So the hardworking people at HN work their magic and once again and came out with another perfect concoction. Sabrina is an outstanding show. The look and feel is stunningly gorgeous and the characters are very likable. Funny moments happen throughout. I can’t wait for more. Alongside SheZow, the Saturday noon hour is a block of excellence.
From http://www.nickandmore.com/2013/10/24/my-little-pony-returns-for-fourth-season-november-23/:
[size=6]“My Little Pony” Returns for Fourth Season November 23[/size]
[quote]via Hub press release:
The popular animated series, “My Little Pony Friendship is Magic” from Hasbro Studios, will return for a fourth season on Saturday, November 23, with two all-new, back-to-back episodes starting at 10 a.m. ET/ 7 a.m. PT, on the Hub Network, a destination for kids and their families. Prior to the season premiere, there will be a special airing of the Hasbro Studios’ feature film “My Little Pony Equestria Girls” at 8:30 a.m. ET/ 5:30 a.m. PT.
The fourth season begins with a revealing two-part premiere in which the newly crowned Princess Twilight must balance her new royal duties and her friendship with the other ponies. Amid preparations for the Summer Sun Celebration in Canterlot, Princesses Celestria and Luna go missing and the Everfree Forest is taking over Equestria. These unexpected turn of events sends Princess Twilight and her pony friends on a quest to discover a mysterious foe who threatens to destroy everything. It is all up to Princess Twilight and her friends to help save Equestria from being destroyed. As part of the journey, PrincessTwilight is given the chance to discover the secret behind the Elements of Harmony.[/quote]
http://www.nickandmore.com/2013/11/27/hub-network-schedule-changes-transformers-animated-g-i-joe-series-return-batman-the-animated-series-leaves/[size=5]Hub Network Schedule Changes: “Transformers Animated,” “G.I. Joe” Series Return; “Batman: The Animated Series” Leaves[/size] <- click for schedule
[quote]The Hub Network is shaking their schedule up for the first time this fall. On December 9, weekdays will see plenty of changes, including the return of several series.
First up, starting December 2nd, Batman: The Animated Series will leave the network. It’s unclear whether they have lost rights or its just taking a break, like other shows have at times. Batman: TAS has been on The Hub non-stop since September 2011. The show’s weekday 8am slot will be replaced with Transformers Animated – which returns to the network for the first time since May.
Then starting December 9, G.I. Joe Renegades, G.I. Joe Sigma 6 and Batman Beyond will also return to the Hub Network’s airwaves. Plus, Goosebumps, The Haunting Hour and Family Game Night will join (or re-join) weekdays.
Leaving the weekday line-up: Care Bears: Welcome to Care-a-Lot, The Twisted Whiskers Show, Sabrina, the Teenage Witch and Mork & Mindy. It’s unclear whether these series will air on the weekends.[/quote]
Stan Lee’s Mighty 7 (Promo) - Hub Network
This certainly makes the re-branding official. Love the website and they even had a date and time for Stan Lee.
From http://www.nickandmore.com/2014/01/13/hub-network-launches-updated-logo-on-air-design-and-website/:
[size=6]Hub Network Launches Updated Logo, On-Air Design and Website[/size]
[quote]This morning, the Hub Network launched a new, slightly updated logo, along with a completely new on-air design and a new website at HubNetwork.com.
The network is also going by the new tagline: “Making Family Fun.”
Their updated logo has the purple “Hub” text now in italics, while the “Network” portion has the new across-the-board font being used on-air and on their website.
The new HubNetwork.com has a “HubNews” section with details on the new features at their website.[/quote]
[size=5]“Transformers Rescue Bots” Returns for Second Season Saturday, March 1[/size]
[quote]via the Hub Network press release:
THE AUTOBOTS ARE BACK AS “TRANSFORMERS RESCUE BOTS” RETURNS FOR ITS SECOND SEASON ON THE HUB NETWORK, MARCH 1
Premiere Kicks Off With Two Back-to-Back, Action-Packed Episodes
LOS ANGELES – “Transformers Rescue Bots,” animated series, created especially for younger TRANSFORMERS fans, returns for its second season on Saturday, March 1, with two all-new, back-to-back episodes starting at 1:00 p.m. ET/ 10 a.m. PT, on the Hub Network, a destination for kids and their families. Beginning on Saturday, March 8, new episodes of the show will air at 1:30 p.m. ET/10:30 a.m. PT. The series is produced by Hasbro Studios. In addition, HubNetwork.com will launch a fun-filled new match game called “Hero Hunt.”
