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{{Short description|American pay television channel}}
{{Short description|American children's television channel}}
{{Infobox television channel
{{Infobox television channel
| name = Universal Kids
| name = Universal Kids
Line 28: Line 28:
| webcast = {{URL|https://www.universalkids.com/live|Watch live}} (subscribers only)
| webcast = {{URL|https://www.universalkids.com/live|Watch live}} (subscribers only)
| website = {{URL|https://www.universalkids.com}}
| website = {{URL|https://www.universalkids.com}}
| terr_serv_1 = [[MYTV Broadcasting|myFreeview]]
| terr_serv_1 =
| terr_chan_1 = Channel 115 (SD)<br/>Channel 116 (VOD)
| terr_chan_1 =
| online_chan_1 = [[FuboTV]], [[YouTube TV]], [[Hulu|Hulu with Live TV]]
| online_chan_1 = [[FuboTV]], [[YouTube TV]], [[Hulu|Hulu with Live TV]]
}}
}}
'''Universal Kids''' (stylized as '''UNIVERSAL KiDS''') is an American [[pay television]] [[cable television|channel]] owned by the [[NBCUniversal Television and Streaming]] division of [[Comcast]]'s [[NBCUniversal]] through [[NBCUniversal Cable Entertainment]]. It launched on September 9, 2017.<ref name="cartoon-brew">{{cite web|url=https://www.cartoonbrew.com/tv/nbcuniversal-launching-new-channel-universal-kids-150520.html|title=NBCUniversal Is Launching A New Channel: Universal Kids|first=Amid|last=Amidi|work=[[Cartoon Brew]]|date=May 1, 2017|quote=The new channel, Universal Kids, will launch on September 9, replacing NBCUni’s current preschool channel Sprout.}}</ref>
'''Universal Kids''' is an American [[children's television]] [[Specialty channel|channel]] owned by the [[NBCUniversal Television and Streaming]] division of [[Comcast]]'s [[NBCUniversal]] through [[NBCUniversal Cable Entertainment]].


The channel was originally launched in 2005 as '''PBS Kids Sprout''', a [[preschool]]-oriented channel jointly operated by [[PBS]], [[Comcast]], [[Sesame Workshop]], and [[HIT Entertainment]]. After the acquisition of [[NBC Universal]] by Comcast in 2011, the company began to buy out the remaining owners' shares in the network. NBCUniversal became the sole owner of the network in 2013, after which it was renamed '''Sprout'''. Under NBCUniversal ownership, the channel increased its investments into original programming.
Universal Kids was conceived as a new network to replace [[Sprout (TV channel)|Sprout]],<ref name="cartoon-brew"/><ref name="NY-Times">{{cite web|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2017/04/30/business/media/nbcuniversal-childrens-channel.html|title=NBCUniversal Is Building Its Own Children’s Channel|last=Barnes|first=Brooks|date=April 30, 2017|work=[[The New York Times]]}}</ref> which was aimed at [[preschoolers]]. NBCUniversal's aim for the new channel was to "create an umbrella brand for its family offerings."<ref name="NY-Times"/> After Universal Kids launched, Sprout was briefly continued as the name of a preschool block on Universal Kids, but the Sprout name was phased out in early 2018.


The channel's programming primarily consists of programming targeting an older youth audience, including [[DreamWorks Animation]] content, Netflix originals, and unscripted programming (including [[game show]]s, and youth [[Spin-off (media)|spin-offs]] of reality series from its sister networks, such as ''[[American Ninja Warrior Junior|American Ninja Warrior]]'' and ''[[Top Chef Junior|Top Chef]]''). As of 2022, ''[[Masha and the Bear]]'', ''Remy & Boo'', and ''[[Cocomelon]]'' are the only preschool programs on the network.
In 2017, NBCUniversal announced that the network would relaunch as Universal Kids in September 2017, adding an evening and [[primetime]] lineup targeting a wider youth audience—iincluding [[DreamWorks Animation]] content, unscripted programming (including [[game show]]s, and youth [[Spin-off (media)|spin-offs]] of reality series from its NBCUniversal sister networks, such as ''[[American Ninja Warrior Junior|American Ninja Warrior]]'' and ''[[Top Chef Junior|Top Chef]]''), and acquired series. The channel continues to devote its daytime lineup to preschool programming.


{{As of|2018|09}}, the channel is available to about 56.240 million households in the United States.<ref name="Nielsen-estimates">{{cite web|url=https://awfulannouncing.com/espn/nielsen-coverage-estimates-september-espn-nbcsn-nbatv-mlbn-nfln.html|title=Nielsen coverage estimates for September see gains at ESPN networks, NBCSN, and NBA TV, drops at MLBN and NFLN|website=awfulannouncing.com|access-date=July 28, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190819062124/https://awfulannouncing.com/espn/nielsen-coverage-estimates-september-espn-nbcsn-nbatv-mlbn-nfln.html|archive-date=August 19, 2019|url-status=live}}</ref>
{{As of|2018|09}}, the channel is available to about 56.240 million households in the United States.<ref name="Nielsen-estimates">{{cite web|url=https://awfulannouncing.com/espn/nielsen-coverage-estimates-september-espn-nbcsn-nbatv-mlbn-nfln.html|title=Nielsen coverage estimates for September see gains at ESPN networks, NBCSN, and NBA TV, drops at MLBN and NFLN|website=awfulannouncing.com|access-date=July 28, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190819062124/https://awfulannouncing.com/espn/nielsen-coverage-estimates-september-espn-nbcsn-nbatv-mlbn-nfln.html|archive-date=August 19, 2019|url-status=live}}</ref>


== History ==
== History ==
=== As PBS Kids Sprout/Sprout (2005–2017) ===
=== As Sprout (2005–2017) ===
==== PBS era ====
[[File:PBS Kids Sprout logo.svg|thumb|Former logo used as PBS Kids Sprout from September 26, 2005 to November 12, 2013.]]
[[File:PBS Kids Sprout logo.svg|thumb|Former logo used as PBS Kids Sprout from September 26, 2005 to November 12, 2013.]]
On October 20, 2004, [[PBS]] announced that it had entered into a joint partnership with cable provider [[Comcast]] and production companies [[HIT Entertainment]] and [[Sesame Workshop]] (formerly known as the Children's Television Workshop) to launch a then-unnamed subscription-based channel aimed at preschool children.<ref>{{cite press release|title=Comcast, HIT Entertainment, PBS and Sesame Workshop Announce Plans to Launch Ground-breaking 24-hour Preschool Children's Television Channel|date=2004-10-20|publisher=PBS|location=Arlington, VA|url=https://www.pbs.org/about/about-pbs/blogs/news/comcast-hit-entertainment-pbs-and-sesame-workshop-announce-plans-to-launch-ground-breaking-24-hour-preschool-childrens-television-channel-october-20-2004/|access-date=2013-08-03}}</ref>
On October 20, 2004, [[PBS]] announced that it had entered into a partnership with cable provider [[Comcast]] and production companies [[HIT Entertainment]] and [[Sesame Workshop|Children's Television Workshop]] (CTW, now Sesame Workshop) to launch a 24-hour cable network aimed at preschool children.<ref>{{cite press release|title=Comcast, HIT Entertainment, PBS and Sesame Workshop Announce Plans to Launch Ground-breaking 24-hour Preschool Children's Television Channel|date=2004-10-20|publisher=PBS|location=Arlington, VA|url=https://www.pbs.org/about/about-pbs/blogs/news/comcast-hit-entertainment-pbs-and-sesame-workshop-announce-plans-to-launch-ground-breaking-24-hour-preschool-childrens-television-channel-october-20-2004/|access-date=2013-08-03}}</ref> On April 4, 2005, Comcast announced that the network would be known as PBS Kids Sprout, launching initially as a branded [[Video on demand|video on-demand (VOD)]] service before launching its 24-hour channel. The network would be advertising-supported, but commercials would only air between programs in small quantities, and would be aimed towards parents and caregivers.<ref name="tvweek-launch">{{Cite web|url=https://www.tvweek.com/in-depth/2005/12/saluting-sprouts-launch-pbs-sp/|title=Saluting Sprout's Launch: PBS Sprouts a Kids Triumph|website=TVWeek|language=en-US|access-date=2017-09-12}}</ref>


⚫
The PBS Kids Sprout channel officially launched on September 26, 2005, with a reach of around 16 million viewers across [[Xfinity|Comcast]] and [[Insight Communications|Insight]] cable providers.<ref name="tvweek-launch" /> The multi-platform approach was designed to appeal to different viewing habits, with the linear channel focused on variety, and the on-demand services focused on instantaneous access to specific programs. The linear service was designed around [[dayparting|dayparted]] [[programming block]]s, featuring activities and other feature segments presented by on-air hosts. Some of these segments were designed to promote supplemental content (including activities and interactive features) on Sprout's website.<ref name="tvweek-launch" />
On April 4, 2005, Comcast announced that the network would be known as ''PBS Kids Sprout'', launching. initially as a branded [[Video on demand|video on-demand (VOD)]] service before launching its linear pay-TV channel. The network would be ad-supported, but ads would only air between programs in small quantities, and would be aimed towards parents and caregivers.<ref name="tvweek-launch">{{Cite web|url=https://www.tvweek.com/in-depth/2005/12/saluting-sprouts-launch-pbs-sp/|title=Saluting Sprout's Launch: PBS Sprouts a Kids Triumph|website=TVWeek|language=en-US|access-date=2017-09-12}}</ref>

