The Mystery of SLAM! 20 Years Later

This image of the logo was drawn by hand with my tablet and stylus. Drawn in MS Paint.

Posted: 4 September 2022

SLAM! Block (US Version Only) / Nickelodeon / 25 August 2002 – March 2003

Imagine you’re watching Nickelodeon in May of 2002. Promos previewing their summer programming get shown during every commercial break. In one promo, Dave Aizer tells you that if “you want action…you got action.” You’re under the assumption that Nick is just emphasizing they’ll be playing some action programming that will soon be forgotten.

Many haters have forgotten it but I never will!

The Nickelodeon SLAM block began airing on Sunday afternoons in August 2002. The block ran for 2 hours from 3:00 pm to 5:00 pm (later 1:00pm-3:00pm, all times Central) and played action-oriented programming (a la Cartoon Network’s Toonami). I’ll tell ya, looking at the promos will NOT tell you what this block is about yet it will make you want to find out more.

What is SLAM?

I never really questioned it. I figured it was going to be another Nicktoon about a skateboarder boy and his dog in a grunge/mid-1900s art-style setting. Then again, there would be flashes of Invader Zim, Butt-Ugly Martians, and Robot Wars clips during the promos. I wasn’t using the internet at the time and Twitter wasn’t a thing yet so I just had to use my assumptions. Because it was new and on Nickelodeon, I was so excited. When first discreetly announced in May 2002, SLAM had different on-air graphics than what was officially used.

It was that day on August 25th I found out what SLAM! Really was…an action block. I wasn’t expecting Speed Racer 1997 (Speed Racer X) to start the block as it was not flashed in the promos. I was busy with a church event that day then I went to the swimming pool. From what I remember, I only taped the Speed Racer episode as I seriously thought SLAM was going to be a regular series.

What SLAM Turned out to Be

SLAM was an action block. The promos failed to properly communicate that. Either that or it just was the way my brain processed information at the time. I probably missed some important information. All you’d see is a short scribbled kid running/skateboarding around with his dog and causing mischief in a scenery combining a vintage style and early 2000s grunge. Nickelodeon Magazine announced it as a block but I didn’t notice that announcement until much later. The magazine announcement also mentioned that SLAM stands for “Super Large Action Madness,” also not mentioned in the on-air promos.

Regardless, all information should have been communicated in the promos. Here’s how they should have done it (written by yours truly):

Need more action for your weekends? Tune in to SLAM! A 2-hour block of Super Large Action Madness with shows that will rock your Sunday afternoon.
Speed Racer speeds your way at 4:00
Invader Zim invades your TV at 4:30
Prepare to kick some butt with the Butt Ugly Martians at 5
Then witness some extreme robot action with Nickelodeon Robot Wars at 5:30
Slam into SLAM! Every Sunday starting August 25th at 4/3 central on Nickelodeon!

One Thing’s for Sure…

That SLAM character and his dog were so cute. It’s a shame it wasn’t a series. If it was a series then there would be sneak peeks that Nick would have shown. I’m also attracted by the vintage graphics in the promos. It’s like looking through my grandmother’s high school yearbooks. The edgy grunge and vintage graphics could have been used for something amazing. Now it’s all a missed opportunity.

Could Have Been Big

I fondly remember this premiere. This was from a time I began to show more interest in action-oriented programming that sold toys and video games. This block has assisted me with that transition and still resonates with me today. I can’t believe it’s been 20 years. The aesthetic may seem outdated by today’s design standards but it still holds a place in my memories. Had this block/SLAM character been better promoted, there would be at least a cult following.

Quick fact: on the last week of SLAM in March 2003, the idents and logo bugs for the block were not being used. I taped the Invader Zim episode they were playing that day. After that Sunday, the block was no more.

This is a pennant I made during the block’s run. As the date states on the back of the pennant, this was made on November 24, 2002. I used a lot of orange marker to make the background. This is not for sale.

