Nick goes cartoon crazy

Nickelodeon made a major announcement Tuesday, December 8 regarding their 1999 lineup. 259 original episodes of returning shows, both live-action and animated, are scheduled for the 1999 TV season. The animated shows that will have new episodes are “Rugrats,” featuring the addition of new family member Baby Dil Pickles, “Hey Arnold!,” “The Wild Thornberrys,” “CatDog,” “Oh Yeah! Cartoons!,” “The Angry Beavers,” “KABLAM!,” and “Blue’s Clues.” In addition, Nickelodeon also has three new animated series that will premiere in 1999. Regarding the new shows, Nickelodeon Senior Vice President of Production, Kevin Kay said, “All of these new series share the common thread that runs through all Nickelodeon shows: they are made from a kids’ point of view; they are contemporary in look and are very weird: they are unlike anything kids will see anywhere else.” The new shows are as follows:


Rocket Beach (working title): Klasky-Csupo is producing 20 episodes of this new adventure series that captures the magical and extreme friendship between a group of kids in Southern California. The show follows the adventures of Otto, Reggie, Twister and Sam as they frolic in the sun and learn about life.


SpongeBob SquarePants: SpongeBob, a lovable sea sponge who lives in an underwater pineapple, will be featured in 13 episodes of this original series produced at Nicktoons. Created by former marine biologist Steve Hillenburg, the show is about the good-natured SpongeBob spending his days pursuing his dream of becoming employee of the month at The Krusty Krab fast food restaurant... although, he’s rarely successful.


Little Bill: This previously announced series [AF 7/14/98] from Nick Jr. is an animated preschool series based on comedian/actor Bill Cosby’s children’s books. Thirteen episodes have been ordered for this show which investigates life through the eyes of a five-year-old boy on a quest to understand the world.


In addition to the returning and new series, Nickelodeon has announced that they have 50 new animated and live-action series in development for 1999. Nickelodeon has commissioned the production of the following animated pilots to be produced for 1999:


The Carmichaels: A “Rugrats” spin-off from Klasky-Csupo focusing on Angelica Pickles’ friend and foil, Susie Carmichael. Susie moves to a new neighborhood and makes new friends while trying to make sense of her chaotic new surroundings.


Jimmy Neutron, Boy Genius”: Nickelodeon’s first 3D, computer-animated series is about the adventures of Jimmy Neutron: one part McGyver, one part Einstein, and two parts Jim Carrey. Jimmy Neutron is always inventing stuff to help people or make the world a better place, but as cartoon rules dictate, things never turn out as planned.


Stewy the Dog Boy: Stewy is the new boy in the fourth grade class at Deerlick Park Elementary School, except he’s not a real boy - he’s a dog that can pass himself off as a human. His heroic adventures come courtesy of creators Dennis Messner and Mary Harrington.


The Proud Family: From creator Bruce Smith (“Bebe’s Kids”) comes the suburban exploits of a teenage girl, focusing on the adventures of a pair of one-year-old twins, who constantly escape the confines of their house and go on exciting adventures, alluding grandma’s supervision.