⚫
The linear network officially launched on September 26, 2005, with a reach of around 16 million viewers across [[Xfinity|Comcast]] and [[Insight Communications|Insight]] cable providers.<ref name="tvweek-launch"/> The multi-platform approach was designed to appeal to different viewing habits, with the linear channel focused on variety, and the on-demand services focused on instantaneous access to specific programs. The linear service was designed around [[dayparting|dayparted]] [[programming block]]s, featuring activities and other feature segments presented by on-air hosts. Some of these segments were designed to promote supplemental content (including activities and interactive features) on Sprout's website.<ref name="tvweek-launch"/>
Sprout chose to not follow the convention of bundling short-form series into half-hour episodes with interstitial segments for U.S. broadcast, electing to air such programs individually in their original format. Andrew Beecham, a former director of worldwide programming strategy for the [[Playhouse Disney]] brand, stated that with this practice, "you get to sample a huge variety of material. You'll get all these smaller shows that translate into something bigger."
Sprout chose to not follow the convention of bundling short-form series into half-hour episodes with interstitial segments for U.S. broadcast, electing to air such programs individually in their original format. Andrew Beecham, a former director of worldwide programming strategy for the [[Playhouse Disney]] brand, stated that with this practice, "you get to sample a huge variety of material. You'll get all these smaller shows that translate into something bigger."<ref name="tvweek-launch" />


A [[High-definition television|high-definition]] simulcast feed launched in September 2010 on Comcast's default [[1080i]] resolution format. Currently, the network's entire original programming roster post-2010 is carried in high definition, along with most airings of films. Available on the vast majority of pay television providers, it is downscaled at the provider [[Cable television headend|headend]] level to provide a [[standard-definition television|standard definition]] equivalent for those systems.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://kidscreen.com/2010/05/10/sprouthd-20100510/|title=Sprout grows with HD channel|last=Goldman Getzler|first=Wendy|date=May 10, 2010|website=Kidscreen|access-date=2020-03-20}}</ref>
A [[High-definition television|high-definition]] simulcast feed launched in September 2010.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://kidscreen.com/2010/05/10/sprouthd-20100510/|title=Sprout grows with HD channel|last=Goldman Getzler|first=Wendy|date=May 10, 2010|website=Kidscreen|access-date=2020-03-20}}</ref>


==== Effects of Comcast/NBCUniversal merger (NBC era) ====
==== Acquisition by Comcast ====
[[File:Sprout logo.svg|thumb|Final Sprout logo used from November 13, 2013 to September 8, 2017. However, between August 24, 2009 and November 12, 2013, this logo was previously used in tandem with the original PBS Kids Sprout logo.]]
[[File:Sprout logo.svg|thumb|Final Sprout logo used from November 13, 2013 to September 8, 2017.]]
Comcast [[Acquisition of NBCUniversal by Comcast|acquired a 51% majority stake]] of [[NBCUniversal]] from [[General Electric]] (GE) in January 2011, and would assume full ownership of the company in 2013. As a result, Comcast's interest in Sprout was turned over to the company. When [[Apax Partners]] sold [[HIT Entertainment]] to [[Mattel]] on October 24, 2011, HIT's ownership interest in Sprout was never included in the deal and was retained by Apax Partners.<ref>{{cite web|last=Braude|first=Jonathan|date=October 24, 2011|title=Apax sells Hit Entertainment to Mattel|url=https://www.thedeal.com/content/consumer-retail/apax-sells-hit-entertainment-to-mattel.php|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111028053521/http://www.thedeal.com/content/consumer-retail/apax-sells-hit-entertainment-to-mattel.php|archive-date=2011-10-28|access-date=August 3, 2013|work=The Deal}}</ref> In December 2012, Sesame Workshop sold its interest in Sprout to NBCUniversal, which in turn later acquired Apax and PBS's shares in the network on March 19, 2013 and November 13, 2013 respectively, therefore giving Comcast full ownership. Its operations were then merged into its [[NBCUniversal Cable Entertainment Group]] subsidiary.<ref>{{cite web|last=Jensen|first=Elizabeth|date=November 13, 2013|title=NBCUniversal Takes Full Ownership of Sprout Cable Network|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2013/11/14/business/media/nbcuniversal-takes-ownership-of-sprout-cable-network.html?_r=0|access-date=10 February 2014|work=[[The New York Times]]}}</ref> As a result of Comcast earning full ownership of the brand, the "[[PBS Kids]]" branding was dropped from the network's name (leaving the network as simply '''Sprout'''), and operations were moved from [[Philadelphia]] to [[New York City]].<ref>{{cite web|last=Cuomo|first=Andrew|date=May 5, 2014|title=Governor Cuomo Announces that NBCUniversal's Sprout the First 24-Hour Preschool Network Will Relocate to New York City|url=https://www.governor.ny.gov/press/05052014-sprout-relocate-new-york-city|access-date=October 26, 2014|website=New York State Government}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.inquirer.com/philly/hp/news_update/20140608_Sprouting_her_wings.html|title=Sprouting her wings|date=June 8, 2014|work=[[Philadelphia Inquirer]]|access-date=June 9, 2014}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/nbcuniversal-acquires-full-ownership-kids-655690|title=NBCUniversal Acquires Ownership of Kids' Channel Sprout|last=Nordyke|first=Kimberly|work=The Hollywood Reporter|date=November 13, 2013|access-date=April 13, 2014}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://online.wsj.com/news/articles/SB10001424052702304243904579196351406283562|title=NBCUniversal Buys Remainder of Sprout Network|last=Hagey|first=Keach|work=[[The Wall Street Journal]]|date=November 13, 2013|access-date=November 14, 2013}}</ref>
Comcast [[Acquisition of NBCUniversal by Comcast|acquired a 51% majority stake]] in [[NBCUniversal|NBC Universal]] from [[General Electric]] (GE) in January 2011, and would assume full ownership of the company in 2013. As a result, Comcast's interest in Sprout was turned over to the company. When [[Apax Partners]] sold [[HIT Entertainment]] to [[Mattel]] on October 24, 2011, HIT's ownership interest in Sprout was never included in the deal and was retained by Apax Partners.<ref>{{cite web|last=Braude|first=Jonathan|date=October 24, 2011|title=Apax sells Hit Entertainment to Mattel|url=https://www.thedeal.com/content/consumer-retail/apax-sells-hit-entertainment-to-mattel.php|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111028053521/http://www.thedeal.com/content/consumer-retail/apax-sells-hit-entertainment-to-mattel.php|archive-date=2011-10-28|access-date=August 3, 2013|work=The Deal}}</ref>


