Sprout Pitch Idents (2009)

These were the planned idents, block branding, and promo bumpers for Sprout's second generation.

The Wiggly Waffle theme song looks different, as you can tell from the last still didn't make it to the final opening of the block.

Wait a second, I see something involving Coo the Cuckoo Bird. Maybe this was the planned Musical Mornings opening, although the block is kinda rare.

These were by Daniel Luna, the same guy behind the Good Night Show pitched opening:
https://cargocollective.com/danielluna/following/danielluna/Sprout-Network-pitch

Sprout FAQ

These used to be the FAQ from the Sprout website thanks to an archive from mid 2007.

General Questions

What is PBS KIDS Sprout?

PBS KIDS Sprout is the only 24-hour channel devoted to kids ages 2-5 and their parents and caregivers. We’re available on TV, on demand and online. At Sprout, we’re devoted to creating opportunities for preschoolers and their families to share, play and grow together.

How can I get PBS KIDS Sprout in my home?

PBS KIDS Sprout is currently available on both digital cable and satellite television in many areas across the country and our reach continues to grow. Enter your zip code into the box at the bottom of this page to see if Sprout is available in your area. If Sprout is currently not available in your area, we encourage you to contact your local cable or satellite provider for more information. Parents can also contact us at 1-866-9-SPROUT or info@SproutOnline.com.

What types of shows can I find on PBS KIDS Sprout?

Sprout is uniquely designed to follow a preschooler’s day from breakfast to bedtime. Our programming lineup features safe, fun and interactive shows that parents trust and preschool children love. Please click here to view our complete TV schedule.

What types of shows can I find on Sprout On Demand?

Sprout On Demand allows preschoolers and their parents and caregivers to choose the programming they want, when they want it. The Sprout On Demand library is refreshed on a monthly basis. It contains a wide variety of our preschool programming. Please click here to view a listing of our video on demand library.

How often is your video on demand programming updated?

The Sprout On Demand library is refreshed on a monthly basis. It contains a wide variety of our preschool programming. Please click here to view a listing of our video on demand library.

Do you offer any Spanish-language programming?

Yes, Sprout en Español is included as part of our video on demand library. Our Spanish-language programming includes episodes of Barney & Friends, Bob el Constructor, Angelina Ballerina, Jay Jay the Jet Plane, Los Osos Berenstain and Plaza Sesamo, the Spanish-language version of Sesame Street.

How can I contact PBS KIDS Sprout?

Parents can contact us by mail, phone or email at:
PBS KIDS Sprout
PO Box 9303
Bridgeport, NJ 08014
1-877-6-SPROUT
info@SproutOnline.com

How can I send a craft to Nina and “The Good Night Show?”

To share your crafts with Nina, Star, Lucy and Hush, please click here to submit a photo of your preschooler and his or her craft.

I am looking for instructions for a specific craft from “The Good Night Show.”

Please click here to visit our Good Night Show microsite.

Is there any Sprout merchandise that I can buy?

At this time we do not offer any Sprout merchandise for sale.

Does PBS KIDS Sprout include advertising?

Yes, PBS KIDS Sprout is advertiser supported. However, advertisements will never interrupt a program, and we only feature messages targeted to parents and caregivers, not the child viewer. If you are an advertiser interested in advertising on Sprout, please contact Matthew Igoe at 212-852-5146 or migoe@comcastnets.com.

How is PBS KIDS associated with PBS KIDS Sprout?

PBS KIDS, a trusted distributor of award-winning children’s programming, is a proud partner of PBS KIDS Sprout.

Account Registration and Management Questions

What are the benefits of registering?

Membership is completely free. Registration at SproutOnline.com is for parents and legal guardians, it is not for children. SproutOnline.com members can participate in several unique features of our website, including:

• My Refrigerator — You know how the front of your kitchen refrigerator turns into your family scrapbook? Well, My Refrigerator is your personalized webpage that is based on the same idea. It’s password-protected so you can upload your Sproutlet's pictures and save artwork, send spam-free Sprout Mail, link to your Sproutlet's favorite games, and more.
• Sprout Mail — Every family that joins SproutOnline.com gets their own Sprout Mail account. Sprout Mail is simple for you to use with your child. Messages can only be sent to people who you add to your family’s Contact List, so you can’t accidentally send a Sprout Mail message to someone who’s not on your list. Plus, you can only receive messages from people who you’ve already contacted, so you won’t get any messages from strangers (including spammers). 
• Parents Place — This special section is just for parents. In it, you’ll find articles and accompanying discussions on subjects that are of interest to parents of small children – everything from ideas for “together time” to advice on developing good eating habits. Each topic begins with an expert opinion from a Sprout partner, such as KidsHealth or Sesame Workshop, and then really takes off when parents like you contribute your own thoughts and perspectives.