The second season of “Transformers Rescue Bots” kicks off with action-packed, episode “Road Trip”, where a tricky transporter takes Cody for a crazy ride and Kade takes on a high-flying rescue mission. The second episode, “Sky Forest” has Cody and Frankie going head to head in a town inventor contest, leading to a jealous divide between the two. To make matters worse, Frankie’s contest entry gets out of control, not only threatening her friendship with Cody and the Bots, but the safety of the entire island.[/quote]
From http://www.nickandmore.com/2014/02/18/sister-sister-joins-hub-network-in-march/:
[size=5]“Sister, Sister” Joins Hub Network in March[/size]
[quote]It’s that time of the year again, where Hub Network acquires a new series to go with its prime time lineup. This time, it is bringing back the 1990s classic Sister, Sister.
Here is the promo video: http://youtu.be/B106Ch1iLk0
The series will air weeknights at 7 and 7:30 p.m. (Eastern Time) starting March 3rd.[/quote]
…
[size=5]Hub Network March Schedule Changes: More “Ponies” & “Pets,” Less Action[/size]
[quote]Starting Monday, March 3rd, the Hub Network is stripping its weekday line-up of key action series in the mornings for more episodes of My Little Pony and Littlest Pet Shop.
In total, eight series are leaving their weekday timeslots – with uncertain, and unlikely, weekend times for many of them. The Twisted Whiskers Show, Transformers Animated, G.I. Joe Renegades, G.I. Joe Sigma 6, Batman Beyond, Superman: The Animated Series, Goosebumps and The Haunting Hour are all gone from weekdays starting March 3. The latter two are the most likely to remain in the weekend timeslots.
Re-joining the weekday line-up are Jem and the Holograms, Transformers Generation 1 and Care Bears: Welcome to Care-a-Lot. Jem will air at 6am, followed by Transformers Gen 1 at 6:30, Transformers Prime moves up to 7am followed by Transformers Rescue Bots at 7:30 and Super Hero Squad Show moves to 8am for only one weekday showing.
Two episodes of Tiny Toons will now air from 8:30-9:30am, followed by one episode of Animaniacs at 9:30. Care Bears re-joins weekdays at 10am followed by two episodes of Strawberry Shortcake’s Berry Bitty Adventures. My Little Pony will pick-up three addition weekday showings from 11:30am-1pm followed by Littlest Pet Shop from 1-2pm. Pound Puppies slides up to 2-3:30pm with more My Little Pony from 3:30-5pm. Two more Littlest Pet Shop episodes will air from 5-6pm, followed by Family Game Night moving up to 6pm.
At 7pm is the new addition of Sister, Sister. Movies will continue at 8pm with encores at midnight. Step by Step remains in the 10pm hour with Sabrina and Family Ties in the 11pm hour. Sister, Sister repeats will air from 2-3am followed by Step by Step encores from 3-4am. 4-6am remains the same with Sabrina, Family Ties and back-to-back ALF episodes.
Weekends are still unknown, but few changes are expected.[/quote]
Sister, Sister I used to watch on the Disney Channel back in the day but never watched it on UP. I might consider watching it on HN if CN has a night of no premieres in that hour. Great acquisition on their part. When I see these schedule changes, the more I’m not surprised. These particular shows need a break and with Upfront season upon us, it’s time to shake things up. I’m glad Transformers Generation 1 is returning. I was thinking the schedule needed that HUBOOM flavor back. Hopefully G.I Joe will be around the corner.
[size=5]Hub Network Announces New Animated Transformers Series Starring Bumblebee for 2015[/size]
[quote]via the Hub Network press release:
THE HUB NETWORK ANNOUNCES BRAND NEW TRANSFORMERS SERIES IN PRODUCTION NOW FOR 2015
Will Friedle, Darren Criss and Constance Zimmer to Star in New Animated Series by Hasbro Studios
LOS ANGELES – The Hub Network, champions of family fun and the only network dedicated to providing kids and their families entertainment they can watch together, announced today that a new animated series is currently in production for the globally renowned TRANSFORMERS brand. Set to debut in early 2015, the new action-packed series is being produced by Hasbro Studios, the production and distribution division of Hasbro, Inc., and is executive produced by Jeff Kline (“Transformers Prime,” “G.I. Joe Renegades”).
Taking place years after the battle between Autobots and Decepticons in “Transformers Prime,” this all new series centers around our hero Bumblebee stepping up to lead a brand new team of Autobots. The show features an all-star cast with Will Friedle (“Boy Meets World”) returning as Bumblebee, along with Darren Criss (“Glee”), Constance Zimmer (“House of Cards”) and Ted McGinley (“Married with Children”). Blending 3D characters with hand-painted environments, the series mixes action-packed adventure with lots of comedy, making it a rip-roaring experience for kids and families to enjoy together.
This is a big year as the TRANSFORMERS brand celebrates its 30th anniversary. The Hub Network will also be celebrating the success of the franchise with special events to be announced later this year.[/quote]
The upfront isn’t out yet but their direction will be quite different this year.