In December 2012, Sesame Workshop sold its interest in Sprout to NBCUniversal, which in turn later acquired Apax and PBS's shares in the network on March 19, 2013 and November 13, 2013 respectively, therefore giving Comcast full ownership. Its operations were then merged into its [[NBCUniversal Cable Entertainment Group]] subsidiary.<ref>{{cite web|last=Jensen|first=Elizabeth|date=November 13, 2013|title=NBCUniversal Takes Full Ownership of Sprout Cable Network|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2013/11/14/business/media/nbcuniversal-takes-ownership-of-sprout-cable-network.html?_r=0|access-date=10 February 2014|work=[[The New York Times]]}}</ref> As a result of NBCUniversal's full ownership, the network dropped the "PBS Kids" branding and was renamed '''Sprout''', while its operations were moved from [[Philadelphia]] to NBCUniversal's facilities in [[New York City]].<ref>{{cite web|last=Cuomo|first=Andrew|date=May 5, 2014|title=Governor Cuomo Announces that NBCUniversal's Sprout the First 24-Hour Preschool Network Will Relocate to New York City|url=https://www.governor.ny.gov/press/05052014-sprout-relocate-new-york-city|access-date=October 26, 2014|website=New York State Government}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.inquirer.com/philly/hp/news_update/20140608_Sprouting_her_wings.html|title=Sprouting her wings|date=June 8, 2014|work=[[Philadelphia Inquirer]]|access-date=June 9, 2014}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/nbcuniversal-acquires-full-ownership-kids-655690|title=NBCUniversal Acquires Ownership of Kids' Channel Sprout|last=Nordyke|first=Kimberly|work=The Hollywood Reporter|date=November 13, 2013|access-date=April 13, 2014}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://online.wsj.com/news/articles/SB10001424052702304243904579196351406283562|title=NBCUniversal Buys Remainder of Sprout Network|last=Hagey|first=Keach|work=[[The Wall Street Journal]]|date=November 13, 2013|access-date=November 14, 2013}}</ref>
⚫
On July 7, 2012, Sprout began to produce a [[Saturday-morning cartoon|Saturday morning block]] for [[NBC]] aimed at preschoolers, ''[[NBC Kids]]'', along with ''MiTelemundo'', a Spanish-dubbed version of the block airing on sister network [[Telemundo]] that airs on weekend mornings, which replaced [[Qubo]] (a previous joint venture between NBCUniversal, [[Ion Media]], [[Corus Entertainment]], [[Scholastic Corporation|Scholastic]], and [[Classic Media]], which was later acquired by [[DreamWorks Animation]] and is now, in turn, owned by NBCUniversal),<ref name="mcn-qubo">{{cite web|title=Qubo's Rodriguez: Offering a 'Building Block' to Kids|url=https://www.nexttv.com/news/qubo-s-rodriguez-offering-building-block-kids-367423|author=Luis Clemens|periodical=[[Multichannel News]]|publisher=[[Reed Business Information]]|date=February 16, 2008|access-date=September 23, 2014}}</ref><ref name="lat-comcastbuy">{{cite web|last1=James|first1=Meg|title=Comcast's NBCUniversal buys DreamWorks Animation in $3.8-billion deal|url=https://www.latimes.com/entertainment/envelope/cotown/la-et-ct-nbcuniversal-buys-dreamworks--20160428-story.html|website=Los Angeles Times|access-date=28 April 2016|date=28 April 2016}}</ref> which had been airing on NBC and Telemundo since September 2006.<ref name="MarketWatch">{{cite news|title=NBC Will Launch NBC Kids, a New Saturday Morning Preschool Block Programmed by Sprout®, Saturday, July 7|url=https://www.marketwatch.com/story/nbc-will-launch-nbc-kids-a-new-saturday-morning-preschool-block-programmed-by-sprout-saturday-july-7-2012-03-28|access-date=July 15, 2013|work=MarketWatch|date=March 28, 2012}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last=Rubino|first=Lindsay|title=NBC, With Assist From Sprout, to Launch Saturday Morning Preschool Block|url=https://www.nexttv.com/article/482478-NBC_With_Assist_From_Sprout_to_Launch_Saturday_Morning_Preschool_Block.php|access-date=July 15, 2013|work=MultiChannel News|date=March 28, 2012}}</ref> On Sprout's 10th anniversary on September 26, 2015, the network received a rebrand and shifted focus towards original shows, such as ''[[Nina's World]]'', and removed older acquired shows such as ''[[Barney & Friends]]'' (which later returned to the network on December 17, 2018 and then got removed once again on January 25, 2020), ''[[Thomas & Friends]]'' and ''[[Super Why!]]'' due to the network's licenses for these shows expiring and were replaced with newer acquired shows such as ''[[Maya the Bee]]'', ''[[Me Too!]]'' and ''[[Sydney Sailboat]]''.<ref>{{cite news|title=In Brand Refresh, Children's TV Network Drops Barney and Thomas for Original Shows|url=https://www.adweek.com/tv-video/brand-refresh-childrens-tv-network-drops-barney-and-thomas-original-shows-166914/|accessdate=May 27, 2019|work=Adweek|date=September 15, 2015}}</ref> On October 8, 2016 on NBC and on January 6, 2018 on Telemundo, NBC Kids was replaced with [[Litton Entertainment]]'s [[The More You Know (block)|The More You Know]] educational block oriented towards teenagers 13–16 years old.


⚫
On July 7, 2012, Sprout began to produce [[Regulations on children's television programming in the United States|educational programming blocks]] for [[NBC]] and [[Telemundo]], branded as "[[NBC Kids]]" and "MiTelemundo" respectively. The blocks both replaced [[Qubo]] (a previous joint venture between NBCUniversal, [[Ion Media]], [[Corus Entertainment]], [[Scholastic Corporation|Scholastic]], and [[Classic Media]]).<ref name="mcn-qubo">{{cite web|title=Qubo's Rodriguez: Offering a 'Building Block' to Kids|url=https://www.nexttv.com/news/qubo-s-rodriguez-offering-building-block-kids-367423|author=Luis Clemens|periodical=[[Multichannel News]]|publisher=[[Reed Business Information]]|date=February 16, 2008|access-date=September 23, 2014}}</ref> which had been airing on NBC and Telemundo since September 2006.<ref name="MarketWatch">{{cite news|title=NBC Will Launch NBC Kids, a New Saturday Morning Preschool Block Programmed by Sprout®, Saturday, July 7|url=https://www.marketwatch.com/story/nbc-will-launch-nbc-kids-a-new-saturday-morning-preschool-block-programmed-by-sprout-saturday-july-7-2012-03-28|access-date=July 15, 2013|work=MarketWatch|date=March 28, 2012}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last=Rubino|first=Lindsay|title=NBC, With Assist From Sprout, to Launch Saturday Morning Preschool Block|url=https://www.nexttv.com/article/482478-NBC_With_Assist_From_Sprout_to_Launch_Saturday_Morning_Preschool_Block.php|access-date=July 15, 2013|work=MultiChannel News|date=March 28, 2012}}</ref>
⚫
Under NBCUniversal ownership, the channel began to shift away from its original focus on library content, and invested more heavily in original programming to displace older, licensed content to better compete with fellow preschool-oriented pay-TV networks [[Disney Junior]] (part of Disney-ABC, now known as the [[Walt Disney Television|second iteration of Walt Disney Television]]) and [[Nick Jr.]] (part of Viacom, now known as [[Paramount Global]]). Under NBCUniversal, programs seen on the network such as ''[[The Chica Show]]'' earned increased visibility airing on NBC as part of the ''[[NBC Kids]]'' block.<ref>{{cite web|last=Jensen|first=Elizabeth|date=November 13, 2013|title=NBC Universal Takes Full Ownership of Sprout Cable Network|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2013/11/14/business/media/nbcuniversal-takes-ownership-of-sprout-cable-network.html?_r=0|access-date=10 February 2014|work=The New York Times}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last=Lynch|first=Jason|date=September 15, 2015|title=In Brand Refresh, Children's TV Network Drops Barney and Thomas for Original Shows|work=Adweek|url=https://www.adweek.com/tv-video/brand-refresh-childrens-tv-network-drops-barney-and-thomas-original-shows-166914/|access-date=May 27, 2019}}</ref>


⚫
Under NBCUniversal ownership, Sprout began to shift away from its original focus on library content, and invested more heavily in original programming to displace older, licensed or non-exclusive content (such as ''[[Barney & Friends]]'', ''[[Thomas & Friends]]'' and ''[[Super Why!]]'') to better compete with [[Disney Junior]] and [[Nick Jr.|Nick Jr]]., while also making newer acquisitions (such as ''[[Super Wings]]'' and ''[[Sydney Sailboat]]''). The channel aimed to double its original series output to at least 30% of its schedule by the end of 2015.<ref name=":1">{{Cite web |date=2015-09-25 |title=Sprout gets a makeover, boosts original content output |url=https://kidscreen.com/2015/09/25/sprout-gets-a-makeover-boosts-original-content-output/ |access-date=2022-05-18 |website=Kidscreen}}</ref> Sprout programs such as ''[[The Chica Show]]'' also earned increased visibility airing on NBC as part of the NBC Kids block.<ref>{{cite web |last=Jensen |first=Elizabeth |date=November 13, 2013 |title=NBC Universal Takes Full Ownership of Sprout Cable Network |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2013/11/14/business/media/nbcuniversal-takes-ownership-of-sprout-cable-network.html?_r=0 |access-date=10 February 2014 |work=The New York Times}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last=Lynch |first=Jason |date=September 15, 2015 |title=In Brand Refresh, Children's TV Network Drops Barney and Thomas for Original Shows |work=Adweek |url=https://www.adweek.com/tv-video/brand-refresh-childrens-tv-network-drops-barney-and-thomas-original-shows-166914/ |access-date=May 27, 2019}}</ref>
In mid-2016, it was announced that Sandy Wax would be leaving NBCUniversal at the end of the year. Deirdre Brennan, formerly of [[Corus Entertainment]], was named the new president of Sprout in January 2017.<ref name=ksn-unikids/>

On September 26, 2015, Sprout underwent a brand refresh to mark the 10th anniversary of its launch, with new on-air imaging inspired by modern technology and [[mobile devices]], a new [[Tiny-house movement|tiny house]]-inspired studio at [[30 Rockefeller Plaza]] for its hosted morning block ''[[The Sunny Side Up Show]]'', as well as the premiere of ''[[The Good Night Show]]'' spin-off ''[[Nina's World]].''<ref name=":1" /> Actress [[Alyssa Milano]] also began to make appearances in interstitial segments as Sprout's "[[Brand ambassador|Mom-bassador]]", with a particular focus on the channel's [[Public service announcement|public service]] campaign "Kindness Counts".<ref name=":1" /> The network's head Sandy Wax stated that Sprout also planned to add more half-hour programs, and commission programming that can appeal to older preschool audiences "who can deal with more complex stories, a little bit more drama in a safe way, but creating it rich enough so we don’t alienate the two and three-year-olds".<ref name=":1" />