Shows Shown on SLAM and Some Quick Thoughts

Speed Racer X – Gave me an introduction to the Speed Racer franchise

Invader Zim – I was lucky when Nick showed this. There were periods where they wouldn’t show it at all on this block

Butt Ugly Martians – Previously shown on main Nick. I was fine with it when I was younger, but cringe a bit when I watch it now, especially that animation.

Nickelodeon Robot Wars – Seemed interesting but wasn’t really my cup of tea at the time.

Men In Black: The Series – Yes, Nickelodeon played this, too. I didn’t watch Kids WB so Nickelodeon brought this show to me. It was fine. It was an introduction to the Men In Black franchise for me. I felt like a cool kid watching this.

Super Duper Sumos – Practically dominated the block for many weeks (bookended by episodes of Speed Racer). Not a great show and definitely one of DIC’s later not-so-great shows.

Also, I noticed only during the block, they occasionally played some early animated shorts of The Amazing Adrenalini Brothers during commercial breaks. These shorts originated in the UK and Canada. They began as 10 two-and-a-half-minute shorts for the CBBC website in the early 2000s then became a full show in 2006. The Adrenalini brothers are 3 showmen from the fictional land of Réndøosîa who tour around the world performing hazardous stunts, often succeeding out of luck. You may not remember this as these were rarely played. I had the tail-end of an episode on tape. These shorts and episodes are available to watch online. Click here to find out more information about these shorts. I don’t know why these were played but, as I’ve been saying about the other shows on this block, it was how I discovered this show.

The Mystery of SLAM! 20 Years Later Read More »

The New World of Tooned In Season 2

Have Watched, Thoughts / victorica_vic

Posted: 30 December 2021

Tooned In Season 2 / Nickelodeon / 17 September 2021 – TBA

It’s the Tooned In we know and love from earlier this year, just some minor changes.

OK, make those MAJOR changes. They gave Nicky a co-host and made him the main host.

This is Dudley Puppy… uhm… Spencer…cough cough…Jerry Trainor. As of now, he’s just OK as a host. I thought Nicky was just fine hosting on his own. I thought the concept of an AI host was innovative. Adding a human host is just going backward. Some ‘90s game shows reflect this dynamic such as Legends of the Hidden Temple (Kirk Fogg (now Cristela Alonzo) and Olmec) and the obscure Pick Your Brain (Marc Summers (yes, from Double Dare) and 2XL robot (a popular toy from the ‘70s-‘90s)).

A Couple Changes

Most of the game segments are similar to season 1. There are new types of games as well. Each game segment is differently themed like in the previous season. One of the new games involves the contestants looking through a container to find an item (often covered in slime) and answering a question about it. Cartoon Cosplay and the Nicktoon Nick Goon are gone completely. The speed round (All the Answers) and Climb or Slime remain. These games are mostly Nicktoon trivia of the most recent Nicktoons (that I can barely answer, usually with an educated guess). Nicky slimes the contestants whenever he wants, regardless of whether an answer is correct or not. Nobody is immune to the slime.

Why 2 hosts?

It seems that there have been some budget cuts when it comes to producing Nicky. These season 2 episodes are a bit difficult and time-consuming to watch so it’s hard for me to find some examples. One that stands out is that the producers felt a human host was needed. I would like to learn about the thought process of these decisions (of which I may never find out).

So…

With Jerry as co-host, it’s double the annoyingness (for lack of a better word). Nicky can be just as loud and annoying but I can’t stay mad at him for that cuz…he’s Nicky! The game is still fun to play at home. The format has changed a bit from season 1 to keep the show’s rhythm fresher. I’m still wondering why they felt Nicky needed a co-host.

The New World of Tooned In Season 2 Read More »

Rugrats 2021: Decent but Kind of Unnecessary

Currently Watching, Reboot, Thoughts / victorica_vic

Posted: 22 September 2021

Rugrats (2021) / Paramount+, Nickelodeon / 27 May 2021-Present

When the new Rugrats came out on Paramount+, I watched the first episode called “Second Time Around.” I was drinking water out of my Rugrats cup from 1997. The 43-minute first episode resituated me back into the Rugrats world and prepared me for the rest of the coming season.

