Picard (Patrick Stewart) and the mysterious god-like Q in the Hugo Award-winning series finale. Enjoy every memorable moment from the series that re-launched the Star Trek legacy for new “generations” to enjoy and experience! 41-disc set.
NOTE: this title was originally released on Blu-ray format in 2016, but had been discontinued; now the same studio is offering it again for fans who missed buying it
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COMING ON 9/27:
* Superman & Lois – The Complete 2nd Season (Warner)
$19.99 SRP DVD; $24.99 SRP Blu-ray
(as of this writing, this title is not yet available for pre-order)
EXTRAS: Fractured: The Heart of Bizarro; The DC Heroes: Path to Glory; Digital Copy (Blu-ray Disc only)
—–Season Two of Superman & Lois opens with the dust still settling in Smallville following the shocking outcome of last season’s confrontation between Morgan Edge and Superman. With Smallville on the national map for the first time in the town’s history, Lois Lane faces fresh challenges in her latest journalistic endeavors, while Jordan and Jonathan also find themselves dealing with change. Featuring all 15 action-packed episodes from the exciting second season, Superman & Lois stars Tyler Hoechlin (Supergirl, Arrow), Elizabeth Tulloch (Supergirl, Grimm), Jordan Elsass (Little Fires Everywhere), Alex Garfin (New Amsterdam), Erik Valdez (Graceland), Inde Navarrette (13 Reasons Why), Wolé Parks (All American), Tayler Buck (Tyler Perry’s Assisted Living), Sofia Hasmik (All the Bright Places), with Dylan Walsh (Blue Bloods) and Emmanuelle Chriqui (Entourage). 3-disc set in either format.
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COMING ON 10/4:
* Walker – Season 2 (CBS/Paramount)
$31.99 SRP DVD

EXTRAS: Gag Reel; Deleted Scenes
—–Texas Ranger Cordell Walker (Jared Padalecki) is more determined than ever to protect his family and find out the truth about his wife’s death. Micki (Lindsey Morgan) goes on a secret ops mission to stop the Del Rio crime syndicate, but she realizes it could take a toll on her relationship with Trey (Jeff Pierre). The return of the Davison family ignites an old feud with the Walkers, and Liam (Keegan Allen) doesn’t trust the new DA. This 5-disc set is packed with all 20 intense episodes from Season 2.
NOTE: as of today’s writing, this title has only been announced for DVD format

* Dexter: The Complete Series + Dexter: New Blood (Showtime/CBS/Paramount)
$69.99 SRP DVD; $104.99 SRP Blu-ray

EXTRAS: Contains over 3 hours of exclusive special features
—–DEXTER (ORIGINAL SERIES) – All eight seasons of the award-winning television series are now available in this one-of-a-kind collection! Starring Michael C. Hall in his Golden Globe-winning role as Dexter Morgan, a serial killer with his own twisted sense of justice. Don’t miss a single thrilling episode of the shocking drama that broke all the rules and changed television forever! DEXTER: NEW BLOOD – Michael C. Hall returns to his Golden Globe-winning role as Dexter Morgan. The world at large believes Dexter died in a tragic boating accident…and in a way the world at large isn’t wrong. Far from the life he knew, living under a false name in the small town of Iron Lake, NY, he’s successfully tamped down his Dark Passenger for nearly 10 years. With a normal job and a Chief of Police girlfriend, it seems he’s got life under control – until his son shows up and turns his world upside down. Rattled, Dexter yields to his homicidal urges, and soon finds himself on a collision course with a very dangerous local. Jennifer Carpenter and Golden Globe winner John Lithgow also return to reprise their iconic roles as Debra Morgan and the infamous Trinity Killer. 36 discs in DVD format and 28 discs in Blu-ray format.

* The Twilight Zone – The Complete Series (CBS/Paramount)
$25.99 SRP DVD

EXTRAS: Journey behind the scenes with exclusive special features, including featurettes, deleted scenes, gag reels and more!
—–Enter another dimension with Jordan Peele and Simon Kinberg’s modern reimagining of the classic TV series. Hosted by Academy Award and Emmy Award winner Jordan Peele and featuring an all-star cast, this complete anthology series set will take you on a mind-bending voyage filled with endless possibilities. Experience all 20 episodes of contemporary, socially conscious storytelling! Stellar cast including: Kumail Nanjiani, Tracy Morgan, Greg Kinnear, Adam Scott, Seth Rogen, Zazie Beetz, Topher Grace, Damon Wayans Jr., Gillian Jacobs, Ginnifer Goodwin, Joel McHale, Chris O’Dowd, Tony Hale, Jimmi Simpson, Jenna Elfman, and more! 7-disc set.
NOTE: as of today’s writing, this title has only been announced for DVD format

* Melrose Place – The Complete Series (CBS/Paramount)
$111.99 SRP DVD

EXTRAS: a ton of special features!
—–For the first time ever, MELROSE PLACE – the highly successful and steamy spin-off of Beverly Hills 90210 – comes together in one Complete Series set! This sudsy drama focuses on the lives and loves of young adults in an apartment complex in Los Angeles. From the complicated scheming of scandals, to the murderous plots of lovers, the residents at Melrose Place are more messed up than average folk. Includes every episode from 7 seasons on 54 discs!

