Cartoon Net delivers on promise for preschool

Alice Cahn hinted at it when she joined Cartoon Network as VP of development and programming in February, but now it’s official. The cablenet is partnering with Warner Bros. to launch a block of original and acquired preschool programming this spring. The duo’s first foray into serving the youngest TV audience will center around a curriculum that merges childhood development with smart humor, while communicating the importance of friendships and self-esteem. The first original series greenlit for this weekday morning schedule is Krypto The Superdog, a co-pro between Warner Bros. Animation and DC Comics. The series follows the crime-fighting exploits of Superman’s dog as he thwarts evil plans that may harm the people and animals of Metropolis.

Nick turns off the tube to get kids up and at ’em

Nickelodeon is taking the unusual step of programming absolutely nothing this October, in an effort to get kids to go play. As part of the kidcaster’s ongoing global ‘Let’s Just Play’ campaign, the station will suspend its on-air schedule for three hours on October 2 to show full-screen billboards with pictures of kids playing. On-air spots promoting healthy lifestyles and fun activities will also air on Nick Latin America and Nick UK.

Following the programming break, Nick will air live interstitials from the main Worldwide Day of Play event in Hollywood, along with events in cities across the U.S., India, the Philippines, Singapore, Malaysia and Australia. The shows will teach kids how to stay active while they’re indoors, as well as pitting teams made up of Nick stars, athletes, real kids and Olympians against each other in challenges described as Double Dare meets Survivor.