What’s with the CGI?

Couldn’t they just have used digital hand drawings instead of CGI? CGI is so 2006 (and don’t even argue with me that the new Smurfs cartoon is in CGI). All the new cartoons these days are drawn in digital ink. I know Disney cartoons of today do that, but Disney is Disney. Despite that, Angelica looks cute in this new style. Spike’s textured fur makes me want to pet him through the TV screen.

Unfamiliar Adult Voices

The babies retained their original voices, which are still quite good, but they completely replaced the adult voices with folks I’m not familiar with. I understand it was for a new image but they didn’t have to replace all the original willing cast. Parents are shown as millennials now. The voices changed to reflect how millennials apparently talk.

Disappearing Characters?

Many people are asking about the whereabouts of the characters introduced throughout the original series. Where’s Dil, Kimi, Kira, and Lulu. It also seems that Howard Deville disappeared off the face of the earth, leaving Betty as a single mother. Maybe they’ll be re-introduced in later seasons.

I’m Still Asking…WHY?

They really didn’t have to reboot Rugrats. All the stories were all told in the original series and it had a good run. Despite that, give this reboot a chance when you get Paramount+. Especially in the 1st episode, it shows the Rugrats charm we’ve grown to love. Don’t be fooled and turned off by the promos/sneak peeks you see. Just watch the show. If you’re persistent on not liking/watching this new incarnation, you’re more than welcome to go back to the original series which is also on Paramount+. There are plenty of episodes to enjoy again and again.

Kid Cosmic: A Superhero Show with a Classic Comic Book Aesthetic

Currently Watching, Thoughts / victorica_vic

Posted: 5 February 2021

Written: 3 February 2021 (after watching the first episode)

Kid Cosmic / Netflix / Premiered: 2 February 2021

Living in a desert in New Mexico, Kid fantasizes about becoming a superhero. He finds five cosmic stones of power dropped from a crashed spaceship which allows his fantasies to become a reality. He fights alongside a diverse team of superheroes to stop the evil Stuck Chuck from taking the cosmic stones.
–Summary by Vic’s Review

I wouldn’t have considered taking up this show had it not been for Craig McCracken being the creator. Having created Powerpuff Girls, Foster’s Home for Imaginary Friends, and Wander over Yonder, I’m glad to see he’s still in the animation industry and making new shows. Even after watching one episode, I’d say he’s continuing his successful streak.

Awesome Artwork!

Even though this show is not in CGI, I’m assuming this show was hand-drawn digitally. I like how digital drawings can be emulated to look like classic 2D animation. Though the show designers were going for the retro comic book art style, to me it’s like the illustrations are out of a children’s book. Though Kid looks like the main character of a children’s book, Jo’s design is definitely in McCracken’s art style (black choker reminiscent of Frankie Foster (Foster’s Home…), Sylvia’s (Wander over Yonder) mouth shape). The aliens are in the same McCracken style used in Powerpuff Girls and Wonder over Yonder.

It’s Going to be Good

Yes, I probably just assumed the quality level in the post-sparkle of watching episode one. The other day I was wondering what Craig McCracken was doing these days. My question was answered while scrolling through Twitter where there was a link to an interview where McCracken talks about this show. I really liked Foster’s Home… and Wander over Yonder and I expect the same level of excellence from Kid Cosmic. I can use another superhero cartoon in my life and I have a list of shows I’d like to watch for the first time using streaming services and review them. I can’t wait to watch the other 9 episodes. It’s so tempting to watch another one now. Maybe tomorrow.

I watch the credits until the end for the closing logo. It’s as classy-looking as the show itself. I love closing logos and this one is now one of my favorites.

Kid Cosmic: A Superhero Show with a Classic Comic Book Aesthetic Read More »

Experience the Medieval Fantasy of Disenchantment

Have Watched, Thoughts, Upcoming, update / victorica_vic

Posted: 14 January 2021

Disenchantment / Netflix / 2018 – Present

My summary from the 2018 post:

“From what I understand from watching the trailers and other related videos, the show is about Princess Bean who is to be married off for political reasons. She is also an alcoholic due to daddy issues and the fact that her brother is next in line to be king. She and her companions Elfo (an elf) and Luci (her personal demon) go on adventures together. The show takes place in the kingdom of Dreamland. That’s the best description I can give for now.”

