Here at Collider, we cover a lot of stuff, be itStar Wars, superheroes, or cinephile fare, and everything from movies and TV, to video games and web series. There’s something for everyone. But there’s so much stuff out there that sometimes our younger audience members get left out. So every once in a while, we’d like to shine a spotlight on some family-friendly content that parents and caregivers can confidently watch with the little ones.
In today’sCollider Kidssegment, we actually have quite a bit to cover! We’re starting off with the news that Amazon Studios has ordered up the animated lyrical preschoolers series,Do, Re & Mi.Varietyreports that the Gaumont series, executive produced by creatorsJackie Tohn(American Idol) andMichael Scharf(Moon and the Son: An Imagined Conversation), along withIvan AskwithandKristen Bell, will include original tracks performed by Bell, Tohn, and other special guests. The series follows Do, Re & Mi, three little birds who are best friends living in a musical world where every adventure ends with a song.
Parents, take heart; Gaumont animation presidentNicolas Atlansaid that this is a “series that takes kids’ music to another level that both kids and their parents will be excited about.” Here’s what Amazon Studios' head of kids' programmingMelissa Wolfehad to say:
“This series will be such a wonderful addition to our Amazon Kids preschool portfolio, and we couldn’t ask for better creative partners than Gaumont and the musical talents of this producing team. In addition to its beautiful storytelling and character design, the show takes an innovative approach to musical curriculum which will inspire our youngest customers to create their own language around music."
The executive producers said that when “kids are exposed to music education at a young age, it doesn’t just make them more musical – it can actually help in areas ranging from critical thinking and collaboration to creativity and self-confidence.”
‘Blue’s Clues’ Gets a New Host!
Nickelodeon’sBlue’s Clueshas found a new pal for Blue in TV newcomer and Broadway actorJoshua Dela Cruz, and a brand-new title:Blue’s Clues & You. Dela Cruz will have a new generation of preschoolers searching for clues with the beloved energetic girl puppy Blue. Production onBlue’s Clues & Youwill commence this month in Toronto.
Original Blue’s Clues hostSteve Burnshelped guide the audition process during the search for the new host. Said Burns, “I had the great honor of being a part of the search for the new host, and I give Josh two thumbs up! He can definitely fill my shoes, and the rugby shirt.”
Joshua Dela Cruz is making his television series regular debut as the new host ofBlue’s Clues & You. Dela Cruz recently appeared in Disney’sAladdinon Broadway as the understudy for Aladdin and a member of the ensemble. Other notable theatre credits includeDavid Byrne’s “Here Lies Love” and “Encores!: Merrily We Roll Along.” He has also appeared in CBS’Bulland ABC’sTime After Time.
“The search for the new host of Blue’s Clues & You was no small task, but we knew as soon as we met Josh that he was the perfect choice,” saidShelly Sumpter Gillyard, Executive Vice President, Talent, Music and Events, Nickelodeon Group. “From his genuineness to his comedic timing and range, there was no doubt that he could carry the show on for the next generation of preschoolers.”
AddedCathy Galeota, Senior Vice President, Preschool Content, Nickelodeon Group: “From the moment we decided to make a new version of the series, we knew that so much of the energy and magic of the show comes from the host’s ability to bring preschoolers into the colorfully animated world of Blue and her friends. Josh’s wonderful theater background and his natural charisma checked all the boxes for us, and of course Steve’s stamp of approval only solidified our decision.”
InBlue’s Clues & You(20 episodes), beloved puppy Blue invites viewers to join her and the live action host on a clue led adventure and solve a daily puzzle. With each signature paw print, Blue identifies clues in her animated world that propel the story and inspires viewers to interact with the action.
The originalBlue’s Cluesseries launched in September 1996 to critical praise from educators, parents, and preschoolers and ran for six groundbreaking seasons. Created byTraci Paige Johnson,Todd Kessler, andAngela C. Santomero,Blue’s Cluesdrew acclaim and high ratings for its unique interactivity that helped change the way kids watch television and has remained one of the most popular preschool shows of all time. The landmark series also raised the bar in preschool television by exploring advanced subject matter such as sign language, geography, physics, emotions, and anatomy.
The classicBlue’s Clueslibrary is currently available on NOGGIN, Nickelodeon’s video subscription service for preschoolers, and short-form content can be found on the Nick Jr. App andNickJr.com.
