Forum Post: Viacom Owned Channels in the UK? (October 2005)
User1:
Subject: List of Viacom owned channels in the UK?
Hey everyone!

I’ve been trying to gather some info on the channels that Viacom owns in the UK. I know there are a few, but I can’t seem to find a comprehensive list anywhere. Can anyone help me out? Would love to know which channels are under Viacom's umbrella!

Thanks!

User1
User2:
Subject: Re: List of Viacom owned channels in the UK?
Hey User1!

I did a bit of digging and here’s a list of the Viacom owned channels in the UK as of now (October 2005):

MTV (UK)
MTV Hits
MTV Base
MTV Dance
TMF
Viva
Paramount Comedy
Nickelodeon
Nicktoons
Nick Jr
Paramount Comedy 2
Spike TV
BET (British Entertainment Television)
Five
Five+1
Five US
Five Life
Great! Movies
Great! TV
I hope this helps! Let me know if you need more information about any of these channels. Viacom has a pretty big footprint in the UK!

Cheers,

User2
User1:
Subject: Re: List of Viacom owned channels in the UK?
Wow, thanks so much, User2! This is exactly what I was looking for.

I had no idea Viacom owned so many channels! I appreciate the info. I might check out some of the less well-known ones like Five US and Great! Movies.

Thanks again!

User1
User3:
Subject: Re: List of Viacom owned channels in the UK?
Just to add on, it’s interesting to see how Viacom is diversifying with channels like Great! TV. They are always expanding. I wonder what they'll acquire next!

User3
User2:
Subject: Re: List of Viacom owned channels in the UK?
Absolutely! It’s fascinating how they keep adding more and more channels, especially in niche markets. It keeps things interesting in the viewing landscape!

If anyone else has thoughts or info about future developments, let’s keep the discussion going!

User2
User1:
Subject: Re: List of Viacom owned channels in the UK?
Definitely! I’ll keep an eye on this and see if anything new pops up. Thanks again everyone!

Also Paramount Comedy recently got a new look

Whimsical Overhaul for Paramount Comedy Channel: A New Era Begins September 19, 2005

August 22, 2005 — London

In a delightful twist that promises to inject some humor into your television viewing experience, the Paramount Comedy Channel is set to embark on a fresh journey. As of September 19, 2005, the channel will drop “Channel” from its name, transforming into simply “Paramount Comedy.” Alongside this rebranding, viewers can expect a whimsical new look, thanks to the innovative animation talents of London-based studio 12Foot6.

Established in 1999 by the creative duo Dave Anderson and Tom Mortimer, 12Foot6 is renowned for its unique blend of 2D and stop-motion animation. The team of around twenty animators, illustrators, and designers draws inspiration from their vibrant London surroundings, celebrating the humor and eccentricities of urban life. Known for their distinctively comical approach, 12Foot6 has previously collaborated on projects like the BAFTA-nominated series The Sensibles and the quirky Dog Judo.

The rebranding of Paramount Comedy promises to introduce a slew of animated antics, including a host of endearing and bizarre characters like animated black rabbits with pink eyes, medieval characters worshipping the logo, and even a dolphin on a skateboard! Promotional endboards will feature a uniquely whimsical character, affectionately dubbed the "weird cat thing,” who will entertain viewers while delivering previews for upcoming shows. This character is a animated cat with a TV instead of a face.

This fresh visual identity is just one piece of a broader initiative by Viacom to revamp not only Paramount Comedy but also seven other channels in the UK. As viewers tune in, they will discover a renewed commitment to showcasing comedic content that reflects both the clever artistry and humorous narratives that have defined Paramount Comedy's ethos.

In a statement, Anderson and Mortimer expressed their excitement about this new adventure, saying, “We’re thrilled to bring our quirky sense of humor to Paramount Comedy. Expect the unexpected as we infuse the channel with our imagination and creativity!”

As September 19 approaches, fans of comedy can look forward to a launch that promises to be as amusing as it is engaging. The rebranding marks an exciting chapter in Paramount Comedy’s history, solidifying its commitment to delivering uproarious entertainment to audiences across the UK.

So, mark your calendars, and get ready for Paramount Comedy’s whimsical transformation—your favorite comedies are about to get a delightful makeover!
Alongside Paramount Comedy, 7 other Viacom-owned channels in the UK are set for a rebrand soon! Stay tuned for fresh looks from MTV, Nickelodeon, TMF, BET, VH1, Five, and Spike! Let the whimsy begin! 🌟 #ViacomRebrand #NewLooks #StayTuned

User1. Write a conversation on Nov 23 2005 where on Jan 23 2006, 3 Viacom channels are debuting on Freeview for the first time EVER, also improved Freeview quality for the Five channels, Also one of those 3 joining was inevitable

Forum Post: Exciting News for Viacom Channels on Freeview! (November 23, 2005)

User1:
Subject: Viacom Channels Coming to Freeview!
Hey everyone!

I just heard some fantastic news – starting January 23, 2006, three Viacom channels are set to debut on Freeview for the first time EVER! I can’t believe it! Anyone else as excited as I am?

User2:
Subject: Re: Viacom Channels Coming to Freeview!
Hey User1!

This is amazing news! Do we know which channels are making the leap to Freeview? I can only imagine how awesome it will be to have more Viacom content available to view without a subscription.

User3:
Subject: Re: Viacom Channels Coming to Freeview!
That’s super exciting! I bet one of those channels has to be Nickelodeon, right? It’s such a popular brand, it seems inevitable that they’d want to reach a larger audience. But is there any other news on the specific channels?

User1:
Subject: Re: Viacom Channels Coming to Freeview!
Yes, that’s what I was thinking too! Nickelodeon makes perfect sense. I hope it’s true! There’s also talk of improved Freeview quality for the Five channels as part of this update, which is just the cherry on top!

