In a surprise move, Paramount+ has removed 10 Nickelodeon original kids shows from its UK library overnight.
The sudden disappearance of these popular titles, such as Big Nate, Blue’s Clues & You! and Rugrats (2021), has left many young viewers and their parents disappointed and confused.
The shows, which were already removed from the US version of the streaming service last week on March 28, remained accessible to UK fans for a few extra days.
However, as of April 1, they have also been completely removed from the UK version of Paramount+ (see the full list below).
Paramount+ officially launched in the UK on June 22, 2022. It offers content from CBS, Showtime, Paramount Pictures, and Nickelodeon, as well as several exclusive, original programmes (and most of Star Trek).
Paramount+ currently costs £6.99/month or £69.90/year in the UK, with a free 7-day trial usually available to everyone.
There are plans to add a new 4K Premium Tier in the UK, later this year – and possibly a lower-cost ad-supported tier as well.
The standalone Paramount+ app is available on most of the major streaming devices, and you can sign up either directly via the Paramount+ app/website, or via Amazon Prime Video Channels.
Sky Cinema subscribers, who also have Sky Q, Sky Glass or Sky Stream, can get Paramount+ for free (See our full guide on how to get Paramount+ on Sky).
The Paramount+ UK Shows That Disappeared
The list of shows removed encompasses a range of popular and recent Nickelodeon originals and Paramount+ originals, including:
- Blue’s Clues & You! (2019)
- Big Nate (2022)
- Are You Afraid of the Dark? (2019-2022)
- It’s Pony (2020-2022)
- Middlemost Post (2021-2022)
- Ollie’s Pack (2020)
- Ryan’s Mystery Playdate (2019-2023)
- Santiago of the Seas (2020)
- That Girl Lay Lay (2021-2024)
- Rugrats (2021)
In addition to being removed from Paramount+, the shows have also been removed from the official Nickelodeon website, further limiting access for viewers who may have hoped to find alternative ways to watch their favourite programs.
This comprehensive removal has left many wondering about the reasons behind Paramount’s decision and the future of these beloved shows.
Previously, Paramount+ highlighted that children’s content ranks among its most popular and frequently rewatched categories, making the removal of these shows all the more baffling.
Paramount addressed the issue in its recent 10-K filing for investors, stating, “In connection with our continued review of our international content strategy, during the first quarter of 2024 we made a strategic decision to focus on content with mass global appeal.
“As part of this, we are rationalizing original content on Paramount+, especially internationally, and improving the efficiency of our linear network programming.
“As a result, we have reviewed our expansive global content portfolio and are removing select content from our platforms.”
The company’s statement suggests that the removal of these shows is part of a broader strategy to streamline the streaming service’s content offerings and prioritize titles with widespread international appeal.
This move appears to be an effort to optimize their content library – and possibly resell the shows to other competing streaming services.
However, the lack of advance notice or explanation has led to frustration among viewers who have invested time and emotional connection into these shows, and many have taken to social media to complain.
I unsubscribed from Paramount plus after they purged my favorite shows from their service. #Boycottparamountplus
— Queen Heart 086 (@LenaPanther) March 31, 2024
Not The First Paramount+ Content Culling
This is not the first time Paramount+ has made significant changes to its content library without prior warning.
In February, the streaming service removed several shows overnight (both from the US and then the UK versions of the service), including The Burning Girls, the Quantum Leap reboot, The Killing Kind, Accused and others.
In June 2023, Paramount+ also removed the animated Star Trek: Prodigy series from the service, which was particularly surprising given Paramount+’s positioning as “The Home of Star Trek.”
This pattern of sudden content removals has raised concerns about the platform’s stability and reliability for viewers who have come to rely on it for their favourite programs.
The bottom line? Never be sure a show you like will remain on its current streaming service indefinitely.
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(Featured Image Credit: Deposit Photos / Rafapress)
One more reason why you should not choose a streaming service for your entertainment as they will only disappoint you later on. Stick with options that allow you to record and archive your viewed programs