Nickandmore!

via Nickelodeon press release:

GET READY FOR FIN-TASTIC ADVENTURES
WITH BUBBLE GUPPIES, NICKELODEON’S NEW ANIMATED UNDERWATER PRESCHOOL SERIES, PREMIERING MONDAY, JAN. 24

NEW YORK – Jan. 10, 2011 – Bubble Guppies, Nickelodeon’s new interactive CG-animated preschool series, makes a splash on Monday, Jan. 24, at 11:00 a.m. (ET/PT). From the Emmy Award-winning team behind The Backyardigans and Little Bill, this musical comedy set in a vibrant 3D underwater environment follows a group of diverse preschoolers with colorful fish tails who go on adventures discovering their world. Following the Jan. 24 premiere, Nickelodeon will air two weeks of brand-new episodes from Tuesday, Jan. 25 – Thursday, Jan. 27; and Monday, Jan. 31 – Thursday, Feb. 3, at 11:00 a.m. (ET/PT). The series will regularly air weekdays at 11:00 a.m. (ET/PT).

Bubble Guppies focuses on a wide range of topics and everyday experiences kids can relate to – from dinosaurs to dentists, rock n’ roll to recycling, and colors to cowboys. The half-hour series features a variety show format with a strong narrative that relates to the theme of the episode. Bubble Guppies is set to a soundtrack of catchy, educational pop songs and a curriculum that infuses the core elements of kindergarten readiness including: math, literacy, the arts, science and socio-emotional development.

“Bubble Guppies’ unique mix of comedy, music, adventure and important lessons exemplify Nickelodeon’s ongoing commitment to creating entertaining and educational preschool programming,” said Brown Johnson, President, Animation, Nickelodeon/MTVN Kids & Family Group. “Kids will love singing, dancing, playing and interacting with these adorable characters as they go on exciting underwater adventures.”

In each episode of Bubble Guppies, the characters lead the learning process, discovering something of interest on their way to school and exploring that theme from a variety of angles. The series’ educational approach fosters a love of learning and inspires independent thinking by celebrating children’s natural curiosity and the power of everyday discoveries.

In the series premiere, “Call a Clambulance,” Oona’s fish friend Avi falls off his tricycle and breaks a bone in his tail. He has to go see the doctor so he can feel better. The Guppies and viewers at home will learn about doctors, bones and X-rays.

Meet the Bubble Guppies:

• Gil – Gil is the co-host of Bubble Guppies, along with Molly. He’s playful, silly and full of rambunctious energy.
• Molly – Molly is the co-host of Bubble Guppies, along with Gil. Molly is the girl that everyone wants as a friend. She is smart, dependable, very friendly and a natural leader.
• Deema – Deema’s personality is as big as her hair. She’s energetic, goofy and loves to be the center of attention.
• Nonny – Nonny is cerebral and cautious, and it’s hard to get an enthusiastic response out of him. He’s more likely to comment on the action than to get swept up in it.
• Oona – Oona is a sweet, sincere and gentle little girl who is very sensitive to those around her. Oona would be most likely to show concern for a sick friend or give loving care to a pet or a plant.
• Goby – Goby has a vivid and offbeat imagination. A natural director and storyteller, he will invent roles, cast them and then spin his story in unexpected and hilarious directions.

To complement the Bubble Guppies premiere, Nickelodeon’s award-winning preschool website, http://www.nickjr.com, will feature a new online game “Bubble Guppies Watery World,” allowing kids to customize their very own Bubble Guppies underwater classroom. In addition, the site will include learning activities that extend each episode’s theme, printables, crafts, recipes and more.

Nickelodeon will feature a two-minute sneak peek and music videos of Bubble Guppies on Nick Jr. Video, the broadband video service available on Nickjr.com. Bubble Guppies episodes will be promoted and simulcast on Nick mobile and available on iTunes.

Bubble Guppies is created and executive-produced by Jonny Belt and Robert Scull and co-executive produced by Janice Burgess, the Emmy Award-winning team behind the hit Nickelodeon series’ The Backyardigans and Little Bill. Each half-hour episode of Bubble Guppies features a unique pop song and an interactive dance song. The dance steps are choreographed by Beth Bogush, a former director of the Alvin Ailey Dance School’s children’s program and performed by real dancers whose movements are then recreated in animation.

Nickelodeon, now in its 31st year, is the number-one entertainment brand for kids. It has built a diverse, global business by putting kids first in everything it does. The company includes television programming and production in the United States and around the world, plus consumer products, online, recreation, books and feature films. Nickelodeon’s U.S. television network is seen in more than 100 million households and has been the number-one-rated basic cable network for 16 consecutive years. Nickelodeon and all related titles, characters and logos are trademarks of Viacom Inc. (NYSE: VIA – News, VIA.B – News).