Nickelodeon is expanding its original programming with a slew of new orders.
The kids cable network greenlighted animated series Bad Seeds, from SpongeBob SquarePants' C.H. Greenblatt (art above), and Pig Goat Banana Cricket (art below), The Hollywood Reporter has learned.
Both series, which will be produced through Nickelodeon Animation Studio, have received 26-episode pickups.
Nickelodeon has also given pilot orders to four live-action projects in an effort to increase its footprint: Nicky, Ricky, Dicky & Don, from iCarly and Victorious' Matt Fleckenstein; Twang, from True Jackson, VP and Just Shoot Me's Andy Gordon; Smart Alec; and an Untitled Cheerleader Project. (All are working titles.)
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Additionally, digital series Welcome to the Wayne, an animated comedy, and Junior Eye, both to be made specifically for the Nick App, have been given the green light.
The cable network has also inked talent deals with three up-and-comers, who were discovered from a talent showcase at Los Angeles' Groundlings Theatre: Noah Urrea, Jace Norman and Haley Tju.
“All these projects represent fresh, new creative voices from diverse backgrounds who want to make great, funny content for kids,” said Russell Hicks, Nickelodeon's president of content development and production, in the announcement. “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.”
These pickups come on the heels of Nickelodeon eyeing a third-quarter finish with a 13-percent ratings improvement year over year. The network recently renewed animated comedy Sanjay and Craig for a second season and expanded the season orders for live-actioners Sam & Cat and The Thundermans.
Full details, including loglines, on the projects below:
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 (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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