Launched in July 1998, Oh Yeah! Cartoons Sundays at noon - ET/PT) is a unique cartoon laboratory that introduces three new characters every week. Created by Fred Seibert, the series is meant as a place where new animation talent and seasoned veterans can create something new and exciting. Similar in concept to his `What A Cartoon!/World Premiere Toons' series on Cartoon Network, "Oh Yeah!" is aimed at younger children. The result is a series less annoyingly loud and "in your face." Most of the shorts are subtle and well executed. Some, such as Max & His Special Problem, are brilliant. The idea of trying out "one shot" cartoon shorts before committing to a series was inspired by the old Warner Bross days. Like the early Looney Tunes and Merrie Melodies, Oh Yeah! has more misses than hits, but if Nickelodeon can commit to the show for the long haul and let these animators develop their craft, they may just have a hit on their hands.

Little Bear is based on the children's books by Else Holmelund Minarik with illustrations by Maurice Sendak. Little Bear tells the story of a young cub taking his first steps of independence, always under the gentle guidance of his caring mother. The 30-minute series airs four times per week on Nickelodeon. Rupert first appeared in Britain in the pages of Express Newspapers, over 75 years ago. The white bear, known by his red sweater and yellow checkered trousers and scarf, has generations of fans and is loved by children everywhere for his values of courage, kindness, honesty and loyalty. The 30-minute series airs four times per week on Nickelodeon.

Fox Family Channel
News Corp./Saban co-venture Fox Kids Worldwide has very animated plans for its newly-acquired cable network, The Fox Family Channel which launched on August 15 with a kids' daytime schedule that includes 50% original, first-run programming. Following the lead of competitor's success with program packaging, Fox Family Channel will debut with a slate of four themed, "branded" daytime blocks. "Morning Scramble" for kids of all ages, will include the animated series Wowser (Saban), Bit the Cupid (Saban), Little Mouse on the Prairie (Saban), Eek!Stravaganza (Nelvana), All Dogs Go to Heaven (MGM Animation) and the live-action series Pee-Wee's Playhouse (Don't miss those great animated "Penny" sequences!). The second block, "The Captain's Treasure House," is aimed at pre-schoolers with animated shows like The Magic Adventures of Mumfie (Britt Allcroft Productions) and Tabaluga (EM-TV). "Tic Tac Toons," an all-animation block, will feature Bobby's World (Film Roman), Saban's Oliver Twist (Saban), Heathcliff (Saban), The Real Ghostbusters (Columbia Tri-Star), and Classic Harvey Toons (Harvey Entertainment). The last kids block of the day before family-oriented prime-time programming starts is "The Basement," which will premiere the animated series Bad Dog (Saban), Monster Farm (Saban), Water Melon (Saban) and Badaboom (in development at Saban), a compilation of outrageous animation.

A recent addition is Donkey Kong Country, a real-time, 30-minute animated series based on the successful Nintendo game, premieres on the revamped cable channel, Sunday, August 16. Medialab puppeteers worked with 3-D animation motion-capture technology to create Donkey Kong Country's unique look. Donkey Kong is an easy-going, peace loving ape who has a big heart but a small brain--a bit of a boob-in-the-woods. Fox Family Channel also has a lot of new shows in development, so expect additions to their program throughout the season.

HBO
Pippi Longstocking is the story of the rambunctious nine-year-old with the active imagination and pigtails that defy gravity based on the cult classic children's books and movies from Sweden. Pippi Longstocking premiered Saturday, July 4 and airs Saturday and Sunday mornings at 7:00 a.m. HBO is also expected to launch a 25-part animated series called A Little Curious in January 1999. Produced by Curious Pictures, the show will feature mixed-media, CG, cel and stop-motion animation.

Comedy Central
Bob and Margaret is based on the 1995 Academy Award winning short film Bob's Birthday, created by husband and wife team David Fine and Alison Snowden. The show focuses on the ordinary lives of a middle class dentist and his foot-doctor wife. Although some might be challenged by the British dialect, Bob and Margaret is a brilliantly subtle and funny show. The middle-class story lines transcends any country's border. The series premiered June 22, 1998. Only 13 shows have been produced so far but they will be stretched out, with frequent repeats, for the entire season.

Bob and Margaret is paired with the CableACE Award-winning series Dr. Katz: Professional Therapist, now in its fifth season, to form a Monday night programming block. Bob and Margaret airs Mondays at 10:00-10:30 p.m., Saturdays at 6:00-6:30 p.m. and 2:30-3:00 a.m., and Sundays at 12:30-1:00 a.m. (ET/PT). Dr. Katz: Professional Therapist airs Mondays at 10:00-10:30 p.m., Saturdays at 3:00-3:30 a.m., Sundays at 12:30-1:00 p.m. and Monday through Friday at 8:00-8:30 a.m. and 1:30-2:00 p.m. (ET/PT).