Paw Patrol added as Channel 5, Nick grow closer

UK terrestrial net Channel 5 has again turned to its pay TV cousin Nickelodeon, this time taking free TV rights to animated series Paw Patrol.

Nick parent Viacom completed its £450 million (US$740 million) takeover of Channel 5 last month, and this immediately lead to the announcement of Neila the Knight, a series co-funded by both channels.

Channel 5 has now picked up Nick Jr’s Paw Patrol (left), which comes from Canada’s Spin Master Entertainment, Bob the Builder creator Keith Chapman and Nick.

The show launched in the UK on Nick Jr in November 2013.

Spin Master and Nick are also working on a new series, Little Charmers, which has been slated in debut on Nick channels worldwide in early 2015.

Another Canadian firm, Nelvana Enterprises, is also attached to co-develop the girls-skewed show.

Little Charmers (right)will be an 80x11mins series for girls aged 2-7. Nelvana Studio is producing, with Spin Master developing and manufacturing a toy line. Treehouse will premiere the series in Canada.

“We’re excited to be partnering with Spin Master and Nick Jr, to create a multi-faceted girls brand focused on friendship that will have universal appeal worldwide,” said Andrew Kerr, co-head, Nelvana Enterprises. “The smart, stylish characters have a playful, contemporary vibe that girls will love.”