Nickelodeon is getting in on TV’s revival craze, and will be bringing back one of its most popular shows, Blue’s Clues, as part of an ambitious slate that expands beyond linear and across platforms, with new music festivals, augmented reality apps and a YouTube short-form series. (Adweek)
A host for Blue’s Clues has yet to be identified, said Angela Santomero, an original producer of the series who will return to supervise its latest incarnation, in an interview, and the choice will hinge on how well that person connects with the show’s young audience. Producers will tweak the show very slightly for modern viewers. (Variety)
The network said it plans 800 hours of programming across platforms in 2018, up 20 percent from last year. Like other networks at Viacom and elsewhere, Nick has seen ratings erode as viewers choose entertainment alternatives. (Deadline)
In response, the network is launching new short-form competition series on its YouTube channel. Musical Dares is being created in partnership with Viacom Digital Studio, is executive produced by Nick Cannon and is based on musical chairs. Production begins this summer. (B&C)