* The Smurfs – Season 1, Volume 2 (Nickelodeon/Paramount)
$10.99 SRP DVD

—–The Smurfs Season One adventures continue as Blossom and Brainy are transported to an alternate universe, Papa Smurf holds a vote to see who will act as Rescue Smurf, Gargamel tries to transform into a Smurf, Dreamer becomes a knight, and so much more! This magical volume contains episodes 10-18 of Season One! Single-disc title.



“The Smurfs” Returns to Nickelodeon with Brand-New Second Season

Posted on by Danielle Langer





“The Smurfs” Returns to Nickelodeon with Brand-New Second Season Starting Monday, July 18
Promising more adventure, more mischief, and more new Smurfs, new episodes return starting Monday, July 4, airing daily on Nickelodeon in the U.S. at 2:00 p.m. (ET/PT).
[via press release from Nickelodeon]
“THE SMURFS” RETURNS TO NICKELODEON WITH BRAND-NEW SECOND SEASON STARTING MONDAY, JULY 18

BURBANK, Calif., June 28, 2022 — Papa Smurf, Smurfette, Brainy, Clumsy, and the rest of the Smurfs are back for an even Smurfier second season, premiering Monday, July 18 on Nickelodeon. Promising more adventure, more mischief, and more new Smurfs, new episodes return starting Monday, July 4, airing daily on Nickelodeon in the U.S. at 2:00 p.m. (ET/PT). Season two begins Monday, July 18 on Nickelodeon in the U.S., and internationally beginning in September 2022.

Season two of The Smurfs introduces two new characters: Wild Smurf (voiced by Luke Calzonetti), a mischievous character with a strong connection to animal life, whose temper and strange ways will shake up the Smurfs’ daily routine; and Leaf (voiced by Jade Wheeler), the fairy destined to replace Mother Nature who doesn’t have full command of her powers just yet.

Throughout the all-new season of The Smurfs, the Smurfs will travel through time, swap bodies with each other, and get into magic duels. Constantly pursued by the determined Gargamel and Azrael, and also by ogres Bigmouth and Egghead, the Smurfs and their friends will continue to enchant in new episodes filled with exciting and hilarious adventures.

The voice cast bringing these beloved characters to life includes: David Freeman (7 Promises) as Papa Smurf, the father figure keeping the other Smurfs in line; Berangere McNeese (Matriochkas) as Smurfette, a curious Smurf who is always ready to take part in new adventures; Lenny Mark Irons (No Man’s Land) as Gargamel, a conniving human wizard with a bottomless thirst to capture Smurfs; Youssef El Kaoukibi (NRJ Belgium) as Brainy, who considers himself the smartest of the bunch; and Catherine Hershey (Boundary Games) as Willow, the brave and wise matriarch of a new tribe of girl Smurfs.

The Smurfs CG-animated series acquisition is overseen by Layla Lewis, Senior Vice President, Global Acquisitions and Content Partnerships and Dana Cluverius, Senior Vice President, Current Series Animation for Nickelodeon, and Jason Oliveri, Executive in Charge, Current Series Animation for Nickelodeon.

The Smurfs is a Peyo Productions and Dupuis Audiovisuel production, in co-production with KiKA, Ketnet and RTBF, with the participation of TF1 and with the participation of Wallimage (La Wallonie), of Screen Flanders, of BNPPFFF and with the support of the Tax Shelter of the Belgian Government and the participation of the CNC.

SMURFS © Peyo Productions – Dupuis Édition & Audiovisuel – Les Cartooneurs – KiKA – KETNET – RTBF.be – 2022

About Peyo, LAFIG Belgium/IMPS (International Merchandising Promotions & Services)

IMPS, together with LAFIG Belgium, are the official licensors of the little blue-skinned characters ‘The Smurfs.’ Over the years, IMPS has worked in close collaboration with its agents worldwide to develop successful licensed merchandising, retail and co-branded promotions, publishing activities, broadcasting deals, theme parks, live shows and family entertainment centers that have secured the everlasting success of the Smurfs. IMPS is run by Véronique Culliford, the daughter of Pierre Culliford, the creator of the Smurfs, who is better known under his pseudonym Peyo. Véronique has run IMPS since 1984 and controls with LAFIG Belgium the rights to the Smurfs characters and the Smurfs licensing worldwide.

About Nickelodeon

Nickelodeon, now in its 43rd year, is the number-one entertainment brand for kids. It has built a diverse, global business by putting kids first in everything it does. The brand includes television programming and production in the United States and around the world, plus consumer products, digital, location-based experiences, publishing and feature films. For more information or artwork, visit http://www.nickpress.com. Nickelodeon is a part of Paramount’s (Nasdaq: PARA, PARAA) global portfolio of multimedia entertainment brands.



Upcoming DVD Releases

Posted on by Danielle Langer





COMING ON 5/3:
* No Activity – Season 3 (CBS/Paramount)
$14.99 SRP DVD MOD

—–NO ACTIVITY celebrates the mundane in what should be a high-stakes operation. Following last season’s disastrous bust, season three finds detectives Nick Cullen and Judd Tolbeck back in uniform with a revolving door of quirky new partners and even quirkier criminals, while robots edge in on Janice and Fatima in dispatch. Cast: Patrick Brammall; Sunita Mani; Tim Meadows; Amy Sedaris; Jason Mantzoukas. Single-disc title.