UPDATE: Well this is awkward. Discovery Communications finished upfront season and Hub Network didn’t have one after all. [strike]I guess I’ll just add upcoming news to this post for a while.[/strike]
[size=6]Hub Network Taps Joey Fatone To Build Primetime Family Block[/size]
[spoiler]The network, jointly owned by cable programmer Discovery Communications and toy maker Hasbro, expects to gradually abandon the reruns of “Step by Step,” “Family Ties” and “Sabrina, The Teenage Witch” in favor of originals designed to lure kids and families together. The first step in that effort is “Parents Don’t Just Understand,” a 22-episode reality series from Endemol’s 51 Minds Entertainment hosted by Joey Fatone that is slated to debut in the fall. The series will let kids and parents get a peek at what it’s like to live inside each other’s shoes.
“We have to cut the umbilical cord to old sitcoms,” said Margaret Loesch, president and chief executive of The Hub Network, who expects The Hub to have six original series for primetime over the next 18 months. “It’s not easy. It’s expensive. And it takes real commitment. But we are past that point. We feel this is the right time for us to do it.” The Hub will continue showing movies in primetime, she said, and its daytime focus will remain on shows aimed mostly at children.
Toddlers have growth spurts, and so too do cable networks. They often start out running acquired programs that fit with the theme under which they were created, but find the repeat strategy often has limits. To make a true mark, Hub must – much like FX, AMC and Nick at Nite before it – develop signature original shows that sharpen its identity to viewers and advertisers
The network does so at a competitive time. Since the network debuted in 2010, Walt Disney’s Disney Junior has launched and gained tracition with programs like “Doc McStuffins.” NBCUniversal has purchased the entirety of preschooler network Sprout that it did not own. Nickelodeon has been investing more heavily in its flagship network and Nick Jr. since it was affected by ratings woes in 2011 and 2012.
Loesch believes The Hub can find a broader audience by doing what its rivals don’t. Disney primetime programming remains a place for kids, she said, while Nickelodeon’s “Nick at Nite” lineup is largely for adults. “I think that we are sandwiched right in between,” she said. “There is an opportunity.” The network will invest “scores of millions of dollars,” she said, declining to be more specific, noting only that “a significant amount” would be invested in the new programs.
Executives at The Hub have been mulling the move for the past year, Loesch said. They noticed how its one of its few original primetime shows, “Family Game Night,” was very well received by viewers. After running the idea by the network’s board of directors, executives sought more validity for their theories. Working with Ipsos, The Hub found 86% of parents in a survey enjoyed spending time with their children by watching TV programs with them, said Loesch.
Advertisers also expressed support for the idea, said Nicole Cleary, Hub’s vice president of national ad sales. She expects the new primetime direction to help The Hub attract more advertising from auto marketers, wireless companies, and travel and tourism sponsors as well as help grow ad revenue from advertisers who already support the network.
Loesch likens the programming idea to one that was popular on ABC in the 1980s and 1990s. During that time, the network created a block of family-oriented programs on Friday nights. Among the shows that came to notice during that era: “Family Matters,” “Perfect Strangers,” “Step By Step,” Boy Meets World” and “Full House.”
The programs won’t shy away from serious matters, the CEO said. “We want to make them meaningful” and have them “generate discussion,” she said.
“Parents Just Don’t Understand” will place parents in the midst of their kids’ overscheduled lives while offering children a taste of what it might be like to be responsible for keeping things going at home and at work. Host Fatone will serve as an exec producer of the series along with Christian Sarabia and Rabih Golam.
The Hub has already taken steps to get viewers to see the network in a different way. Since January, the outlet has modified its logo and sported a new tag line, “making family fun.” One recent new promo shows parents and kids horsing around in yards, homes and other environs.[/spoiler]
[size=5]“KID PRESIDENT: DECLARATION OF AWESOME” STARRING YOUTUBE SENSATION KID PRESIDENT TO PREMIERE THIS JUNE ON THE HUB NETWORK[/size]
[spoiler](Los Angeles, Ca.) The Hub Network, champions of family fun and the only network dedicated to providing kids and their families entertainment they can watch together, will premiere an all-new series this June called “Kid President: Declaration of Awesome” starring YouTube sensation, Kid President (aka, Robby Novak), whose online videos promoting love, laughter, and having fun, have featured everyone from President Obama to Beyoncé. The announcement was made this morning by Kid President himself on his YouTube channel, which can be viewed here (http://youtu.be/M8PK61vBXMc). The series is executive produced by actor Rainn Wilson (“The Office”) and Robby Novak’s brother-in-law, the show’s creator, Brad Montague. SoulPancake Television, LLC, will produce the “Kid President” TV series.
Ten-year-old Robby Novak created a worldwide following after his moving video, “A Pep Talk from Kid President to You,” went viral. That video is part of a YouTube series titled “Kid President” that has more than 75 million total views. Kid President’s online series is based on the belief that kids have a voice that needs to be heard and together with grown-ups they can make the world a better place. One of Kid President’s core philosophies is to “treat everybody like it’s their birthday.”
