Nickelodeon Animation
Nickelodeon Animation is a Burbank-based animation studio (division of Paramount/Skydance) producing children's animated television series, theatrical films, and video games—including SpongeBob SquarePants, PAW Patrol, Avatar, Garfield, and Wonder Pets—for global distribution across linear broadcast, Paramount+, Apple TV, theatrical, and digital gaming channels.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded1979
- HeadquartersBurbank, United States
- Headcount501–1,000
- GTM typeB2B
- OfferingDigital Commerce or Content
What Nickelodeon Animation does
Nickelodeon Animation is a Burbank-headquartered animation studio operating as a division of Paramount (a Skydance Corporation, Nasdaq: PSKY), producing animated television series, theatrical feature films, video games, and consumer products for children and families globally. The studio's core products include long-running franchises such as SpongeBob SquarePants (airing Fridays on Nickelodeon), PAW Patrol (weekday broadcast), The Patrick Star Show, and Gabby's Dollhouse on Nick Jr., alongside the Avatar Studios division (founded 2021) producing Avatar Universe content for Paramount+. Upcoming and recent releases span the Avatar Aang: The Last Airbender theatrical film (July 25, 2026), Avatar: Seven Havens series, a new 2D-animated Garfield series (first Garfield animated series since 2009), and PAW Patrol: The Dino Movie (theatrical August 14, 2026).
The studio employs 2D and 3D animation techniques across its portfolio, with Avatar Aang combining both styles, Garfield rendered in 2D, and PAW Patrol leveraging CGI. Production infrastructure supports cross-platform distribution across linear broadcast (Nickelodeon, Nick Jr.), streaming (Paramount+ as exclusive home for Avatar Studios content and Garfield; Apple TV for Wonder Pets: In the City), theatrical release via Paramount Pictures, browser-based digital games on Nick.com, and third-party video game publishing (Avatar Legends: The Fighting Game on Nintendo Switch 2, PS5, Xbox Series, PC). Co-production partnerships extend capabilities with studios including Snowflake Films NYC, Kavaleer, Happy Nest, and Terribly Terrific! Productions for preschool content.
Revenue is generated through five primary streams: television advertising and broadcast licensing fees for Nickelodeon and Nick Jr. channels; exclusive streaming platform licensing deals with Paramount+ and Apple TV; theatrical box office from feature films (the 2024 Garfield movie generated $257 million worldwide); consumer products, digital products, location-based experiences, and publishing; and video game licensing royalties. The studio operates within the Paramount/Skydance corporate structure and was consolidated as a label under CBS Studios in April 2026, with Alec Botnick appointed President overseeing animation, original series, and franchise development. The Garfield IP was acquired via the 2019 Paws Inc. acquisition by Viacom, consolidating character rights alongside SpongeBob and PAW Patrol under common ownership.
Nickelodeon Animation firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- Nickelodeon Animation
- Legal name
- Nickelodeon Animation (Division of Paramount, a Skydance Corporation)
- Website
- https://nickanimation.com
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 1979
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 501–1,000 employees
- Short description
- Nickelodeon Animation is a Burbank-based animation studio (division of Paramount/Skydance) producing children's animated television series, theatrical films, and video games—including SpongeBob SquarePants, PAW Patrol, Avatar, Garfield, and Wonder Pets—for global distribution across linear broadcast, Paramount+, Apple TV, theatrical, and digital gaming channels.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
Nickelodeon Animation industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Children's Animation Production
- NAICS
- Arts, Entertainment, and Recreation (71)
- SIC
- Services-Amusement & Recreation Services (7900)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Animated Series Production (TV/Streaming) (MPADACAG)
- akta.pro secondary industry
- Animated Feature Film Production (MPADACAH)
Keywords
Where Nickelodeon Animation is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Burbank
- HQ country
- United States
- HQ region
- North America
Offices1 record
Markets served
Nickelodeon Animation business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B
- Offering type
- Digital Commerce or Content
- Cost components
- Personnel, Operations, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure, Others
Revenue model
- Television Advertising & Broadcast Licensing: Nickelodeon generates revenue through advertising on its linear broadcast channels (Nickelodeon, Nick Jr.) and licensing fees from cable/satellite distributors. The brand is described as a global business spanning TV programming in the US and around the world.
