Coming soon: Nickelodeon’s all-new Teenage Ninja Turtles

MANILA, Philippines - Nickelodeon launches an all-new, CG-animated Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles series on Nov. 16 at 6 p.m. in a special 30-minute TV event, bringing the turtles up from the sewers with the mythology and comedic sensibility for a new generation of fans.

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles is set in present-day New York City, from the glittering towers of Manhattan to the dark depths of the sewers, and follows the adventures of four humanoid turtles and a six-feet-tall rat, Master Splinter. One day, while living a life in seclusion with his four pet turtles, the once human Splinter encountered mysterious green ooze that covered him and his pets. Overcome by the mutagen, he was transformed into a rat and his four pets became humanoid turtles. Fearing persecution from humans, he brought the Turtles underground and raised them, training them to become ninjas. Years have passed since that point and the four turtles — Leonardo, Donatello, Raphael and Michelangelo — are now headstrong teenagers, filled with the confidence of youth and a burning desire to see the world.

In the premiere, Master Splinter allows his teenaged sons to visit the surface for the first time, with strict instructions to remain unseen. But when they spy a group of thugs attempting to kidnap a teenage girl (April O’Neil) and her father, the Turtles must leap into action. The action comedy explores the camaraderie of four teenage brothers learning to rely on one another as they unravel the mystery of their existence and train to become the heroes they’re destined to be. The half-hour weekly series is layered with action, fantasy and comedy and draws inspiration from both American and Japanese animation, showcasing a stylistic effect of a printed comic. Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles will air on Fridays at 6 p.m.  Exclusive behind the scenes spots will be launched on turtles.nick.com on Nov. 26. The series stars Jason Biggs (American Pie) as Leonardo, Sean Astin (Lord of the Rings) as Raphael, Rob Paulsen (Planet Sheen) as Donatello and Greg Cipes (Teen Titans) as Michelangelo. Additional cast members rounding out this iconic hit franchise include Mae Whitman (Parenthood) as April O’Neil, Hoon Lee (Royal Pains) as Master Splinter and Kevin Michael Richardson (Penguins of Madagascar) as Shredder. The executive producers for the series are Ciro Nieli, Joshua Sternin, Jeff Ventimilia and Peter Hastings.

Considered one of the most popular kids’ TV programs in the ’80s, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles is a classic, global property created in 1984 by Kevin Eastman and Peter Laird. It first debuted as a successful comic book series and then became a hit animated TV show, a live-action TV series and later spawned four blockbuster theatrical releases. The property also has translated into a significant consumer products business — with DVDs, video games, toys and more — that has generated billions of dollars at retail.

“We are eagerly awaiting the premiere of Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles on Nov. 16 in Southeast Asia and introducing the heroes in a half shell to a brand new audience,” said Elaine Tan, VP of the Nickelodeon Brand in Asia. “Regardless of whether they are long-time fans or first-time viewers, audiences will have a great time watching Leonardo, Donatello, Raphael and Michelangelo battle enemies with their ninjutsu skills, strike up new friendships and feast on pizzas every week.”

Following its launch success, Nickelodeon has ordered 26 additional episodes of the series, which will begin airing next year. Additionally, the reintroduction of this storied franchise has already ignited excitement in the licensing community, with the new line of Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles consumer products from Playmates Toys being named Hot Toys for the Holidays on the prestigious Toys R’ Us and Time to Play lists.