Nick Jr. Greenlights Second Season of Ni Hao, Kai-lan

NEW YORK, June 11: Nick
Jr. has given a second-season order for 20 new half-hour episodes of the
animated series Ni Hao, Kai-lan,
which introduces preschoolers to Mandarin-language and Chinese culture.

Production of the new
season will begin in August in Burbank, California, and is slated to launch on
Nick Jr. in winter 2009. To support the property, Nickelodeon & Viacom
Consumer Products (NVCP) will launch an extensive merchandising program, which
already includes apparel and DVD. NVCP is looking for additional merchandising
and promotional partners to extend the brand into categories such as toys,
accessories, publishing and stationery.

"Kai-lan has charmed
her way into the lives of preschoolers who tune in to experience her vibrant
world, which is infused with Mandarin-language and Chinese culture," said
Brown Johnson, the president of animation at Nickelodeon/MTVN Kids and Family
Group. "Ni Hao, Kai-lan
furthers Nick Jr.'s ongoing commitment to developing diverse programming with
characters who reflect today's preschoolers. Families across the country have
embraced Ni Hao, Kai-lan and
we're excited to work on a new set of stories with more Mandarin phrases and
lessons to help preschoolers better express and deal with their feelings."

"With the expertise
and creativity of our retailers and licensees, we continue to maintain our leadership
position in entertainment licensing and as the 'go-to' licensor for kid
audiences," added Leigh
Anne Brodsky, the president of NVCP. "We are thrilled about Ni Hao,
Kai-lan, our latest Nick Jr.
preschool hit."

—By Kristin
Brzoznowski