Family TV Roundup: 'iCarly' and 'Big Time Rush' DVD Giveaway, Disney Junior Upfronts and More
Welcome to the Family TV Roundup, a recap of all kid-friendly programming across the television universe. We'll sum up all the news related to children's programming, as well as profile the people and shows your kids, tweens and teens are talking about.This week we'll start off with a fun giveaway: 'iCarly' and 'Big Time Rush,' two of Nickelodeon's most popular live-action programs, are coming out on DVD in the next few weeks. TV Squad is giving three lucky readers a chance to win one copy each of 'Big Time Rush: Season 1 Volume 1' (out March 29) and 'iCarly: Season 2 Volume 3' (out April 5).
All you need to do to enter is leave a comment with your favorite moment from either show. Check out the official rules at the bottom of the post, and read on for the rest of this week's Family TV Roundup.
Disney Junior Upfront
Last week we touched upon the 2011-12 upfront presentations for Disney Channel and Disney XD. Today we have a breakdown of some of the new offerings Disney Junior has in its current incarnation and when it premieres as its own channel in March of 2012.
'Oki's Oasis': An animated western for the preschool set starring Mandy Moore as Oki, kitty sheriff of the town known as 'Nice and Friendly Corners.'
'Doc McStuffins': Premiering along with the 24/7 Disney Junior Channel, this animated series stars a 6-year-old who helps cure stuffed animals and toys in her backyard clinic.
'Minnie Bow-Tunes': After being in Mickey's shadow for decades, Minnie is getting to branch out into her own series where she and pal Daisy Duck will be welcoming other Disney characters to Minnie's Bow-Tique Hotel. Before that, Minnie and Daisy will be starring in the short-form 'Minnie Bow-Tunes,' which will take place in Minnie's Bow-Tique and debut later this year.
'Sofia the First': This animated special, which takes place in the world of Disney Princesses, stars Sofia, a young commoner who becomes royalty when her mother marries the King. The special is slotted as a pilot for a future series.
'7D': The Seven Dwarfs are being re-imagined for a 21st-century audience in this series, which has them assisting Queen Delightful in the land of Jollywood. The pilot is being directed by Tom Ruegger, former writer and producer of 'Animaniacs.'
In addition to these new series, Disney Junior executives reported a second season pickup for 'Jake and the Never Land Pirates,' which was the inaugural show when the programming block launched this past Valentine's Day.
Programming Schedule Notes and Reminders:
• Batman and Superman reunite on Friday's episode of 'Batman: The Brave and the Bold.' The new episode will air at 6:30PM on Cartoon Network.
• 'The Suite Life Movie,' the first made-for-TV film from the franchise, premieres tonight. It airs at 7PM on Disney Channel.
• For the tweens and teens, the spring season premieres of 'The Secret Life of the American Teenager' and 'Make It or Break It' debut on Mon., March 28. 'Secret Life' starts at 8PM followed by 'MIOBI' at 9PM.
• The always lovable Chewbacca will be making his first CGI-animated appearance on the season finale of 'Star Wars: The Clone Wars.' The one-hour finale will air on Fri., April 1, at 8PM.
In Other News...
• Cartoon Network unveiled its 2011-12 production slate during its own upfront presentation. Among the new offerings are an animated 'Green Lantern' series, a show based on the DreamWorks Animation film 'How to Train Your Dragon,' and yet another new 'Ben 10' series. We'll explore the new slate of programs in detail in the next Family TV Round-Up.
• The new season of 'Kick Buttowski: Suburban Daredevil' will kickoff on Sat., April 30, at 8:30AM. Among this season's guest voices are the Orlando Magic's Dwight Howard, Tony Hawk, Ed O'Neil, Jay Harris, Will Forte and Debbie Reynolds.
• 'Fanboy and Chum Chum' are heading to DVD come the end of May. Eight episodes from the first season, as well as bonus features, will be available for sale on May 24. The CGI-animated series features the voices of Josh Duhamel and Jamie Kennedy.
Follow @richysk at Twitter.
Giveaway!
TV Squad and Nickelodeon are giving three readers the chance to win 'Big Time Rush' and 'iCarly' DVDs.
To enter to win, submit comment telling us your favorite moment from either show.
Submit your entry before 12PM EST on Friday, April 1, and make sure to use a valid email address. Good luck!
AOL Television's 'iCarly' and 'Big Time Rush' DVD giveaway is open only to legal residents of the 50 United States and the District of Columbia who are 18 and older. To enter, please leave a comment on this page. The comment must be left before 12:00 pm Eastern Time on April 1. You may enter once per email address and three winners will be selected in a random drawing. Approximate total retail value of the prize is $50. Click Here for complete Official Rules.

53 Comments