“At the Hub Network, Robby’s Kid President platform is one that we think everyone can embrace, because he is charming, clever, funny, inspirational and very relevant to today’s kids and families,” said Margaret Loesch, President and CEO, Hub Network. “With over 75 million views, we know ‘Kid President’ has the kind of cross-generational appeal that will speak to our core audience of children who like watching our shows with their parents and families.”
“Kid President is all about getting kids and grown-ups to work together to make the world more awesome,” says Executive Producer Rainn Wilson. “This show is an amazing blend of humor and heart, and The Hub Network is the perfect place for us to continue our mission to give the world a reason to dance. Plus, the network sent us an industrial-sized freezer full of corndogs. And we will do just about anything for corndogs.”
The docu-variety series reflects the universal values of kids and families across the country as seen through the lens of Kid President, whose playful spirit and positive approach to life inspires viewers to change this world for the better. In each episode, Kid President introduces a theme that is explored through interviews and interactions with a variety of diverse families. Each episode also features interactions between Kid President and a celebrity, as he has in the past with President Barack Obama, Steve Carell, and Beyoncé, among others.
The series is produced by SoulPancake Television, LLC, which was founded by Rainn Wilson. Wilson and Kid President creator Brad Montague are executive producers of the series; Shabnam Mogharabi, Sarah North, and Golriz Lucina serve as co-executive producers.[/spoiler]
[size=6]Hub Network Acquires “Teenage Fairytale Dropouts”[/size]
[quote]via the Hub Network press releases:
THE HUB NETWORK ACQUIRES “TEENAGE FAIRYTALE DROPOUTS” PREMIERING FOR THE FIRST TIME IN THE U.S., MAY 31
The Hub Network announced today that it is welcoming a new set of fun and enchanted youths to its daytime lineup with the acquisition of the animated series “Teenage Fairytale Dropouts,” premiering Saturday, May 31 at 9 a.m. ET/6 a.m. PT. “Teenage Fairytale Dropouts” is an international co-production that will debut in the U.S. for the first time this summer on the Hub Network, champions of family fun and the only network dedicated to providing kids and families entertainment they can watch together.
“Teenage Fairytale Dropouts” follows three best friends living in Fairy Tale Estates, a fantastical world where people live in shoes and gingerbread houses. Despite the enchanted setting, Jeremiah (Simon Kennedy, “Atonement Tonight”), the son of the giant in “Jack and the Beanstalk”; Trafalgar (John Hasler, “T-Bag”), the nephew of Merlin the Wizard; and Fury (Katherine Beck, “Sea Princesses”), the daughter of the Tooth Fairy, have typical teen dramas with their family, friends and school, only with a fairy tale twist.
The Hub Network has acquired 13 half-hour episodes of the first season of “Teenage Fairytale Dropouts,” which was created and produced by Anima Estudios and co-produced with SLR Productions, Home Plate Entertainment and Telegael. The series is distributed by 9 Story Entertainment.
[/quote]
[size=6]3rd Season of “Littlest Pet Shop” Premieres May 31[/size]
[quote]This May, fans of the popular animated series “Littlest Pet Shop” can get ready for a new set of adventures when Blythe and her furry friends return for a third season, May 31 at 9:30 a.m. ET/ 6:30 a.m. PT, on the Hub Network, champions of family fun and the only network dedicated to providing kids and their families with entertainment they can watch together. Julie McNally Cahill, Tim Cahill, Kirsten Newland and Stephen Davis serve as executive producers for the series, which is produced by Hasbro Studios.
The third season kicks off with the all-new episode “Sleeper,” where Vinnie and Sunil are challenged by Russell to entertain Mr. VonFuzzlebut, a jovial raccoon and new day camper, who falls into a deep sleep confusing the pets. Meanwhile, Fisher Bisket tries to figure out what the secret is to Littlest Pet Shop’s recent success.
[/quote]
[size=5]Hub Network Renews “My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic” for Season 5[/size]
[quote]via Hub Network press release:
THE HUB NETWORK RENEWS “MY LITTLE PONY FRIENDSHIP IS MAGIC” FOR A FIFTH SEASON
Popular Animated Series Set to Debut in 2015
LOS ANGELES – Twilight Sparkle and her beloved pony friends will continue to celebrate the magic of friendship as the Hub Network announces season five of its hit animated series “My Little Pony Friendship Is Magic.” The series, from Hasbro Studios, is slated to air in 2015 on the Hub Network, champions of family fun and the only network dedicated to providing kids and their families entertainment they can watch together. The network has ordered 26 episodes for season five.