I remember in July 2018 I was excited for Disenchantment to be released onto Netflix. By that time, I lost access to the Simpson episodes on which I grew up (like season 1 all the way up to season 15). Watching Disenchantment made me long for the days my Fox affiliate would play the Simpsons reruns. Obviously, this is a Matt Groening show because of the art style (overbites, round noses). Very appealing! When I finished the first part for the second time, I migrated to streaming Futurama episodes. That filled in the gap while I waited for more episodes.

An Adventure for the Eyes

This show looks stunning on my HD TVs, especially my big screen. The sights, especially the pannings around Dreamland, are breath-taking. I’m experiencing the latest Netflix app. It makes it really easy to binge-watch shows with the skip intro/skip recap/watch credits/next episode buttons. It makes it easier to watch more than one episode in one night (and to watch as I type this review). I’m rewatching some episodes since it’s been a while since I last watched this show (since I finished watching part 2 just once).

An Evolving Style

I don’t hate this show however I enjoyed part 1 over part 2. Probably because part 1 had more humor. Part 2 had more drama and doesn’t feel like an animated sitcom like what they tried to do in part 1. I’m sure there will be something light-hearted about the part 3 storyline. I’ll find something to love about it. I think it’s the fact that it’s animated for HD and the characters are in Matt Groening’s style that keeps me coming back. The Celtic/Medieval music from Mark Mothersbaugh is really a deal maker for me because it sounds lovely. With this medieval theme, doesn’t this show make you want to dress up and go to the Renaissance Festival?

The Characters Make The Show

There is no character I necessarily hate. They are all likable. It’s a shame that Dagmar is evil. I like her voice. But, hey, this show can’t be 100% perfect. It needs a protagonist.

Part 3 of Disenchantment comes out tomorrow on Netflix. I’m going to watch it!

Experience the Medieval Fantasy of Disenchantment Read More »

What Happened to the Old Rugrats?

Have Watched, Thoughts / victorica_vic

Posted: 17 August 2020

Rugrats / Nickelodeon / 1991-2004

Watched newer episodes (Passover episode and onward) in sequence from 9 December 2019 – 24 February 2020

Rugrats, one of three of the original Nicktoons to air in 1991, played a major role in my childhood. These notable babies inspired some of the games I played and the color palette of the artwork was very appealing to me. When the newer episodes started airing in 1997, I was just happy to see new episodes. Later on, I began to realize that these new episodes and the changes that came with them were not all welcomed by everyone. Having watched these episodes recently made me realize that Rugrats became a different show with a different direction than the “classic 65” episodes. The show had its high points during the remainder of its run though it lasted way too long and should have ended before it became too stale.

Old Crew, Where Are You?

Comparing the difference between the feel of the old and new episodes, they have a different feel to them. The old series had simple story lines and inconsistent art styles. The newer episodes were more colorful, had faster-paced stories, and more uniform artwork (thanks to the use of computers). The older episodes remind me of my earlier childhood with the “tinker toy music,” the “washed out” artwork, and the dialogue style used. I feel like I’m in my comfy place when I think of all of that. The newer episodes just don’t have that.

All the magic went away when Paul Germain and his team left the show. The “magical” talent of those team members was dispersed through many later projects including “Hey Arnold” (Craig Bartlett, Steve Viksten, Joe Ansolabehere), “Aaah! Real Monsters” (co-creator Peter Gaffney), and the notorious “Disney’s Recess” (“Created by Paul and Joe,” they also stole

themselves a composer, Denis M. Hannigan). If I want to see more of that “classic 65” charm of the old Rugrats, I’ll just watch more Recess.