User2:
Subject: Re: Viacom Channels Coming to Freeview!
Wow, improved quality for Five is definitely a big deal! It’s great to see Viacom investing in their channels. If Nickelodeon joins along with other channels like MTV Hits and maybe even BET, it’ll be a game changer for Freeview.

User3:
Subject: Re: Viacom Channels Coming to Freeview!
I agree! Having MTV Hits or MTV Base would be such a welcome addition to Freeview too! More variety means more options for everyone. I really hope they focus on diversifying their offerings across the Freeview platform.

User1:
Subject: Re: Viacom Channels Coming to Freeview!
Exactly! The more options, the better. I’m definitely looking forward to January 23rd. I’ll be watching out for any announcements regarding channel line-ups. If anyone hears anything more specific, please share!

User2:
Subject: Re: Viacom Channels Coming to Freeview!
For sure! This will be a fantastic development for viewers. I can’t wait to see how it all unfolds. Let’s keep the conversation going and stay updated!

User3:
Subject: Re: Viacom Channels Coming to Freeview!
Absolutely! Exciting times ahead for Viacom and Freeview audiences. Here’s hoping for even more surprises as we get closer to January!

User1:
Subject: Re: Viacom Channels Coming to Freeview!
Totally! Thanks for the great discussion, everyone! Can’t wait to see how these developments will shape our TV viewing experience!

Discussion Continues on January 9, 2006:

User1:
Subject: Official Announcement of Viacom Channels on Freeview!
Hey everyone!

I just read the official announcement! It’s confirmed – Nickelodeon, MTV Hits, and Paramount Comedy are the three channels debuting on Freeview on January 23, 2006!

User2:
Subject: Re: Official Announcement of Viacom Channels on Freeview!
That’s awesome, User1! I’m thrilled about Paramount Comedy joining too. Such a great mix of entertainment!

User3:
Subject: Re: Official Announcement of Viacom Channels on Freeview!
I can’t wait! It looks like they’re really aiming to cater to a broad audience with this lineup. So hyped for the improved quality on Five as well!

User1:
Subject: Re: Official Announcement of Viacom Channels on Freeview!
Same here! This is going to transform my viewing habits. January 23rd can’t come soon enough! Write a conversation where actually on Dec 27 2005 one of those 3 began a very big campaign to let people know it's coming to Freeview, including radio ads, cinema ads, constant ads on Five, Five Life, Five US and TMF, outdoor ads, magazine ads and shopping centre ads,

Forum Post: Major Campaign for Viacom Channels on Freeview! (December 27, 2005)

User1:
Subject: Nickelodeon's Massive Campaign for Freeview Launch!

Hey everyone,

I just spotted some buzzing news! Nickelodeon is kicking off a massive campaign to promote its upcoming launch on Freeview! It looks like they're leaving no stone unturned with this effort. I'm so excited to see how they spread the word!

User2:
Subject: Re: Nickelodeon's Massive Campaign for Freeview Launch!
Wow, that’s incredible, User1! What kind of ads are they running?

User1:
Subject: Re: Nickelodeon's Massive Campaign for Freeview Launch!
They're going all out! I’ve heard they have radio ads playing, and there will be cinema ads too. They’re even doing constant ads on channels like Five, Five Life, Five US, and TMF! It seems like they really want to make sure everyone knows Nickelodeon is coming to Freeview.

User3:
Subject: Re: Nickelodeon's Massive Campaign for Freeview Launch!
That sounds epic! Outdoor ads and magazine ads will definitely help reach a broader audience. Plus, shopping centre ads could catch the attention of families, which is crucial for a channel like Nickelodeon!

User2:
Subject: Re: Nickelodeon's Massive Campaign for Freeview Launch!
I love that they’re investing in such a big advertising push. Nickelodeon is all about fun for kids, so having a playful and eye-catching campaign will draw in viewers. I can’t wait to see what the ads look like!

User1:
Subject: Re: Nickelodeon's Massive Campaign for Freeview Launch!
Exactly! I feel like they’re trying to create a real buzz around the launch to capture the excitement of potential viewers. It makes me even more eager for January 23rd!

User3:
Subject: Re: Nickelodeon's Massive Campaign for Freeview Launch!
And it’s great that they’re using a variety of platforms to reach different audiences. It really shows how committed they are to making this a successful launch. Do we know if there will be any special launch events or promos?

User2:
Subject: Re: Nickelodeon's Massive Campaign for Freeview Launch!
Not yet, but I wouldn’t be surprised if they have some fun surprises lined up! Maybe some contests or giveaways to celebrate the big day? They definitely have the potential to make it a memorable occasion.

User1:
Subject: Re: Nickelodeon's Massive Campaign for Freeview Launch!
That would be awesome! I’ll keep an eye out for any announcements. Hopefully, closer to the launch date, we get more details. Such an exciting time for everyone who enjoys Nickelodeon and Freeview!

User3:
Subject: Re: Nickelodeon's Massive Campaign for Freeview Launch!
Definitely! This is such a transformative time for Freeview with these Viacom channels coming onboard. Fingers crossed for more exciting news as we approach the launch!

User2:
Subject: Re: Nickelodeon's Massive Campaign for Freeview Launch!
Absolutely! Let’s keep each other updated on any new information or ad sightings. Can’t wait for the fantastic content to hit our screens!

User1:
Subject: Re: Nickelodeon's Massive Campaign for Freeview Launch!
Will do! Thanks for the great chat, everyone. Here’s to an exciting few weeks ahead! 🎉

News Article: Five Unveils New Emotion-Themed Idents as Part of Upcoming Rebrand

London, January 20, 2006 — In an exciting announcement ahead of its highly anticipated rebranding, Five has revealed a fresh set of idents set to debut on Monday, January 23, at 10 PM. The new idents, each themed around various emotions, aim to connect with viewers on a deeper level, bringing an innovative shift to the channel's visual identity.

