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Nickelodeon NFL is a unique broadcasting venture where NFL games are simulcast on Nickelodeon , geared towards young audiences. The special programming includes animated graphics, and special appearances which creates fun interactive events for fans.
The network broadcasts select NFL games using cartoonish effects, and special guests which makes the events both unique and engaging. This provides children and families more accessible means of watching high profile football. Their broadcasts are intended to be fun for families with an approach unlike other more traditional channels.
During the broadcast it includes added virtual reality technology. With Nickelodeon themes many classic characters such as the Rugrats SpongeBob and Paw Patrol can be viewed in various forms on the screen and at the live events. The network's aim is to change an everyday sporting event to one that everyone will want to participate with.
The broadcast started with the first game of the Wild Card Round with the Houston Texans versus the Los Angeles Chargers . This simulcast on Nickelodeon had also been on the main CBS network but with less graphics and more game analysis. The intent of having the option was to provide more choices on viewing for all who wanted to participate.
The presentation had SpongeBob SquarePants and Patrick Star commentating and joined with CBS sports analyst Nate Burleson. Dylan Schefter from NFL Slimetime and Sandy Cheeks added to the commentary and game analysis along with reporting the event's happenings from a kid’s perspective. Dora the explorer appeared in a form that gave explanations of rules and penalities within the game that the broadcast did cover as the main gameplay continued.
The broadcast was set to include a combination of various Paramount characters including Optimus Prime, Megatron, CatDog, Sonic and many others. Some unique features were an animated Submarine Blimp that had been created to slime the surrounding stadium area along with Ninja Turtle’s pizza launching during half time.
The Nickelodeon NFL Wild Card games highlight popular characters. This approach gives younger viewers a greater familiarity with what is being shown on screen. Also it allows the broadcast to showcase popular shows or a sneak peek at something coming soon such as with “Henry Danger The Movie”.
To add to fan engagement Nickelodeon had the viewers vote online for the player who should receive the "NVP" or Nickelodeon Valuable Player award which gave another unique interactive portion to their telecast. This interactive feature increased viewer's participation and gave the broadcast an added element that was inclusive.
CBS Sports and Nickelodeon Productions work together to create the telecast and Harold Bryant acts as an executive producer while Ashley Kaplan oversees productions for Nickelodeon. They all use their unique expertise to have different elements create a fun and exciting time for viewership with every element being designed for engaging multiple forms of their audience.
To make access available across several different viewing platforms, those who would like to view Nickelodeon content have a variety of ways to do so. Those on mobile are able to stream via NFL+ and CBS users are able to get access from Paramount +, the CBS app or the NFL digital properties.
Many other streaming platforms are providing additional outlets for viewers to find their preferences to what may work best with schedules and home life which make things accessible for all who are in various places or having different forms of availability.
Nickelodeon is set to follow up this unique broadcast with an after show event which reviews all of the events in a recap. ”Bikini Bottom Breakdown: NFL Wild Card” is an hour long show with analysis from the cast, NFL stars and others who had been a part of the broadcast. This after event makes for added discussion with more context that was intended for this audience. It also extends the excitement and fun surrounding the broadcasts.
The game that Nickelodeon had been a part of was part of six games that spread over three days for the wildcard weekend playoffs. This broadcast brought both a unique game viewing experience as well as new exposure to more football fans. This has been a topic discussed during previous NFL events.
The NFL has made the playoffs available over various channels and services such as Paramount +, CBS, Fox, ESPN, ABC, Prime video and Peacock to create as much outreach for all who may want to enjoy the game or event from anywhere. Using such a diverse approach shows that these major sporting events are reaching an entirely new audience.