New Characters, More Changes

During this second half of the series, two notable, new characters were introduced, Dil and Kimi. I was happy to see Rugrats spawning movies and I enjoyed them as a child. Later on I began to realize the movies were not the best. However, Dil and Kimi did not cause Rugrats to “jump the shark.” It was the change in writers that made the characters seem not who we remember. It was not the Rugrats I remember from the past.

Also, remember that time when Chuckie got a new voice? Sometime in 2001, Chuckie’s original voice, Christine Cavanaugh, retired from voice acting so she was replaced by Bart Simp—I mean Nancy Cartwright. Comparing their voices is like comparing cinnamon apples (Christine) and caramel apples (Nancy). I love me a nice dish of warm cinnamon apples but cold and sticky caramel apples are just too sweet for me. Can you guess which Chuckie I prefer? If you guessed Christine’s, you’re right! It’s the version of Chuckie I’ve grown to love and she made Chuckie pronounce Tommy as “Tobby.” You won’t get that with Nancy. Her Chuckie is too high-pitched, nasally, and whiny. Sometimes I hardly notice a difference but when I think about it, I just can’t stand hearing it.

Lived Past Its Prime

These newer episodes are OK. They’re not as great as the old episodes. The show did not have to return. The reason it did return was that people were writing to Nickelodeon telling them how much they miss Rugrats. By popular demand (and the prospect of more $$money$$), Rugrats returned. They’re not as memorable as the “Classic 65” but they were just OK. One of the main things that gave Rugrats its shape through the years was the music from Mark Mothersbaugh and his team from the “tink-tink-tink”s to the “bah-bah-bah”s. It’s what made Rugrats, Rugrats. If everything has been said and shown in the Rugrats universe, why must the franchise return in 2021? It’s not necessary. Don’t get me started on “Rugrats Go Wild.” That was unnecessary. Ugh. I may or may not talk about that in a separate post.

What Happened to the Old Rugrats? Read More »

“Yoopy doop!” Ollie’s Pack Thoughts

Currently Watching, Have Watched, Thoughts / victorica_vic

Posted: 26 July 2020

“Ollie’s Pack” is one of Nickelodeon’s newest shows. Like “It’s Pony,” it’s not based on an existing property or a consumer product so that’s part of what drives me to this show. This show was produced by Nelvana. I grew up with Nelvana shows in the past but in recent years, it’s like these Nelvanas have been mediocre. Because they’re showing this on Nickelodeon, I’m bypassing these factors and giving this a go. I don’t know why I keep watching “Ollie’s Pack,” I just watch it to feel younger.

Character/Overall Design

I’m glad the design didn’t turn out like its pilot short “Monster Pack.” The design of that short was just horrendous. If you’ve ever seen “Cupcake and Dino” (Netflix, 2018) (also created by OP’s co-creator, Pedro Eboli), you’ll see the design is similar to “Ollie’s Pack.” Thank Mark Satterthwaite for the same feel on both shows. The design is not my favorite, but it helps with the show’s individuality on Nickelodeon. Also, I’m not a huge fan of the techno, video game-like music. Sounds more suited toward “Glitch Techs” (Netflix, 2020-present) (yes, I’m currently watching that, too). However, I will have a certain title card cue music in my head that I think is neat.

Canadian Through and Through

Without looking at the credits, there are clues throughout this series that prove this show is Canada-based. Some of those clues include a hockey stick in Ollie’s room and some French phrases Ollie slides into his speech (je ne sais quoi, joie de vivre). I have a thing for Canadian animation. Even as a young girl, I could sense a Canadian show just by watching a few minutes of the show. That’s another thing that keeps me coming back to watch this show. The theme song’s singer seems to have a Canadian accent to top it all off.

Try It!

Don’t be too quick to give up on this show. The later episodes seem better. This show has grown on me somehow. It could be the fact I have access to Nickelodeon and watching these newer, original Nick shows make me feel younger. It’s good to know Nickelodeon is green-lighting more original shows rather than shows based on popular movies which is what drove me away from Nick in the first place (around 2007). Like I said about, “It’s Pony,” please support Nickelodeon’s original shows. It will encourage them to make more shows that we can potentially try and like.

