Tag: YTV

Canada Kids Linear TV Collapse Explained – Why Shows Are Vanishing

The Canada kids linear TV collapse has hit Telus Optik, with WildBrain and Family Channel disappearing. YTV is the only major channel left, leaving kids and parents with fewer options. Streaming and global changes are reshaping the way children watch cartoons.

Sad Child with fewer channels TV - Canada Kids Linear TV CollapseThe Canada kids linear TV collapse has finally reached a tipping point with WildBrain and Family Channel disappearing from Telus Optik. They were already gone from Rogers and Bell, and I’m glad I never signed up there. I’ve always enjoyed tuning in for shows like The Loud House, Pokemon, or a random LEGO story, and I’m sad they’ll soon be gone.

The only channel still standing is YTV, which lets animation fans see what’s popular. But this isn’t just a little schedule change — it’s a sign of a bigger problem. For anyone who grew up flipping through children’s TV channels, or for parents who liked simple, pre-set schedules, there are fewer options every year. The “cartoon package” is almost gone. Could something like MeTV Cartoons come to Canada? Maybe, but it’s tricky because of licensing rules.

And the problem isn’t just limited to one country. Kids’ channels around the world are shrinking. In the U.S., Disney Channel and Nickelodeon aren’t what they used to be. The BBC in the U.K. is moving kids’ shows online. Even in Australia and Europe, old channels are being shut down. The way kids’ shows used to reach homes is disappearing fast.

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Henry Danger The Movie, Preparing For A New Generation The Right Way!

At long last, Henry Danger the Movie is being developed to be somewhat like Batman while retaining what defines a Nickelodeon show! And the horror schtick helps.

Henry Danger the Movie Poster
Nickelodeon / Paramount+ (Jan 17) and YTV (Jan 20)

Spoiler Alert

Every once in a while, when I see a commercial for Nickelodeon’s Henry Danger or one of its spinoffs on YTV, I wonder if the former side-kick (Jace Norman) will ever become  Nightwing from DC Comics? And I’m surprised Henry Danger The Movie delivered. I can easily picture him as that type of jaded individual after the events from the original series. Although this continuation has moments which has to recognise why this studio loves silly, the trip through the light fantastic was very entertaining!

That’s because Frankini (Frankie Grande) steals the show. He manages and performs at the nightclub where the best action takes place. Although this individual appeared in only three episodes of the series, for the producers to decide on which recurring character to bring back must have been tough. And when he got transformed into a vampire, I’m sure he can give Paul Reuben a run for the money. Unfortunately, the alt version of this dancer does not have a hilarious death scene like in the Buffy movie, but he looks absolutely fabulous!

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DreamWorks’ Megamind Rules Finds Its Stride After Mid-Season!

When Eric Fogel isn’t no longer remembered for his work on Celebrity Deathmatch, it seems his talent is wasted in showrunning Megamind Rules, the indirect sequel to the movie, and followup to the lamented Doom Syndicate.

Megamind Rules Promotionsl PosterDreamWorks Animation
Streaming on Peacock and Broadcasting on YTV

The second half of Megamind Rules is far better than the first because there’s a lot more of a serialised tale going on. Here, this villain turned hero (who I’ll nickname as Mega/MM) has to contend with Machiavillain (perfectly handled by the musician turned comedian Adam Lambert). This uber bad guy’s feelings got hurt when he switched, and to get him to return to his old ways is tougher than what Gru faced. This pointy nosed protagonist has a family to keep him grounded and when his brother is still up to no good, the polarity will always exist.

Here, MM has Chum/Minion (his ever so faithful number one), Roxanne who is now mayor of the city, and Keiko, a “Mega” fan, to help him fight crime. This new character was introduced in Megamind vs. the Doom Syndicate, and I wasn’t aware until I did some backtracking. I tried watching this direct to video sequel, and sadly, it simply didn’t live up to what the film represents.

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Transformers Earthspark Needs More Starscream! A DVD Release Early Season Wrapup

Although the home video release doesn’t offer any extra featurettes regarding behind-the-scenes production, hopefully a complete Transformers Earthspark release will change that.

Transformers Earthspark Episodes 1-10 DVD Release
Buy the Action Figures at the official Transformers Earthspark Amazon USA landing page.