=== As Universal Kids (2017–present) ===
=== As Universal Kids (2017–present) ===
[[File:Universal Kids.svg|thumb|left|First Universal Kids logo used from September 9, 2017 to April 11, 2019.]]
[[File:Universal Kids.svg|thumb|First Universal Kids logo used from September 9, 2017 to April 11, 2019.]]
Deirdre Brennan, formerly of [[Corus Entertainment]], was named the new president of Sprout in January 2017, replacing the outgoing Sandy Wax.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Petski |first=Denise |date=2017-01-18 |title=Sprout Taps Children’s Media Exec Deirdre Brennan As General Manager |url=https://deadline.com/2017/01/sprout-childrens-media-exec-deirdre-brennan-general-manager-1201888715/ |access-date=2022-05-18 |website=Deadline |language=en-US}}</ref> In August 2016, NBCUniversal also acquired [[DreamWorks Animation]].<ref name="deadline-completed">{{cite web |date=August 22, 2016 |title=Comcast Completes Its $3.8B DreamWorks Animation Purchase |url=https://deadline.com/2016/08/comcast-completes-dreamworks-animation-purchase-1201807164/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160823100053/http://deadline.com/2016/08/comcast-completes-dreamworks-animation-purchase-1201807164/ |archive-date=August 23, 2016 |access-date=August 23, 2016 |website=Deadline Hollywood}}</ref><ref name="lat-closed">{{cite web |date=August 23, 2016 |title=Comcast's NBCUniversal completes purchase of DreamWorks Animation |url=https://www.latimes.com/entertainment/envelope/cotown/la-et-ct-comcast-dreamworks-deal-complete-20160822-snap-story.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160823165212/http://www.latimes.com/entertainment/envelope/cotown/la-et-ct-comcast-dreamworks-deal-complete-20160822-snap-story.html |archive-date=August 23, 2016 |access-date=August 23, 2016 |website=Los Angeles Times}}</ref>
On May 1, 2017, [[NBCUniversal]] announced that it would be launching a new channel to replace Sprout.<ref name="cartoon-brew"/> Press releases stated that the Sprout brand would be retained as a [[#Sprout block (2017-2018)|daytime block]] of preschool shows: "Launching in September 2017 and available in over 59 million homes, Universal Kids will also encompass Sprout as a daily programming block for preschoolers from 3am to 6pm."<ref name="2017-press"/> The remaining airtime would be used for new shows aimed at preteens aged 8–12.


On May 1, 2017, NBCUniversal announced that it would be relaunching Sprout as Universal Kids on September 9, 2017; the relaunched network aimed to be "an umbrella brand for [NBCUniversal's] family offerings",<ref name="NY-Times">{{cite web |last=Barnes |first=Brooks |date=April 30, 2017 |title=NBCUniversal Is Building Its Own Children’s Channel |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2017/04/30/business/media/nbcuniversal-childrens-channel.html |work=[[The New York Times]]}}</ref> and would include [[Prime time|primetime]] programming targeting a wider youth and [[pre-teen]] audience, while still carrying preschool programming as a block under the Sprout branding from 3 a.m. to 6 p.m. [[Eastern Time Zone|ET]] daily.<ref name="ksn-unikids">{{cite web |last=Getzler |first=Wendy |date=May 1, 2017 |title=A new age: Sprout to become Universal Kids |url=https://kidscreen.com/2017/05/01/a-new-age-sprout-to-become-universal-kids/ |access-date=May 1, 2017 |work=Kidscreen}}</ref><ref name=":2">{{Cite web |last=Petski |first=Denise |date=2017-05-01 |title=Sprout Rebranding To Universal Kids Network With ‘Top Chef Junior’, DreamWorks Animation Series |url=https://deadline.com/2017/05/sprout-rebranding-to-universal-kids-network-with-top-chef-junior-dreamworks-animation-series-1202080226/ |access-date=2022-05-18 |website=Deadline |language=en-US}}</ref> Brennan explained that the network would be "offering something to 2 to 12 year olds that has a slightly different purpose — widening their eyes, opening their minds and celebrating many aspects of being a kid. We have great [shows] for the preschoolers, which is important, but we needed to grow up with the rest of the family."<ref name="thr-launchprograms" />
Network president Deirdre Brennan claimed that Universal Kids' new programming would be renowned from its competitors, stating that "we're offering something to 2 to 12 year olds that has a slightly different purpose — widening their eyes, opening their minds and celebrating many aspects of being a kid. We have great [shows] for the preschoolers, which is important, but we needed to grow up with the rest of the family." Universal Kids initially focused on acquired programs and unscripted series (such as ''[[Top Chef Junior]]'', a spin-off of the [[Bravo (U.S. TV network)|Bravo]] reality franchise ''[[Top Chef]]''), with plans for scripted original programming in the future. NBCUniversal intended to make "significant" investments in original content for Universal Kids over the next three years.<ref name="thr-launchprograms"/> The launch lineup included a large number of international acquisitions, particularly from the U.K., Australia, and Canada; Brennan acknowledged that since youth audiences had become "globally aware", the network wanted to showcase foreign series that had not yet aired in the United States.<ref name="thr-launchprograms"/>


[[Universal Pictures]]' acquisition of [[DreamWorks Animation]] in 2016 would also be leveraged by Universal Kids to bolster its programming. Industry observers felt that the integration of DreamWorks IP with Universal Kids would help NBCUniversal establish a viable multi-platform competitor to other major children's networks (such as [[Paramount Global]]'s [[Nickelodeon]], [[Warner Bros. Discovery]]'s [[Cartoon Network]] and [[Discovery Family]] (40% co-owned with [[Hasbro]]), and [[Disney Channel]]).<ref name="variety-universalkids">{{cite news|last1=Steinberg|first1=Brian|title=NBCU's Sprout Grows Up: Universal Kids to Debut in September |url= https://variety.com/2017/tv/news/sprout-universal-kids-tv-nbcuniversal-1202404505/ |access-date=May 8, 2017 |work=Variety |date=May 1, 2017 }}</ref><ref name="ksn-unikids">{{cite web|url=https://kidscreen.com/2017/05/01/a-new-age-sprout-to-become-universal-kids/|title=A new age: Sprout to become Universal Kids |last= Getzler |first=Wendy |work=Kidscreen |date=May 1, 2017 |access-date=May 1, 2017}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2017/04/30/business/media/nbcuniversal-childrens-channel.html|title=NBCUniversal is Building Its Own Children's Channel|last=Barnes|first=Brooke|date=April 30, 2017|access-date=May 1, 2017|work=[[The New York Times]]}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.animationmagazine.net/people/nbcu-evp-duccio-donati-takes-on-dreamworks-channel/|title=NBCU EVP Duccio Donati Takes on DreamWorks Channel |work=Animation Magazine |date=August 3, 2017 |access-date=August 4, 2017}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://kidscreen.com/2017/08/04/duccio-donati-tapped-for-new-kids-role-at-nbcuniversal/|title=Duccio Donati tapped for new kids role at NBCUniversal |work=Kidscreen |date=August 4, 2017}}</ref> Universal Kids would also feature programing produced by the Canadian-based [[DHX Media]] (now known as WildBrain) for its [[Family Channel (Canadian TV network)|Family Channel]] and its sibling television brands, as well as co-produce several series;<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.animationmagazine.net/tv/dreamworks-toons-deep-masha-animate-universal-kids-debut/|title=DreamWorks Toons, 'Deep' & 'Masha' Animate Universal Kids Debut|first=Mercedes|last=Milligan|date=September 6, 2017|access-date=March 11, 2019|work=[[Animation Magazine]]}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://playbackonline.ca/2017/08/29/the-next-step-heads-to-u-s-tv/|title=The Next Step heads to U.S. TV|work=[[Playback (magazine)|Playback]]|publisher=[[Brunico Communications]]|access-date=March 11, 2019|date=August 29, 2017|first=Jordan|last=Pinto}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://deadline.com/2018/04/universal-kids-greenfields-first-original-comedy-fall-2018-1202361561/|title=Universal Kids Sets First Original Comedy 'Greenfields' For Fall|date=April 10, 2018|access-date=March 11, 2019|work=[[Deadline Hollywood]]|publisher=[[Penske Media Corporation]]|first=Greg|last=Evans}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://kidscreen.com/2018/04/09/aircraft-to-produce-holly-hobbie-tv-show-for-hulu-2/|title=Hulu commissions Holly Hobbie kids series|first=Jordan|last=Pinto|date=April 9, 2018|access-date=March 11, 2019|work=[[Kidscreen]]|publisher=[[Brunico Communications]]}}</ref><ref>{{cite press release|url=https://www.newswire.ca/news-releases/dhx-televisions-new-programming-lineup-puts-the-all-into-fall-691887081.html|title=DHX Television's New Programming Lineup Puts the 'All' into Fall|date=August 28, 2018|access-date=March 11, 2019|location=[[Toronto]]}}</ref> DHX had also recently entered a content deal with DreamWorks.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.awn.com/news/dreamworks-animation-signs-content-deal-dhx-media|title=DreamWorks Animation Signs Content Deal with DHX Media|first=Jennifer|last=Wolfe|date=December 8, 2015|access-date=March 11, 2019|work=[[Animation World Network]]}}</ref>
Universal Kids' launch programming would include acquired programs and unscripted series—such as ''Bear Grylls: Survival School'' and ''[[Top Chef Junior]]''—with plans for original scripted programming in the future. NBCUniversal intended to make "significant" investments in original content for Universal Kids over the next three years.<ref name="thr-launchprograms" /> The launch lineup included a large number of international acquisitions, particularly from the U.K., Australia, and Canada (such as ''[[The Next Step (Canadian TV series)|The Next Step]]'' and ''[[Nowhere Boys]]''); Brennan acknowledged that since youth audiences had become "globally aware", the network wanted to showcase foreign series that had not yet aired in the United States.<ref name="thr-launchprograms" /> Universal Kids would also feature programing produced by the Canadian-based [[DHX Media]] for its [[Family Channel (Canadian TV network)|Family Channel]] and its sibling television brands, as well as co-produce series with the company (such as the children's sitcom ''Bajillionaires'');<ref>{{cite web |last=Pinto |first=Jordan |date=August 29, 2017 |title=The Next Step heads to U.S. TV |url=https://playbackonline.ca/2017/08/29/the-next-step-heads-to-u-s-tv/ |access-date=March 11, 2019 |work=[[Playback (magazine)|Playback]] |publisher=[[Brunico Communications]]}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last=Evans |first=Greg |date=April 10, 2018 |title=Universal Kids Sets First Original Comedy 'Greenfields' For Fall |url=https://deadline.com/2018/04/universal-kids-greenfields-first-original-comedy-fall-2018-1202361561/ |access-date=March 11, 2019 |work=[[Deadline Hollywood]] |publisher=[[Penske Media Corporation]]}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last=Pinto |first=Jordan |date=April 9, 2018 |title=Hulu commissions Holly Hobbie kids series |url=https://kidscreen.com/2018/04/09/aircraft-to-produce-holly-hobbie-tv-show-for-hulu-2/ |access-date=March 11, 2019 |work=[[Kidscreen]] |publisher=[[Brunico Communications]]}}</ref> DHX had recently entered into a programming agreement with DreamWorks Animation for its networks.<ref>{{cite web |last=Wolfe |first=Jennifer |date=December 8, 2015 |title=DreamWorks Animation Signs Content Deal with DHX Media |url=https://www.awn.com/news/dreamworks-animation-signs-content-deal-dhx-media |access-date=March 11, 2019 |work=[[Animation World Network]]}}</ref>