“Yoopy doop!” Ollie’s Pack Thoughts Read More »

Is It Really Pony?

Currently Watching, Thoughts / victorica_vic

Posted: 12 April 2020

It’s Pony / Nickelodeon / 2020 – Present

Simply put, this show does not try hard to be cool. The writing doesn’t use “cool” language and it doesn’t waste time with useless filler talk. The closest the show got to being “cool” was that video game episode (Game Horse) but it was still decent. The episodes are just the adventures of Annie and Pony venturing the city and getting into mischief. How much more can you simplify that?

A British-American Delight

The British roots really manifest on this show. Firstly, Ant Blades, the creator, is British. Blue Zoo, the production company, is England-based. It’s also clear that the intro was sung by a British singer (listen carefully when you hear the intro). Even a few of the characters are British (Annie’s mom, other assorted characters). Despite that, it’s a show with British roots made for Nickelodeon’s American audience. It’s a lovely blend of British and American with neither side overpowering.

Appealing Theme Song

The theme song is really catchy. People may complain about the repetitiveness but it’s still a theme song nonetheless, better than many openings these days or the lack of one. The country music sound is nice. When the song first got in my head, the rapid-moving guitar accompaniment gave me the feel of Avicii’s “Wake Me Up (When It’s All Over).” I’m making new memories with this theme. On recent Saturday mornings at 10:30, I’ve eaten my cereal, and it’s time to watch “It’s Pony.” “Pony on the sixth floor, Pony in the bathroom, Pony in the kitchen, Pony on the school bus, Pony, Pony, Pony…”

Never Judge a Show by Its First Episode

After you watch your first episode, the show’s delivery may feel a bit bland. Even though you may not feel interested at first view, don’t give up hope. It may take several more episodes before the show grows on you. Do you want Nickelodeon to show nice, down-to-earth shows with kids and their fantasy animals going on adventures or do you want shows that have been making episodes for 15+ years that are going stale with time or shows that are the 10th horrible spin-off on an existing property? Think about that as you decide whether or not to shun “It’s Pony” off your watchlist.

Support “It’s Pony”!

I will support “It’s Pony” until the end. I can’t guarantee I’ll be watching all the showings live on Nick or Nicktoons but I’ll do what I can. Pretty much, the last original property Nickelodeon released was “The Loud House” in 2016. “It’s Pony” premiered barely 4 years later. I hope with our continued support will give Nickelodeon the idea that original, creator-driven shows are what we want, not cash cows. “It’s Pony” does not deserve to die on Nicktoons.

As long as we keep watch, it will always be Pony.

Is It Really Pony? Read More »

This Coronavirus Is Very Dangerous!

Some Stuff, Thoughts / victorica_vic

Posted 5 April 2020

Hi everyone. Vic here!

Allow me to shift gears from what I usually post for commentary on an issue that has been affecting all of us.

You may have noticed there were no posts for March. I have a legitimate excuse this time: the Coronavirus pandemic. There is just so much going on with my job and how my life is going that writing posts became an afterthought.

As of writing this, I am feeling fine. Life has been going through numerous changes for me. I am an essential employee at my job so I have to work my regular hours at the office. I’m a church-goer so I’ve been worshipping via a live stream. I stay at home as much as possible. Online courses and a project have been keeping me busy during the weekends.

I even noticed that Nickelodeon is helping its young viewers to get through this madness. This includes hand-washing interstitials, dance-alongs every hour, and even an hour-long kids town hall special where kids could ask their questions and share what they’re doing when staying home. I feel this coverage is a bit much for a kid’s network but even the youngest of TV watchers need to be informed on how to stay healthy during these uncertainties about public health.

I am lucky to even have a job now. If I wasn’t so essential or if I wasn’t working from home, there would be many more posts being written and published. Despite that, I have been posting/retweeting more on Twitter when I find something interesting worth mentioning.

