NBC Will Launch NBC Kids July 7

NBC will launch NBC Kids, a new Saturday morning programming block designed specifically to address the developmental needs of preschool-aged children, premiering on Saturday, July 7. Programmed by the kids experts at Sprout, the nation's first 24-hour preschool television channel, this new three-hour block will feature educational series that promote active, healthy lifestyles for younger children.

NBC Kids will include the U.S. broadcast premieres of preschool series "The Wiggles," Sprout's "Noodle & Doodle," Jim Henson's "Pajanimals," "Poppy Cat," "Justin Time," as well as the popular "LazyTown," designed to encourage healthy eating and exercise.

The announcement was made jointly by Robert Greenblatt, Chairman of NBC Entertainment, and Sandy Wax, President of Sprout.

"NBC is proud to partner with Sprout in providing progressive new programming that will entertain and encourage children to achieve more positive life choices," said Greenblatt. "This is an ideal blend of entertaining shows that also offer promising benefits to the development of children on many levels."

"Producing this new block for NBC will extend the reach of quality preschool programming beyond Sprout's cable, VOD and digital platforms affording millions of families the opportunity to watch quality preschool series that promote active, healthy lifestyles," said Wax.