DreamWorks would be leveraged by Universal Kids to bolster its programming, with linear television premieres of DreamWorks' [[Netflix]] series such as ''[[All Hail King Julien]]'' and [[DreamWorks Dragons|''Dragons: Riders of Berk'']] as part of its launch lineup.<ref name=":3">{{cite web |date=August 3, 2017 |title=NBCU EVP Duccio Donati Takes on DreamWorks Channel |url=https://www.animationmagazine.net/people/nbcu-evp-duccio-donati-takes-on-dreamworks-channel/ |access-date=August 4, 2017 |work=Animation Magazine}}</ref><ref name=":2" /><ref name="thr-launchprograms" /> Industry observers felt that the integration of DreamWorks IP with Universal Kids would help NBCUniversal establish a viable multi-platform competitor to other major children's networks such as [[Cartoon Network]], [[Disney Channel]], and [[Nickelodeon]].<ref name="variety-universalkids">{{cite news |last1=Steinberg |first1=Brian |date=May 1, 2017 |title=NBCU's Sprout Grows Up: Universal Kids to Debut in September |work=Variety |url=https://variety.com/2017/tv/news/sprout-universal-kids-tv-nbcuniversal-1202404505/ |access-date=May 8, 2017}}</ref><ref name="ksn-unikids" /><ref>{{cite web |last=Barnes |first=Brooke |date=April 30, 2017 |title=NBCUniversal is Building Its Own Children's Channel |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2017/04/30/business/media/nbcuniversal-childrens-channel.html |access-date=May 1, 2017 |work=[[The New York Times]]}}</ref><ref name=":3" /><ref>{{cite web |date=August 4, 2017 |title=Duccio Donati tapped for new kids role at NBCUniversal |url=https://kidscreen.com/2017/08/04/duccio-donati-tapped-for-new-kids-role-at-nbcuniversal/ |work=Kidscreen}}</ref> The network planned to continue investing in preschool programming for the Sprout block; Brennan stated of Sprout that "the greatest thing is, there is nothing to fix there. Sprout is a beautiful brand. If anything, we want to invest more in original production. There is more we can explore there."<ref name="thr-launchprograms" />
⚫
Compared to the 24-hour Sprout channel, the channel space saw a significant decrease in viewership following the launch of Universal Kids, with [[IndieWire]] reporting a 30% decline in 2017, followed by a 73% drop in 2018.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.indiewire.com/2017/12/highest-network-ratings-2017-most-watched-hbo-cbs-espn-fx-msnbc-fox-news-1201911363/|title=Most-Watched Television Networks: Ranking 2017's Winners and Losers|first=Michael|last=Schneider|date=December 28, 2017|access-date=March 11, 2019|work=[[IndieWire]]|publisher=[[Penske Media Corporation]]}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.indiewire.com/2018/12/network-ratings-top-channels-espn-cnn-fox-news-cbs-nbc-abc-1202030597/|title=Most-Watched Television Networks: Ranking 2018's Winners and Losers
|first=Michael|last=Schneider|date=December 27, 2018|access-date=March 11, 2019|work=[[IndieWire]]|publisher=[[Penske Media Corporation]]}}</ref>


⚫
Universal Kids saw a significant decrease in viewership in comparison to its previous incarnation as Sprout, with [[IndieWire]] reporting a 30% decline in 2017, followed by a 73% drop in 2018.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.indiewire.com/2017/12/highest-network-ratings-2017-most-watched-hbo-cbs-espn-fx-msnbc-fox-news-1201911363/|title=Most-Watched Television Networks: Ranking 2017's Winners and Losers|first=Michael|last=Schneider|date=December 28, 2017|access-date=March 11, 2019|work=[[IndieWire]]|publisher=[[Penske Media Corporation]]}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.indiewire.com/2018/12/network-ratings-top-channels-espn-cnn-fox-news-cbs-nbc-abc-1202030597/|title=Most-Watched Television Networks: Ranking 2018's Winners and Losers
Brennan was replaced by Frances Berwick as network president in February 2019.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://kidscreen.com/2019/02/15/brennan-leaves-universal-kids-in-reorg/|title=Brennan leaves Universal Kids in reorg|first=Jeremy|last=Dickson|work=[[Kidscreen]]|publisher=[[Brunico Communications]]|date=February 15, 2019|access-date=March 11, 2019}}</ref> In April of that year, Universal Kids unveiled a new logo and branding designed by the design agency Kill 2 Birds.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.kill2birds.tv/universal-kids-network-rebrand|title=KILL 2 BIRDS - UNIVERSAL KIDS / NETWORK REBRAND|website=KILL 2 BIRDS|language=en-US|access-date=2019-11-27}}</ref> On June 19, it was reported that Universal Kids had ceased developing new original programming in-favor of acquired content and DreamWorks-related fare. The remaining shows on the network's original production slate (including ''[[Powerbirds]]'', ''[[Where's Waldo? (2019 TV series)|Where's Waldo?]]'' and ''[[Norman Picklestripes]]'') would still air as scheduled.<ref name="halts-original">{{cite web|url=https://kidscreen.com/2019/06/19/universal-kids-halts-original-programming/|title=Universal Kids halts original programming|first=Alexandra|last=Whyte|date=June 19, 2019|access-date=June 19, 2019|work=[[Kidscreen]]|publisher=[[Brunico Communications]]}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://variety.com/2019/tv/news/universal-kids-originals-dreamworks-animation-content-1203247607/|title=NBCU Will Tie Universal Kids Cable More Directly to DreamWorks Animation Content|last=Steinberg|first=Brian|date=June 19, 2019|work=[[Variety (magazine)|Variety]]|publisher=[[Penske Media Corporation]]|access-date=June 19, 2019}}</ref>
|first=Michael|last=Schneider|date=December 27, 2018|access-date=March 11, 2019|work=[[IndieWire]]|publisher=[[Penske Media Corporation]]}}</ref> Brennan was replaced by Frances Berwick as network president in February 2019.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://kidscreen.com/2019/02/15/brennan-leaves-universal-kids-in-reorg/|title=Brennan leaves Universal Kids in reorg|first=Jeremy|last=Dickson|work=[[Kidscreen]]|publisher=[[Brunico Communications]]|date=February 15, 2019|access-date=March 11, 2019}}</ref> In April of that year, Universal Kids unveiled a new logo and branding designed by the design agency Kill 2 Birds.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.kill2birds.tv/universal-kids-network-rebrand|title=KILL 2 BIRDS - UNIVERSAL KIDS / NETWORK REBRAND|website=KILL 2 BIRDS|language=en-US|access-date=2019-11-27}}</ref> On June 19, it was reported that Universal Kids had stopped developing new original programming, and would rely primarily on DreamWorks content, acquisitions, and its remaining slate of original series (including ''[[Powerbirds]]'', ''[[Norman Picklestripes]]'', and ''[[Where's Waldo? (2019 TV series)|Where's Waldo?]]'') moving forward.<ref name="halts-original">{{cite web|url=https://kidscreen.com/2019/06/19/universal-kids-halts-original-programming/|title=Universal Kids halts original programming|first=Alexandra|last=Whyte|date=June 19, 2019|access-date=June 19, 2019|work=[[Kidscreen]]|publisher=[[Brunico Communications]]}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://variety.com/2019/tv/news/universal-kids-originals-dreamworks-animation-content-1203247607/|title=NBCU Will Tie Universal Kids Cable More Directly to DreamWorks Animation Content|last=Steinberg|first=Brian|date=June 19, 2019|work=[[Variety (magazine)|Variety]]|publisher=[[Penske Media Corporation]]|access-date=June 19, 2019}}</ref>