Yes, I am just as tired about hearing about this Coronavirus pandemic as you might be. I’m ready for this to be over. We should still check the news about twice a day to keep up on developing news. So, for right now, stay home as much as possible (but fresh air from your backyard is good, too), spend time with your family, catch up on your passions, and, importantly enough, catch up on some good TV! Please stay healthy and safe, keep your social distance, and stay informed (but not too informed).

Many thanks to the doctors, nurses, and other essential employees who cannot stay home but keep business going to serve us. They deserve a lot of appreciation!

Don’t worry, we’ll get through this!

This Coronavirus Is Very Dangerous! Read More »

Nickelodeon Returns to Me!

Revival, Some Stuff, Thoughts / victorica_vic

Posted: 28 February 2020

Note: If I gave the name of the streaming service I use, this post would be an advertisement. I wrote this post for informative reasons, not for profit.

After over 5 years of not having Nickelodeon on any of my channel lineups, I regained access to the main channel in late September. For the time being, a good number of these upcoming posts and reviews will be Nickelodeon (or simply “Nick”)-centered which can help me stay relevant in the ongoings of the animation world of today.

Life Without Cable

I stayed in an apartment with a cable package that eliminated Nick and other Viacom channels from its lineup. I also lived in a household where TV was from an antenna, Netflix, and Hulu (the days before Hulu TV and Youtube TV). It was neat but it got tiring after a while. I was raised as a Nick kid. Seeing how Nick was treating their older properties to movies and reboots made me not want to miss a thing. I even wished and prayed for a Nick OTA (Over The Air) channel. Later on, I found something even better.

Better Than OTA

In the spring of 2019, I knew I was in for something good. I discovered Pluto TV (an awesome cable alternative app). Soon after my discovery, Pluto TV launched its version of a Nick Channel. It’s not the same lineup as the main Nick channel but it’s way better because they show old Nick shows from the ‘90s—my childhood shows! It was sufficient but I wanted to watch new episodes of The Loud House and the then-upcoming The Casagrandes. I was confident that love would find a way.

What A Surprise!

That fall, I Googled streaming services that legally streamed Loud House eps without paying for each episode individually. Not only did I find THE SERVICE that did just that but it also streams live channels included in many cable packages including LIVE NICKELODEON! I signed up the next day so I can have the chance to decide whether this was a wise decision. I got my Loud House and discovered what else this Nick of today had to offer. The package has the main Nick channel AND its premium channels I never had with basic cable (Nicktoons, TeenNick, Nick Jr.). I have no regrets about this decision!

Nickelodeon Isn’t Perfect

Yes, Nick and I had a good break. After seeing all the appealing cartoons they were putting out, I felt it was time to give Nick another try. Sure, they don’t have the best scheduling but it’s a miracle to have the real Nick back. Also, I not only have the main Nick channel but I also have the other Nick channels as well. If I don’t like what’s on the main channel, I can always see what’s on the other Nick channels or find something else to watch that is not Nick-related on other non-Nick-branded channels. This was a luxury I never had using basic cable.

One note about today’s Nick promos

In the Nick promos, they state their advertised times differently than how I remember. In the past, they stated the program’s start time as, for example, “8/7c.” These days, they will simply say the show starts at “8.” I guess they assume each Nick viewer is in the same time zone. If I were younger and tried to watch my show at 8, it would be too late (8:00 to them is 7:00 where I live). That’s something to get used to figuring out when a show starts for my own time zone.

Other Than That…

I like the feel of having Nickelodeon back. Like everything else produced these days, the HD format is a real treat for the eyes though it becomes commonplace after a while. Now I have opportunities to watch all kinds of Spongebob, Fairly OddParents, Loud House, The Casagrandes, It’s Pony, and catch up on my Power Rangers without waiting for the slow Netflix releases. The other Nick channels are a real treat, too. It lets me know there are other viewing options available if I don’t like what main Nick is playing. Nickelodeon isn’t the same as it was in the ‘90s/early ’00s but I’ll take this current one and be open to what else they release.

And don’t worry, I’ll watch other non-Nick animations as well. However, don’t be surprised if I post 3 consecutive Nick-based posts.

Nickelodeon Returns to Me! Read More »

Thoughts