Nickelodeon, the number-one entertainment brand for kids, and SCG Power Rangers LLC, an affiliate of Saban Brands, have partnered to make Nick the U.S. television platform for Power Rangers, the long-running kids’ TV phenomenon now heading into its 18th television season. The partnership marks the return of the global franchise to its original developer, Haim Saban, who developed and produced the original “Mighty Morphin Power Rangers” series in 1993. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed.
“We are truly excited to be partners with Haim Saban and his team,” said Cyma Zarghami, President, Nickelodeon/MTVN Kids and Family Group. “As one of the original leaders in kids’ television he helped to create powerful brand equity for Power Rangers and with partnerships like this Nickelodeon will be able to build a broader audience, superserve multiple demos, especially boys, and expand our programming offerings.”
“We are delighted to be partnering with Nickelodeon to bring the ever-popular Power Rangers to a whole new generation of viewers,” said Haim Saban, the original developer of Power Rangers. “With Nickelodeon’s reach we are at the beginning of a new era for one of the world’s leading children’s entertainment properties.”
“The Saban Brands team is looking forward to collaborating with the experts at Nick to re-launch and propel the new Power Rangers like never before,” said Elie Dekel, President of Saban Brands.
The deal brings the forthcoming 18th season (20 new episodes) of Power Rangers to Nickelodeon and Nicktoons in 2011, with the catalog of 700 episodes launching on Nicktoons later this year.
Produced by SCG Power Rangers LLC, Power Rangers will commence production in summer 2010 with original Executive Producer Jonathan Tzachor back at the helm and a new cast, look and theme for the show. Following its introduction in 1993, Power Rangers quickly became the most watched children’s television program in the United States. Emphasizing the importance of teamwork, responsibility and helping others by following the adventures of a group of ordinary young people who “morphed” into superheroes, the series was seen in more than 60 countries and translated into numerous languages. It rose to rank as the #1 boys brand in the world from 1993-97, based on toy sales and television ratings.
Concurrent with the acquisition of the Power Rangers franchise, Saban Brands has announced a new, long-term master toy and video game license agreement with Bandai America Incorporated, a subsidiary of Namco Bandai Holdings (USA) Inc., which has been the toy partner for Power Rangers since its inception. Saban Brands will manage the Power Rangers brand worldwide including licensing, merchandising, consumer promotions and brand extensions.