Rather than featuring the classic logo, the idents will showcase emotive words such as "Fast," "Fear," "Free," and "Hope," creatively depicted in striking scenarios. This refresh comes just in time as Five gears up for the launch of three new Viacom channels on Freeview: Nickelodeon, MTV Hits, and Paramount Comedy, reinforcing the channel's commitment to enhancing viewer engagement.

The emotive themes introduced in the idents include:

Fast: A thrilling pursuit unfolds as greyhound dogs race after the word "Fast" along a vibrant track, capturing the essence of speed and excitement.
Fear: The haunting ambiance of a long corridor emerges as someone opens a door, with the word "Fear" eerily formed by a collection of spirits, invoking a sense of suspense.
Free: In a serene blue sky, numerous white balloons are released, creating a whimsical and uplifting moment as they spell out "Free," representing liberation and joy.
Hope: The scene shifts to a bustling casino where a player throws two dice, ultimately landing on the word "Hope," while vibrant casino chips signal the promise of chance and opportunity.
Life: A sweeping view reveals a horizon as lights switch on, reflecting the concept of "Life" coming alive through illumination.
Live: A dramatic weather scene unfolds as lightning strikes from the sky, generating the word "Live" in a bold flash of energy, symbolizing dynamic experiences.
Rush: An adrenaline-pumping visual of a skydiver plummeting towards the earth introduces the word "Rush," encapsulating the thrill of adventure.
Easy: A gentle zoom out reveals a peaceful park scene where a ladybird serves as a conduit to showcase "Easy," portraying relaxation and comfort.
Feel: In a warm family setting, a car drives through picturesque countryside, with the word "Feel" appearing amid the clouds, conveying warmth and connection.
Play: A fun-filled pool scene comes to life as someone dives in, while others are playfully pushed off an inflatable, showcasing the spontaneous joy of "Play."
Risk: An energetic display of a person on a bucking horse captures the spirit of "Risk," reminding viewers of the excitement of stepping into the unknown.
The new idents are just one of many rebrands that Viacom's UK channels have undergone over the past year, reflecting their strategic initiative to modernize and elevate their brand presence within a competitive market. This comprehensive rebranding effort aims not only to draw in new viewers but also to resonate with existing audiences, showcasing an array of emotions that viewers can relate to.

As January 23 approaches, it is clear that Five is making significant strides in engaging its audience through creative expression. The channel's new identities promise to enhance the viewer experience and set the stage for what’s to come with the release of Nickelodeon, MTV Hits, and Paramount Comedy on Freeview. Stay tuned for a fresh wave of content and an exciting visual journey that is bound to capture hearts and imaginations alike.

Forum Post: A Bold Move for Five's Rebrand! (January 21, 2006)

User1:
Subject: Why Rebrand on the 23rd?

Hey everyone!

I’ve been thinking about Five's rebranding with the new emotion-themed idents debuting on January 23rd. It’s really bold of them to drop the classic logo at the start! They could have easily included it, but I guess they’re feeling very brave with this decision. What do you all think? Why choose that specific date for the rebrand?

User2:
Subject: Re: Why Rebrand on the 23rd?

Hey User1!

You’re right, it’s definitely a bold move to go all out with a new identity instead of incorporating the familiar logo. I think they may be aiming for a complete refresh, especially with the launch of Nickelodeon, MTV Hits, and Paramount Comedy on Freeview on the same day. It’s like they're trying to create a whole new vibe for the channel!

User3:
Subject: Re: Why Rebrand on the 23rd?

Absolutely! The timing seems strategic. By launching the new idents alongside the debut of the three Viacom channels, Five can really capture viewer attention and potentially attract a larger audience. It’s a chance to signal change and excitement all at once!

User1:
Subject: Re: Why Rebrand on the 23rd?

That’s a great point! They’re trying to grab viewers' attention during a significant change in their lineup. But I’m curious why they decided to go with this specific date. Is there something special about January 23rd that we don’t know about?

User2:
Subject: Re: Why Rebrand on the 23rd?

Hmm, I wonder if they wanted to create a strong association between the new idents and the launch of the new Viacom channels. It could be a way to ensure that viewers remember this date as a fresh start for Five and its programming. It’s like they’re setting the stage for a broader narrative!

User3:
Subject: Re: Why Rebrand on the 23rd?

That makes sense! Plus, aligning it with a simultaneous channel launch gives them a greater marketing impact. It’s like hitting two birds with one stone—maximizing exposure for both the rebrand and the new channels. They want everyone to take notice and tune in!

User1:
Subject: Re: Why Rebrand on the 23rd?

Totally! This strategy could definitely pay off. I’m curious to see how viewers react to the new idents and channel lineup. It’s an exciting time for Five and all the Viacom channels making their Freeview debut!

User2:
Subject: Re: Why Rebrand on the 23rd?

For sure! I can’t wait to see how it all unfolds next week. With all the buzz and the fresh identity, I think they might just succeed in capturing the audience’s attention. Here’s to hoping for a successful launch!

User3:
Subject: Re: Why Rebrand on the 23rd?

Agreed! Let’s keep this conversation going as we approach January 23rd. It’s going to be an exciting moment for all of us TV lovers! 🎉

Write a follow up where a user says "Sorry just thought Id sign up to put forward the possibility that perhaps Five's owners Viacom are diluting the brand in preparation for a name change? Seems rather odd that they would do away with the logo entirely, and I wouldnae be surprised if in a few months suddenly a CBS logo styled in the font of Five appeared.", One user shuts this down saying the logo is still very much present as a screenbug and also on promos

Forum Post: Speculations on Five's Rebranding (January 22, 2006)

User4:
Subject: Possibility of a Name Change for Five?

