NICKELODEON AND CBS SPORTS SET FOR NICKELODEON'S NFL WILD CARD GAME LIVE FROM BIKINI BOTTOM WHEN THE CHARGERS FACE THE TEXANS ON SATURDAY, JAN. 11, AT 4:30 PM (ET)

Rhea-AI Summary

Paramount's Nickelodeon and CBS Sports announced their special NFL Wild Card game broadcast featuring the Los Angeles Chargers vs Houston Texans on January 11, 2025, at 4:30 PM ET. The 'NFL Wild Card Game Live from Bikini Bottom' will offer a unique alternate telecast alongside CBS Sports' main broadcast.

The presentation will feature SpongeBob SquarePants and Patrick Star in the virtual booth with CBS Sports analyst Nate Burleson, while Sandy Cheeks and NFL Slimetime's Dylan Schefter report from the sidelines. The broadcast will include enhanced Nick-themed graphics, augmented reality, and appearances by various Paramount characters including Transformers, Hey Arnold!, and Sonic the Hedgehog characters.

Special features include the Submarine Blimp equipped to Slime the crowd, PAW Patrol-themed 'SkyeCam', and end zone clam cannons. The event marks CBS Sports' and Nickelodeon's sixth NFL collaboration, following their Emmy Award-winning Super Bowl LVIII alternate telecast.

Positive

• Continuation of successful partnership between CBS Sports and Nickelodeon, building on Emmy Award-winning Super Bowl broadcast
• Cross-promotion of multiple Paramount properties and characters, maximizing brand synergy
• Multi-platform distribution strategy including NFL+, Paramount+, CBS Sports app, and NFL digital properties

Negative

• None.

Insights

Media & Entertainment Analyst

This special NFL Wild Card broadcast represents a strategic move by Paramount to leverage its intellectual property across multiple platforms and engage younger audiences. The integration of Nickelodeon's characters with live NFL content has proven successful, as evidenced by previous Sports Emmy Award recognition. This cross-platform synergy showcases Paramount's ability to maximize its content assets and create unique viewing experiences.

The broadcast will air simultaneously on CBS and Nickelodeon, potentially driving viewership across both networks while creating additional streaming revenue through Paramount+ and NFL+. The timing during Wild Card Weekend ensures maximum exposure during one of NFL's highest-viewed periods. The incorporation of characters from Paramount's broader portfolio, including upcoming properties like Transformers One and Sonic the Hedgehog 3, serves as valuable promotional content for future releases.

While innovative, this format primarily represents a marketing initiative rather than a direct revenue driver for $7B market cap PARA. The real value lies in building brand loyalty among younger viewers and creating cross-generational appeal for NFL content, potentially securing future broadcasting rights negotiations.

Digital Content Strategist

The multi-platform distribution strategy, including traditional broadcast, streaming services and interactive digital elements (Nick.com/NVP voting), demonstrates sophisticated audience engagement tactics. The follow-up programming with Bikini Bottom Breakdown creates a content ecosystem that extends viewer engagement beyond the live event.

The production's technical complexity, featuring enhanced AR graphics and virtual booth integration, positions Paramount as an innovator in sports broadcasting technology. This differentiates their content offering in an increasingly competitive media landscape where unique viewing experiences are important for audience retention.

However, while technologically impressive, this represents an evolutionary rather than revolutionary step in PARA's existing sports/entertainment fusion strategy. The immediate financial impact on Paramount's bottom line will likely be minimal, though it reinforces their position in sports broadcasting and family entertainment markets.

Slime-filled Wild Card Weekend Alternate Telecast to Feature SpongeBob SquarePants and Patrick Star Reprising Roles in the Booth, Alongside CBS Sports' Nate Burleson, in Game Set in Bikini Bottom

Nickelodeon's NFL Wild Card Game Live from Bikini Bottom to Also Include Fan-Favorite Characters Featured Across Paramount's Portfolio

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HOLLYWOOD, Calif., Jan. 6, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Nickelodeon and CBS Sports's special Slime-filled alternate telecast during the NFL's Wild Card Weekend will feature the Los Angeles Chargers taking on the Houston Texans during Nickelodeon's NFL Wild Card Game Live from Bikini Bottom on Saturday, Jan. 11, at 4:30 PM (ET). The special presentation will transport viewers back to SpongeBob SquarePants' colorful undersea home with enhanced Nick-ified graphics, advanced augmented reality and appearances by fan-favorite characters featured across Paramount's portfolio. Nickelodeon's NFL Wild Card Game Live from Bikini Bottom will air alongside CBS Sports' broadcast of the game on The CBS Television Network, and is one of six games during Wild Card Weekend across Saturday, Sunday and Monday.

Following their debut in Super Bowl LVIII Live from Bikini Bottom, an animated SpongeBob SquarePants (voiced by Tom Kenny) and Patrick Star (voiced by Bill Fagerbakke) will reprise their roles in the virtual booth. The duo will be joined by CBS Sports analyst Nate Burleson, with Sandy Cheeks (voiced by Carolyn Lawrence) and NFL Slimetime's Dylan Schefter reporting live on the sidelines. Nickelodeon's beloved Latina explorer Dora (voiced by Diana Zermeño) returns to explain the rules and penalty calls during the game.

In addition to the denizens of Bikini Bottom and celebrity fish, Nickelodeon's NFL Wild Card Game Live from Bikini Bottom will also showcase appearances by iconic characters featured across Paramount's portfolio, including: Megatron and Optimus Prime (Transformers One); Arnold and Helga (Hey Arnold!); Cat and Dog (CatDog); Sonic, Tails, Knuckles and Shadow (Sonic the Hedgehog 3); the Loud family (The Loud House); Tiny Chef (The Tiny Chef Show); Wanda and Cosmo (The Fairly OddParents: A New Wish); Reptar, Chuckie and Tommy (Rugrats); and many more.