Sing Along with the Extended Theme Song for ‘Rise of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles’
The full, extended RISE OF THE TEENAGE MUTANT NINJA TURTLES theme song is finally here! Get ready to hit repeat, cause this instant classic is gonna be stuck in your head for weeks!
‘Marvel Rising’s Hasbro Product Line Unveiled!
Even Super Heroes have to make curfew! In the world ofMarvel Rising, super-powered kids balance their ordinary lives with their extraordinary ones to discover that their greatest powers lie within! Strong on their own, but even stronger as a team, these super teens use their unique skills and experiences to unlock their potential and find the confidence to better the world! WithMarvel Rising, heroes like Ghost-Spider, Squirrel Girl and Ms. Marvel ignite their inner power and team up to protect the world. WithMarvel Rising, the mission is clear: Stand Out. Rise Together!
HASBRO is teaming up with Marvel and Disney to launchMarvel Rising, a new line of Marvel toys inspired by theMarvel Risingentertainment, where a diverse team of everyday teens utilizes their secret super powers to change the world and rise to their full potential! This dynamic line includes 11-inch-scale dolls that feature multiple points of articulation, soft goods, rooted hair, and super hero, training and civilian outfits. Kids can also recreate awesome adventures with innovative role play gear such as the Ghost-Spider Web-Slinger!
New MARVEL RISING products for 2018 include:
MARVEL RISING SECRET WARRIORS Training Outfit Doll Assortment
(HASBRO/Ages 6 years & up/Approx. Retail Price: $12.99/Available: October 2018)
Kids can imagine their favorite heroes practicing their super-skills with the HEROES IN TRAINING figure assortment! Each 11-inch scale figure comes ready to practice in their training outfits with soft goods clothing and rooted hair. Features 5 points of articulation for heroic poses. Characters include MS. MARVEL, AMERICA CHAVEZ, DAISY JOHNSON (MARVEL’S QUAKE), and DANTE PERTUZ (INFERNO). Each figure sold separately. Available at Target, Disney Stores, and on HasbroToyShop.com.
MARVEL RISING SECRET WARRIORS Doll Assortment
(HASBRO/Ages 6 years & up/Approx. Retail Price: $19.99/Available: October 2018)
Kids can recreate amazing team adventures with MARVEL RISING SECRET WARRIORS figures! Each 11-inch-scale figure comes ready for super-powered action in their Super Hero fashions with soft goods clothing and rooted hair. Features 15 points of articulation for great poseability. Characters include MS. MARVEL, SQUIRREL GIRL, AMERICA CHAVEZ, GHOST-SPIDER, DAISY JOHNSON (MARVEL’S QUAKE) and MARVEL’S PATRIOT. Each figure sold separately. Available at Target, Disney Stores, and on HasbroToyShop.com.
MARVEL RISING SECRET WARRIORS SECRET IDENTITY DOLL Assortment
(HASBRO/Ages 6 years & up/Approx. Retail Price: $24.99/Available: October 2018)
Imagine balancing everyday life with Super Hero missions like GWEN STACY (GHOST-SPIDER) and DAISY JOHNSON’S (MARVEL’S QUAKE) with these SECRET IDENTITY figures. Each pack comes with an 11-inch-scale figure and two signature outfits with soft goods clothing and rooted hair. Each figure features 11 points of articulation for fierce action poses. Each pack sold separately. Available at Target, Disney Stores, and on HasbroToyShop.com.
MARVEL RISING DOREEN GREEN (SQUIRREL GIRL) SECRET IDENTITY Doll
(HASBRO/Ages 6 years & up/Approx. Retail Price: $29.99/Available: October 2018)
Comic book creator and squirrel-lover extraordinaire DOREEN GREEN jumps and runs like her favorite bushy- tailed friends as the tree-loving hero, SQUIRREL GIRL! Imagine DOREEN GREEN balancing her everyday life and Super Hero life with this MARVEL RISING SECRET IDENTITY Doll, featuring multiple points of articulation, soft goods fashions, and rooted hair. Includes doll, two outfits, and seven accessories. Available exclusively at Target.
MARVEL RISING SECRET WARRIORS GHOST-SPIDER WEB SLINGER
(HASBRO/Ages 5 years & up/Approx. Retail Price: $19.99/Available: October 2018)
Imagine slinging webs like GHOST-SPIDER with this awesome WEB SLINGER! Includes fabric glove featuring Ghost-Spider design, gauntlet, 3.7 ounce can of web fluid, and water canister. Compatible with standard SPIDER-MAN web fluid refill cans, sold separately. Available at Target, Disney Stores, and on HasbroToyShop.com.