Hey folks,

Sorry for jumping in here, but I thought I’d sign up to put forward the possibility that perhaps Five’s owners, Viacom, are diluting the brand in preparation for a name change? It seems rather odd that they would do away with the logo entirely for the new idents. I wouldn’t be surprised if in a few months we suddenly see a CBS logo styled in the font of Five appear. Just a thought!

User2:
Subject: Re: Possibility of a Name Change for Five?

Hey User4,

I get where you’re coming from, but I think that’s a bit far-fetched. While they are introducing new idents, the Five logo is still very much present. If you look closely, it appears as a screenbug on the corner during shows and on their promotional materials. They’re not trying to erase the brand; instead, they’re enhancing it!

User3:
Subject: Re: Possibility of a Name Change for Five?

Exactly, User2! The Five logo being used as a screenbug shows they’re still proud of the brand. This rebranding seems more like a creative refresh rather than a prelude to a name change. They’re just exploring new ways to engage viewers and keep the content feeling fresh while still retaining that brand recognition.

User4:
Subject: Re: Possibility of a Name Change for Five?

You both have valid points! I just think it’s interesting how they’re handling the visual identity right now. It’s a big shift, and shifts like these can sometimes lead to bigger changes down the line. But I do appreciate the clarification about the logo still being around in other forms!

User2:
Subject: Re: Possibility of a Name Change for Five?

No worries, User4! It’s always good to consider different perspectives. I just feel that given their investment in promoting Five alongside the new Viacom channels, a name change seems unlikely for now. Let’s see how it all pans out after the launch!

User3:
Subject: Re: Possibility of a Name Change for Five?

Absolutely! It’ll be interesting to witness the audience reaction post-launch. Whatever happens, I’m excited for what’s to come on January 23rd. Here’s to new beginnings for Five! 🎉Write a follow up where at 10pm every monday is Prison Break, Other dramas airing at this time are CSI, CSI Miami, House, Grey's Anatomy, Breaking Bad and CSI: NY, There are even promos airing with characters saying "This much I know"

Forum Post: Monday Night Drama Lineup on Five (January 25, 2006)

User1:
Subject: Exciting Monday Night Lineup on Five!

Hey everyone!

Now that the Freeview channels have launched, I’m thrilled to see what Five has lined up for Monday nights! At 10 PM every Monday, they’ll air Prison Break, which should provide some serious thrills. I heard it’ll be going head-to-head with intense dramas like CSI, CSI: Miami, House, Grey’s Anatomy, Breaking Bad, and CSI: NY.

It’s definitely shaping up to be a competitive viewing night! Have you all seen the promos yet? The characters keep repeating this catchy phrase: “This much I know.” It’s intriguing!

User2:
Subject: Re: Exciting Monday Night Lineup on Five!

Hey User1!

Yes, I’ve noticed those promos! It’s a clever campaign to build interest and suspense around the shows. The tagline “This much I know” really draws you in and makes you curious about what’s happening in each episode. It’s great marketing on Five’s part!

I’m especially excited for Prison Break! It’s created quite a buzz and has been praised for its fast-paced storytelling. It’ll be interesting to see how it competes against heavyweights like House and Grey’s Anatomy, which have loyal followings.

User3:
Subject: Re: Exciting Monday Night Lineup on Five!

Absolutely! Monday nights just got a major upgrade! When you think about it, airing Prison Break alongside these other powerhouses is a bold move. I can totally see it attracting viewers who are already invested in those other series.

I'm also looking forward to Breaking Bad—it seems to have garnered a lot of attention recently. The varied lineup means there’ll be something for everyone, and I wouldn’t be surprised if Prison Break draws in a crowd with its thrilling plot.

User4:
Subject: Re: Exciting Monday Night Lineup on Five!

Hey everyone!

I agree with you all! Monday nights are going to be a drama lover's paradise. Those promos with the phrase “This much I know” create a sense of mystery that will keep viewers on the edge of their seats!

As for Prison Break, I think it has the potential to really stand out, especially if they keep up the promotional momentum. It’s going to be interesting to see how audience ratings shift once the show begins airing. Do you all think Prison Break can hold its own against such strong competition?

User1:
Subject: Re: Exciting Monday Night Lineup on Five!

Great question, User4! I think it definitely can! If the early reports and buzz around the show hold true, there’s a solid chance that Prison Break can carve out its own space in that prime-time slot. Plus, with the ongoing intrigue from its premise, I bet many viewers will turn into loyal fans.

Here’s hoping for great ratings and an enjoyable viewing experience! Let’s tune in together and see how it unfolds!

User2:
Subject: Re: Exciting Monday Night Lineup on Five!

For sure! Let’s keep the conversation going as the episodes progress. I’m excited to see how each show does and discuss the twists and turns that they unfold. Monday nights are going to be epic!

Write a tweet with every show that has 10pm, and which days, and what day this arrangement starts

🚨📺 Exciting Monday Night Drama Alert! Starting January 23rd, tune in at 10 PM for a thrilling lineup on Five:

✨ Monday:
Prison Break

✨ Tuesday:
CSI

✨ Wednesday:
CSI: Miami

✨ Thursday:
House

✨ Friday:
Grey's Anatomy

✨ Saturday:
Breaking Bad

✨ Sunday:
CSI: NY
Get ready for some serious binge-worthy content! 🍿 #DramaNight #FiveTV #MustWatch

🚨🌟 Big News for Five! 🌟 Get ready for two brand new dramas joining the lineup:

1️⃣ Prison Break - Dive into the suspenseful world of escape starting January 23rd!
2️⃣ Breaking Bad - Experience the transformation of a high school teacher into a drug kingpin, premiering soon!