== Programming ==
== Programming ==
{{Main|List of programs broadcast by Universal Kids}}
{{Main|List of programs broadcast by Universal Kids}}
Original programs produced for the network include the ''[[Top Chef]]'' youth-oriented spin-off ''[[Top Chef Junior]]'', [[The Noise (game show)|an American edition of the Japanese game show ''The Noise'']], [[Beat the Clock#2018|a revival of ''Beat the Clock'']], ''Get Out of My Room'', and ''[[American Ninja Warrior Junior]]''.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.nexttv.com/news/fremantlemedia-na-sells-two-game-shows-universal-kids-169285|title=FremantleMedia N.A. Sells Two Game Shows to Universal Kids|website=Broadcasting & Cable|date=12 October 2017|access-date=2017-10-17}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=http://kidscreen.com/2017/10/13/universal-kids-adds-two-fremantlemedia-game-shows/|title=Universal Kids adds two FremantleMedia game shows|work=Kidscreen|access-date=2017-10-17}}</ref> The channel also airs shows produced by [[DreamWorks Animation]] (some of which were originally produced for the streaming service [[Netflix]]) and has acquired and co-produced programs with international partners.<ref name="thr-launchprograms">{{Cite news|url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/live-feed/universal-kids-acquires-bear-grylls-series-relaunch-1036648|title=Universal Kids Acquires Bear Grylls Series Ahead of Relaunch (Exclusive)|work=The Hollywood Reporter|access-date=2017-09-11|language=en}}</ref>
Original programs produced for the network include the ''[[Top Chef]]'' spin-off ''[[Top Chef Junior]]'', the game shows [[Beat the Clock#2018|''Beat the Clock'']] and [[The Noise (game show)|''The Noise'']], ''Get Out of My Room'', and ''[[American Ninja Warrior Junior]]''.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.nexttv.com/news/fremantlemedia-na-sells-two-game-shows-universal-kids-169285|title=FremantleMedia N.A. Sells Two Game Shows to Universal Kids|website=Broadcasting & Cable|date=12 October 2017|access-date=2017-10-17}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=http://kidscreen.com/2017/10/13/universal-kids-adds-two-fremantlemedia-game-shows/|title=Universal Kids adds two FremantleMedia game shows|work=Kidscreen|access-date=2017-10-17}}</ref> The channel also airs shows produced by [[DreamWorks Animation]] (some of which were originally produced for the streaming service [[Netflix]]) and has acquired and co-produced programs with international partners.<ref name="thr-launchprograms">{{Cite news|url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/live-feed/universal-kids-acquires-bear-grylls-series-relaunch-1036648|title=Universal Kids Acquires Bear Grylls Series Ahead of Relaunch (Exclusive)|work=The Hollywood Reporter|access-date=2017-09-11|language=en}}</ref>

=== Sprout block (2017-2018) ===
When it launched, Universal Kids aired a '''Sprout''' block during the daytime.<ref name="2017-press">{{cite press release|url=https://assets.corusent.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/2017-0726_Ranger-Rob-on-Sprout_FINAL.pdf|title=Universal Kids Press Releases 2017|quote=Launching in September 2017 and available in over 59 million homes, Universal Kids will also encompass '''Sprout''' as a daily programming block for preschoolers from 3am to 6pm, and will be available for kids and families across all platforms, including on air, online, On Demand and via mobile with the Sprout Now and Sprout Playground apps.}}</ref> It utilized the branding from the 24-hour Sprout channel that Universal Kids replaced. The block aired [[preschool]]-targeted shows.


=== Preschool programming ===
In late 2017, Deirdre Brennan stated that Universal Kids would continue to focus on the Sprout brand and developing original preschool shows. In ''[[The Hollywood Reporter]]'', she was quoted saying that "the greatest thing is, there is nothing to fix there. Sprout is a beautiful brand. If anything, we want to invest more in original production. There is more we can explore there."<ref name="thr-launchprograms"/> However, Universal Kids dropped the Sprout block in January 2018, and the channel stopped developing original shows altogether in 2019.<ref name="halts-original"/>
Prior to the Universal Kids launch, Sprout continued to premiere new series such as ''Kody Kapow'', joining a slate that also included ''[[Dot.|Dot]],'' ''Nina's World'', and DreamWorks-produced ''[[Noddy, Toyland Detective]]''.<ref name="ksn-unikids" /><ref name=":2" /> New acquisitions such as ''[[Masha and the Bear]]'' would premiere on the Sprout block alongside the relaunch."<ref name="thr-launchprograms" />


Prior to the Universal Kids launch, Sprout replaced its long-running morning block ''[[Sunny Side Up (TV series)|Sunny Side Up]]'' with ''Sprout House'' (renamed ''Snug's House'' in 2018), which premiered on August 14, 2017 and is hosted by Carly Ciarrocchi and the new character Snug, a talking dog portrayed by puppeteer Chris Palmieri, through 90-second segments throughout the block. The program was designed to be more flexible to produce than its predecessor, with a different "[[tiny house movement|tiny house]]" set with additional areas and camera options. Unlike ''Sunny Side Up'', the segments are pre-recorded instead of broadcast live; supervising producer Vinny Steves felt that the live format was too "limiting", and explained that the new format was also designed to enable the segments to be distributed on digital platforms such as social media. With the launch of ''Sprout House'', the network began to downplay its longtime mascot, Chica, although she was featured in certain segments (such as ''Chica at School'').<ref name=":0">{{Cite news|url=https://variety.com/2017/tv/news/sprout-house-universal-kids-comcast-nbcuniversal-snug-chica-1202522307/|title=NBCUniversal Builds 'Sprout House,' Hopes Kids Will Visit|last=Steinberg|first=Brian|date=2017-08-10|work=Variety|access-date=2017-08-17|language=en-US}}</ref>
On August 14, 2017, Sprout replaced its long-running morning block ''[[Sunny Side Up (TV series)|Sunny Side Up]]'' with ''Sprout House'' (renamed ''Snug's House'' in 2018). It is presented by Carly Ciarrocchi and the new character Snug, a talking dog portrayed by puppeteer Chris Palmieri, through 90-second segments throughout the block. The program was designed to be more flexible to produce than its predecessor, with ga different "tiny house" set with additional areas and camera options. Unlike ''Sunny Side Up'', the segments are pre-recorded instead of broadcast live; supervising producer Vinny Steves felt that the live format was too "limiting", and explained that the new format was also designed to enable the segments to be distributed on digital platforms such as social media. With the launch of ''Sprout House'', the network began to downplay its longtime mascot, Chica, although she was featured in certain segments (such as ''Chica at School'').<ref name=":0">{{Cite news |last=Steinberg |first=Brian |date=2017-08-10 |title=NBCUniversal Builds 'Sprout House,' Hopes Kids Will Visit |language=en-US |work=Variety |url=https://variety.com/2017/tv/news/sprout-house-universal-kids-comcast-nbcuniversal-snug-chica-1202522307/ |access-date=2017-08-17}}</ref>
=== Universal Kids Preschool (2018-2022; 2022-present (secondary)) ===
'''Universal Kids Preschool''' serves as the channel's daytime block, which runs from 6:00&nbsp;a.m. to 6:00&nbsp;p.m. [[Eastern Time Zone|Eastern Time]]/3:00&nbsp;a.m. to 3:00&nbsp;p.m. [[Pacific Time Zone|Pacific Time]] (6:00&nbsp;a.m. to 5:00&nbsp;p.m. [[Eastern Time Zone|Eastern Time]]/3:00&nbsp;a.m. to 2:00&nbsp;p.m. [[Pacific Time Zone|Pacific Time]] on weekends).<ref name=":0"/>


As of 2022, ''[[Masha and the Bear]]'', ''Remy & Boo'', and ''[[Cocomelon]]'' remain as the only preschool programs on the network.
In 2018, the Sprout branding was dropped from the block. As of 2022, ''Masha and the Bear'', ''Remy & Boo'', and ''[[Cocomelon]]'' remain as the only preschool programs on the network.