“My Little Pony Friendship Is Magic” follows the magical Princess Twilight Sparkle and her trusted assistant Spike, who live in Ponyville in the enchanted land of Equestria, along with her colorful pony friends – honest Applejack, generous Rarity, kind Fluttershy, loyal Rainbow Dash and fun-loving Pinkie Pie. Together, they teach one another valuable lessons about the most powerful magic of all – the magic of friendship.
“My Little Pony Friendship Is Magic” features key voice talent including Tara Strong, Cathy Weseluck, Andrea Libman as well as Tabitha St. Germain and Ashleigh Ball, who both also provide voice to characters of the Hub Network’s “Littlest Pet Shop.” The series is executive produced by Chris Bartleman, Kirsten Newlands and Stephen Davis and was developed for television by Lauren Faust. In addition, season five will continue to include co-executive producers Meghan McCarthy and Jayson Thiessen, who is also the supervising director, as well as composer Daniel Ingram, who was nominated for a Daytime Emmy® Award for his previous work on “My Little Pony Friendship Is Magic.”
Follow the new season of “My Little Pony Friendship Is Magic” on Twitter at #MLPSeason5.[/quote]
…
[size=6]Hub Network’s “Kid President” Series Premieres June 7[/size]
[quote]via Hub Network press release:
“KID PRESIDENT®: DECLARATION OF AWESOME,” SET TO PREMIERE ON THE HUB NETWORK, JUNE 7
Series Features YouTube Sensation Kid President Along with Celebrity Guests
LOS ANGELES - This summer, YouTube sensation Robby Novak (aka, Kid President) makes his television debut with the series premiere of “Kid President: Declaration of Awesome” Saturday, June 7 at 7 p.m. ET/ 4 p.m. PT on the Hub Network, champions of family fun and the only network dedicated to providing kids and their families entertainment they can watch together. The series is executive produced by actor Rainn Wilson (“The Office”) and Novak’s brother-in-law and show creator, Brad Montague, for SoulPancake Television, LLC. Each episode also features interactions between Kid President and a variety of guest stars, including Kevin Costner (“Draft Day”), Gene Simmons (KISS), Jamie Foxx (“The Amazing Spiderman 2″), Craig Robinson (“Get On Up”), Mario Lopez (Host, “Extra”), ‘Weird Al’ Yankovic (Musician), and plenty of other surprises.
The series will follow Kid President as he inspires both kids and adults to do awesome things that make a difference in the world. Along the way, Kid President interviews a few well-known entertainment icons such as Gene Simmons from the legendary rock band KISS, who teaches him how to play the drums and follow your dreams! Kevin Costner explains what a real hero is. In addition, he gets a lesson on the importance of staying true to one’s self from funnyman ‘Weird Al’ Yankovic.
Ten-year-old Robby Novak created a worldwide following after his moving video, “A Pep Talk from Kid President to You,” went viral. The YouTube series titled “Kid President” has 1-million followers and more than 75 million total views. Kid President’s online series is based on the belief that kids have a voice that needs to be heard and together with grown-ups they can make the world a better place. One of Kid President’s core philosophies is to “treat everybody like it’s their birthday.”
The docu-variety series reflects the universal values of kids and families across the country as seen through the lens of Kid President, whose playful spirit and positive approach to life inspires viewers to change this world for the better. In each episode, Kid President introduces a theme that is explored through interviews and interactions with a variety of diverse families. Each episode also features interactions between Kid President and a celebrity. In the past, he has met with President Barack Obama, Beyoncé, and others.[/quote]
[size=5]Hub Network Brings ’90s Sitcom “Blossom” to Cable for First Time This July[/size]
[quote]via Hub Network press release:
POPULAR 90’S SITCOM “BLOSSOM” PREMIERES ON CABLE TELEVISION FOR THE FIRST TIME EVER, AIRING EXCLUSIVELY ON THE HUB NETWORK, BEGINNING JULY 7
Series Features Stars Mayim Bialik and Joey Lawrence with a Variety of Guest Appearances throughout the Series by Will Smith, Tobey Maguire, Neil Patrick Harris, Brittany Murphy and more
LOS ANGELES – In a very special “Blossom“ announcement, the Hub Network is bringing everybody’s favorite teenager to cable for the first time ever beginning Monday, July 7 at 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT. Episodes from the classic, trend-setting series will air weekdays at 10 p.m. ET and 10:30 p.m. ET/7:00 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. PT on the Hub Network, champions of family fun and the only network dedicated to providing kids and families entertainment they can watch together. “Blossom” will air for the first time on television in 15 years and the Hub Network is currently the only network on which the series can be seen.