* Traces – Series 2 (BBC Archives)
$24.99 SRP DVD MOD

—–Lab assistant Emma Hedges is now training to be a forensic chemist, and on the cusp of seeing her mother’s murder case finally resolved. Daniel is to give evidence against his father. Will Emma and Daniel’s relationship withstand the pressure? Will justice be served? Meanwhile, professors Sarah Gordon and Kathy Torrance are investigating a deadly bombing campaign. Homemade devices are going off around Dundee, with critical clues hidden inside the bombs. Will the team track down the bomber before their identity goes up in smoke? 2-disc set.
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COMING ON 5/24:
* The Split – Season 1 (BBC Archives)
$24.99 SRP DVD MOD

—–The Split examines the fast paced circuit of high-powered female divorce lawyers in London through the lens of three sisters – Hannah, Nina and the youngest, Rose. Exposing the complex realities of high end divorce and broken marriage through female divorce lawyers and sisters embattled and bound by their own troubled past. Cast: Stephen Mangan, Anthony Head, Stephen Tompkinson, Nicola Walker. 2-disc set.

* The Split – Season 2 (BBC Archives)
$24.99 SRP DVD MOD

—–The Defoes are back at newly merged law firm Noble Hale Defoe. And Hannah’s latest case – the divorce of the UK’s most powerful celebrity couple – is set to put NHD on the map. As Hannah fights one of the most public cases of her career, she’s also fighting a private battle to save her own marriage. Following the devastating revelation of Nathan’s betrayal, her formerly rock-solid marriage is beginning to crack. And, as she finds herself in a passionate affair with Christie, will she take a course that could end her marriage? Or can she have it all? 2-disc set.
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COMING ON 5/31:
* Lucifer – The Complete 5th Season (Warner)
$39.99 SRP Blu-ray MOD

—–The story of the original fallen angel continues in its next-to-last season, with the charming, charismatic and devilishly handsome Lord of Hell – Lucifer Morningstar – abandoning his kingdom for the gorgeous, shimmering insanity of Los Angeles, where he gets his kicks helping savvy LAPD detective Chloe Decker take down criminals. In the stunning fifth season of LUCIFER, the stakes are higher than ever. Secrets will be revealed, Lucifer makes a tumultuous return, Chloe rethinks romance, Ella finally finds a nice guy, and Amenadiel adjusts to the whole fatherhood thing. In the first half of the season, Lucifer’s twin brother Michael secretly takes the devil’s place on earth while he’s back in Hell. Eventually, Lucifer must return and face the mess his brother made with his life. He’ll also finally confront his feelings for Chloe, and answer a question fans have been asking since the very beginning: “will they or won’t they?” 4-disc set.
NOTE: this title was announced for DVD format on the Roundup dated March 18th; that version will be available in stores on the same date as this available-online-only Blu-ray version
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COMING ON 6/7:
* SpongeBob SquarePants – The 5th & 6th Seasons (Nickelodeon/Paramount)
$14.99 SRP DVD

—–2-Season Gift Set includes The Complete 5th Season and 6th Season of SpongeBob. 8-disc set.

* SpongeBob SquarePants – The 7th & 8th Seasons (Nickelodeon/Paramount)
$14.99 SRP DVD

—–2-Season Gift Set includes The Complete 7th Season and 8th Season of SpongeBob. 8-disc set.

* Are You Afraid Of The Dark? – 2-DVD Collection (Nickelodeon/Paramount)
DVD

—–Are You Afraid of the Dark? returns in this nightmarish three-part limited series event filled with scorpions, eyeless men, disappearing children and the creepiest carnival of all time! Rachel has a chance to join the secret Midnight Society. All she has to do is tell a truly terrifying story. But when the chilling events of her “Tale of Mr. Tophat and the Carnival of Doom” start to actually come true and her friends’ lives are at stake, Rachel must face her fears and end Mr. Tophat’s reign of terror. Then, in ARE YOU AFRAID OF THE DARK? CURSE OF THE SHADOWS, an all-new Midnight Society and a spooky new seaside location bring fresh scares when the group’s leader suddenly vanishes. The remaining members must follow the clues, confront dark forces, and ultimately uncover the truth behind their town’s terrifying curse. Will they break the curse of the shadows…before it’s too late?
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COMING ON 6/14:
* Billions – Season 6 (Showtime/Paramount)
$34.99 SRP DVD

EXTRAS: Includes Exclusive Featurette!
—–In season six of BILLIONS, the dust clears to reveal a world that has evolved. With Axe (Damian Lewis) gone and Michael Prince (Corey Stoll) assuming his place, Chuck (Academy Award nominee and Emmy Award winner Paul Giamatti) must develop a new strategy that is keener and more sophisticated than before. All the players, from Wags (David Costabile) to Wendy (Maggie Siff), from Taylor (Asia Kate Dillon) to Sacker (Condola Rashad), and of course Senior (Jeffrey DeMunn), must sharpen their weapons and look for new alliances in order to survive. The ground is ever shifting and the stakes absolute in this 4-disc collection that includes every thrilling episode, along with an exclusive featurette. New king, new war, new rules.

