(Nickelodeon Press Release)
Nickelodeon launches an all-new, CG-animated Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles series on Friday, November 16 at 6.30pm (SG/MY) in a special thirty-minute television event, bringing the turtles up from the sewers with the mythology and comedic sensibility for a new generation of fans.
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles is set in present day New York City, from the glittering towers of Manhattan to the dark depths of the sewers, and follows the adventures of four humanoid turtles and a six-foot-tall rat, Master Splinter. One day, while living a life in seclusion with his four pet turtles, the once human Splinter encountered mysterious green ooze that covered him and his pets. Overcome by the mutagen, he was transformed into a rat and his four pets became humanoid turtles. Fearing persecution from humans, he brought the Turtles underground and raised them, training them to become ninjas. Years have passed since that point and the four turtles –Leonardo, Donatello, Raphael, and Michelangelo — are now headstrong teenagers, filled with the confidence of youth and a burning desire to see the world.
In the thirty-minute premiere, Master Splinter allows his teenaged sons to visit the surface for the first time, with strict instructions to remain unseen. But when they spy a group of thugs attempting to kidnap a teenage girl (April O’Neil) and her father, the Turtles must leap into action. The action comedy explores the camaraderie of four teenage brothers learning to rely on one another as they unravel the mystery of their existence and train to become the heroes they’re destined to be.
The half-hour weekly series is layered with action, fantasy and comedy and draws inspiration from both American and Japanese animation, showcasing a stylistic effect of a printed comic. Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles will air on Fridays at 6:30 pm (SG/MY). Exclusive behind the scenes spots will be launched on turtles.nick.com on November 26.
The series stars Jason Biggs (American Pie) as “Leonardo,” Sean Astin (Lord of the Rings) as “Raphael,” Rob Paulsen (Planet Sheen) as “Donatello” and Greg Cipes (Teen Titans) as “Michelangelo.” Additional cast members rounding out this iconic hit franchise include Mae Whitman (Parenthood) as “April O’Neil,” Hoon Lee (Royal Pains) as “Master Splinter” and Kevin Michael Richardson (Penguins of Madagascar) as “Shredder”. The executive producers for the series are Ciro Nieli, Joshua Sternin & Jeff Ventimilia and Peter Hastings.
Considered one of the most popular kids’ television programs of the 1980s, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles is a classic, global property created in 1984 by Kevin Eastman and Peter Laird. It first debuted as a successful comic book series and then became a hit animated TV show, a live-action television series and later spawned four blockbuster theatrical releases. The property also has translated into a significant consumer products business—with DVDs, video games, toys and more–that has generated billions of dollars at retail.
“We are eagerly awaiting the premiere of Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles on November 16 in Southeast Asia, and introducing the heroes in a half shell to a brand new audience,” said Elaine Tan, Vice President, Nickelodeon Brand, Asia. “Regardless of whether they are long-time fans or first-time viewers, audiences will have a great time watching Leonardo, Donatello, Raphael and Michelangelo battle enemies with their ninjutsu skills, strike up new friendships and feast on pizzas every week.”
The show achieved record ratings for its U.S. premiere on September 29 and ranked as the top telecast with kids 2-11 (6.2/2.1 million) and boys 6-11 (8.2/837,000) across broadcast and cable TV, and the number-one kids program on basic cable with total viewers (drawing 3.9 million) for that week. Additionally, the new CG-animated version of the series hit a ratings high for Nickelodeon with boys 2-11 (7.5/1.3 million), and was the network’s top-rated premiere for an animated series since 2009. During its premiere weekend the series reached nearly 12 million total viewers.
Following its launch success, Nickelodeon has ordered 26 additional episodes of the series, which will begin airing next year. Additionally, the reintroduction of this storied franchise has already ignited excitement in the licensing community, with the new line of Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles consumer products from Playmates Toys being named ‘Hot Toys for the Holidays’ on the prestigious Toys R’ Us and Time to Play lists.
Immersive Turtles Experience on TURTLES.NICK.COM.