It seems like TeenNick is in the middle of some kind of identity crisis. On the one hand they have the teenager oriented mature programming that made them: Degrassi, The Best Years, Whistler, Beyond the Break, Instant Star etc. complete with critically acclaimed shows that make them look good (South of Nowhere, Degrassi.) And on the other hand they have the younger oriented programming that they brought in after the 24/7 switch (Ned's Declassified, Zoey 101, Full House etc.) Not an entirely bad direction - becoming cool with the younger crowd - you can get more years of loyalty out of them. Then again it really pisses off all of your older, been-with-you-forever viewers.
With the re-brand they seem to be stuck - not sure which audience to cater to. They're continuing with Degrassi - which still has some pretty mature story lines, and they've put "Gigantic" into production - a show that was in the works since 2007 and was probably delayed because of the 24/7 switch. The HALO awards - could be considered younger or older teen oriented, I'd think it'd be target towards older teens since the stereotype is that people get more socially conscious/service oriented in their college years. (Then again, it could have been targeted towards everyone, money is money.)
On the other hand the majority of airtime is filled with programming targeted towards tweens and children (or families in the case of Full House.) And Nick Cannon's suggestions of shows like "
reality competition to form new Josie and the Pussy Cats band" or the TeenNick acquired "
friends in Fashion High School compete in design competition" hardly sound like they're meant for teens.
Until they make some kind of final decision - they just try to squeeze both types of programming and hope it works out. Here's a section where this doesn't seem to be going too well: (Programming copied from AT&T U-verse TV Guide. All times are Eastern. Programming may change if TeenNick comes to their senses.)
Monday January 4th
4:30PM Ned's Declassified “Guide to: Popularity and Stress”
Student makes a controversial list of the most popular kids in School; Ned has girlfriend troubles, and Moze worries about her future.
5:00PM Degrassi: "Moonlight Desires"
Marco's attempts to clean up Degrassi's image don't work out as well as he hoped; Spinner and Jay seek revenge on the neighborhood for their troubled lives. [AKA The one where Marco can't donate blood because he's gay, Marco and Dylan break up, and Jay and Spinner conspire to burn down the school. Oh and Marco kisses Craig.]
Tuesday January 5th
4:30PM: Ned's Declassified “Guide to: Social Studies and Embarrassment”
The kids work on group projects for Social Studies class and hope to win a trip to the state's capital; Moze get's injured while trying to impress the new guy.
5:00PM: Degrassi "Lexicon of Love, Part 1"
As a movie filmed around the DeGrassi neighborhood premieres, Paige and Alex learn to enjoy hanging out, while Emma makes a surprising discovery. [AKA the one where Paige and Alex get together.]
Wednesday January 6th
4:30PM: Ned's Declassified “Guide to: Dismissal and The School Play”
"Ned starts to feel crowded when Suzie moves into his locker and throws away some of his tips; Ned doesn't want to kiss another boy in the play."
5:00PM: Degrassi "Eyes Without A Face Pt. 2"
Darcy continues to post racy pictures online but is attacked by a disturbed pervert claiming to be her biggest fan; Spinner and Darcy break up when he objects to her racy pictures; Ellie dates her news editor Jesse. [AKA the one where Darcy posts pictures and then get's stalked by Peter's creepo "friend"]
Thursday January 7th
4:30PM: Ned's Declassified: “Guide to: Hallways and Friends Moving”
Ned takes on the job of hall monitor as cookie writes a Hallway Traffic Report; Ned and Moze learn that Faymen is moving away and try to find a way he can stay.
5:00PM: Degrassi: "Standing in the Dark Part 1"
Toby is upset when Lakehurst moves to Degrassi after a fire burned down their school during winter break; Darcy and Peter go public with their relationship, but when Darcy get's intoxicated, something happens that will change her life forever. [AKA the one where Darcy is raped.]
Can we just come to a decision? Cause the parents of all the tweens are ticked that Degrassi and it's Degrassi-ness is on the channel they believe is aimed at tweens, and the teens are pissed that 80% of airtime is filled with shows they don't like, and that aren't targeted towards them.