Can my child register at SproutOnline.com?

Registration at SproutOnline.com is not for children. By registering, you agree that you are an adult that is at least eighteen years old. Registration gives you the opportunity to access SproutOnline.com parent-directed features, including uploading photographs, creating Sprout Mail contact lists, and participating in Parent’s Place blogs. Such features involve sending us information that we only intend to receive from adults. Please see ourterms of use for more information.

Why do you want to know the names and ages of my children as part of my account?

In the future, Sprout will be sending “Happy Birthday” wishes to children via their parent’s Sprout Mail account and wishing them Happy Birthday on The Birthday Show. If you would like your children to participate, we need to know their first names (or nicknames) and dates or birth. However, that information is strictly optional, and you do not have to provide it in order to participate in all other membership activities, such as My Refrigerator and Sprout Mail.

Why won’t SproutOnline.com let me register?

Registration at SproutOnline.com is not for children. If you are an adult that is at least eighteen years old and you entered your child’s birth date as the first step of the registration process, your computer received a temporary cookie identifying you as a child. This was done to help ensure that young children do not attempt to register on SproutOnline.com as adults. To continue with the registration process, please close your Internet browser and then re-open it. This will clear the temporary cookie and allow you to proceed with your registration as an adult. If this procedure does not work, search your computer’s Internet cookie file to identify and delete any cookies ending in “@sproutonline.com.” 

I can’t remember my user name and/or password.

Please click the “Log In” button at the very top of this page. On the page that appears, you will find links labeled “Forgot user name” and “Forgot password.” Click on the appropriate link and follow the instructions on the form that appears to have your user name or password sent to your email account.

How do I change my password?

To change your password, log in to SproutOnline.com and click the “My Refrigerator” link at the top of any page then click “Manage My Account.” Within the account management section, click the “My Profile” tab.

How do I cancel my account?

We’re sorry to hear you’re leaving! To cancel your account, please send an email to info@SproutOnline.com. Please type “cancel my account” in the subject line. In the body of the email, include your user name, first and last name, and the email address you used when you registered for your SproutOnline.com account. We will delete your information from our system.

Parents Place

What is Parents Place?

Parents Place is a special section on SproutOnline.com that’s just for parents. In it, you’ll find articles and accompanying discussions on subjects that are of interest to parents of small children – everything from ideas for “together time” to advice on developing good eating habits. Each topic begins with an expert opinion from a Sprout partner, such as KidsHealth or Sesame Workshop, but then really takes off when parents like you contribute your own thoughts and perspective. We hope you’ll take part in the discussions. (You must be a registered user to post a comment in Parents Place, but everyone is welcome to read the articles.)

What do I do if I see an offensive or inappropriate posting in Parents Place?

Below each posting, you’ll see a link labeled “Flag as Inappropriate.” Click that link to send a message to Sprout about the posting. We appreciate your feedback. We strive to provide a positive and fun experience for families. 

Sharing Pictures, Recipes, Games and More

What are the Sharing Galleries?

The Sharing Galleries are a public forum for you to share pictures of the good times you’ve been having with your family, and a great way to get ideas from other parents! Registered users can post images to the Sharing Galleries, and everyone can view them. To maintain a family-friendly atmosphere, all images may be subject to review and approval by Sprout prior to being displayed in the Sharing Galleries.

What can I share?

Registered users at SproutOnline.com can share pictures of birthday cards, recipes, crafts and more. We accept digital photos or scans of artwork. We especially love photos of your Sproutlet making crafts and recipes that you find here on SproutOnline.com!

How do I create a picture to share?

Pictures taken with a digital camera will be perfect to upload. Just make sure the file size doesn’t exceed 1MB. You can check the file size by right-clicking on the file name and checking Properties. If the file size is too big, use a program like Microsoft Paint or Microsoft Office Picture Manager to reduce the image size and resave it.

If you don’t have a digital camera, you can take pictures with a regular camera and when you take them in to be developed, ask to receive a CD of your pictures. The files on the CD can then be uploaded to SproutOnline.com.

Are there any restrictions?