First-Ever ‘Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood’ Movie Arrives on PBS Kids Tomorrow!
PBS KIDS will premiere the first-ever movie from the beloved series from Fred Rogers Productions,Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood, which will explore social/emotional-based school-readiness themes. InThe Daniel Tiger Movie: Won’t You Be Our Neighbor?, a new family has moved to the Neighborhood of Make-Believe. It’s up to Daniel and his community to welcome the family with open arms, forging new friendships in this much-anticipated movie event.The Daniel Tiger Movie: Won’t You Be Our Neighbor?will repeat throughout this week on PBS KIDS and the PBS KIDS 24/7 channel and live stream. It will also be available for free on pbskids.org and the PBS KIDS Video App.
Additionally, two new episodes fromDaniel Tiger’s Neighborhoodwill debut throughout this week, focusing on themes such as making new friends and navigating unfamiliar social situations. New two-minute shorts fromDaniel Tiger’s Neighborhoodcan now be seen alongside season four episodes on-air. In each segment, one of the neighbors will open their door and show us around from their unique perspective, allowing preschoolers to develop empathy skills by better understanding the lives and experiences of others.
THE DANIEL TIGER MOVIE: WON’T YOU BE OUR NEIGHBOR?
Premieres Monday, September 17, Airs September 19-21
A new family is moving into the Neighborhood of Make-Believe, and Daniel wonders if there will be a new friend for him. The Tiger Family welcomes the neighbors and helps them adjust to their new surroundings. Daniel lends an extra hand to help his neighbors make their new place feel like home.
Jodi’s First Day at School/Daniel Plays at Jodi’s House
Premieres September 18
A New Friend at School/A New Friend at the Playground
Premieres September 20
Nickelodeon Celebrates 15th Annual Worldwide Day of Play
Nickelodeon is inspiring kids to embrace the transformative power of play and lead active lifestyles with its annual Worldwide Day of Play (WWDoP) on Saturday, Sept. 29. As part of its ongoing health and wellness initiative, Nickelodeon will use its platforms—Nickelodeon, Nick Jr., Nicktoons, TeenNick, and NickMusic— to empower kids and families to get up and play. On the ground, Nick will celebrate with over 4,000 events hosted by local and national partners including: Afterschool Alliance; Boys & Girls Clubs of America; Girl Scouts of the USA; Kiwanis International’s Builders Club and K-Kids; Laureus Sport for Good; National Fitness Foundation; NFL PLAY 60; Playworks; Police Athletic League; Special Olympics International; The Aspen Institute’s Project Play; The Association of Children’s Museums; US Play Coalition and USA BMX. Additionally, the network will launch two new grant programs in partnership with Laureus Sport for Good and National Fitness Foundation in honor of Worldwide Day of Play’s 15th anniversary.
Nickelodeon will commemorate Worldwide Day of Play on-air with interstitials featuring cast members from Nick’s hit series I Am Frankie. The interstitials, which highlight the importance of physical play in kids’ lives and encourage them to get outside and get active, will air across all Nickelodeon platforms. In addition to hosting nationwide grassroots events with its partners, the network will also mark Worldwide Day of Play with the launch of two new grant programs in partnership with Laureus Sport for Good, funding underserved communities’ afterschool programs, and National Fitness Foundation along with DonorsChoose, which will fund in-school activities. Both grant programs aim to bring fitness and play to kids across the country.
In May, Nick kicked off its summer-long play campaign, a slime-filled cross-country tour which visited: Phoenix, Ariz.; St. Louis, Mo.; Pittsburgh, Pa.; Houston, TX and Oakland, Calif.; for Worldwide Day of Play events in partnership with the Children’s Museum of Phoenix; The Magic House, St. Louis Children’s Museum; the Pittsburgh Steelers; Commissioner Rodney Ellis and Harris County Precinct One; and the After-School All-Stars, the Oakland Athletics and the Oakland A’s Community Fund.