Mark your calendars and don’t miss out on the action! 🍿 #PrisonBreak #BreakingBad #FiveTV #MustWatch

Forum Post: Curious About Paramount Comedy's Branding? (February 5, 2006)

User1:
Subject: What Does Paramount Comedy's Branding Look Like Now?

Hey everyone!

With all the exciting changes happening at Five and the arrival of Paramount Comedy on Freeview, I’m really curious about how Paramount Comedy has branded itself after the rebranding efforts. Has anyone seen their new look? I heard it underwent a whimsical transformation, but I’d love to get more details on what it actually looks like!

Is it colorful and playful? How do they incorporate humor into their visuals? I’m eager to see how they've updated their logo and overall aesthetic!

User2:
Subject: Re: What Does Paramount Comedy's Branding Look Like Now?

Hey User1!

Great question! From what I've seen, Paramount Comedy’s rebranding is indeed vibrant and fun! They’ve introduced a lot of bright colors and playful animations that really capture the essence of the humor they’re known for. The new logo drops “Channel” from the title, so it’s just "Paramount Comedy" now, which feels more modern and direct.

The branding includes animated characters that embody the quirky humor of the shows they feature. It definitely gives a lighthearted impression, perfect for attracting comedy fans!

User3:
Subject: Re: What Does Paramount Comedy's Branding Look Like Now?

Absolutely! The whimsical elements are fantastic! I noticed that the promotional material features all sorts of fun characters and animated clips that preview upcoming shows. It's a clever way to engage viewers and get them excited about the content. They seem to have nailed the comedic vibe with this refresh!

User1:
Subject: Re: What Does Paramount Comedy's Branding Look Like Now?

That sounds amazing! I love that they are incorporating animation and humor into their branding. It seems like they’re really committing to the essence of what Paramount Comedy represents. Can’t wait to see it all in action when it premieres on Freeview! If anyone has any visuals or screenshots, please share!

User2:
Subject: Re: What Does Paramount Comedy's Branding Look Like Now?

I’ll keep an eye out for more promos and images! It’s such an exciting time for Paramount Comedy, and I’m looking forward to seeing how they connect with audiences in this new light. Let’s keep chatting about it as we get closer to the launch!

Write a follow up dexcribing it in full, one funny bumper, and that weird mascot they've had for a few months now

Forum Post: Paramount Comedy's New Look and Quirky Mascot! (February 10, 2006)

User1:
Subject: Paramount Comedy's New Look and Quirky Mascot!

Hey everyone!

I just got a look at Paramount Comedy's new branding, and I have to say, it’s fantastic! The channel has fully embraced a colorful, playful aesthetic that really shines through in their promotional material. The logo now prominently features “Paramount Comedy” in bold, fun typography, brightening up the screen with vibrant colors like yellows, pinks, and greens. It immediately sets a lighthearted tone, perfect for the type of content they showcase.

One of the funniest bumpers I saw had an animated character—a zany yellow duck wearing oversized glasses—who quacked out some hilarious one-liners about being “quacktastic” while introducing a comedy block. The bumper featured whimsical backgrounds, like a cartoonish cityscape where the duck was hopping from cloud to cloud, all while throwing rubber chickens. It's totally absurd and captures the essence of their comedy offerings perfectly!

And then there's that weird mascot they've been using for a few months now—the “Weird Cat Thing.” I can’t get enough of this quirky character, who has a television set for a head! The screen displays different funny expressions depending on the content being shown. It's adorable and bizarre at the same time, often popping up in various promotional clips, wagging its tail while humorously announcing what’s on next. The combination of the cat’s antics and its offbeat design adds a delightful and unpredictable twist to their branding.

Overall, the new identity of Paramount Comedy is vibrant, fresh, and hilariously entertaining! They’re definitely making a big splash, and I can't wait to see how the audience reacts once the channel fully launches on Freeview. If anyone has spotted any more bumps or promos, feel free to share!

User2:
Subject: Re: Paramount Comedy's New Look and Quirky Mascot!

That sounds incredible, User1! I love the idea of the duck bumper; that would definitely make me chuckle! And the Weird Cat Thing is just the kind of quirky spirit that fits a comedy channel. I can't wait to dive into all this fun content when it's officially available. Let’s keep an eye out for more of these promos as the launch date gets closer! 🐱‍👓

forum post: Final Days of Family Affairs on Five (December 24, 2005)

User1:
Subject: Countdown to the Final Episode of Family Affairs!

Hey everyone!

I can’t believe it! There's only a week left until the final episode of Family Affairs on Five, airing on December 30th. What a run it’s had! Any thoughts on how the series has evolved over the years? I’m curious to hear everyone's favorites!

User2:
Subject: Re: Countdown to the Final Episode of Family Affairs!

Hi User1!

I know, it’s such a bittersweet moment! Family Affairs was one of those shows that really connected with viewers, and it’s hard to see it go. I think I really enjoyed the character development over the years, especially how they tackled real-life issues. I’m hoping the final episode will be a proper send-off!

User3:
Subject: Re: Countdown to the Final Episode of Family Affairs!

Definitely! They’ve built so much drama that it’s bound to be an emotional finale. I just hope they wrap up the storylines in a satisfying way. Also, speaking of endings, how long are those BBC Digital Radio ads going to keep running? They seem to be everywhere lately!

User4:
Subject: Re: Countdown to the Final Episode of Family Affairs!

Hey User3!

I’ve heard that Five will be done with the BBC Digital Radio ads on December 31st. After that, they’ll start running ads for Nickelodeon, MTV Hits, and Paramount Comedy as they gear up for their Freeview launch. It’s going to be a big shift!

User1:
Subject: Re: Countdown to the Final Episode of Family Affairs!