Please make sure your pictures don’t include images of non-Sprout copyrighted material or material that other users might find offensive. We urge you to use common sense when uploading pictures of your children. For example, don’t include any images that might help someone identify where you and your children live. For more detasils. please review our terms of use.

Do I have to be a registered user to share a picture?

Yes, but registration for SproutOnline.com is free. Just click the “Login” link at the top of any page and follow the instructions.

Where do I upload a picture?

To upload a picture, log in to SproutOnline.com and go to your My Refrigerator page. Click the Upload link in the Gallery area. Confirm your password, and you’re ready to go!

Is there an upload size limit?

Yes, pictures may not exceed 1MB. You can check the file size by right-clicking on the file name and checking Properties. If the file size is too big, use a program like Microsoft Paint or Microsoft Office Picture Manager to reduce the image size and resave it.

How do I remove a picture that I’ve uploaded?

Log in to SproutOnline.com and click the “My Refrigerator” link at the top of any page then click “Manage My Account.” Within the account management section, click the “Upload” tab. Check the box next to the picture you would like to remove, then click “Delete.”

Are there picture editing tools available on the site?

We do not offer picture editing tools at this time.

Where do I see my pictures after I upload them?

When you upload a picture to SproutOnline.com, you can see it immediately on your My Refrigerator page. If you selected “Only on My Refrigerator page” during the upload, the picture will only be available on your password-protected My Refrigerator page. If you selected “The Sprout Sharing Galleries,” then your picture may be viewable to all SproutOnline.com visitors in the public Sharing Galleries and may even be seen on Sprout TV! To maintain a family-friendly atmosphere, all pictures may be subject to review and approval by Sprout prior to being displayed in the Sharing Galleries. 

What’s the difference between “The Sprout Sharing Galleries” and “Only on My Refrigerator page”?

If you selected “Only on My Refrigerator page” during upload, then your picture will only be available on your password-protected My Refrigerator page. If you selected “The Sprout Sharing Galleries,” then your picture will go into a queue for approval. Once approved, your picture may be viewable to all SproutOnline.com visitors in the public Sharing Galleries and may even be seen on Sprout TV! To maintain a family-friendly atmosphere, all pictures may be subject to review and approval by Sprout prior to being displayed in the Sharing Galleries.

How do I share a picture I’ve uploaded?

There are two ways to share pictures. Registered users can share a photo on your My Refrigerator page can be shared via Sprout Mail. Click on the picture to enlarge it, then click the “Share It” button.

Pictures in the Sharing Galleries can also be shared via Sprout Mail. Simply click on the picture to enlarge it, then click the “Share It” link below the picture and follow the instructions on the form that appears.

What do I do if I see an offensive or inappropriate picture in the Sharing Galleries?

To maintain a family-friendly atmosphere, all pictures may be subject to review and approval by Sprout prior to being displayed in the Sharing Galleries. However, we understand that each family has its own standards for what is offensive or inappropriate. If you see something in the Sharing Galleries that you think should not be there, please contact us by sending an email to info@SproutOnline.com.

My Refrigerator

What is My Refrigerator?

You know how the front of the refrigerator at home turns into your family scrapbook? Well, My Refrigerator is your personal web page that is the same idea. It’s a password-protected page that you can use to upload pictures and save your child's artwork, send spam-free Sprout Mail, link to your Sproutlet's favorite games, and more.

How do I add a Favorite?

Your child’s favorite games, videos, crafts, recipes and activities can be included on your My Refrigerator page for easy access. You add them by clicking on the “Add to Favorites” link on the detail page for that game, video or other item. Look for the heart-shaped icon.

Sprout Mail

What is Sprout Mail?

When you join SproutOnline.com, you get your own Sprout Mail account. Sprout Mail is simple for you to use with your child. Messages can only be sent to people who you add to your Contact List, so you can’t accidentally send someone a Sprout Mail message who’s not on your list. Plus, you can only receive messages from people who you’ve already contacted, so you won’t get any messages from strangers (including spammers). And to make it extra fun, you can upload a photo of each person on your Contact List so your child can help you choose who to send a message to!

Games, Videos and More

Why won’t SproutOnline.com games play on my computer?

Games on SproutOnline.com require the latest version of Flash to run, which can be downloaded for free here:

Flash: http://www.macromedia.com/go/getflashplayer/

Please note that SproutOnline.com games may take several minutes to load for users connecting via a dial-up modem.

If you’re still having difficulties running our games after installing the latest version of Flash, please contact your authorized computer technical support representative for assistance.

Why won’t SproutOnline.com videos play on my computer?