Available for purchase on Amazon USA

Keeping up with Transformers Earthspark can be tough. It can be found on Paramount Plus, the streaming service and Nickelodeon (USA) but when not everyone subscribes to either, tuning in from another country requires patience. I’ve lost track of when YTV would finally offer the remaining episodes; this station didn’t immediately offer them and recently, this network started cycling the first half all over again rather than offer new episodes (to which not even Nick has aired).

What I’ve learned after acquiring the home video release is that it is great at connecting to the G1 series. Those classic moments were reproduced in cel animation, and that’s enough for me to say I love the presentation! Also, this new series evolves the premise that’s defined this franchise for a long time. There are certain episodes which had me wanting to pause and rewind to search for Easter eggs, and the mid-season finale “Age of Evolution” sets up a world where newly formed allegiances are challenged.

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The Croods Family Tree Needs to Grow

The Croods Family Tree retains much of the humour from the sequel, and it seems a lot of the family dynamic has reset.

The Croods: Family Tree - Hulu Series - Where To WatchYTV (Canada)
Saturdays 9:00 AM EST/PST

Also on Hulu and Peacock Network (USA)

The Croods Family Tree is a surprisingly short animated series which is now available across specific cartoon networks and streaming services. YTV in Canada is stretching the six episodes out, and hopefully, more episodes will be released sooner than later. Waiting this series out for new tales in 2022 is a long way away.

This series is decent enough for fans to enjoy. It retains much of the humour from the sequel, and it seems a lot of the Croods family dynamic has reset. Grug is even more overprotective of Eep, and instead of her and Guy leaving the compound they are in, they are all staying safe within. Plus, they have another clan to annoy, whom they met in Croods: New Age. If this series is supposed to take place within the time frame of this sequel as a whole, it’s not been said at all.

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The Skullduggery Steals the Show in Nickelodeon’s The Barbarian and the Troll

Nickelodeon to Premiere 'The Barbarian and the Troll' on Friday, April 2, at 7:30 p.m. (ET/PT)"By Ed Sum
(The Vintage Tempest)

On Nickelodeon, YTV and YouTube.
Please check local listings for Friday evening showtimes

Nickelodeon’s The Barbarian and The Troll is a love letter to the antics from the original Muppet Show, and tosses in some of Matt Groening’s style from Futurama for good measure. Technically, he’s been producing Disenchantment, which I simply lost interest on over time. This puppet version has a better appeal since it doesn’t feature as much violence.

Brendar (voiced by Spencer Grammar) is very much like a Leela figure, fiercely independent and sassy, and gets her title not by choice. Her side-kick, Evan (series creator Drew Massey) dislikes trying to extol tolls from the bridge he’s supposed to manage. His singing chops are great (the tunes are catchy) and I’d have to say he is more of a bard than a mad troll. However, the people aren’t exactly praising him for his skill. He’s every much a level one D&D character with a charisma value of about five.

True to the fantasy formula, they form an adventuring party, and Brendar takes the lead. I’d guess she’s at least a level six warrior (with a magical talking axe) on a quest to rescue her brother, Kendar. A demon by the name of Alvin kidnapped him. 

There’s Skelly (Allan Trautman), the general of a skeleton patrol who is causing problems in the world of Gothmoria. Their antics are crazier than those from the movie, Army of Darkness, and I suspect that’s where this puppetry team is drawing their inspiration from. Their moments are laugh-out-loud funny, especially the third episode where Skelly has lost his body, and his minions have to figure out how to put their leader back together again. Humpty Dumpty never had it this bad!

Buried in this same narrative is the wizard Horus Scrums (also Trautman) plans for this world. There’s a simplicity in the narrative that’s enjoyable. It’s not too crazy like Lord of the Rings.

Production-wise, the visuals switches from wide shots of the puppets animated by wire to close-ups where puppeteers are tucked below the camera line. This technique works very well to make the show come alive in the same level as The Dark Crystal.

But the big selling point is with Evan’s musical numbers. Somehow, they turn into full blown orchestrations (which may get addressed a fourth wall breaking moment one day). Ultimately, it’s the nostalgia which makes this program great viewing for older audiences who grew up on Henson’s many puppet products. Kids won’t necessarily understand the humour, but I was cracking up whenever the skeletons are on screen. They are the reason I love this show lots. They tickle my funny bone!

4 Stars out of 5