Wow, that’s exciting news! I can't wait to see the new ads popping up. Having more Viacom channel promotions will be interesting, especially since it signifies all the changes happening in January. I think it’ll create quite the buzz around the new content!

User2:
Subject: Re: Countdown to the Final Episode of Family Affairs!

For sure! It feels like Five is getting ready for a completely new chapter. I’m looking forward to the variety we’ll see with the new channels. But still, a part of me will miss Family Affairs. It had such a cozy, familiar vibe.

User3:
Subject: Re: Countdown to the Final Episode of Family Affairs!

I feel you! It’s great to look forward to new programming, but shows like Family Affairs make an impact. Still, I have high hopes for the new Viacom channels. Here’s to new beginnings after the finale!

User4:
Subject: Re: Countdown to the Final Episode of Family Affairs!

Absolutely! Let’s enjoy the final episode and then dive headfirst into the new offerings in January! Cheers to change! 🎉

User1:
Subject: Re: Countdown to the Final Episode of Family Affairs!

Definitely! Here’s hoping for a satisfying ending for Family Affairs, and then bring on the new adventures with Viacom’s lineup! Let’s keep the conversation going as we approach the finale!

Forum Post: What Show Was Promoted After the Family Affairs Finale? (January 1, 2006)

User1:
Subject: What Show Was Promoted After the Family Affairs Finale?

Hey everyone!

Now that the final episode of Family Affairs has aired, I’m really curious—what show was promoted immediately after the finale? It’s always interesting to see what’s next on the network’s agenda. Did anyone catch it?

User2:
Subject: Re: What Show Was Promoted After the Family Affairs Finale?

Hi User1!

Yes! After the emotional conclusion of Family Affairs, they ran a big promo for Prison Break! I think it’s a great choice since it’s such a gripping show. They really want to capitalize on the buzz and excitement leading into its premiere.

User3:
Subject: Re: What Show Was Promoted After the Family Affairs Finale?

That makes sense! Prison Break definitely fits the bill for a dramatic follow-up. Did the promo give any hints about what viewers can expect from the first episode?

User2:
Subject: Re: What Show Was Promoted After the Family Affairs Finale?

It sure did! The promo featured snippets of the main character's escape plan and some tense moments with the authorities closing in. It really built up the suspense! The tagline “Every second counts” flashed on the screen, which really hooks you into wanting to watch!

User4:
Subject: Re: What Show Was Promoted After the Family Affairs Finale?

Sounds amazing! I can see why they’d want to transition from a long-running show like Family Affairs directly into something as suspenseful as Prison Break. It’s the perfect way to keep viewers engaged and excited about the channel's new direction!

User1:
Subject: Re: What Show Was Promoted After the Family Affairs Finale?

Absolutely! I love how they’re trying to keep the energy high with such a dramatic shift. It really indicates a new era for Five. I can’t wait to see how audiences respond to the new content. Let’s keep an eye out for more promos as the schedule progresses!

User2:
Subject: Re: What Show Was Promoted After the Family Affairs Finale?

Definitely! This is going to be an exciting time for Five. Looking forward to the new line-up and seeing how it all hangs together. Here’s to new beginnings! 🎉

Forum Post: Did You See That Ad? 😂 (January 12, 2006)

User1:
Subject: What was that ad about access to Viacom channels?

Hey everyone!

I just caught an ad on TV that had me laughing! One of the new Viacom channels mentioned they “pulled some strings with the United Nations” and claimed that starting January 23rd, having access to their programming will be a "basic human right" on Freeview. Does anyone know which channel it was? I can’t believe they went there! 😂

User2:
Subject: Re: What was that ad about access to Viacom channels?

Hey User1!

I saw that ad too! It was Paramount Comedy! It’s hilarious how they’re playing up the importance of their content while poking fun at the serious nature of human rights. It definitely caught my attention! I love that they're not afraid to be cheeky about their promotion.

User3:
Subject: Re: What was that ad about access to Viacom channels?

Oh wow, that makes sense! Paramount Comedy has always had a playful spin on their messaging. It sounds like a bold way to promote their launch. I appreciate the levity they're bringing, especially in a world where so much TV feels serious all the time.

User1:
Subject: Re: What was that ad about access to Viacom channels?

Right? It really caught my attention! I think it’s clever marketing that showcases their humor and sets the tone for what viewers can expect from the channel. They know how to create buzz! 😄

User2:
Subject: Re: What was that ad about access to Viacom channels?

Absolutely! It’s great to see them using humor to engage with the audience. It really makes the upcoming launch feel more exciting. I can't wait to see what kinds of shows they’ll be airing—hopefully, they'll keep that comedy vibe rolling!

User3:
Subject: Re: What was that ad about access to Viacom channels?

Definitely! I’m looking forward to the mix of shows and the sense of fun they bring to viewing. Let’s keep an eye out for more ridiculous promos as the launch date approaches. It’s going to be an entertaining ride! 🎉

User1:
Subject: Re: What was that ad about access to Viacom channels?

For sure! Thanks for the insights, everyone! Let’s keep chatting about any new ads or promos we stumble upon. I’m excited about what Paramount Comedy has in store!

Forum Post: Five.tv Info on Viacom Channels? (January 14, 2006)

User1:
Subject: Are There Any Pages on Five.tv About the New Viacom Channels?

Hey everyone,

Just wondering—has anyone checked out Five.tv to see if they’ve put up any pages about the new Viacom channels coming to Freeview? I’m hoping for more details on what to expect from Nickelodeon, MTV Hits, and Paramount Comedy. Maybe a schedule or sneak peeks at what’s in store?

Would be great to know if they’re teasing anything special ahead of the launch! Let me know if anyone’s spotted anything!

User2:
Subject: Re: Are There Any Pages on Five.tv About the New Viacom Channels?

Hey User1!