Videos on SproutOnline.com require the latest version of Flash to run, which can be downloaded for free here:

Flash: http://www.macromedia.com/go/getflashplayer/

Please note that SproutOnline.com games may take several minutes to load for users connecting via a dial-up modem.

If you’re still having difficulties running our games after installing the latest version of Flash, please contact your authorized computer technical support representative for assistance.

Why isn’t a SproutOnline.com coloring page or other “printable” viewable on my computer.

Some SproutOnline.com printables require Adobe Acrobat Reader. You can download it for free at http://www.adobe.com/products/acrobat/readstep2.html.

Celebrating Birthdays on The Sunny Side Up Show

How do I submit a birthday card to Sprout? 

The card must be homemade, for your child (age 7 and under), and feature your family's favorite PBS KIDS Sprout character(s). Click here for a list of PBS KIDS Sprout shows.

Be creative and have fun! Here are some ideas to get you started:

• Include a fun picture of your child
• Draw your family's favorite PBS KIDS Sprout character
• Maybe a family pet wants to wish your child a happy birthday? Everyone can get involved - grandmas and grandpas, aunts and uncles, baby sitters and teachers. The more the merrier! 
• Please do not put a last name or address on the front or inside of the card.
• Try to avoid white, orange and pink paper as well as light-colored or very thin markers because they don't show up very well on TV.
• Please do not send in photos or drawings that feature children’s TV characters not featured on Sprout.

Print and sign the entrant release form*. http://www.sproutonline.com/currentsite/birthdays/Birthday.pdf * Requires Adobe Acrobat Reader Click hereto download it.

Mail the birthday card to the mailing address included on the form. You must include the signed release form with your birthday greeting. No card will be selected without a signed release form!

Where will my birthday card be seen?

Birthdays will be celebrated every weekday morning LIVE on The Sunny Side Up Show from 9am – noon ET and special birthday segments on weekends at 9am and 1pm ET. Also, birthday messages will appear in the scroll across the bottom of the screen throughout the show. We’ll wish a happy birthday to all Sproutlets who send in a card or whose parents have entered their name and birthday during registration for SproutOnline.com.

Your birthday card will also be featured on SproutOnline.com! Check for it by visiting The Sunny Side Up Show section of SproutOnline.com.

How are cards selected to be shown on TV?

Selection is based upon uniqueness and creativity of the birthday greeting, as well as the content and the clarity of the card on camera. Unfortunately, we cannot notify the entrants whose cards have been chosen, nor can we return cards or send tapes of The Sunny Side Up Show or weekend birthday segments.

However, remember that all birthday cards are featured on SproutOnline.com! Check for yours by visiting The Sunny Side Up Show section of SproutOnline.com on your child’s actual birthday, or the Sharing Gallery within two weeks before and after the birthday.

What about the scrolling birthday messages?

Cards that are not shown on The Sunny Side Up Show or special weekend birthday segments are eligible to be listed on the scroll, as long as they are received in time, generally two weeks before the birthday, and with the release form. Also, if you have provided your child’s first name and birth date as part of your SproutOnline.com registered account, your child will automatically be part of the scroll! 

Which birthday cards are uploaded to SproutOnline.com?

All cards that meet the criteria above will be featured on SproutOnline.com. Please note that only the front of your card will be shown. Check for it by visiting The Sunny Side Up Show section of SproutOnline.com.

Can you send me a tape of “The Sunny Side Up Show” or special weekend birthday segments? 

Unfortunately, we are unable to release show tapings. We apologize for any inconvenience this might cause you and your family. 

How can I submit a Birthday Wish?

Visit The Sunny Side Up Show section of SproutOnline.com for details.

Sprout Channel Cubby

Before I talk about the Sprout Channel Cubby, lemme talk about the PBS Kids Playtime Pad.

The PBS Kids Playtime Pad is a tablet featuring videos and apps from the #1 trusted kids' network, debuting in 2017.

3 years prior, fellow kids network Sprout also had a tablet, called the Sprout Channel Cubby.

Kids want the same mobile devices we have, and so Big Tent, Sprout’s licensing agent, eMatic, the product manufacturer, and Walmart developed a children's tablet loaded with content from the Sprout Channel. StyleWorks Creative started by creating a landing screen to give eMatic a clear graphic direction. The next step was the tablet naming process. All Sprout employees took part in a naming contest, which yielded over 250 names. The top twenty-five were tested with the Sprout audience, and based on their feedback, we generated even more names and logo treatments. The final three were designed and presented to Walmart.