- Streaming Platform Licensing & Exclusivity Deals: Content is licensed exclusively to Paramount+ (Avatar Studios films and series, Garfield) and Apple TV (Wonder Pets), generating platform licensing fees and reinforcing subscriber growth for platform partners.
- Theatrical Feature Film Distribution: Nickelodeon Animation produces theatrical releases including Avatar Aang: The Last Airbender (with limited theatrical run for Oscar qualification) and PAW Patrol: The Dino Movie (August 2026), generating box office revenue.
- Consumer Products & Merchandising: Nickelodeon monetizes its IP through global consumer products, digital products, location-based experiences, publishing, and feature films. The 2024 Garfield movie generated $257 million worldwide, underscoring franchise merchandising value.
- Video Game Licensing & Royalties: Avatar Legends: The Fighting Game (developed by Gameplay Group International and PM Studios in partnership with Nickelodeon Animation Studios and Avatar Studios) is priced at $29.99 and targets the competitive fighting game audience, generating licensing revenue from the Avatar franchise.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | Standard edition video game at $29.99 USD |
Go-to-market motion2 records
Distribution channels5 records
Marketing channels5 records
Nickelodeon Animation product offering
Product offeringCore offering
Nickelodeon Animation operates as an in-house animation studio producing animated television series and feature films for children and families. The studio develops and produces a portfolio of long-running franchises (SpongeBob SquarePants, PAW Patrol), preschool programming (Wonder Pets: In the City, Gabby's Dollhouse), and expanding properties (Avatar Studios content, Garfield) distributed across theatrical, streaming, linear broadcast, and digital gaming channels.
Product overview
Nickelodeon Animation operates as a division of Paramount producing animated television content and feature films for children and families. The portfolio includes long-running core franchises (SpongeBob SquarePants, PAW Patrol), preschool series (Wonder Pets: In the City, Gabby's Dollhouse), and expanding into new properties through Avatar Studios (founded 2021) including animated films and series. The company also produces video games tied to its IP (Avatar Legends: The Fighting Game) and has greenlit new Garfield animated content. Distribution spans Nickelodeon TV network, streaming platforms (Paramount+, Apple TV), theatrical releases, and digital games.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Brands
- Nick Jr. Preschool programming brand featuring shows like Wonder Pets and Gabby's Dollhouse
Products and services
- SpongeBob SquarePants Long-running animated comedy series featuring SpongeBob SquarePants and his friends in Bikini Bottom. Airing new episodes weekly on Nickelodeon with related video clips and character portals for SpongeBob, Patrick, Squidward, Sandy, and Flying Dutchman.
- PAW Patrol Children's animated series featuring a team of rescue dogs led by a boy named Ryder. Aired weekdays on Nickelodeon with related video clips, games, and supporting content.
- The Patrick Star Show Animated series spin-off featuring Patrick Star from SpongeBob SquarePants. New episodes air Fridays at 6P/5P CT on Nickelodeon.
- Gabby's Dollhouse Animated preschool series on Nick Jr. featuring craft-based play and storytelling. New episodes air Saturdays at 9:30a/8:30a CT on Nick Jr.
- Wonder Pets: In the City Animated preschool series following a trio of classroom pets (Izzy the Guinea Pig, Zuri the Bunny, Tate the Snake) who travel globally in their Jetcar on music-packed rescue adventures. Co-produced with Snowflake Films NYC, Kavaleer, Happy Nest, and Terribly Terrific! Productions, distributed globally on Apple TV.
- Garfield Animated Series New 2D-animated series based on the Garfield comic strip, voiced by Emmy-winning actor Lamorne Morris. First Garfield animated series since 2009, ordered exclusively for Paramount+.