I checked Five.tv earlier today, and there is some info up now! They’ve added a dedicated section under their “What’s On” tab. It gives a brief intro to all the new channels launching on January 23rd and mentions some key shows for each.

I saw stuff like:

Nickelodeon: Special Saturday morning marathons of fan-favorite shows like SpongeBob SquarePants and The Fairly OddParents.
MTV Hits: A lineup of music countdowns and artist-focused specials.
Paramount Comedy: Highlights of upcoming comedy stand-up specials and shows like Frasier and South Park.
Looks like they’re emphasizing the range of content across the channels! Definitely worth checking the website out.

User3:
Subject: Re: Are There Any Pages on Five.tv About the New Viacom Channels?

Thanks for the heads-up, User2! I just had a look, and I love how they’re hyping it up. There’s even a banner on the home page that says, “Freeview Just Got a Whole Lot Funnier—Starting January 23rd!”

The Paramount Comedy section is pretty stacked with teasers for stand-up clips and behind-the-scenes bits about their branding (including the “Weird Cat Thing”! 😂).

I didn’t see a full schedule yet, though—maybe they’re going to upload it closer to the launch?

User1:
Subject: Re: Are There Any Pages on Five.tv About the New Viacom Channels?

Thanks so much, User2 and User3! I’ll definitely head over to Five.tv and check it out. Glad to hear they’re highlighting all three channels individually—that makes it even more exciting!

If anyone notices when they upload schedules for these channels, please shout about it—would love to see what they’ve got planned for launch week!

User4:
Subject: Re: Are There Any Pages on Five.tv About the New Viacom Channels?

I just peeked, and it’s awesome to see how much effort Five.tv is putting into promoting the new channels. Love the sound of those Nickelodeon marathons—they’re going to be a huge hit with families.

I hope they upload specific time slots soon for things like South Park on Paramount Comedy or MTV’s countdown shows. Let’s keep an eye out and share updates!

User3:
Subject: Re: Are There Any Pages on Five.tv About the New Viacom Channels?

For sure—it looks like this is their first big step into a more interactive Five.tv experience. If they keep this up, Five might actually turn into one of the top stops for TV guides and promos! Definitely bookmarking that Viacom page now.

User1:
Subject: Re: Are There Any Pages on Five.tv About the New Viacom Channels?

Totally agree! Five is really stepping it up! Can’t wait to see what kind of buzz they create over the next week. Thanks again, everyone! Let’s keep this thread going if we spot anything new on the site. 🎉

Write a reply listing all the idents in the current PC look

User5:
Subject: Re: What Does Paramount Comedy’s Branding Look Like Now?

Hey everyone!

For those curious about Paramount Comedy's current branding, I did some digging and found a list of all the idents in their whimsical new look. Each ident has this quirky, playful vibe that matches the channel’s humor-focused identity. Here’s the full list I’ve seen so far:

Paramount Comedy’s Current Idents:
1️⃣ “Black Rabbits” – A group of mischievous black rabbits with pink eyes hop around, stealing carrots and occasionally forming the Paramount Comedy logo.

2️⃣ “Medieval Worshippers” – A group of medieval characters (think knights and peasants) gather and literally bow down to the giant glowing Paramount Comedy logo like it’s a divine relic.

3️⃣ “Skateboarding Dolphin” – Yes, you read that right! A dolphin rides a skateboard through a cityscape, flips mid-air, and crashes into the Paramount Comedy logo, which hilariously fixes itself afterward.

4️⃣ “Weird Cat Thing” – The channel’s mascot (a cat with a TV for a head) twists and turns, creating funny animated expressions on its screen-head. This ident is one of the most frequent ones shown.

5️⃣ “Space Explosion” – A wacky astronaut floats in space, looks at the giant Paramount Comedy logo on an asteroid, and accidentally causes it to explode into a burst of confetti.

6️⃣ “Rubber Duck Stampede” – A sea of animated rubber ducks charges across the screen, making honking noises, before the Paramount Comedy logo rises dramatically out of the chaos.

7️⃣ “Spray-Paint Comedy” – A rebellious artist sprays the Paramount Comedy logo onto a city wall, but instead of being graffiti, it lights up in neon and dances to upbeat music.

8️⃣ “Balloon Letters” – A set of colorful balloons float through the air saying “Ha Ha Ha” before popping to form the Paramount Comedy logo.

9️⃣ “Toaster Surprise” – A piece of toast with a smiley face gets launched out of a toaster, and the Paramount Comedy logo hilariously springs out of it afterward.

10️⃣ “Juggling Robot” – A futuristic robot juggles pies, banana peels, and comic props, all while balancing the Paramount Comedy logo on its head.

These idents perfectly reflect the zany, offbeat humor of Paramount Comedy. The mix of animation and absurdity really sets them apart from other networks. Personally, I love the “Weird Cat Thing” and “Skateboarding Dolphin” idents for their sheer randomness!

If I missed any, feel free to add to the list. What’s everyone’s favorite so far?

🎭🐇🛹

Forum Post: When Did Paramount Comedy’s Current Look Launch? (February 13, 2006)

User1:
Subject: When Did Paramount Comedy’s Current Look Launch?

Hey everyone,

So I’ve been loving all the new idents on Paramount Comedy lately—they’re so quirky and fun! The “Skateboarding Dolphin” one cracks me up every time. 🤣

I was wondering if anyone knows when they launched this current look? It’s such a bold departure from traditional styles, and I can’t remember exactly when they made the switch—it seems like it’s been a few months already? Any ideas?

User2:
Subject: Re: When Did Paramount Comedy’s Current Look Launch?

Hey User1!