From Vimeo

The tablet came with episodes and songs of Sprout shows and blocks, as well as printables and apps, including the Crayola original Color, Draw, and Sing and the Sunny Side Up Show Weather Reports, which were usually sent in to the block. The tablet had the same safe play environment the channel had.

Best of all, the tablet could go with kids anywhere. The Sprout Channel Cubby got discontinued in 2015.

The Good Night Show study

The Good Night Show was a hit with Sproutlets from 2005 until 2017, but recently, I found an 11-year old study saying claiming that the block was detrimental to a child's sleep patterns by running for 3 hours with two repeats and not helping to lull kids to sleep.

NEW YORK — Some experts say a three-hour bedtime TV show for preschoolers does more to keep kids awake than ease them into sleep.

Harvard University psychologist Susan Linn, who runs the Campaign for a Commercial-Free Childhood, asked the PBS Kids Sprout network to get rid of "The Good Night Show," which mixes cartoons and skits with a puppet about getting ready for bed.

Linn said the show seems more designed to keep kids in front of the TV than spend time with their parents.

But PBS Kids Sprout chief Sandy Wax says she lives in the "real world" where families watch television, and is trying to do her best to put on programs that help parents.

"The Good Night Show" has aired from 6 to 9 p.m. since the 2005 start of PBS Kids Sprout, a digital network aimed at children aged 2 to 5 and available in fewer than half of the nation's TV homes. The show features Nina, an actress who portrays a parentlike figure, and a star-shaped puppet named Star.

They appear in between cartoons such as "Caillou," "Thomas & Friends" and "Angelina Ballerina," discussing themes like responsibility. The show was created with the help of pediatric psychologists and is designed for parents to watch with their children as the young ones are getting ready for bed, Wax said.

Linn, who wrote to Wax this week along with the Center for Screen-Time Awareness, questions whether there should be a TV network for preschoolers in the first place. She doesn't object to the cartoons on "The Good Night Show," just how they are marketed.

"Don't pretend that the reason you have programming is to help children go to sleep," she said.

On one show in February, Star pleads at 7:12 p.m. for more time to stay up. "We can stay up a little longer, because coming up our Sproutlet friends have something to share with us," Nina replies, telling viewers, "don't go away."

Fifty minutes later, it's still not time for Star to go to bed.

When the show was over, an ad runs encouraging children to visit the network's Web site.

"We want the viewer to know that the show is going to continue on," Wax said. "But it's the parent's decision of when to go to bed."

Jodi Mindell, a psychologist and expert on sleep issues at St. Joseph's University, said that studies show TV viewing at bedtime is detrimental to children. TV is stimulating and engaging, precisely at a time you want children to disengage, she said.

One-third of parents with children aged 6 and lower said their children have televisions in their bedrooms, according to the National Sleep Foundation. Ninety percent of children aged 4 to 6 either spend time on the computer or watch television or videos each day, the group said.

Bedtime, in particular, is an important time for parents to spend with their children, Mindell said. "It's very sad to replace quality parent-child time with television," she said.

If the television has to be on, "The Good Night Show" beats cartoons with Ninja warriors, she said.

Wax said the program is designed to promote that time together, for parents to watch while cuddling with their kids on the couch. It's tough enough to be a parent, "let's not take away things that are being helpful," she said.

"We're not about this ideology of what should and shouldn't happen in the home," she said. "We're living in the real world."

Linn said she was concerned that the involvement of PBS would trick parents into thinking "The Good Night Show" was better for their children than it is. PBS Kids Sprout, however, is a for-profit network with partners that include Comcast, PBS, HIT Entertainment and Sesame Workshop, Wax said

Susan Linn, who runs the Campaign for a Commercial-Free Childhood wrote to the then-president Sandy Wax about the block, which was keeping its viewers awake.

This was from March 2009, but the block kept going as late as March 31, 2017.

Wax said she lived in the "real world," where families watched television together and reassured Sprout would put on more programs to appeal to both parents and kids.

In one blockisode, Star pleaded to stay up, but Nina encouraged him to watch more shows.

To me, this block doesn't encourage staying up late. The Campaign for a Commercial-Free Childhood should watch The Chica Show episode "Tweet Dreams, Chica." In that episode, Chica stays up late but doesn't have much energy the next morning. And I don't want that to happen to Sproutlets.