Nickelodeon's NFL Wild Card Game Live from Bikini Bottom will also include: hijinks throughout the game from a group of "Wild Cod," paying homage to classic NFL superfans; the return of the iconic Submarine Blimp, fully equipped to Slime the crowd around the stadium; Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, who will appear on the field to launch pizzas to the crowd; a PAW Patrol-themed "SkyeCam"; brand-new end zone clam cannons that fire Slime, chum, Krabby Patties and more; and an exclusive sneak peek of Henry Danger The Movie during halftime. The production will continue to showcase one-of-a-kind content and Nick-themed elements throughout, including surprise guest appearances, original on-field graphics, virtual filters, and more for kids and families.

Ahead of the game, fans can dive into Nickelodeon's NFL Wild Card Game Live from Bikini Bottom  by visiting Nick.com/NVP to vote for which player they think SpongeBob and Patrick should pick to receive the NVP award.

Following Nickelodeon's NFL Wild Card Game Live from Bikini Bottom, Nickelodeon will invite fans to join Nate Burleson, SpongeBob SquarePants, Patrick Star, Sandy Cheeks and Dylan Schefter, along with fan-favorite Nick stars, to relive the craziest and Slimiest NFL Wild Card moments in Bikini Bottom Breakdown: NFL Wild Card, premiering Wednesday, Jan. 15, at 8 p.m. (ET/PT). The hour-long special follows a Wild Card-themed episode of the weekly NFL series NFL Slimetime, airing at 7:30 p.m. (ET/PT) on Nickelodeon.

This season's NFL Wild Card telecast on Nickelodeon will mark CBS Sports' and Nickelodeon's sixth family-friendly collaboration on an NFL game – and third NFL Wild Card game. It follows up Super Bowl LVIII Live from Bikini Bottom, the historic Sports Emmy Award-winning alternate telecast of the Super Bowl, which was the first of its kind.

The Nickelodeon's NFL Wild Card Game Live from Bikini Bottom will be streamed on mobile devices with NFL+. CBS Sports' telecast will also be streamed across digital devices via Paramount+, the CBS Sports app and NFL digital properties.

The Nickelodeon's NFL Wild Card Game Live from Bikini Bottom is produced by CBS Sports in association with Nickelodeon Productions. Harold Bryant serves as executive producer of THE NFL ON CBS, and CBS Sports' Shawn Robbins is coordinating producer of the game. Production for Nickelodeon is overseen by Ashley Kaplan, executive vice president, Nickelodeon & Awesomeness Unscripted & Digital Franchise Studio; Paul J Medford, vice president of unscripted current series; Luke Wahl, vice president of unscripted creative; and Jennifer Bryson, vice president of production, tentpoles, events & music & specials.

ABOUT CBS SPORTS
CBS Sports, a year-round leader in cross-platform sports coverage, broadcasts a portfolio of events on the CBS Television Network, including THE NFL ON CBS; college football, including the BIG TEN ON CBS; college basketball, including the NCAA Division I Men's Basketball Championship; golf, including The Masters®, PGA Championship and PGA TOUR; soccer, including the UEFA Champions League and NWSL; and CBS SPORTS SPECTACULAR. In addition, the division includes CBS Sports Network, the 24-hour cable home of CBS Sports which televises live sports programming throughout the year, including college football and basketball games, soccer matches from UEFA Champions League, UEFA Europa League, Serie A, Concacaf and NWSL, as well as a full slate of original programming and studio coverage. CBS Sports also delivers an extensive lineup of global soccer coverage on Paramount+, including every UEFA club competition match, all Serie A matches as well as Concacaf national team competitions. CBS Sports' multi-platform offerings include CBSSports.com and the CBS Sports apps for mobile and connected TV devices; the 24/7 streaming sports news network CBS SPORTS HQ; the free 24-hour soccer streaming network CBS SPORTS GOLAZO NETWORK; 247Sports; MaxPreps; CBS Sports fantasy games; and SportsLine.

ABOUT NICKELODEON
Nickelodeon, now in its 45^th year, is the number-one entertainment brand for kids. It has built a diverse, global business by putting kids first in everything it does. The brand includes television programming and production in the United States and around the world, plus consumer products, digital, location-based experiences, publishing and feature films. For more information or artwork, visit http://www.nickpress.com. Nickelodeon is a part of Paramount's (Nasdaq: PARA, PARAA) global portfolio of multimedia entertainment brands.

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SOURCE Nickelodeon

FAQ

When is Nickelodeon's NFL Wild Card Game Live from Bikini Bottom featuring Chargers vs Texans (PARA)?

The game will air on Saturday, January 11, 2025, at 4:30 PM ET.

Where can viewers stream Paramount's NFL Wild Card Game Live from Bikini Bottom (PARA)?

The game can be streamed on NFL+ for mobile devices, Paramount+, the CBS Sports app, and NFL digital properties.

Who are the commentators for Nickelodeon's NFL Wild Card Game broadcast (PARA)?

The broadcast features SpongeBob SquarePants, Patrick Star, and CBS Sports analyst Nate Burleson in the booth, with Sandy Cheeks and Dylan Schefter reporting from the sidelines.

How many NFL game collaborations have CBS Sports and Nickelodeon produced (PARA)?

This will be the sixth family-friendly NFL game collaboration between CBS Sports and Nickelodeon, including their third NFL Wild Card game.