BlossomViewers can relive Blossom’s inspiring journey as she navigates from childhood into adulthood, facing the real trials and tribulations of adolescence and learning valuable life lessons along the way. Life has its share of ups and downs, but Blossom meets challenges head-on with pluck, imagination and a healthy sense of humor. The series stars two-time Emmy Award®-nominated actress Mayim Bialik (“The Big Bang Theory”) as Blossom Russo, Ted Wass (“Rules of Engagement”) as her father Nick, Joey Lawrence (“Melissa & Joey”) as her older brother Joey, Michael Stoyanov (“Late Night with Conan O’Brien”) as her other older brother Anthony and Jenna von Oÿ (“The Parkers”) as her best friend Six.An all-star group of guest stars have graced the series, including Will Smith (“Men in Black”), Tobey Maguire (“Spider-Man”), Neil Patrick Harris (“How I Met Your Mother”), Singer-songwriter Sonny Bono, Dick Clark (“American Bandstand”), Estelle Getty (“The Golden Girls”), ALF, Johnny Galecki (“The Big Bang Theory”), David Schwimmer (“Friends”), Singer-songwriter B.B. King, Alex Trebek (“Jeopardy”), Recording artist Little Richard, Mark-Paul Gosselaar (“Saved by the Bell”), Major League Baseball player Reggie Jackson, Arsenio Hall (“The Arsenio Hall Show”), Brittany Murphy (“Clueless”), David Arquette (“Scream”), Tori Spelling (“Beverly Hills, 90210″) and Singer-songwriter Melissa Manchester.
The Hub Network has licensed all five seasons of “Blossom” (113 episodes) from the Disney-ABC Television Group.
[/quote]
From http://www.nickandmore.com/2014/06/12/margaret-loesch-leaving-hub-network-future-of-network-unclear/
[size=6]Margaret Loesch Leaving Hub Network; Future of Network Unclear[/size]
[quote]Well this is sad news… Hub Network’s President and CEO Margaret Loesch is leaving at the end of this year, Deadline reports.
Margaret LoeschMargaret Loesch has been with the jointly owned network since 2009 when Discovery Communications and Hasbro Inc. announced they were forming a new network to replace Discovery Kids.
Rumors are swirling about the future of the fledgling network. Since launching in 2010, the network has found it hard to grow outside of mega hits like My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic – which enjoys its reign thanks to all the fans online – and Transformers series. Theories range from the network shutting down completely to rebranding and relocating from their current headquarters in Burbank, CA to Discovery’s home in Silver Spring, MD.
Hub Network’s officials are not commenting on the rumors of its future. Loesch’s contract expires at the end of the year.
Despite reaching 73 million homes – more than fellow digital network competitor Nicktoons – the network averaged only 114,000 total viewers in May 2014. That’s even behind Nicktoons.
Given that Hasbro’s Hasbro Studios supplies most of the original programming, a closure could allow the company to sell shows to competing networks.
[/quote]
I’m pretty sure a large number of people can tell them why the network is plummeting.
From NaM:
http://www.nickandmore.com/2014/07/14/hub-network-to-air-50-hour-my-little-pony-mega-mare-athon-starting-august-4/[size=16]Press Release: Hub Network to Air 50 Hour “My Little Pony” Mega Mare-athon Starting August 4[/size]
…
[size=16]5th Season of “Family Game Night” Premieres August 3[/size]
[size=5]Hub Network’s “Parents Just Don’t Understand” Series Premieres August 23[/size]
[quote]via press release:
ORIGINAL UNSCRIPTED SERIES “PARENTS JUST DON’T UNDERSTAND” TO PREMIERE AUGUST 23 ON THE HUB NETWORK
Musical Superstar and TV Personality, Joey Fatone, to Host and Executive Produce Unique Reality Series That Gives Kids and Their Parents a Chance to Walk in Each Other’s Shoes
LOS ANGELES ─ The Hub Network will premiere the unscripted, parent-child swap series “Parents Just Don’t Understand” on Saturday, August 23 at 7 p.m. ET/4 p.m. PT with musician and TV personality, Joey Fatone (‘N Sync, “Rewrapped”), as the host. The unique reality series gives real kids and their parents a chance to find out what it feels like to be in the other person’s shoes. Fatone also serves as an executive producer of the series, along with Christian Sarabia, Rabih Gholam, Bicha Gholam, Nicole M. Reed and Allegra Newman. Cindy Nemes and Michael Wilder serve as co-executive producers. The 22-episode series will be produced by Endemol’s 51 Minds Entertainment for the Hub Network, champions of family fun and the only network dedicated to providing kids and their families entertainment they can watch together.
In the premiere episode, “The Touchdown Maker and Cupcake Baker,” Fatone swaps the lives of a 13-year-old and his underappreciated mom of five children. While the son tackles taking care of his siblings and a demanding job at the railroad, his mom must power through chores and football practice. Continuing in the spirit of “Freaky Friday,” the series will also showcase other parent-child swaps including a teenage ballerina and her feisty single-mom, a roller derby devotee and her princess-loving mom, plus a single-dad who takes on his son’s rigorous athletic schedule.