- Avatar: Seven Havens New 2D animated series from Avatar Studios premiering exclusively on Paramount+. Part of the broader Avatar Universe expansion following Avatar: The Last Airbender and The Legend of Korra.
- Avatar Aang: The Last Airbender (Film) Feature-length animated film featuring 2D and 3D animation techniques, premiering on Paramount+ with limited theatrical run for Oscar qualification. Produced by Avatar Studios with voice cast including Eric Nam, Dave Bautista, and Steven Yeun.
- PAW Patrol: The Dino Movie Theatrical feature film releasing August 14, 2025 as part of the PAW Patrol franchise expansion. Includes 'Bottle Up' by Backstreet Boys in the film.
- Avatar Legends: The Fighting Game Fighting game featuring characters from Avatar: The Last Airbender and Legend of Korra franchises. Developed by Gameplay Group International and PM Studios in partnership with Nickelodeon Animation Studios and Avatar Studios. Features 12 playable fighters with support combat system, rollback netcode, and cross-play support across Nintendo Switch 2, PS5, Xbox Series, and PC platforms.
- Nickelodeon Online Games Browser-based digital games tied to Nickelodeon franchises including SpongeBob Run, SpongeMania, SpongeBob's Next Big Adventure, Nickelodeon Basketball Stars, and Nickelodeon Lanes. Hosted on nick.com.
Quantifiable outcome
- The 2024 Garfield movie generated $257 million worldwide, with a sequel confirmed
- +1 more outcomes
Companies that use Nickelodeon Animation
Customer profileNamed customers3 records
Segments4 records
Ideal customer profiles4 records
Nickelodeon Animation technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed Yes
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Integration3 records
Feature2 records
Nickelodeon Animation partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
Three partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.
- Gameplay Group International and PM StudioscoreGameplay Group International and PM Studios developed Avatar Legends: The Fighting Game in partnership with Nickelodeon Animation Studios and Avatar Studios, releasing July 2, 2026 across Nintendo Switch 2, PS5, Xbox Series, and PC. The game features 12 playable fighters, rollback netcode, cross-play support, priced at $29.99, and targets the competitive fighting game audience, drawing from Avatar: The Last Airbender and Legend of Korra franchises.
- Snowflake Films NYC, Kavaleer, Happy Nest, and Terribly Terrific! ProductionsminorWonder Pets: In the City is co-produced by Nickelodeon Animation Studios along with Snowflake Films NYC, Kavaleer, Happy Nest, and Terribly Terrific! Productions. The animated preschool series premiered its second season on Apple TV in March 2026, following the success of the first season which aired in 2024 with an average IMDb score of 7/10.
- Paws Inc. (Garfield IP)coreViacom acquired Garfield owner Paws Inc. in 2019, consolidating the character's rights under the same corporate umbrella as SpongeBob SquarePants and PAW Patrol. Nickelodeon Animation Studios subsequently developed a new Garfield animated series for Paramount+, voiced by Lamorne Morris, which is the first Garfield animated series since 2009. The 2024 Garfield movie generated $257 million worldwide.
Scale indicators6 records
Recent moves7 records
Expansion highlights6 records
Nickelodeon Animation competitors and assessment
Company assessmentDirect peers
- Cartoon Network Studios: Cartoon Network Studios produces animated television content for children and families under Warner Bros. Discovery, directly comparable to Nickelodeon Animation's portfolio of kids' TV series (Adventure Time, Teen Titans Go!). It shares the same primary audience, broadcast model, and franchise-driven IP strategy.
- WildBrain: WildBrain (formerly DHX Media) produces and distributes children's animated content (Peanuts, Teletubbies, Strawberry Shortcake) with a portfolio approach closely aligned to Nickelodeon's preschool and kids' franchise strategy, including consumer products licensing.
- Disney Junior: Disney Junior is the preschool programming brand within The Walt Disney Company featuring shows aimed at the same 2–7 age demographic as Nick Jr. (Mira, Royal Detective; Bluey-adjacent slate), directly comparable as a preschool TV brand with corresponding consumer products and streaming (Disney+) distribution.