== Availability ==
== Availability ==

Revision as of 02:49, 18 May 2022

Universal Kids
CountryUnited States
Broadcast areaNationwide
Headquarters30 Rockefeller Plaza, New York City, New York, U.S.
Programming
Language(s)English
Picture format1080i HDTV
(downscaled to letterboxed 480i for the SDTV feed)
Ownership
OwnerNBCUniversal Television and Streaming
ParentNBCUniversal Cable Entertainment Group
Sister channels
List
History
LaunchedSeptember 26, 2005; 18 years ago (2005-09-26) (as Sprout)
September 9, 2017; 6 years ago (2017-09-09) (as Universal Kids)
Former names
  • PBS Kids Sprout (2005–09)
  • Sprout (2009–17)
Links
WebcastWatch live (subscribers only)
Websitewww.universalkids.com

Universal Kids is an American children's television channel owned by the NBCUniversal Television and Streaming division of Comcast's NBCUniversal through NBCUniversal Cable Entertainment.

The channel was originally launched in 2005 as PBS Kids Sprout, a preschool-oriented channel jointly operated by PBS, Comcast, Sesame Workshop, and HIT Entertainment. After the acquisition of NBC Universal by Comcast in 2011, the company began to buy out the remaining owners' shares in the network. NBCUniversal became the sole owner of the network in 2013, after which it was renamed Sprout. Under NBCUniversal ownership, the channel increased its investments into original programming.

In 2017, NBCUniversal announced that the network would relaunch as Universal Kids in September 2017, adding an evening and primetime lineup targeting a wider youth audience—iincluding DreamWorks Animation content, unscripted programming (including game shows, and youth spin-offs of reality series from its NBCUniversal sister networks, such as American Ninja Warrior and Top Chef), and acquired series. The channel continues to devote its daytime lineup to preschool programming.

As of September 2018, the channel is available to about 56.240 million households in the United States.[1]

History

As Sprout (2005–2017)

File:PBS Kids Sprout logo.svg
Former logo used as PBS Kids Sprout from September 26, 2005 to November 12, 2013.

On October 20, 2004, PBS announced that it had entered into a partnership with cable provider Comcast and production companies HIT Entertainment and Children's Television Workshop (CTW, now Sesame Workshop) to launch a 24-hour cable network aimed at preschool children.[2] On April 4, 2005, Comcast announced that the network would be known as PBS Kids Sprout, launching initially as a branded video on-demand (VOD) service before launching its 24-hour channel. The network would be advertising-supported, but commercials would only air between programs in small quantities, and would be aimed towards parents and caregivers.[3]

The PBS Kids Sprout channel officially launched on September 26, 2005, with a reach of around 16 million viewers across Comcast and Insight cable providers.[3] The multi-platform approach was designed to appeal to different viewing habits, with the linear channel focused on variety, and the on-demand services focused on instantaneous access to specific programs. The linear service was designed around dayparted programming blocks, featuring activities and other feature segments presented by on-air hosts. Some of these segments were designed to promote supplemental content (including activities and interactive features) on Sprout's website.[3]

Sprout chose to not follow the convention of bundling short-form series into half-hour episodes with interstitial segments for U.S. broadcast, electing to air such programs individually in their original format. Andrew Beecham, a former director of worldwide programming strategy for the Playhouse Disney brand, stated that with this practice, "you get to sample a huge variety of material. You'll get all these smaller shows that translate into something bigger."[3]

A high-definition simulcast feed launched in September 2010.[4]

Acquisition by Comcast

Final Sprout logo used from November 13, 2013 to September 8, 2017.

Comcast acquired a 51% majority stake in NBC Universal from General Electric (GE) in January 2011, and would assume full ownership of the company in 2013. As a result, Comcast's interest in Sprout was turned over to the company. When Apax Partners sold HIT Entertainment to Mattel on October 24, 2011, HIT's ownership interest in Sprout was never included in the deal and was retained by Apax Partners.[5]

In December 2012, Sesame Workshop sold its interest in Sprout to NBCUniversal, which in turn later acquired Apax and PBS's shares in the network on March 19, 2013 and November 13, 2013 respectively, therefore giving Comcast full ownership. Its operations were then merged into its NBCUniversal Cable Entertainment Group subsidiary.[6] As a result of NBCUniversal's full ownership, the network dropped the "PBS Kids" branding and was renamed Sprout, while its operations were moved from Philadelphia to NBCUniversal's facilities in New York City.[7][8][9][10]

On July 7, 2012, Sprout began to produce educational programming blocks for NBC and Telemundo, branded as "NBC Kids" and "MiTelemundo" respectively. The blocks both replaced Qubo (a previous joint venture between NBCUniversal, Ion Media, Corus Entertainment, Scholastic, and Classic Media).[11] which had been airing on NBC and Telemundo since September 2006.[12][13]

Under NBCUniversal ownership, Sprout began to shift away from its original focus on library content, and invested more heavily in original programming to displace older, licensed or non-exclusive content (such as Barney & Friends, Thomas & Friends and Super Why!) to better compete with Disney Junior and Nick Jr., while also making newer acquisitions (such as Super Wings and Sydney Sailboat). The channel aimed to double its original series output to at least 30% of its schedule by the end of 2015.[14] Sprout programs such as The Chica Show also earned increased visibility airing on NBC as part of the NBC Kids block.[15][16]

On September 26, 2015, Sprout underwent a brand refresh to mark the 10th anniversary of its launch, with new on-air imaging inspired by modern technology and mobile devices, a new tiny house-inspired studio at 30 Rockefeller Plaza for its hosted morning block The Sunny Side Up Show, as well as the premiere of The Good Night Show spin-off Nina's World.[14] Actress Alyssa Milano also began to make appearances in interstitial segments as Sprout's "Mom-bassador", with a particular focus on the channel's public service campaign "Kindness Counts".[14] The network's head Sandy Wax stated that Sprout also planned to add more half-hour programs, and commission programming that can appeal to older preschool audiences "who can deal with more complex stories, a little bit more drama in a safe way, but creating it rich enough so we don’t alienate the two and three-year-olds".[14]

As Universal Kids (2017–present)

First Universal Kids logo used from September 9, 2017 to April 11, 2019.

Deirdre Brennan, formerly of Corus Entertainment, was named the new president of Sprout in January 2017, replacing the outgoing Sandy Wax.[17] In August 2016, NBCUniversal also acquired DreamWorks Animation.[18][19]

On May 1, 2017, NBCUniversal announced that it would be relaunching Sprout as Universal Kids on September 9, 2017; the relaunched network aimed to be "an umbrella brand for [NBCUniversal's] family offerings",[20] and would include primetime programming targeting a wider youth and pre-teen audience, while still carrying preschool programming as a block under the Sprout branding from 3 a.m. to 6 p.m. ET daily.[21][22] Brennan explained that the network would be "offering something to 2 to 12 year olds that has a slightly different purpose — widening their eyes, opening their minds and celebrating many aspects of being a kid. We have great [shows] for the preschoolers, which is important, but we needed to grow up with the rest of the family."[23]

Universal Kids' launch programming would include acquired programs and unscripted series—such as Bear Grylls: Survival School and Top Chef Junior—with plans for original scripted programming in the future. NBCUniversal intended to make "significant" investments in original content for Universal Kids over the next three years.[23] The launch lineup included a large number of international acquisitions, particularly from the U.K., Australia, and Canada (such as The Next Step and Nowhere Boys); Brennan acknowledged that since youth audiences had become "globally aware", the network wanted to showcase foreign series that had not yet aired in the United States.[23] Universal Kids would also feature programing produced by the Canadian-based DHX Media for its Family Channel and its sibling television brands, as well as co-produce series with the company (such as the children's sitcom Bajillionaires);[24][25][26] DHX had recently entered into a programming agreement with DreamWorks Animation for its networks.[27]

DreamWorks would be leveraged by Universal Kids to bolster its programming, with linear television premieres of DreamWorks' Netflix series such as All Hail King Julien and Dragons: Riders of Berk as part of its launch lineup.[28][22][23] Industry observers felt that the integration of DreamWorks IP with Universal Kids would help NBCUniversal establish a viable multi-platform competitor to other major children's networks such as Cartoon Network, Disney Channel, and Nickelodeon.[29][21][30][28][31] The network planned to continue investing in preschool programming for the Sprout block; Brennan stated of Sprout that "the greatest thing is, there is nothing to fix there. Sprout is a beautiful brand. If anything, we want to invest more in original production. There is more we can explore there."[23]

Universal Kids saw a significant decrease in viewership in comparison to its previous incarnation as Sprout, with IndieWire reporting a 30% decline in 2017, followed by a 73% drop in 2018.[32][33] Brennan was replaced by Frances Berwick as network president in February 2019.[34] In April of that year, Universal Kids unveiled a new logo and branding designed by the design agency Kill 2 Birds.[35] On June 19, it was reported that Universal Kids had stopped developing new original programming, and would rely primarily on DreamWorks content, acquisitions, and its remaining slate of original series (including Powerbirds, Norman Picklestripes, and Where's Waldo?) moving forward.[36][37]

Programming

Main article: List of programs broadcast by Universal Kids

Original programs produced for the network include the Top Chef spin-off Top Chef Junior, the game shows Beat the Clock and The Noise, Get Out of My Room, and American Ninja Warrior Junior.[38][39] The channel also airs shows produced by DreamWorks Animation (some of which were originally produced for the streaming service Netflix) and has acquired and co-produced programs with international partners.[23]

Preschool programming

Prior to the Universal Kids launch, Sprout continued to premiere new series such as Kody Kapow, joining a slate that also included Dot, Nina's World, and DreamWorks-produced Noddy, Toyland Detective.[21][22] New acquisitions such as Masha and the Bear would premiere on the Sprout block alongside the relaunch."[23]

On August 14, 2017, Sprout replaced its long-running morning block Sunny Side Up with Sprout House (renamed Snug's House in 2018). It is presented by Carly Ciarrocchi and the new character Snug, a talking dog portrayed by puppeteer Chris Palmieri, through 90-second segments throughout the block. The program was designed to be more flexible to produce than its predecessor, with ga different "tiny house" set with additional areas and camera options. Unlike Sunny Side Up, the segments are pre-recorded instead of broadcast live; supervising producer Vinny Steves felt that the live format was too "limiting", and explained that the new format was also designed to enable the segments to be distributed on digital platforms such as social media. With the launch of Sprout House, the network began to downplay its longtime mascot, Chica, although she was featured in certain segments (such as Chica at School).[40]

In 2018, the Sprout branding was dropped from the block. As of 2022, Masha and the Bear, Remy & Boo, and Cocomelon remain as the only preschool programs on the network.