The tour culminates in Brooklyn’s Prospect Park on Sept. 15, with Nick teaming up with Big Brothers Big Sisters of New York City’s Walk for the Kids. The fun-filled event will feature appearances by stars from Nick’s hit series I Am Frankie, Alex Hook, and Carson Rowland; Nick-themed games and activities; a slime booth; costumed characters; a Nick Radio dance party and more. The network will be joined by longstanding partners including: Canine Companions for Independence; Jr. NBA; KidTribe; MLB “PLAY BALL;” New York Red Bulls; NFL PLAY 60; Peppa Pig and George; Playworks; The Muddy Puddles Project; Tough Mudder’s “Mini Mudder” and USA BMX; and new partner Nike.
Nickelodeon is expanding Worldwide Day of Play’s reach through a new partnership with Mini Mudder, Tough Mudder’s one-mile Mud Run designed for adventure-seeking kids and consists of eight to ten fun and challenging team-focused obstacles. In celebration of Worldwide Day of Play, Mini Mudder will add a brand-new Nickelodeon-themed “Slime” obstacle to its courses, providing kids with the opportunity to be physically active while also having fun.
Two New Clips Reveal ‘A Wizard’s Tale’
A WIZARD’S TALE - Starring Lily Collins, Ian McShane and Toby Kebbell – Opening in theaters and on VOD now!
A WIZARD’S TALE is a magical family adventure story that sees a young kid called Terry (Toby Kebbell) whisked away to the colorful Kingdom of Groovynham. The evil wizard Grump (Ian McShane) has cast a spell of gloom over the land and as such, smiling & laughter are now a thing of the past. Terry must travel the Kingdom in search of a spell that will help get everyone’s happy back and along the way help Princess Dawn (Lily Collins), outwit all manner of strange & wonderful creatures, and try an embrace a little thing called “change.”
‘Scooby-Doo and the Gourmet Ghost’ is Now Available!
Everyone’s favorite Great Dane is back for an all-new, action-packed, culinary mystery adventure with the release ofScooby-Doo! And the Gourmet Ghost, available in stores now from Warner Bros. Home Entertainment. Featuring the voice talents of internationally acclaimed celebrity chefs,Bobby Flay(Beat Bobby Flay),Giada De Laurentiis(Giada in Italy) andMarcus Samuelsson(Chopped),Scooby-Doo! And the Gourmet Ghosttakes our favorite teen sleuths on an unforgettable adventure to New England, where they investigate the haunting of a historic colonial inn that’s been turned into a state-of-the-art, culinary resort.Scooby-Doo! And the Gourmet Ghostis also available to own on Digital via purchase from digital dealers.
InScooby-Doo! And the Gourmet Ghost, the Mystery Inc. gang visits Rocky Harbor Culinary Resort, a new cooking retreat located in New Port Cove, Rhode Island. It’s a food lover’s destination, where visitors can learn to prepare meals like master chefs. As Scooby-Doo and his pals arrive to the resort, they are met by Fred’s uncle Bobby, who happens to be the world-famous chef and restauranteur Bobby Flay.
Rocky Harbor Culinary Resort, which was originally known as Rocky Harbor Inn, has stood empty for over two centuries, ever since its original owner mysteriously disappeared from its premises. The property, which is now owned by Bobby, is rumored to be haunted by the infamous Red Ghost. Bobby however, thinks the legend of the Red Ghost is just an old myth that’s part of the local lore. He hesitates bringing up the subject for fear it might scare off potential visitors to this new resort, which he dreams will become a world-famous gourmet cooking destination.
To promote the grand opening of the resort, Bobby organizes a live, national telecast to broadcast from the retreat’s high-tech kitchen. It’s a star-studded evening with some of television’s biggest celebrity chefs, including renowned chefs Giada De Laurentiis and Marcus Samuelsson.
The telecast kicks off with a bang! Bobby’s kitchen buzzes with celebrity chefs whipping up their most scrumptious dishes. That’s until the lights mysteriously flicker off and out of the shadows, Red Ghost appears frightening all the guests, who run out in a panic. Is the legend of Red Ghost real after all? Does this mean the end of Rocky Harbor Culinary Resort or will Scooby-Doo and his pals help save the day? It’s a delicious mysteryScooby-Doo!fans won’t want to miss!
Scooby-Doo! And the Gourmet Ghostfeatures the familiar voice talents of Frank Welker as Scooby-Doo/Fred Jones, Grey Griffin as Daphne Blake, Matthew Lillard as Shaggy Rogers and Kate Micucci as Velma Dinkley. The film was executive produced by Sam Register, written by Tim Sheridan and directed by Doug Murphy.
