Nickelodeon Orders Two Animated Series, Four Live-Action Pilots

Nickelodeon, the number-one entertainment brand for kids, announced today that is has ordered 26 episodes of two new animated series, Bad Seeds and Pig Goat Banana Cricket, to be produced at the Nickelodeon Animation Studio in Burbank, Calif. The announcement was made by Russell Hicks, President, Content Development and Production, Nickelodeon.

Additionally, Hicks announced an order for four live-action pilots, Nicky, Ricky, Dicky & Don (working title), Twang (working title), Smart Alec (working title) and Untitled Cheerleader Project, and has greenlit two digital series, Welcome to the Wayne and Junior Eye, for the Emmy Award-winning Nick App, which has more than four million installs to date. The network also signed three new young actors (Noah Urrea, Jace Norman and Haley Tju) to talent deals from its recent talent showcase at The Groundlings Theatre in Los Angeles, Calif.

The announcements come as Nickelodeon continues its recent ratings momentum. Nickelodeon is currently pacing to finish the third quarter 13% above last year, representing its best growth performance for a quarter in 16 years (since 2Q, 1997).

"All these projects represent fresh, new creative voices from diverse backgrounds who want to make great, funny content for kids," Hicks said. "We are very excited about adding two new original animated series to our upcoming slate, and we have very high hopes for these live-action pilots and the new talent we are bringing on board."

Details of Nickelodeon's new animation, live-action and digital series are:

NEW ANIMATED SERIES

Bad Seeds (26 episodes)
Harvey, a sweet and well-meaning bird, makes two new best friends, Fee and Foo, the wildest kids in the forest. Although their friendship seems unlikely, their connection only grows as they push each other out of their comfort zones and into endless adventures. Created, written and directed by C.H. Greenblatt (SpongeBob SquarePants, Chowder).

Pig Goat Banana Cricket (26 episodes)
This show features a series of absurd interwoven stories about four friends and roommates, Pig (the fool), Goat (the artist), Banana (the wise-guy) and Cricket (the brain). Created by Dave Cooper and J. Ryan and executive produced by David Sacks (The Simpsons, Regular Show) who co-writes with J. Ryan. Dave Cooper also art directs the series and the pilot was directed by independent animator Nick Cross.

LIVE-ACTION PILOTS

Twang (Working Title)
A comedy series about a family that relocates from Hollywood, Calif to run a diner in Tennessee. Created and executive produced by Andy Gordon (True Jackson, VP, Just Shoot Me, Kirstie).

Nicky, Ricky, Dicky & Don (Working Title)
This series follows the madcap adventures of the thirteen year-old Haley quadruplets -- Nicky, Ricky, Dicky and Don. Created and executive produced by Matt Fleckenstein (iCarly, Victorious, Drake & Josh).

Smart Alec (Working Title)
A comedic look at the world of kid geniuses. Written by Adam Schwartz (Fred: The Show, So Random, Sonny with a Chance) and executive produced by Tommy Lynch (South of Nowhere, The Troop).

Untitled Cheerleader Project
A comedy about a perky head cheerleader named Bella whose life in Texas takes an unexpected twist. Written by Gabriel Garza and Jonathan Butler (The Haunted Hathaways, Fan Boy & Chum Chum), who were discovered through Nickelodeon's Diversity Fellowship program.

DIGITAL SERIES

Welcome to the Wayne
An animated comedy about two adventurers set in the lobby of the weirdest apartment building on the planet. Created and written by Billy Lopez (The Wonder Pets!).

Junior Eye
Three junior high school friends are committed to solving the myths that plague their classmates' daily lives. Created by Will and Aaron Eisenberg, whose previous project (Eric Finley: Comment Counselor) won Ashton Kutcher's "Dream Bigger" filmmaking competition.

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