NFL announces first-ever change to Super Bowl broadcast

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An alternative way to watch the Super Bowl will be available next time around on Nickelodeon (Image: Nickelodeon)
An alternative way to watch the Super Bowl will be available next time around on Nickelodeon (Image: Nickelodeon)

Nickelodeon are planning a unique broadcast that will bring the Super Bowl spectacle to a new audience.

The children's TV network will show the annual showpiece event as part of an alternative telecast aimed at some of the sport's younger enthusiasts. For the first time in history, the NFL have agreed for the season's spectacular to get the "SlimeCast" treatment.

With CBS holding the broadcasting rights for Super Bowl LVIII, the decision has been made to make this foray into the children's market, with special effects set to be applied to the coverage. In the same guise as Nickelodeon's pre-existing NFL highlights show, which goes out on a weekly basis, the telecast will feature a host of recognisable characters.

It has also become a tradition for the network to show a game around Christmas, with former NFL player Nate Burleson and Nick star Gabrielle Nevaeh Green take to the mic in the booth as game-callers. Perhaps, even more intriguingly, those broadcasts have seen Nickelodeon characters from shows such as "SpongeBob SquarePants" provide sideline reporting.

These popular animated characters appear intermittently alongside human stars of the network to reflect on major moments in proceedings as well as replays. Previously, clips from these telecasts have gone viral, with viewers and social media users having been left amused by the unique display.

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In one instance, the beloved "SpongeBob" character Patrick the Starfish was shown expressing his displeasure after Denver Broncos quarterback Russell Wilson threw an interception. Network chiefs will be hoping the family-friendly broadcast captures the public's imagination once again.

Burleson used his current role at "CBS Mornings" to bring the news that the Super Bowl would be broadcast in this way, making the announcement while live on air.

NFL announces first-ever change to Super Bowl broadcastFamous Nickelodeon characters will give their touchline analysis during the Super Bowl (Nickelodeon)

NFL media executive vice president Hans Schroeder expressed his delight at being able to bring "SlimeCast" to the Super Bowl. "We’re thrilled to partner with CBS Sports and Nickelodeon to present the first alternate telecast of the Super Bowl," he said.

"Our previous telecasts on Nickelodeon have been huge hits and created a new and different way to experience an NFL game. We’re excited to bring that creativity to Super Bowl 58 and give our fans another way to enjoy one of the world’s most popular sporting events."

Super Bowl LVIII will take place on February 11, 2024 at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas. The last winner was the Kansas City Chiefs, who defeated NFC champions Phildelphia Eagles in Arizona.

Tom Beattie

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