* The Smurfs – Season 1, Volume 1 (Nickelodeon/Paramount)
$12.99 SRP DVD

—–The Smurfs have a new home on Nickelodeon! Join these beloved blue characters as they go on ALL-NEW adventures that will push the charm, absurdity, and humor of the original series to even greater heights! Smurfwe go! This volume contains the first 9 episodes of season one in a 1-disc set! All new 2021 series reboot features re-imagined Smurfs in 3D CG animation with Papa Smurf, Smurfette, Brainy, Hefty and the colorful cast the whole world knows and loves.
NOTE: look for Volume 2 in October 2022, and Volume 3 (completing the first season) in Spring 2023; the studio has opted to release this show in “1-disc volumes for consumer-friendly shelf pricing and release dates as soon as possible after episodes premiere on Nickelodeon” (quoted from a message to retailers)
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COMING ON 6/21:
* Animaniacs – Season 2 (Warner)
$24.98 SRP DVD

—–They’re back! The Warner brothers, Yakko and Wakko, and the Warner sister Dot, have a great time wreaking havoc and mayhem in the lives of everyone they meet. After returning to their beloved home, the Warner Bros. water tower, the siblings waste no time in causing chaos and comic confusion as they run loose through the studio, turning the world into their personal playground. Joining Yakko, Wakko and Dot, fan-favorite characters Pinky and the Brain also return to continue their quest for world domination. 2-disc set.

* The Patrick Star Show – Season 1, Volume 1 (Nickelodeon/Paramount)
$14.99 SRP DVD

—–In this SpongeBob SquarePants spin-off series, join Patrick Star, everyone’s favorite sea star, as he hosts a variety show in his room – inspired by the inner machinations of his mind. Patrick constantly and hilariously disrupts his family with his wild whims and surreal imagination. This volume contains the first 13 episodes of season one in a 2-disc set!



Smurf-tacular News: Nickelodeon Set to Debut All-New Animated Series “The Smurfs”

Posted on by Danielle Langer





Smurf-tacular News: Nickelodeon Set to Debut All-New Animated Series “The Smurfs” on Friday, Sept. 10, at 7:30 PM (ET/PT)
All-new episodes will continue to rollout Friday nights on Nickelodeon and debut internationally in the fall.
[via press release from Nickelodeon]
SMURF-TACULAR NEWS: NICKELODEON SET TO DEBUT ALL-NEW ANIMATED SERIES “THE SMURFS” ON FRIDAY, SEPT. 10, AT 7:30 PM (ET/PT)

Official Series Trailer Revealed Today

BURBANK, Calif.–Aug. 12, 2021–Blue and small, and standing only three apples tall, The Smurfs are set to make their Nickelodeon debut in an all-new series premiering Friday, Sept. 10, at 7:30 p.m. (ET/PT). The news was announced today by Nickelodeon, the number-one network for kids, and LAFIG Belgium and IMPS, the worldwide licensors for The Smurfs, alongside the official trailer reveal for the CG-animated series, which follows the beloved characters embarking upon rousing adventures. All-new episodes will continue to rollout Friday nights on Nickelodeon and debut internationally in the fall.

The original series marks the return of the globally renowned characters to television for the first time in nearly 40 years and follows Papa Smurf, Smurfette, Brainy, Hefty, Clumsy and the other inhabitants of Smurf Village on all-new adventures, packed with humor, heart and high-stakes action. In the premiere episode, “Smurf-Fu,” when Smurfette rescues Brainy from a giant snake, the other Smurfs ask her to teach them “Smurf-Fu.” Next in, “Diaper Daddy,” when everyone is tired of changing Baby’s diapers, Handy decides to invent a robot that will do the job.

The voice cast pushing the charm and absurdity of the original comics to even greater heights includes: David Freeman (7 Promises) as Papa Smurf, the father figure keeping the other Smurfs in line; Berangere McNeese (Matriochkas) as Smurfette, a curious Smurf who is always ready to take part in new adventures; Lenny Mark Irons (No Man’s Land) as Gargamel, a conniving human wizard with a bottomless thirst to capture Smurfs; Youssef El Kaoukibi (NRJ Belgium) as Brainy, who considers himself the smartest of the bunch; and Catherine Hershey (Boundary Games) as Willow, the brave and wise matriarch of a new tribe of girl Smurfs.

The Smurfs CG-animated series acquisition is overseen by Layla Lewis, Senior Vice President, Global Acquisitions and Content Partnerships and Dana Cluverius, Senior Vice President, Current Series Animation for Nickelodeon.

The brand-new series underscores Nickelodeon’s strategy to be the home of the biggest franchises kids and families love. The Smurfs expands Nickelodeon’s growing portfolio of influential properties that already includes SpongeBob SquarePants, The Patrick Star Show, Kamp Koral: SpongeBob’s Under Years, PAW Patrol, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, Blue’s Clues & You!, the all-new animated Star Trek: Prodigy series and the Transformers co-production.

The Smurfs is a Peyo Productions and Dupuis Audiovisuel production, in co-production with KiKA, Ketnet and RTBF, with the participation of TF1 and with the participation of Wallimage (La Wallonie), of Screen Flanders, of BNPPFFF and with the support of the Tax Shelter of the Belgian Government and the participation of the CNC.

(C) Peyo Productions – Dupuis Édition & Audiovisuel – Dargaud Media – KiKA – KETNET – RTBF.be – 2021

About Peyo, LAFIG Belgium/IMPS (International Merchandising Promotions & Services)

IMPS, together with LAFIG Belgium, are the official licensors of the little blue-skinned characters ‘The Smurfs.’ Over the years, IMPS has worked in close collaboration with its agents worldwide to develop successful licensed merchandising, retail and co-branded promotions, publishing activities, broadcasting deals, theme parks, live shows and family entertainment centers that have secured the everlasting success of the Smurfs. IMPS is run by Véronique Culliford, the daughter of Pierre Culliford, the creator of the Smurfs, who is better known under his pseudonym Peyo. Véronique has run IMPS since 1984 and controls with LAFIG Belgium the rights to the Smurfs characters and the Smurfs licensing worldwide.