Broad incumbents
- DreamWorks Animation: DreamWorks Animation produces animated feature films and television content (Shrek, Kung Fu Panda, Trolls) for Universal/NBCUniversal, comparable in animated feature film production, family audience targeting, and franchise merchandising model. It is a broader incumbent in animated feature film production.
- Walt Disney Animation Studios: Walt Disney Animation Studios produces animated feature films (Frozen, Moana) within The Walt Disney Company. Comparable as a major animated feature film producer with global family audience reach and franchise extension into consumer products and theme parks.
- Pixar Animation Studios: Pixar produces CGI animated feature films (Toy Story, Inside Out) within Disney, with comparable franchise economics, theatrical distribution, and cross-platform extension. Highly relevant as a benchmark for animated feature film economics and franchise management.
- Illumination: Illumination (Despicable Me, Minions, The Secret Life of Pets) produces CGI animated family feature films distributed by Universal, directly comparable in family-targeted animated feature production, theatrical economics, and franchise-based merchandising (Minions is among the highest-grossing animated franchises).
- Sony Pictures Animation: Sony Pictures Animation produces family-oriented animated feature films (Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse, Hotel Transylvania) with comparable franchise economics, theatrical distribution via Sony, and IP-driven sequel pipelines.
- Warner Bros. Animation: Warner Bros. Animation produces animated television and feature content (DC animated, Looney Tunes) as part of Warner Bros. Discovery, comparable as a major incumbent in kids' animated TV production and family animated feature films.
Emerging players
- Netflix Animation: Netflix Animation (Klaus, The Mitchells vs. the Machines) is building an in-house animation studio producing streaming-original animated films and series. Comparable as a direct competitor for kids' animation content on streaming, though with a streaming-first rather than broadcast-plus-theatrical model.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat5 records
Key risks5 records
Key highlights6 records
Customer concentration
Nickelodeon Animation social profiles
Digital presenceNickelodeon Animation financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
Nickelodeon Animation leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles2 records
Nickelodeon Animation subsidiaries and ownership
Company hierarchySubsidiaries1 record
Nickelodeon Animation funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Nickelodeon Animation M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about Nickelodeon Animation
What does Nickelodeon Animation do?
Nickelodeon Animation operates as an in-house animation studio producing animated television series and feature films for children and families. The studio develops and produces a portfolio of long-running franchises (SpongeBob SquarePants, PAW Patrol), preschool programming (Wonder Pets: In the City, Gabby's Dollhouse), and expanding properties (Avatar Studios content, Garfield) distributed across theatrical, streaming, linear broadcast, and digital gaming channels.
Is Nickelodeon Animation a public or private company?
Nickelodeon Animation is a private company. It is classified as corporate owned and is currently operating.
When was Nickelodeon Animation founded?
Nickelodeon Animation was founded in 1979. It employs 501 to 1,000 people.
Where is Nickelodeon Animation based?
Nickelodeon Animation is headquartered in Burbank, United States, in the North America region.
How does Nickelodeon Animation make money?
Five revenue lines are on record. Television Advertising & Broadcast Licensing is the primary driver. The others are streaming Platform Licensing & Exclusivity Deals, theatrical Feature Film Distribution, consumer Products & Merchandising and video Game Licensing & Royalties.
Who are Nickelodeon Animation's main competitors?
Direct peers on record are Cartoon Network Studios, WildBrain and Disney Junior. Broad incumbents are DreamWorks Animation, Walt Disney Animation Studios, Pixar Animation Studios, Illumination, Sony Pictures Animation and Warner Bros. Animation. Netflix Animation is listed as an emerging player.
Does Nickelodeon Animation have an API?
No public API is recorded for Nickelodeon Animation.
What industry is Nickelodeon Animation in?
Nickelodeon Animation's product category is Children's Animation Production. Its primary akta.pro industry code is MPADACAG, Animated Series Production (TV/Streaming), with a secondary code of MPADACAH, Animated Feature Film Production. Its NAICS code is 71 and its SIC code is 7900.