[/quote]
From http://www.nickandmore.com/2014/08/25/the-haunting-hour-returns-for-season-4-on-october-4th/:
[size=6]“The Haunting Hour” Returns for Season 4 on October 4th[/size]
[quote]via press release:
THE FOURTH SEASON OF THE HUB NETWORK’S EMMY® AWARD-WINNING SERIES “R.L. STINE’S THE HAUNTING HOUR: THE SERIES” RETURNS WITH OUTSTANDING NEW AND RETURNING GUEST STARS, OCTOBER 4
Celebrity Actors China Anne McClain, Sean Giambrone, Mason Cook, Luke Benward, Nolan Gould, Joey King, Freya Tingley and Margot Kidder To Star in Episodes of the Spooky Anthology Series
The Haunting Hour I’m Not Martin featuring Sean GiambroneLOS ANGELES – “R.L. Stine’s The Haunting Hour: The Series,” the Hub Network’s hit, spooky anthology series, inspired by the master of kids’ horror R.L. Stine (“Goosebumps”), returns Saturday, October 4 at 4 p.m. ET/1 p.m. PT with several stand-out guest stars. The all-star list includes China Anne McClain (“A.N.T. Farm,” “Sing Your Face Off”), Sean Giambrone (“The Goldbergs”), Mason Cook (“The Lone Ranger,” “Legends”), Luke Benward (“Cloud 9,” “Ravenswood”), Nolan Gould (“Modern Family”), Joey King (“OZ the Great and Powerful,” “Fargo”), Freya Tingley (“Hemlock Grove,” “Once Upon a Time”) and acclaimed actress Margot Kidder (“Superman”). The fourth season of the half-hour series will introduce a new set of spine-chilling thrills taking viewers young and old on a creepy new adventure every week on the Hub Network, champions of family fun and the only network dedicated to providing kids and their families entertainment they can watch together.
The fright-fest kicks off with two episodes airing back-to-back featuring Sean Giambrone and Mason Cook. In the episode “I’m Not Martin” airing at 4 p.m. ET/1 p.m. PT, Giambrone stars as “Sean,” a hospital patient set to get his tonsils removed, but fears the cursed hospital may have other plans that include amputating his foot. This episode is based on the short story of the same name written by R.L. Stine.
Followed by that is “Grandpa’s Glasses” at 4:30 p.m. ET/1:30 p.m. PT featuring Mason Cook as “Bo,” a curious boy who accompanies his mother to his deceased grandfather’s home. After trying on his grandfather’s glasses, he realizes they may not be alone in the house as a sinister spirit seems to be lurking about.
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[size=5]Discovery Taking Control of Hub Network, Renaming Discovery Family[/size]
[quote]Multiple media outlets have reported today that the 50-50 joint venture between Discovery Communications and Hasbro Inc., which saw Discovery Kids become The Hub in October 2010, will shift giving Discovery control and reducing Hasbro to controlled timeslots.
The Wall Street Journal reports sources close to the deal say that Hasbro will program the hours between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. while Discovery will take the rest of the channel in a more family-focused direction.
The new network, which could launch as early as the fourth quarter of this year, will be renamed Discovery Family.
Andrew Warren, Discovery’s chief financial officer, says “there are fewer and fewer channels out there where children and parents can watch together. Our objective, and our programming imperative, is to continue to think about daytime for children and nighttime for family.”
The Hub Network has struggled in its nearly four years on air to compete with established brands like Nickelodeon, Disney Channel, Cartoon Network and their family of digital offshoots. While Nick and Disney average over a million total viewers each day, Hub struggles to get close to 100,000.
Hub President & CEO Margaret Loesch announced in June she was leaving the network at the end of the year. Loesch has been there since the inception in early 2010. Her departure stirred reports that a change was coming and now it has.
Henry Schleiff, who leads sister Discovery networks such as Destination America and Investigation Discovery, will lead the re-launched Discovery Family.
Hasbro’s reach at the network is expected to drop and the toy giant is reportedly talking with Turner’s Cartoon Network for airing its toy-focused content.
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See also: http://www.nickandmore.com/2014/09/18/opinion-the-end-of-the-hub-network/
THE HUB NETWORK TO BECOME
DISCOVERY FAMILY CHANNEL ON OCTOBER 13
– Hasbro and Discovery Partnership Focused on Continuing Successful Creation of Entertaining and Award-Winning Content for Kids and Families —
– Discovery Communications and Kids Television Veteran Tom Cosgrove Named GM of Discovery Family Channel Under the Leadership of Group President Henry Schleiff –
(Silver Spring, Md. and Pawtucket, RI) – Discovery Communications (NASDAQ: DISCA, DISCB, DISCK) and Hasbro, Inc. (NASDAQ: HAS) today announced The Hub Network will become Discovery Family Channel effective October 13, 2014. The network will broaden its programming focus to serve families in primetime and continue to showcase Hasbro Studios award-winning children’s content in daytime.
