movies/tv Nickelodeon vs Disney, what really made them different?

[TheMisterManGuy 344]

There have been 2 companies that have been fierce rivals in children/youth entertainment for years. The Walt Disney Company. And Viacom's Nickelodeon. In the 90s and early 2000s, these 2 went head to head with their extensive arsenal of Films, TV Networks, brands, and auxiliary ventures.

 

However, what really seperated them and made them unique? IMO, the same thing that made Sega and Nintendo unique from each other. Disney was about polish, tradition, and broad, universal appeal, not just for kids, but the entire family (this would be Nintendo). Nickelodeon however, was more about cool factor, risk taking, pushing the envelope, and connecting with it's audience more (this would be Sega).

 

Moreso though, was how they approached children's entertainment. Disney was about a certain way of looking at childhood. Optimism, comfort, occasional hardships, and happy endings. Their movies reflect this. Snow White, Beauty and the Beast, and The Lion King, etc. all share this style. Even it's Disney Afternoon shows and recent Disney Channel kid-coms are built on these principles.

 

Nickelodeon however, was more in-your-face with it's style. Their content was more about real world scenarios and/or adult stories told from a kid's point of view. I mentioned this before, but The Adventures of Pete and Pete is a great demonstration of what made Nickelodeon so special. It's a seemingly normal environment, twisted and warped in a kid's perception.

 

Now there are exceptions for both sides. Shows like Lizzie McGuire, Even Stevens, More recent cartoons. And movies like Max Keeble's Big Move are all Disney's attempts at mimicking the Nickelodeon style. While Nick's more recent Live-action shows and movies are built on Disney-style idealism. But aside from that, these are what I feel separated them. What do you think made them different, and which did you prefer as a kid?

[Dreambiscuit 9,967]

I like Disney in as far as the production value and the fact that they can just throw money at something until it's good. The main problem is that Disney lacks originality in their content. Sure they have good shows but they're afraid to take them off the leash to see what they can really be. They always fall into the cliche of being another morality tale, spelled out for the cheap seats. This looks good for their public image, and it's nice and safe; appealing to every demographic to some extent and selling lots of product, but it can get repetitive.

Nickelodeon, while not always as high-end, has had its fair share of quality programming. One of my favorites, the short-lived Monster vs Aliens series, was fantastic (and frankly better than the movie). It well represents their in-your-face style and really delivers good writing that appeals to all age groups without dumbing anything down. 

Both sides may try to imitate the other in as far as covering a broader audience, but each should stick to what they know best. I love Disney, but the shows I record and watch the most are the aforementioned MvA and, when I can find it, Peter Rabbit. 

A good similarity to this is Disney's Tinkerbell movies vs the Barbie series. Disney has the big budgets and polished look, but Barbie will always be better because it has better content than cover.

There's a place for both. I prefer the generally edgier Nickelodeon approach, but Disney, with it's appealing visual style, has just enough going on to keep me coming back.

[MLPFanatic34 3,234]

Disney has always been my favorite due to the success they've had with their movies and some TV shows, Nickelodeon used to be entertaining and enjoyable especially in the early 90's, but nowadays Nick has gone downhill in terms of their TV shows considering most of them are live action. 

[TheMisterManGuy 344]

Disney has always been my favorite due to the success they've had with their movies and some TV shows, Nickelodeon used to be entertaining and enjoyable especially in the early 90's, but nowadays Nick has gone downhill in terms of their TV shows considering most of them are live action.

 

If you want a good throwback to that classic Nickelodeon magic, I recommend checking out their newest Cartoon, The Loud House. Like I said, a great return to what made Nickelodeon unique and special.