Noggin (TV channel)

Noggin was an American pay television channel that was launched on February 2, 1999, as a joint venture between Viacom's Nickelodeon and the Children's Television Workshop (now known as Sesame Workshop). The channel was initially aimed at a pre-teen audience, featuring a mix of live-action and animated series.

History

Launch and early years (1999–2002)

Noggin launched on February 2, 1999, as a 24/7 channel that was initially aimed at preteens aged 9–14. The channel's programming consisted of classic CTW/Sesame Workshop series, original productions, and acquired programs from other producers.

Preschool shift (2002–2009)

In April 2002, Noggin's format was changed to focus on preschool-aged children. The channel began to air the majority of its preschool-oriented shows during the daytime hours. In 2002, Sesame Workshop sold its stake in Noggin to Viacom, making it a subsidiary of Nickelodeon.

Transition to Nick Jr. (2009–present)

On September 28, 2009, Noggin was relaunched as Nick Jr., which had previously been a programming block on Nickelodeon. However, the Noggin name was retained for a new mobile streaming service launched in 2015 and was later expanded to include a website and TV Everywhere service.

Programming

Noggin's programming primarily consisted of preschool-oriented series, including both original series and popular shows from Nick Jr. Some notable programs included:

• Blue's Clues
• Dora the Explorer
• The Backyardigans
• Oobi
• Jack's Big Music Show
• Pinky Dinky Doo

Legacy

Although Noggin no longer exists as a traditional TV channel, its brand continues to be used for Nickelodeon's educational preschool media. The Noggin app, launched in 2015, offers ad-free access to Nickelodeon's preschool library and continues to carry the spirit of the original channel's educational mission.