MUMBAI: US kids broadcaster Nickelodeon at its annual upfront previewed its strategy to serve the new generation of post-millennial kids; introduced a line-up of new animated and live-action comedy series from new creative voices; outlined plans for new content development platforms; and presented a new slate of educational preschool programming.

Among the new animated projects introduced were: ?Sanjay and Craig?, a series about a boy and his best friend--a snake--whose creative team combines two first-generation Nickelodeon creators Will McRobb and Chris Viscardi and Breadwinners, which features two booty-shaking ducks who operate a bread delivery service out of their awesome, jet-fueled rocket van.

Additional new animated projects include the previously announced ?Rabbids? and ?Monsters vs. Aliens?. Nickelodeon is also picking up a third season of its animated series Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, which bowed last year.

In live-action, two new family comedy series were announced, including ?The Haunted Hathaways?, created by veteran comedy writer-producer Robert Peacock in his first Nickelodeon show, about a family who moves into a house in New Orleans, LA, only to learn it?s already occupied by a family of ghosts.

Meanwhile ?The Thundermans? comes from Jed Spingarn. This is about the sibling rivalry between twins in a family of superheroes. These series join the previously announced live-action series ?Sam And Cat? and the recently launched Wendell & Vinnie.

A slate of original new educational programs for preschoolers was also introduced, including ?Wallykazam!?--Nickelodeon?s first literacy show for preschoolers that embeds the curriculum into a rich narrative story with the goal of helping and inspiring kids to read.

?Blaze and the Monster Machines? the broadcaster said is the first-ever preschool series that features a curriculum dedicated to all areas of Science, Technology, Engineering and Math. It follows the adventures of an eight year-old boy and his monster truck. Meanwhile ?Dora and Friends? is a spin-off from the original creative team behind ?Dora the Explorer?, which stars the Latina heroine as a 10-year-old who goes on adventures in the big city with a group of new friends.

In addition, Zarghami outlined Nick?s commitment to researching the newest generation of kids, the post-millennials, born between 2005 to present, as well as how the network is reinventing its development process and pipeline and innovating on new platforms.

The presentation also included a look at Nickelodeon?s just-launched Nick App-which now ranks as the number-one title on the Entertainment App list and the number-two title on the Free App list in the iTunes Store, approaching 400K downloads. Also detailed were: a new live afternoon daypart, Nick Studio 10; announcements about new sketch-comedy workshops for live-action development; and a partnership with Brian Robbins? AwesomenessTV online site.

Zarghami said, "We have reorganised our development process in a way that allows us to make content smarter and faster than ever before, tailored specifically for this first generation of post-millennial kids. Our research tells us that for them funny is a badge of honor, and because funny is in Nickelodeon?s core DNA, we believe our position will ensure our success with them."

In a surprise appearance, actor Josh Duhamel took the stage to highlight his role as host of Nickelodeon?s 26th Annual Kids? Choice Awards, which will air 23 March. Duhamel was later joined by Viacom president, CEO Philippe Dauman; and the presentation was capped off with a musical performance by Interscope recording artists OneRepublic, who performed their latest single ?If I Lose Myself?.

MUMBAI: US kids broadcaster Nickelodeon brings literary icon Peter Rabbit to life with the debut of the CG-animated preschool series ?Peter Rabbit? on 19 February.

The series is a fresh re-imagining of the popular Beatrix Potter children?s books based on Peter Rabbit, which have sold over 250 million copies worldwide and been translated into 35 languages. Peter Rabbit features educational goals that encourage preschoolers to learn problem-solving and interpersonal skills, self-efficacy, resilience, positive re-framing and fostering an interest in and respect for nature.

Nickelodeon Preschool executive VP, production and development Teri Weiss said, "This beloved bunny has touched families for many generations and Nickelodeon continues his legacy with brand-new Peter Rabbit stories for them to enjoy. This series captures the spirit of Potter?s timeless books, while adding high stakes adventures to illustrate that with determination and friendship, you can overcome even the toughest of obstacles."

The series follows Peter, a mischievous, charming and brave rabbit who overcomes obstacles, outwits predators and avoids danger. Clever, resilient and funny, Peter Rabbit wants to grow up to be just like his late father and carries his journal (a guide to everything you to need to know to be a good rabbit) on his fun and exciting adventures with his best friends Benjamin Bunny and Lily Bobtail.

Set in Potter?s Lake District, Peter lives in a world where behind every rock there is a surprise to discover and where dangers (be it a sly fox or bad-tempered badger) lurk around every corner.

MUMBAI: Nick Jr. has taken the broadcast rights for Saban Brands? new animated preschool series Julius Jr. in US, Australia and New Zealand. The series will premiere on Nick Jr. this year.

Julius Jr. will be distributed internationally by MarVista Entertainment.

Following the adventures of a young version of Julius the Monkey, Julius Jr. will mark the first television vehicle for Paul Frank. Since its founding in 1997, in a Huntington Beach garage, the lifestyle fashion brand has become globally recognised for its fresh and irreverent designs and colourful cast of characters.

"This is an exciting next step for the Paul Frank brand, and for Saban Brands," said Saban Brands President Elie Dekel. "Julius Jr. will entertain and captivate millions of children and continue our tradition of creating new platforms on which to engage with our brands."

The series is built around hero Julius Jr., a funky monkey with a penchant for invention. Together with his best pals, Worry Bear, Sheree, Clancy and Ping, they build a playhouse out of a simple cardboard box.

But when they walk inside, to their surprise and delight they discover that ordinary objects magically come to life and amazing adventures are just a door away. Julius Jr. proves every day that the best inventions are the ones that help your friends.