Nickelodeon’s 12-hour preschool programming block, NOGGIN, will become a 24-hour network in its own right on New Year’s Eve. The commercial-free, educational preschool channel will kick off on Monday, Dec. 31, at 6 p.m. (ET) with a primetime movie marathon hosted by NOGGIN’s Moose and Zee. The programming event will feature the premiere of the new 90-minute Franklin movie, Franklin and the Turtle Lake Treasure, as well as the hour-long Dora the Explorer telepic, Dora Saves the Mermaids, and the half-hour specials Save the Wonder Pets! and Go, Diego, Go! flick Great Jaguar Rescue.
NOGGIN also announced that it will premiere Toot & Puddle, a new 26-episode animated preschool series based on the best-selling book series by acclaimed children’s author and illustrator Holly Hobbie, in the fall of 2008. In addition, the network has greenlit a new 26-episode second season of Pinky Dinky Doo. Based on the popular book series by Jim Jinkins (Doug, PB&J Otter), the show is NOGGIN’s first animated original series dedicated to enhancing early literacy.
‘NOGGIN’s expansion into a 24-hour network reinforces Nickelodeon’s commitment to preschoolers and their caregivers, to be there whenever they need us,’ says Brown Johnson, exec VP and exec creative director for Nickelodeon Preschool and general manager of NOGGIN. ‘We have heard time and time again that offering our entertaining and educational programming during primetime hours is key for families and their schedules, and we think it’s an excellent way to kick off the New Year!’
Launched in February of 1999, NOGGIN helps kids with early literacy, social studies, basic math, science, movement and art skills. Current original programming includes Jack’s Big Music Show, Oobi and The Upside Down Show. The network also offers hit shows including Bill Cosby’s Little Bill, Franklin, Max & Ruby, Little Bear, Pinky Dinky Doo, Wow! Wow! Wubbzy! and Oswald, in addition to such Nick Jr. favorites as Dora the Explorer, Go, Diego, Go!, The Wonder Pets!, Blue’s Clues and The Backyardigans.