About Nickelodeon

Nickelodeon, now in its 42nd year, is the number-one entertainment brand for kids. It has built a diverse, global business by putting kids first in everything it does. The brand includes television programming and production in the United States and around the world, plus consumer products, digital, location-based experiences, publishing and feature films. For more information or artwork, visit http://www.nickpress.com. Nickelodeon and all related titles, characters and logos are trademarks of ViacomCBS Inc. (Nasdaq: VIACA, VIAC).



The Nickelodeon Virtual Upfront Show: Bring Your Kids!

Posted on by Danielle Langer





The Nickelodeon Virtual Upfront Show: Bring Your Kids!
“We’re applying our commitment to creating relatable characters and content to our upfront presentation so our partners can experience Nickelodeon exactly the way kids do, with surprise, humor and relevance,” said Brian Robbins, President, ViacomCBS Kids & Family.
[via press release from Nickelodeon]
THE NICKELODEON VIRTUAL UPFRONT SHOW: BRING YOUR KIDS!

ANIMATED AND LIVE-ACTION CO-VIEWING PRESENTATION DETAILS NICK’S DRIVE TO EXPAND ITS REACH WITH KIDS AND FAMILIES ON EVERY PLATFORM THROUGH ITS FRANCHISE POWER AND LARGEST CONTENT SLATE EVER FOR 2021-22 SEASON

Biggest Animation Slate in 40+ Years Powered by Its Iconic Franchises, New Original Series and New Greenlights, Including: The Patrick Star Show, Middlemost Post, Big Nate, The Smurfs, Star Trek: Prodigy, The Hamster Show, ZJ Sparkleton, The Tiny Chef Show, Kamp Koral: SpongeBob’s Under Years, Monster High, Transformers, Baby Shark’s Big Show! and Rugrats

Brand-New Live-Action Series That Girl Lay Lay Produced by Will Packer Media and Warped! from Co-Creators Kevin Kopelow & Heath Seifert Added to Lineup; Production Set to Begin on The Loud House: A Very Loud Christmas! Live-Action Holiday TV Movie

Nick Renews Top-Rated Live-Action Comedy Danger Force and Tyler Perry’s Young Dylan, Along with Top Preschool Titles Santiago of the Seas, Blue’s Clues & You! and PAW Patrol; Net Orders Additional Episodes of SpongeBob SquarePants and Side Hustle

HOLLYWOOD, Calif.-March 18, 2021-Nickelodeon today put its own stamp on upfront season with a uniquely original brand immersion, The Nickelodeon Virtual Upfront Show: Bring Your Kids!–a specially produced live-action and animation presentation offering a co-viewing experience for clients and (their) kids alike. Literally told from a kids-eye point of view, the Upfront Show is a quick trip across the brand’s expansive universe, using its talent, characters and content to outline Nickelodeon’s strategy to: expand its reach across its own and third-party platforms; grow the footprint and influence of its global franchises; and launch its massive content pipeline–including its biggest animation slate ever–for the 2021-22 season and beyond.

“We’re applying our commitment to creating relatable characters and content to our upfront presentation so our partners can experience Nickelodeon exactly the way kids do, with surprise, humor and relevance,” said Brian Robbins, President, ViacomCBS Kids & Family. “The fragmentation across linear only accelerated these past 12 months, so this year’s format literally illustrates our strategy to marshal our global franchises, co-viewing strengths and our new content slate across all available platforms.”

Also providing a host of information and extended plans for each of its franchises, The Nickelodeon Virtual Upfront Show: Bring Your Kids! features full-episode sneak peeks of new series, and activities and prizing for adults and kids. The presentation, which begins as a video conference and then glitches into an alternate animated universe of surprise and informative fun, features appearances by: Brian Robbins, President, ViacomCBS Kids & Family; Jo Ann Ross, President and Chief Advertising Revenue Officer, ViacomCBS Domestic Advertising Sales; Pam Kaufman, President, ViacomCBS Consumer Products; Nick stars from iCarly (Miranda Cosgrove); Unfiltered (Gabrielle Nevaeh Green, Lex Lumpkin), Side Hustle (Jules LeBlanc, Jayden Bartels, Isaiah Crews), Danger Force (Terrence Little Gardenhigh) and Tyler Perry’s Young Dylan (Young Dylan); Asher Bishop, voice of Lincoln Loud from top-rated The Loud House; and Evan, the bridge troll from the forthcoming The Barbarian and the Troll.

The Nickelodeon Virtual Upfront Show: Bring Your Kids! outlines Nickelodeon’s commitment to expand its reach through investment in and production of content for every key platform that is important to kids, including: linear, where Nick dominates the top 10 across every kids’ demo; Paramount+, which houses 7,000+ episodes of Nick’s library and a growing slate of all-new original shows; Pluto TV, which programs Nick content across its kids’ channels; YouTube, with five new Nick channels launched this year; and SVOD, where viewers can sample key content offerings.

