Nickelodeon supplied the world and its people with memorable shows and characters for decades. The channel essentially became a prominent entertainment cornerstone for countless children’s childhoods. Naturally, things changed, and shows were replaced to keep viewers glued to their seats. The good news is that many, if not all, found new homes on streaming services. Doing so keeps these programs alive, but one service decided to purge a few.
The Rise of Nickelodeon
Initially known as Pinwheel, Nickelodeon hit small screens on December 1, 1977. It focused on providing worldwide commercial-free educational programming 12 hours a day. The network rebranded in 1979 and added You Can’t Do That on Television. This sketch-comedy program was moderately successful and implemented the channel’s gag of using green slime. Despite the change, Nickelodeon didn’t do well and suffered from low ratings. It shifted gears by airing commercials and child-appealing entertainment, which led to its niche.
The new show roster helped Nickelodeon become the top choice for American children’s amusement. It also expanded its repertoire with its Nick at Nite and Nick. Jr programming blocks. Once its first three original cartoons premiered, the station took off. It became a principal name amongst cable channels during the mid-90s and continued growing. Nickelodeon’s success eventually created other networks like TV Land, TeenNick, Nick Games, and Noggin. It even branched off into producing feature films with its studio, Nickelodeon Movies.
Nick’s Shows Throughout the Years
It’s no secret that Nickelodeon has hosted many entertaining programs. After transitioning from Pinwheel, most of its initial options were live-action variety shows. Other genres of TV shows eventually made their home on the cable station. The anthology drama The Third Eye and the Double Dare game show arrived first. Additional programs like All That and Kenan and Kel debuted years later. These series contributed to creating shows like iCarly, Drake and Josh, and The Thundermans.
Of course, Nickelodeon became famous for its evolving roster of cartoons. Rugrats, The Ren and Stimpy Show, and Doug debuted in 1991, starting the phenomenal trend. Hits Rocko’s Modern Life, The Angry Beavers, SpongeBob SquarePants, and Hey Arnold! soon followed. Each addition drew in new viewers and raised its ratings to chart-climbing levels. Naturally, this development brought masterpieces like The Fairly Oddparents, Invader Zim, and Danny Phantom. Today’s kids can enjoy the immensely popular The Loud House, thanks to them.
Paramount+ Kicks Shows From Selection
As Nickelodeon changed, many shows sadly concluded or were canceled. Numerous cartoons with massive followings were lost to the wind but never forgotten. Fans kept their memories alive with home media, reruns on other channels, and official websites. Streaming services like Hulu, Netflix, Max, and Amazon Prime Video contributed the most. They helped preserve these series indefinitely so older devotees could return to their childhoods. These services also make it possible for newer generations to experience them.
Unfortunately, it’s an unavoidable truth that these streaming providers often expel these programs. This case is especially correct for Paramount+, which has dropped 21 Nickelodeon series. The list of outcasts includes Breadwinners, The Penguins of Madagascar, and Big Time Rush. The reason for this removal likely stems from needing room for newer programs. Devoted Nickelodeon followers hope the exiled shows get picked up by other services. It would be an honest shame for these cult classics to disappear completely.
Final Thoughts
It’s sad to see such Nickelodeon fan favorites thrown onto the curb. The entire action feels like Paramount+ is throwing Nick’s history into the garbage. I remember watching a few of those shows when they were still on television. Sometimes, the urge to rewatch an episode or two suddenly comes to me. I’m all for giving these castaways new places they can call home. If not for me, then for the modern younger audiences who haven’t witnessed them yet.