During the daytime, Discovery Family Channel will offer a robust line up of brand new Hasbro Studios’ series as well as beloved library programming, including MY LITTLE PONY, LITTLEST PET SHOP and TRANSFORMERS RESCUE BOTS, while during primetime, the network will serve a growing family audience that began to develop under The Hub Network. Primetime programming will draw from Discovery’s three decades of leadership in creating the highest-quality, real-world content that appeals to the entire family in the Natural History, Adventure, Animals and Science genres. Initial series will include SUPERHUMAN, TIME WARP, FLYING WILD ALASKA, AFRICA and EXTREME ENGINEERING: BIGGEST REVEALS.
“The next chapter of our collaboration will harness the incredible content strengths of both Discovery and Hasbro to program Discovery Family Channel with highly-rated award-winning storytelling around Hasbro’s brands and Discovery’s most popular non-fiction shows that appeal to both children and families alike,” said Hasbro President & CEO Brian Goldner. “Discovery Communications has a nearly 30-year track record of building television brands that create maximum value for advertisers and distributors through their world-class raft of programming and we look forward to evolving this network together.”
Under the executive management of Group President Henry Schleiff, Tom Cosgrove will assume the role of general manager of Discovery Family Channel and will manage all network operations and programming, working closely with the Hasbro Studios team as the new channel will prominently feature Hasbro Studios-produced content in daytime. Schleiff has overseen the successful turnaround and growth of several networks within the Discovery portfolio. Previously, Cosgrove served as executive vice president and chief operating officer of Discovery Channel and Science Channel and has held senior leadership positions at ABC Family, Fox Family, Fox Kids and TV Guide Channel prior to his time at Discovery. Most recently, he led 3net and 3net Studios.
“Hasbro is a world-class company with franchises and characters that appeal to kids and families around the world. They have been terrific partners over the past several years as we developed our kids television audience in the U.S., and we look forward to a continued strong collaboration as we evolve to the Discovery Family Channel together,” said Discovery Communications President & CEO, David Zaslav. “Henry’s proficiency in developing and growing strong brands combined with Tom’s experience on Discovery’s flagship brand and deep background in family programming make for a perfect leadership team to drive the network toward future growth.”
The repositioning to Discovery Family Channel builds upon Discovery’s ongoing strategy to maximize its portfolio of channels to satisfy viewers and drive value for distributors and advertisers, while working alongside quality content partners to create long-term value. The Hub Network has grown from nearly 56 million homes in 2010 to approximately 70 million U.S. homes today. Since launch, the strong performance of Hasbro children’s content helped lift the network’s total day P2-11 delivery by +89% and for the past three years, The Hub Network has consistently been the most co-viewed children’s cable network among kids 2-11 watching with adults 18-49–a trend the partners plan to continue with Discovery Family.
“Brian and I want to thank the entire team at The Hub Network for their passion and dedication in building this brand over the past five years,” added Zaslav. “They are a fantastic group of executives, guided by a tremendously creative and inspiring leader in Margaret Loesch. We are grateful for their work in creating a channel of which Discovery and Hasbro have been incredibly proud.”
Discovery Family Channel will continue as a joint venture of Discovery Communications and Hasbro, with Discovery Communications taking a 60% ownership position in the new channel and Hasbro’s stake decreasing to 40%. The network will be consolidated and managed under the Discovery portfolio of networks.
Here we go!
Sitcoms are gone. Movies (outside of kids’ movies) are gone. Welcome: marathons of Discovery network shows.
Starting Monday, October 13, the Hub Network will rebrand as Discovery Family. Hasbro will program the network between 5am-5pm with Hasbro Studios shows and other kids programming currently seen on the Hub Network.
5pm-5am will be marathons of other Discovery network shows, like Discovery Channel’s Africa and Survival of the Weirdest on Monday night, Science Channel’s How Do They Do It?, Extreme Engineering: Big Reveals and Buying the Galaxy on Tuesday night, Factory Made and Animal Planet’s It’s Me or the Dog on Wednesday night and TLC’s Cake Boss and Quints by Surprise on Thursday night.
Weekend schedules are unknown at the moment, but it’s expected that the Discovery shows will continue those days as well.
Back to the kids’ side of the network – most shows will be moving up one to one-and-a-half to two hours from where they currently air on weekdays. Two shows are out: Dan Vs. and Sabrina: Secrets of a Teenage Witch’s morning showing (it’ll still air at 2pm). For example, Jem and the ’80s G.I. Joe will now air in the 5am hour and Family Game Night will air at 8:30am. Pony fans can breath easy: My Little Pony will air from 10:30am-noon and 3:30-5pm.
We’ll continue to monitor schedule changes and will update this post with more information as it becomes available.