Added Robbins: “While linear is still the largest reach vehicle for kids and our ubiquity there remains strong, our strategy to have Nick content across platforms outside of our own allows us to meet kids wherever they are, fill their increasing demand for more content, and ultimately bring them back to our brand for more.”

Nickelodeon is also growing the power of its iconic global franchises–including SpongeBob SquarePants, PAW Patrol, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, Avatar: The Last Airbender, Blue’s Clues, Rugrats and Star Trek: Prodigy–further across linear, digital, theatrical films, games, stage productions and also consumer products for every age and in every aisle around the world.

For its 2021-22 season, Nick’s slate is filled with co-viewing opportunities and includes its largest animation lineup in its history, multiple theatrical movies, new live-action series and live appointment-viewing TV events.

Details of Nickelodeon’s New 2021-22 Content Slate:

Animation:

Nickelodeon has doubled down on original animation, with its Burbank-based Animation Studio helmed by Animation President Ramsey Naito hiring over 500 people in the last year alone, and putting over 50 projects in development across series, Studio business and theatricals. Nick’s new content slate teed up for this season includes 15 new preschool and kids’ series.

· Kamp Koral: SpongeBob’s Under Years (available now on Paramount+; premieres September 2021 on Nickelodeon) – This CG-animated prequel marks the first-ever SpongeBob SquarePants spinoff and follows 10-year-old SpongeBob SquarePants and his pals during summer sleepaway camp where they spend their time building underwater campfires, catching wild jellyfish and swimming in Lake Yuckymuck at the craziest camp in the kelp forest. Nick has picked up an additional 13 episodes of the series, bring the total season one order to 26.

· Rugrats (premieres spring 2021 on Paramount+, followed by a later premiere on Nickelodeon) – This reimagining of Nick’s iconic ’90s hit will reunite members of the original voice cast and follow the iconic crew of toddlers–Tommy Pickles, Chuckie Finster, Angelica Pickles, Susie Carmichael, and twins Phil and Lil DeVille–throughout their day-to-day lives that become adventures in their minds.

· The Patrick Star Show (premieres July 2021 on Nickelodeon) – The second spinoff of the number-one animated series SpongeBob SquarePants is a family sitcom starring Patrick (Bill Fagerbakke) and the rest of his family, as they are constantly disrupted by Patrick’s wild whims and surreal imagination.

· Middlemost Post (premieres July 2021 on Nickelodeon) – Combining quirky characters with hilarious adventures and unwavering friendship, this 2D-animated series follows Parker, a former rain cloud; Angus, a brawny mailman; and Russell, their magical pet walrus, as they deliver packages to the unusual inhabitants of Mount Middlemost.

· Big Nate (premieres September 2021 on Nickelodeon) – Based on the best-selling children’s books, written and drawn by acclaimed author and cartoonist Lincoln Peirce, this new TV series will feature brand-new original storylines centered on Nate, a precocious 11-year-old boy, and his mischievous shenanigans that usually result in disaster, detention or both.

· The Smurfs TV series (premieres October 2021 on Nickelodeon) – Based on the iconic property and in partnership with LAFIG Belgium and IMPS, The Smurfs is a brand-new original CG-animated TV series following Papa Smurf, Smurfette, Brainy, Hefty, Clumsy and others, on all-new adventures, packed with humor, heart and high-stakes action.

· Star Trek: Prodigy (premieres 2021 on Paramount+) – An expansion of the Star Trek Universe, the new CG-animated series follows a motley crew of young aliens who must figure out how to work together while navigating a greater galaxy, in search for a better future. Star Trek: Prodigy is from CBS’ Eye Animation Productions, CBS Studios’ new animation arm; Nickelodeon Animation Studio; Secret Hideout; and Roddenberry Entertainment.

· Monster High TV series (premieres 2022 on Nickelodeon) – Mattel, Inc. and Nickelodeon are producing a brand-new animated series based on Monster High, the iconic franchise about the children of famous monsters and creatures. The series, which will be available globally across Nickelodeon platforms, follows fan-favorite characters Clawdeen Wolf, Draculaura, and Frankie Stein as they navigate the hilarity of high school in the hallowed halls of Monster High.

· Transformers (premieres 2022 on Nickelodeon) – Based on Hasbro’s iconic global property, the original animated series co-produced by Nickelodeon and Hasbro’s entertainment studio eOne will follow a new species of Transformers who must find their place and purpose among Autobots, Decepticons, and the human family that adopts them.

· **NEW** ZJ Sparkleton (working title, premieres 2022 on Nickelodeon) – This buddy comedy, produced by Nelvana, follows quirky 10-year-old vlogger Ruby and her space alien best friend ZJ Sparkleton. Along with their pal Earl, a talking con-man squirrel, Ruby teaches ZJ about her version of Earth, while ZJ learns to control his unpredictable powers.

· Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (theatrical release in 2023) – Nickelodeon and award-winning Point Grey Pictures’ (Seth Rogen, Evan Goldberg and James Weaver) are in production on an all-new CG-animated Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles theatrical motion picture, distributed by Paramount Pictures.

· Avatar Studios – Nickelodeon Animation Studio’s new division, helmed by original creators and co-chief creative officers Michael DiMartino and Bryan Konietzko, will create original content spanning animated series and movies based on the beloved world of Avatar: The Last Airbender and The Legend of Korra. The Studio’s output will bow on platforms including Paramount+, ViacomCBS’ subscription video on-demand service; on Nickelodeon’s own linear and digital platforms; as well as on third-party platforms and in theaters. The first project, an animated theatrical film, is set to begin production later this year.

