Nick Jr. has picked up a second season of the hit animated preschool series NI HAO, KAI-LAN.
The network has ordered 20 new half-hour episodes of the series that introduces preschoolers to Mandarin language and Chinese culture as they go on interactive adventures in Kai-lan's beautiful, culturally-rich world. Production on the second season, scheduled to premiere on Nick Jr. in winter 2009, will kick off in August in Burbank, California, USA.
NI HAO, KAI-LAN, which launched Feb. 7, 2008 on Nick Jr., consistently ranks among the top five preschool programs on all commercial television. The series currently ranks as the number-two show on Nick Jr., right behind DORA THE EXPLORER. NI HAO, KAI-LAN airs regularly weekdays at 11 a.m. (ET/PT) on Nick Jr.
"Kai-lan has charmed her way into the lives of preschoolers who tune in to experience her vibrant world which is infused with Mandarin language and Chinese culture," said Brown Johnson, President, Animation, Nickelodeon/MTVN Kids and Family Group. "NI HAO, KAI-LAN furthers Nick Jr.'s ongoing commitment to developing diverse programming with characters who reflect today's preschoolers. Families across the country have embraced NI HAO, KAI-LAN and we're excited to work on a new set of stories with more Mandarin phrases and lessons to help preschoolers better express and deal with their feelings."
To support NI HAO, KAI-LAN's fast-growing success and Nick Jr.'s firm commitment to new content, Nickelodeon and Viacom Consumer Products is ready to launch an extensive merchandising program that will begin to take hold at Licensing 2008 International. With deals in apparel already in the works, including a T-shirt line currently in Forever 21 stores across the country, as well as a DVD to launch in August 2008, Nickelodeon & Viacom Consumer Products (NVCP), will seek other major merchandising and promotional partners to extend the brand into several different key categories including toys, accessories, publishing, stationery and more.
"With the expertise and creativity of our retailers and licensees, we continue to maintain our leadership position in entertainment licensing and as the 'go-to' licensor for kid audiences," said Leigh Anne Brodsky, President, Nickelodeon & Viacom Consumer Products. "We are thrilled about NI HAO KAI-LAN, our latest Nick Jr. preschool hit."
