Nickelodeon
With each weekly serving of Kid Scoop, we'll share the latest news in the world of kids' TV and movies, so you can be the know-it-all for a change. This week's scoop features two Freds, one Pink Panther and Nick unplugged.
That's What Freds Are For
Fred Figglehorn, the six-year-old character and infectious YouTube sensation created by 17-year-old Lucas Cruikshank, will star in his own TV movie on Sept. 18. But in Nickelodeon's Fred, The Movie, Figglehorn is no longer a little kid; he's now a hyperactive teenager on a wild adventure to find true love. The movie also stars Jeanette McCurdy (Sam on iCarly) as Bertha, Fred's friend and ally. By all indications, this is no Napoleon Dynamite, but never count out young people who've been discovered on the Internet. (See: Justin Bieber, Jackie Evancho and Greyson Chance). While Cruikshank had only a minor role in writing Fred, he's currently developing a new series for Nickelodeon about an alien trying to fit into school, and is in talks about a potential Fred sequel.
Nick Pulls the Plug
On Saturday, Sept. 25, Nickelodeon celebrates their seventh annual "Worldwide Day of Play" (WWDP) by going dark on TV and on the Web from 12-3 p.m. (est). The blackout covers Nickelodeon, Nicktoons, Nick Jr., TeenNick, Nick.com, NickJr.com, Nicktoons.com and TeenNick.com. Instead of usual programming, a single message will appear, encouraging viewers to go outside and play. (Whether they actually do that or just pull out their Nintendos is left to be seen). Immediately before and after the unplugging, Nickelodeon stars including Victoria Justice, Keke Palmer and the casts of True Jackson, VP and Big Time Rush will "share health and wellness messages" and report on activities at a live WWDP event in New York.
A Yabba Dabba Doo Time
In celebration of the 50th anniversary of The Flintstones, Cartoon Network’s Boomerang will be re-running episodes starting Sept. 30. It's a good chance to show your kids how Fred, Wilma, Barney, Betty and their prehistoric pals blazed the trail for contemporary primetime animated series like Family Guy and The Simpsons. And if you think The Flintstones didn't make sly pop culture references like those modern shows do, then it’s time you took another trip to Bedrock. (The major difference is The Flintstones didn't have to be mean to be funny.) The nostalgia begins on Sept.30 and culminates in a 24-hour marathon on Oct. 2, featuring the 50 greatest episodes. Have a "gay old time."
Dreaming of a Pink Christmas
We're not talking about Pink, the rock star, hosting a raucous MTV holiday special. This is about The Pink Panther, who will appear in a holiday special A Very Pink Christmas in 2011. Production on the special begins this month, but you can get in the mood by catching Pink Panther and Pals, currently on Cartoon Network.
Will your kids be participating in the Worldwide Day of Play? Chime in now!