Preschool:

Nickelodeon’s power in creating content for Kids 2-5 has moved from strength to strength, with its Nick Jr. channel growing over the last year into the number-two position on all kids’ TV, second only to Nickelodeon itself. The new season features more of Nickelodeon’s biggest hits, plus brand-new titles based on some of the most popular preschool characters ever.

· Baby Shark’s Big Show! (premieres March 26, 2021 on Nickelodeon) – Based on the world-famous pop culture phenomenon, this brand-new series centers on Baby Shark and his best friend William as they journey on fun-filled comedic adventures in their community of Carnivore Cove, make new friends and sing original catchy tunes along the way. Baby Shark’s Big Show! is co-produced by Nickelodeon Animation Studio and SmartStudy, the global entertainment company behind the beloved children’s brand Pinkfong.

· PAW Patrol: The Movie (premieres August 20, 2021 in theatres) – A Spin Master Entertainment production in association with Nickelodeon Movies, this major motion picture animated feature film is based on the award-winning preschool series PAW Patrol and will be distributed by Paramount Pictures.

· The Tiny Chef Show (working title; premieres 2022 on Nickelodeon) – Herbivore social media sensation The Tiny Chef is bringing his culinary adventures to Nickelodeon in a brand-new series, produced in association with Imagine Kids+Family, Tiny Chef Productions, and Nickelodeon Animation Studio, that will follow the talented chef as he whips up tasty ‘weshipees’ and the world’s tiniest plant-based dishes from his tree-stump home.

· **NEW** The Hamster Show (working title; premieres 2022 on Nickelodeon) – This series, produced by Nelvana, follows a motley crew of hamsters, the heroic protectors of their 8-year-old owner Harry, who they mistake as their King and beloved ruler of their elaborate colorful-tubed kingdom.

· Nickelodeon is also doubling down on its preschool slate with renewals of top hits from its powerhouse portfolio–Santiago of the Seas, the number-one preschool series across all TV year to date, for a second season (26 episodes); Blue’s Clues & You! for a fourth season (26 episodes); and PAW Patrol for season nine (26 episodes).

Live Action:

Drawing from the talents of a wide range of creators and up-and-coming stars, Nickelodeon is working with caliber talent ranging from Will Packer, Tyler Perry and Mike Mitchell behind the camera, to JoJo Siwa debuting in her first feature-length film.

· Drama Club (available now on Nick App and Nick.com; premieres March 20, 2021 on Nickelodeon) – This mockumentary-style comedy that recently debuted follows a group of middle schoolers as they shine a light on the inner workings of their school’s overlooked drama club.

· The Barbarian and the Troll (premieres April 2, 2021 on Nickelodeon) – This all-new live-action puppet comedy series follows Evan, a bridge troll in search of adventure, and Brendar, a fierce female warrior on a quest to defeat the evil demon who has imprisoned her brother.

· iCarly (premieres summer 2021 on Paramount+) – Nickelodeon Studios and Awesomeness have started production on a new series based on the iconic iCarly. The new show picks up nearly 10 years after the original series ended, and finds Carly Shay, the original influencer, and her friends navigating work, love and their family in their twenties.

· The J Team (premieres summer 2021) – Starring and executive produced by pop star and social media sensation JoJo Siwa, the 90-minute feature-length film from Awesomeness and Nick’s Live-Action Film Studio follows a young girl who is kicked out of her dance troupe and forced to rediscover what dance and friendship mean to her while finding her true “sparkle” in the process.

· **NEW** That Girl Lay Lay (working title; premieres summer 2021 on Nickelodeon) – Teen sensation and hip-hop artist Alaya “That Girl Lay Lay” High stars in this new comedy series as Lay Lay, an avatar from a personal affirmation app that magically comes to life. The series follows Lay Lay and her best friend Sadie as they navigate life as teenagers and discover who they truly are. That Girl Lay Lay is produced by Will Packer Media (Little, Girls Trip, Ride Along, What Men Want), with Will Packer serving as executive producer.

· **NEW** Warped! (premieres fall 2021 on Nickelodeon) – This new buddy comedy, from co-creators Kevin Kopelow & Heath Seifert (All That, Good Burger), follows Milo, the beloved head geek at popular comic book shop Warped!, who forms an unlikely alliance with his new quirky and excitable co-worker Ruby to create the world’s greatest graphic novel.

· The Loud House: A Very Loud Christmas! live-action TV movie (working title; premieres November 2021 on Nickelodeon) – Production is set to begin in April on this original live-action holiday TV movie based on the Emmy Award-winning animated series, The Loud House. Casting is currently underway, with Wolfgang Schaeffer (Criminal Minds) tapped to play 11-year-old Lincoln Loud and Jahzir Bruno (The Witches) as Clyde McBride, Lincoln’s best friend.

· Monster High live-action TV movie (premieres 2022 on Nickelodeon) – Mattel, Inc. and Nickelodeon are producing an original live-action TV movie musical based on Monster High, the iconic franchise about the children of famous monsters and creatures. The movie musical event, which marks the first time Monster High will be brought to life in live action, will be available on Nickelodeon platforms globally next year.