Kidscreen Interview with Andrew Beecham

This article is an interview with SVP Andrew Beecham and Josh Selig (the creator of Oobi and Wonder Pets) and does provide us with some very interesting details. First, it came out in 2009 and it mentions that Wiggly Waffle will be coming soon. This is contrasted by ITV's interview with then-president Sandy Wax.

Wait-Wait-Wait, did Selig say Barney has been putting him to sleep? Parents hated him in the 1990s because of overbearing niceness and the almost cult-like hold he had on their kids.

This article also explains the writing process of blockisodes of The Sunny Side Up Show. SSU is my favorite programming block, and it's interesting to hear this. But all I really want to see is a behind the scenes pic of the block filming (even though I know there are a few out on the internet).

And finally, Josh and Andrew sing a song about the channel's success to the tune of The Twelve Days of Christmas. Dare to sing along, Sproutlets?!

PICMe

Madeline Fretz - PICMe was an Irish show, produced by the company Jam Media and HiT Entertainment, originating from Nickelodeon in that country.

Here's the setup! Parents would upload a photo of their child to sproutonline.com, and it would be cropped down to a headshot and affixed on a cartoon body. A few days later, a cartoon of the child would be shown on PICMe, alongside the characters - a giraffe, elephant, crocodile, monkey, lion, and parrot.

The show would be shown a few times on the Sunny Side Up Show.

The show stopped airing in late 2011.

Big Sister, Little Brother

One of the shows that aired on Sprout on launch day was Big Sister, Little Brother, a Swedish cartoon produced by HiT Entertainment in the 90s.

A news article about Sprout's Comcast VOD service lists the show among "Children's Favourites," alongside Boohbah, a handful of Nelvana shows, Zoboomafoo, Kratt's Creatures, Captain Pugwash, Fireman Sam (2003), Pingu, and Make Way for Noddy.

The show stopped airing on Sprout as of 2009, a few months before the rebrand and the addition of Wiggly Waffle. 

Initially, Sprout aired the Canadian cartoon Stella and Sam alongside Sarah and Duck and Zou in 2013, which shares similarities to Big Sister, Little Brother.

The History of Sprout: The Second Generation, 2009-2015

Sprout was an instant cable-and-VOD success among kids and families. But, they had to make a few changes.

Popular children's artists the Wiggles joined Sprout on August 24th, 2009, with their new programming block Wiggly Waffle, airing from 6:00am to 9:00am, where they would tell jokes, sing songs, and play games with viewer submissions.

On September 21st, Sprout rebranded to feature new idents, promos, and block themes, coinciding with the new Good Night Show season. A few shows joined (such as Rubbadubbers), causing ones that have been there on launch day to be dropped.

In 2010, Sprout launched an HD channel simulcasting with its standard-definition counterpart, encouraging preschoolers to watch shows on the channel in HD.

Also in 2010, Sprout started to invest in original programming like Noodle and Doodle, The Chica Show (a 2012 spin-off of The Sunny Side Up Show), and full-length episode versions of Jim Henson's Pajanimals music videos. There were also new shows that have not aired on PBS nor produced by HiT or Sesame (ex: Chloe's Closet and Justin Time)

In 2011, Sprout launched the initiative Kindness Counts, designed to help teach the importance of positive values and social behaviors to younger children. Promos included such characters like Big Bird or Barney.

Comcast acquired a majority stake in NBCUniversal that year, and assume a full ownership of the company in 2013. As a result, Comcast's interest in Sprout was turned over to the company. With Apax Funds (UK) and Mattel (here) acquiring HiT Entertainment, the company decided to quit funding the network, albeit shows like Barney and Thomas still running. Same with Sesame Workshop in December of 2012. As a result, the "PBS Kids" branding was dropped from the channel's name, and operations moved to New York from Pennsylvania.

Also in 2012, Sprout and NBCUniversal launched a Saturday morning programming block for children called NBC Kids. The block lasted until 2016, when The More You Know launched.

Sprout also debuted a float called "Daytime, Playtime, Nighttime Too" for the 86th Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade that year, featuring the presenters of The Sunny Side Up Show and The Good Night Show.

In 2013, Sprout announced a contest based on the Kindness Counts initiative. The winner would become the channel's "Chief Kindness Officer" for a day and visit the set of The Sunny Side Up Show.

Sprout had new graphics introduced for the 10th anniversary, convinced in an effort to compete with PAW Patrol. A few PBS shows were dropped as well. Sesame Street was removed, Barney and Thomas were also removed, although the former would return in December 2018 on Universal Kids. Bob the Builder was disposed of, and Super WHY! was axed.