Availability

As of September 2018, Universal Kids is available to about 56.240 million households in the United States.[1]

Universal Kids operates one feed nationally, and does not operate a timeshift feed for the west coast.

As of December 30, 2021, the channel has only 35,000 viewers.[41]

See also

References

  1. ^ a b "Nielsen coverage estimates for September see gains at ESPN networks, NBCSN, and NBA TV, drops at MLBN and NFLN". awfulannouncing.com. Archived from the original on August 19, 2019. Retrieved July 28, 2019.
  2. ^ "Comcast, HIT Entertainment, PBS and Sesame Workshop Announce Plans to Launch Ground-breaking 24-hour Preschool Children's Television Channel" (Press release). Arlington, VA: PBS. 2004-10-20. Retrieved 2013-08-03.
  3. ^ a b c d "Saluting Sprout's Launch: PBS Sprouts a Kids Triumph". TVWeek. Retrieved 2017-09-12.
  4. ^ Goldman Getzler, Wendy (May 10, 2010). "Sprout grows with HD channel". Kidscreen. Retrieved 2020-03-20.
  5. ^ Braude, Jonathan (October 24, 2011). "Apax sells Hit Entertainment to Mattel". The Deal. Archived from the original on 2011-10-28. Retrieved August 3, 2013.
  6. ^ Jensen, Elizabeth (November 13, 2013). "NBCUniversal Takes Full Ownership of Sprout Cable Network". The New York Times. Retrieved 10 February 2014.
  7. ^ Cuomo, Andrew (May 5, 2014). "Governor Cuomo Announces that NBCUniversal's Sprout the First 24-Hour Preschool Network Will Relocate to New York City". New York State Government. Retrieved October 26, 2014.
  8. ^ "Sprouting her wings". Philadelphia Inquirer. June 8, 2014. Retrieved June 9, 2014.
  9. ^ Nordyke, Kimberly (November 13, 2013). "NBCUniversal Acquires Ownership of Kids' Channel Sprout". The Hollywood Reporter. Retrieved April 13, 2014.
  10. ^ Hagey, Keach (November 13, 2013). "NBCUniversal Buys Remainder of Sprout Network". The Wall Street Journal. Retrieved November 14, 2013.
  11. ^ Luis Clemens (February 16, 2008). "Qubo's Rodriguez: Offering a 'Building Block' to Kids". Multichannel News. Reed Business Information. Retrieved September 23, 2014.
  12. ^ "NBC Will Launch NBC Kids, a New Saturday Morning Preschool Block Programmed by Sprout®, Saturday, July 7". MarketWatch. March 28, 2012. Retrieved July 15, 2013.
  13. ^ Rubino, Lindsay (March 28, 2012). "NBC, With Assist From Sprout, to Launch Saturday Morning Preschool Block". MultiChannel News. Retrieved July 15, 2013.
  14. ^ a b c d "Sprout gets a makeover, boosts original content output". Kidscreen. 2015-09-25. Retrieved 2022-05-18.
  15. ^ Jensen, Elizabeth (November 13, 2013). "NBC Universal Takes Full Ownership of Sprout Cable Network". The New York Times. Retrieved 10 February 2014.
  16. ^ Lynch, Jason (September 15, 2015). "In Brand Refresh, Children's TV Network Drops Barney and Thomas for Original Shows". Adweek. Retrieved May 27, 2019.
  17. ^ Petski, Denise (2017-01-18). "Sprout Taps Children's Media Exec Deirdre Brennan As General Manager". Deadline. Retrieved 2022-05-18.
  18. ^ "Comcast Completes Its $3.8B DreamWorks Animation Purchase". Deadline Hollywood. August 22, 2016. Archived from the original on August 23, 2016. Retrieved August 23, 2016.
  19. ^ "Comcast's NBCUniversal completes purchase of DreamWorks Animation". Los Angeles Times. August 23, 2016. Archived from the original on August 23, 2016. Retrieved August 23, 2016.
  20. ^ Barnes, Brooks (April 30, 2017). "NBCUniversal Is Building Its Own Children's Channel". The New York Times.
  21. ^ a b c Getzler, Wendy (May 1, 2017). "A new age: Sprout to become Universal Kids". Kidscreen. Retrieved May 1, 2017.
  22. ^ a b c Petski, Denise (2017-05-01). "Sprout Rebranding To Universal Kids Network With 'Top Chef Junior', DreamWorks Animation Series". Deadline. Retrieved 2022-05-18.
  23. ^ a b c d e f g "Universal Kids Acquires Bear Grylls Series Ahead of Relaunch (Exclusive)". The Hollywood Reporter. Retrieved 2017-09-11.
  24. ^ Pinto, Jordan (August 29, 2017). "The Next Step heads to U.S. TV". Playback. Brunico Communications. Retrieved March 11, 2019.
  25. ^ Evans, Greg (April 10, 2018). "Universal Kids Sets First Original Comedy 'Greenfields' For Fall". Deadline Hollywood. Penske Media Corporation. Retrieved March 11, 2019.
  26. ^ Pinto, Jordan (April 9, 2018). "Hulu commissions Holly Hobbie kids series". Kidscreen. Brunico Communications. Retrieved March 11, 2019.
  27. ^ Wolfe, Jennifer (December 8, 2015). "DreamWorks Animation Signs Content Deal with DHX Media". Animation World Network. Retrieved March 11, 2019.
  28. ^ a b "NBCU EVP Duccio Donati Takes on DreamWorks Channel". Animation Magazine. August 3, 2017. Retrieved August 4, 2017.
  29. ^ Steinberg, Brian (May 1, 2017). "NBCU's Sprout Grows Up: Universal Kids to Debut in September". Variety. Retrieved May 8, 2017.
  30. ^ Barnes, Brooke (April 30, 2017). "NBCUniversal is Building Its Own Children's Channel". The New York Times. Retrieved May 1, 2017.
  31. ^ "Duccio Donati tapped for new kids role at NBCUniversal". Kidscreen. August 4, 2017.
  32. ^ Schneider, Michael (December 28, 2017). "Most-Watched Television Networks: Ranking 2017's Winners and Losers". IndieWire. Penske Media Corporation. Retrieved March 11, 2019.
  33. ^ Schneider, Michael (December 27, 2018). "Most-Watched Television Networks: Ranking 2018's Winners and Losers". IndieWire. Penske Media Corporation. Retrieved March 11, 2019.
  34. ^ Dickson, Jeremy (February 15, 2019). "Brennan leaves Universal Kids in reorg". Kidscreen. Brunico Communications. Retrieved March 11, 2019.
  35. ^ "KILL 2 BIRDS - UNIVERSAL KIDS / NETWORK REBRAND". KILL 2 BIRDS. Retrieved 2019-11-27.
  36. ^ Whyte, Alexandra (June 19, 2019). "Universal Kids halts original programming". Kidscreen. Brunico Communications. Retrieved June 19, 2019.
  37. ^ Steinberg, Brian (June 19, 2019). "NBCU Will Tie Universal Kids Cable More Directly to DreamWorks Animation Content". Variety. Penske Media Corporation. Retrieved June 19, 2019.
  38. ^ "FremantleMedia N.A. Sells Two Game Shows to Universal Kids". Broadcasting & Cable. 12 October 2017. Retrieved 2017-10-17.
  39. ^ "Universal Kids adds two FremantleMedia game shows". Kidscreen. Retrieved 2017-10-17.
  40. ^ Steinberg, Brian (2017-08-10). "NBCUniversal Builds 'Sprout House,' Hopes Kids Will Visit". Variety. Retrieved 2017-08-17.
  41. ^ "Most-Watched Television Networks: Ranking 2021's Winners and Losers". December 30, 2021. {{cite web}}: |archive-date= requires |archive-url= (help)

External links

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