· In an expansion of its hit live-action lineup, Nickelodeon has also renewed Danger Force, TV’s number-one live-action kids show with Kids 6-11, for a second season (26 episodes) and Tyler Perry’s Young Dylan for season two (20 episodes). The net has also ordered six additional episodes of buddy comedy Side Hustle, bringing the first season to 26 total episodes.

Nickelodeon, now in its 41st year, is the number-one entertainment brand for kids. It has built a diverse, global business by putting kids first in everything it does. The brand includes television programming and production in the United States and around the world, plus consumer products, digital, location based experiences, publishing and feature films. For more information or artwork, visit http://www.nickpress.com. Nickelodeon and all related titles, characters and logos are trademarks of ViacomCBS Inc. (Nasdaq: VIACA, VIAC).



The Smurfs Head to Nickelodeon with Brand-New Animated Series

Posted on by Danielle Langer





The Smurfs Head to Nickelodeon with Brand-New Animated Series and Consumer Products Line, in Partnership with LAFIG Belgium and IMPS
The series is slated to debut in 2021 in the U.S., followed by Nickelodeon channels internationally.
[via press release from Nickelodeon]
THE SMURFS HEAD TO NICKELODEON WITH BRAND-NEW ANIMATED SERIES AND CONSUMER PRODUCTS LINE, IN PARTNERSHIP WITH LAFIG BELGIUM AND IMPS

NEW YORK-June 18, 2020-Nickelodeon, the number-one network for kids, and LAFIG Belgium and IMPS, the worldwide licensors for The Smurfs, are partnering to bring a brand-new original CG-animated series based on the iconic property to a new generation of kids and families around the world. Under the deal, Nickelodeon has licensed the global rights to The Smurfs which follows the beloved characters–Papa Smurf, Smurfette, Brainy, Hefty, Clumsy and others–on all-new adventures, packed with humor, heart and high-stakes action. The series is slated to debut in 2021 in the U.S., followed by Nickelodeon channels internationally.

In addition to the content partnership, ViacomCBS Consumer Products (VCP) will manage consumer products licensing for The Smurfs property across the U.S., Canada, Mexico, the United Kingdom, Singapore and Malaysia. VCP will seek new merchandising and promotional partners in select categories and territories for The Smurfs classic brand, in addition to a new product line for the new animated series The Smurfs, spanning categories including toys, stationery, apparel and accessories, home, consumer packaged goods and more, to launch at retail in 2022.

“The Smurfs is an iconic global franchise that has resonated with audiences for decades,” said Pam Kaufman, President, ViacomCBS Consumer Products. “By partnering with LAFIG, we are able to join our creative forces to bring an all-new line of consumer products across multiple categories to consumers, along with a fresh and original animated series.”

“The Smurfs have entertained generations of kids and families globally, and we are thrilled to bring these identifiable characters, their stories and universal themes of cooperation, sharing and caring for their community to Nickelodeon,” said Layla Lewis, Senior Vice President, Global Acquisitions and Content Partnerships.

“I am extremely proud and happy to have Nickelodeon and its fantastic team to represent our Smurf brand both for the broadcast of our beautiful New TV series and as an agent. We are making history again more than 40 years after the global success of the first TV series of the Smurfs, which is broadcast in more than 100 countries still today! I am convinced that we could not have found a better partner to smurf our beautiful blue planet,” said Véronique Culliford, Founder & President of IMPS/LAFIG.

The Smurfs is produced by Peyo Productions and Dupuis Edition & Audiovisuel. It is directed by William Renaud (Calimero, Casper’s Scare School, A Kind of Magic) and written by Peter Saisselin (Sonic Boom, Alvin!!! And the Chipmunks) and Amy Serafin (Sonic Boom, Alvin!!! And the Chipmunks).

The Smurfs will be overseen by Layla Lewis, Senior Vice President, Global Acquisitions and Content Partnerships and Dana Cluverius, Senior Vice President, Current Series Animation.

The Smurfs partnership is part of Nickelodeon’s strategy to be the home for the biggest franchises kids and families love, and it expands Nickelodeon’s growing portfolio of influential properties that already includes SpongeBob SquarePants, PAW Patrol, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, Blue’s Clues & You!, the first-ever SpongeBob spinoff, Kamp Koral, and an all-new animated Star Trek series.

About Peyo, LAFIG Belgium/IMPS (International Merchandising Promotions & Services)

IMPS, together with LAFIG Belgium, are the official licensors of the little blue-skinned characters ‘The Smurfs.’ Over the years, IMPS has worked in close collaboration with its agents worldwide to develop successful licensed merchandising, retail and co-branded promotions, publishing activities, broadcasting deals, theme parks, live shows and family entertainment centers that have secured the everlasting success of the Smurfs. IMPS is run by Véronique Culliford, the daughter of Pierre Culliford, the creator of the Smurfs, who is better known under his pseudonym Peyo. Véronique has run IMPS since 1984 and controls with LAFIG Belgium the rights to the Smurfs characters and the Smurfs licensing worldwide.

About Nickelodeon

Nickelodeon, now in its 41st year, is the number-one entertainment brand for kids. It has built a diverse, global business by putting kids first in everything it does. The brand includes television programming and production in the United States and around the world, plus consumer products, digital, location-based experiences, publishing and feature films. Nickelodeon and all related titles, characters and logos are trademarks of ViacomCBS Inc. (Nasdaq: VIACA, VIAC).