The History of Sprout: part 1 - The First Generation, 2005-2009

Madeline Fretz - NBCUniversal is big: it has many networks (NBC1, NBC2, NBC3, NBC4, NBC News, NBC Sports, Universal Kids, and the upcoming Peacock streaming service), launched in 1926. But PBS is also a growing company - it has different stations with their own schedules in each state, launched in 1970. Meanwhile, Sesame Workshop and Mattel's HiT Entertainment are both owners of growing children's brands (from Sesame Street and Dragon Tales to Thomas and Bob the Builder).

Over the years, there have been many children's networks just for them in America - PBS Kids, PBS Kids GO!, the long-running Noggin, Nick Jr. (Noggin's rebrand), Playhouse Disney, Disney Junior, Nickelodeon, Nicktoons, Cartoon Network, Disney Channel, Disney XD, Qubo, The Hub, Discovery Kids, Discovery Family, Universal Kids, and my personal favorite - PBS Kids Sprout - the first 24/7 children's channel of its kind. (before it dumbed down in 2015 in my opinion).

But we're gonna talk about the first generation (2005-2009) and the second generation (2009-2015), which featured many PBS shows like Sesame Street, Barney & Friends, and Caillou.

So, here is the history of Sprout.

In October 2004, rumors started circulating about PBS and Comcast together launching a 24/7 cable brand for kids alongside an on-demand service which offered 50+ hours of programming, allowing kids to choose whatever shows they want any time of day, according to articles like this one. The key people of each company had this to say about the then-upcoming service:

"We're thrilled to announce this partnership with the leading providers of family-friendly, educational children's programming," said Brian L. Roberts, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Comcast. 

"This channel will be a resource for parents and caregivers, who will be able to depend on it to always offer age-appropriate viewing options that present positive, enriching messages. We're committed to launching this new channel in a significant number of our markets, and we will work with other cable and satellite companies to reach as many customers as possible.""The new channel brings together a wonderful lineup of children's content that will delight and inspire young children and their families for generations to come," said Peter Orton, Chairman of HIT Entertainment. "This is a transforming deal for HIT as we make our first move into broadcasting. And we are delighted to be in partnership with Comcast, PBS and Sesame Workshop, each of whom brings their own tremendous and unique strengths to this ground-breaking venture.

"PBS is committed to maintaining its leadership role in delivering the best educational programming to as many children and parents as possible," said Pat Mitchell, President and CEO of PBS. "This unique public/private partnership not only assures a strong, viable PBS KIDS programming block on PBS stations, available free over-the-air, but also extends PBS' mission into different platforms. We are happy to be in a mutually beneficial partnership with Sesame Workshop, HIT Entertainment and Comcast.

"For 36 years, Sesame Workshop has achieved enormous success in fulfilling its mission to use television and other media to help children reach their highest potential," said Gary E. Knell, President and CEO, of the nonprofit educational organization Sesame Workshop. "We are thrilled to be joining with our primary broadcaster, PBS, and extending our footprint together through this exciting new venture with leading content and distribution partners."

 

In April of next year, Comcast itself announced the new channel would be called PBS Kids Sprout. I don't know why they chose that name. According to the channel's former president Sandy Wax, "Launching the video-on-demand channel first was a good way to get the word out and get the brand out." (according to https://www.tvweek.com/in-depth/2005/12/saluting-sprouts-launch-pbs-sp/). At launch, PBS Kids Sprout was available for no additional charge in Comcast markets with VOD service and is being brought to viewers in association with local PBS stations. Well-known shows were in its own categories, but there was one for lesser-knowns like Boohbah and Kipper called "Children's Favourites." The VOD service also featured Spanish dubs as well as Sesame Street's co-production Plaza Sesamo. Once again, the owners of each company had this to say about the VOD service.

"Children's programming is one of the most popular VOD categories, and now Comcast is offering customers even more of the programs they enjoy anytime they want," said Brian Roberts, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Comcast. "Families can depend on PBS KIDS Sprout for the programs kids love and parents trust."

"Bringing together shows children love and parents trust - from Bob the Builder to Barney & Friends to Sesame Street - PBS KIDS Sprout is the ultimate destination for preschoolers and their families," said Charlie Caminada, Chief Operating Officer, HIT Entertainment. "This unprecedented partnership couples quality programming from the leaders in children's content with the leading US cable provider and the most trusted name in children's television, PBS KIDS."

