New 'Rugrats' series, movie on the way

A relaunch of the children's entertainment franchise "Rugrats" has been announced by Nickelodeon and Paramount Pictures.

A new animated-series revival featuring the characters from the 1990s' cartoon has got a 26-episode order from Nickelodeon. Paramount Players, the new film division launched to develop projects based on properties from Viacom cable channels, has given the green light to a live-action film featuring CGI characters, reports variety.com.

Both the TV series and the movie will include new adventures with beloved characters Tommy, Chuckie, Phil, Lil, Susie and Angelica and will also introduce a new world of characters.

The show's original creators Arlene Klasky, Gabor Csupo and Paul Germain will return to the TV series as executive producers. "Rugrats" will be produced in California, with production already underway. Additional news of the TV series, airdate and casting will be announced in the coming months.

"Rugrats is hands-down one of the most celebrated cartoons in TV history, and we are thrilled for a whole new audience to meet these iconic characters in brand-new adventures," said Sarah Levy, Chief Operating Officer, Viacom Media Networks and interim president of Nickelodeon.

Levy added: "What was true in 1991 when the original show premiered is still true today: kids are fascinated with the world of babies. We can't wait for today's kids to meet Tommy, Chuckie and pals."

The "Rugrats" movie will be written by David Goodman and is set to be released on November 13, 2020.

"Now feels like the ideal time to reintroduce this iconic cast of characters to a whole new generation of young fans. Kids who grew up with Tommy Pickles and the 'Rugrats' crew will now be able to share that experience with their own children," said Paramount Players President Brian Robbins.

"Rugrats" joins the recently announced return of "Blue's Clues" as the latest classic original series Nickelodeon is bringing back for today's generation of children and families.

--IANS

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