As Netflix and other services siphon young audiences away from traditional networks, Nickelodeon's executives are going back to the vault.
Two top authorities told Variety the kids' network is currently working on developing a made-for-TV movie based on "Hey Arnold!," the animated series centering on a kid with a football-shaped head living with his grandparents in a boarding house that ran from 1996 to 2004.
Variety reports that the movie will explain what happened to Arnold's parents, a question the original show never answered. Nickelodeon has not yet revealed a release date for the movie, which will be written and produced by its original creator Craig Bartlett, who also wrote the other "Hey Arnold!" feature: "Hey Arnold! The Movie."
"Hey Arnold!" is one of 14 series the network has dug out of its vaults to air on "The Splat," a TeenNick segment that started bringing back '90s shows in a rotating schedule last month. And it's not the only one getting a special feature -- the executives hinted at the possibility for other shows, like "Ren and Stimpy" or "The Wild Thornberrys."
Despite the attempt to milk our '90s nostalgia for all it's worth, Nickelodeon realizes its former audience has grown up. Their challenge is to invite new viewers in with the old.
"You have to remember people who are going to watch really don’t have a recollection of 'Hey Arnold!'" Russell Hicks, president of content development and production for Nickelodeon told Variety. "You have to make it relevant to them but also nod to the audience that is going to be interested."
For more, head to Variety.
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