"This partnership provides a second home for the popular, award-winning children's programming block that PBS stations premiere in every home in America, free and over-the-air," added Pat Mitchell, PBS President and CEO. "Delivered locally on cable in association with our stations, and via satellite, the new service extends the access to these programs that children love and parents trust to 24 hours a day, seven days a week."

"Imagine laughing and learning with Elmo, Big Bird and even Oscar any time of day," said Gary E. Knell, President and CEO of Sesame Workshop. "PBS KIDS Sprout offers parents an opportunity to set up a playdate for their kids with some feathered and furry friends, and a chance for a new generation of children to enjoy engaging shows at their convenience."

 On September 26th, 2005, after months of preparation, the four companies finally launched the 24/7 digital linear channel alongside its website, which was then called Sproutletsgrow.com!

As a result, the 24/7 PBS Kids channel, as well as many local PBS Kids stations, shut down and redirected to PBS Kids Sprout.

At that time, the channel had presenters, similar to CBeebies in the UK. At launch day, there was Melanie Martinez (who was fired the following year for appearing in an inappropriate PSA) and Kevin Yamada (the voice of Rexy on Caillou). The former presented The Good Night Show, a block with slow-paced programming, educational themes, stretches, and crafts helping kids get ready to sleep, while the latter presented The Birthday Show, a segment which featured sent-in birthday cards and recipes. It later became a block in 2006.

Unlike the VOD service, the cable channel had different types of programming morning, noon, and night. Morning programming featured shows designed for kids to get ready for the day, late Morning and Afternoon programming featured educational shows for kids staying home from school, Noon programming featured shows aimed at kids returning from school, and evening programming was The Good Night Show.

The idents for the channel were designed by a company called Primal Screen, who later did idents for PBS Kids and Cartoon Network. These idents were meant to resemble a classic children's picture book, and followed the typical day of a preschooler (Breakfast, Bathtime, Bedtime etc), and often featured Sprout characters (Caillou, Bob the Builder, Elmo etc).

One of the sponsors for the new network was Kimberly-Clark's Huggies.

In summer 2007, Sprout launched The Let's Go Show, a block encouraging viewers to appreciate music and science, airing on weekend mornings and afternoons, and hosted by Miles and puppy puppet Banjo. That was before the end of the beginning in September of that year.

Sprout launched two other new blocks. Musical Mornings with Coo, a block produced by Jim Henson Digital Studios and hosted by a cuckoo bird named Coo (Julianne Buescher) as well as Elizabeth Balzano, who hosted the DTV autism series Bounce, airing from 6:00am to 9:00am.

The other block was The Sunny Side Up Show, presented by none other than Yamada of The Birthday Show, who suggested someone be another presenter - none other than Kelly Vrooman (Sean Roach later joined that year). Yamada and Vrooman were joined by Chica the Chicken, performed by Forrest Harding. The latter block aired live from 9:00am to 12:00pm, and featured material sent in by viewers (similar to the non-Sprout PBS show ZOOM) like birthday cards and weather reports, as well as guest appearances from characters like Big Bird and Barney.

In 2008, Sprout launched The Sprout Sharing Show, which featured puppets (Patty the Pig (Vrooman), Ricky the Rabbit (Yamada), and Curtis E. Owl (Brendan Gawell)). The block aired from 3:00pm to 6:00pm, and, like The Sunny Side Up Show, featured viewer submissions like videos and drawings. PICMe was an Irish show in which children would put their faces into the episodes.

Also in that year, Bright House Networks Digital Cable (now Spectrum) acquired Sprout.

Sprout also launched a new campaign called "Sprout Please," which encouraged people to ask for Sprout in their neighborhood by calling 1-866-9-SPROUT. One promo featured Elizabeth Mitchell's cover of Bob Marley's "Three Little Birds..

Sprout teamed up with Mott's for Tots to promote "Sprout Smart," focusing on Healthy Living and Nutrition. “With the multitude of messages that parents are regularly exposed to regarding their child’s development, we know that it can be overwhelming to families with preschoolers,” said Eileen Diskin, vice president of marketing for PBS KIDS Sprout. “Sprout Smart offers expert guidance in the form of fun and credible tips, tools and resources that are easily accessible to parents and meaningful to preschoolers.”

Sprout collaborated with the Pajama Program to launch The Great Sprout Tuck-In, which was a prosocial initiative that extended Sprout's "Good Night" mission and encouraged families to share in the spirit of giving through PSAs appropriate for adult and preschool audiences, nighttime programming and a donation-match program.

TO BE CONTINUED...