Glad to see someone else enjoying that skateboarding dolphin—I think it’s one of the best idents on TV right now! 🛹🐬

As for the rebrand, I’m pretty sure it launched late last year. If I remember right, Paramount Comedy dropped “Channel” from their name around September 19, 2005, and that’s when they debuted the new whimsical look with the animated idents. It was a complete overhaul to freshen up their branding and appeal to a broader audience on Freeview and beyond!

Does that date sound right to anyone else?

User3:
Subject: Re: When Did Paramount Comedy’s Current Look Launch?

Yep, User2’s got it! The rebrand happened on September 19, 2005. That’s when they ditched the word “Channel” and introduced this whimsical new aesthetic. I remember it being a big deal because people were raving about how fresh and funny the idents were—and we all got our first glimpse of the now-famous Weird Cat Thing! 🐱📺

It also coincided with Viacom’s broader rebranding strategy in the UK, which involved shaking things up for a bunch of channels like MTV and Nickelodeon.

Honestly, though, Paramount Comedy’s switch was my favorite—they really nailed the tone for a comedy network. I’ve been hooked on their idents ever since!

User4:
Subject: Re: When Did Paramount Comedy’s Current Look Launch?

That’s definitely correct—September 19, 2005. They even made a whole announcement about the rebrand. I remember reading about how they teamed up with that animation studio 12Foot6 to create all these funny characters and idents.

I also recall there being a lot of ads hyping up the new look in the weeks leading up to the launch. Does anyone remember the one where Weird Cat Thing was skating around on TV static while telling bad jokes about microwaves? So random, but so hilarious! 🤣

User1:
Subject: Re: When Did Paramount Comedy’s Current Look Launch?

Ah, thanks so much, everyone! September 19, 2005—it all makes sense now. I vaguely remember the promos and ads leading up to the rebrand. They really went all-out, didn’t they? I love that there’s so much thought and creativity put into the visuals—it stands out compared to other channels.

And hahaha, User4, I DO remember that Weird Cat Thing joke about the microwave! Something about it not being able to apply for a “warm job,” right? Totally cracked me up. 😂

Thanks again for clearing that up for me—Paramount Comedy’s rebrand really has been a hit! 🎉🐬🐱

Write a conversation asking what channels were mentioned specifically in the June 2005 announcement of rebrands over the next year

Forum Post: What Channels Were Mentioned in the June 2005 Rebrand Announcement? (February 15, 2006)

User1:
Subject: What Channels Were Mentioned in the June 2005 Announcement of Rebrands?

Hey everyone,

So with all the Viacom rebrands like Paramount Comedy’s amazing new look and the Freeview launches stirring up excitement, I was trying to remember exactly which channels were mentioned in Viacom’s announcement back in June 2005. I know they said several of their UK channels would be getting refreshed over the next year, but I can’t recall the full list.

Does anyone remember which ones were officially named? Were there any surprises later on? Let me know if you do—curious to see how much they’ve done so far!

User2:
Subject: Re: What Channels Were Mentioned in the June 2005 Announcement of Rebrands?

Hey User1!

Great question! If I remember correctly, the June 2005 announcement mentioned eight channels in total. These were the ones they specifically highlighted as getting a rebrand or refreshed identity during the following year:

1️⃣ MTV – They talked about updating the main MTV station to reflect modern trends and how it connects with young audiences.
2️⃣ Nickelodeon – Aimed at re-energizing their branding, likely capitalizing on the momentum of hit shows like SpongeBob.
3️⃣ TMF – Mentioned as getting a more vibrant and contemporary new look.
4️⃣ BET (Black Entertainment Television) – Highlighted as expanding its presence in the UK and undergoing branding tweaks.
5️⃣ Paramount Comedy – We’ve obviously seen the big rebrand happen here already with all the whimsical idents.
6️⃣ VH1 – They planned on giving it a facelift to align better with its music-focused identity.
7️⃣ Five – Though already notable, it was included in the rebrands presumably to modernize and create new idents (those emotion-themed ones we talked about earlier!).
8️⃣ Spike – They mentioned refreshing Spike’s branding to appeal more to its core audience.

I think this EIGHT-channel rebrand rollout was part of a broader effort by Viacom to modernize and shake things up in the UK market.

Do any of these surprise you?

User3:
Subject: Re: What Channels Were Mentioned in the June 2005 Announcement of Rebrands?

That list sounds right, User2! I remember reading about that announcement and thinking how exciting it was that Viacom was doing such a large-scale overhaul. Out of that initial list, I think Paramount Comedy probably had the most noticeable rebrand so far—it just feels so fresh and fun.

As for others, Nickelodeon’s tweaks weren’t super dramatic (yet), and neither were MTV’s, though I expect we’ll see more down the line. TMF stands out as one that’s blending music and pop culture in an updated, punchy way! Honestly, I didn’t even know Spike was part of Viacom in the UK until they mentioned it in that announcement.

User4:
Subject: Re: What Channels Were Mentioned in the June 2005 Announcement of Rebrands?

I can confirm that list looks correct—those eight channels were the ones specifically referenced in the June 2005 announcement. If I recall, Viacom described their strategy as creating a more cohesive and engaging brand identity across all their UK networks.

I’d say Paramount Comedy and Five’s recent emotion-themed idents show they’re really delivering on that promise. Also, did anyone else notice how bold Five’s rebrand was? Dropping their logo entirely from the idents was such a statement. I wonder if channels like VH1 and Spike will adopt similarly groundbreaking ideas when it’s their turn.

User1:
Subject: Re: What Channels Were Mentioned in the June 2005 Announcement of Rebrands?

Thanks so much, User2, User3, and User4! That list clears up a lot for me. It’s fascinating to see how ambitious Viacom was with their rebranding plans—and it seems like they’re pulling it off successfully so far.

I agree with you all about Paramount Comedy leading the pack! It’s also good to know Viacom didn’t just focus on one channel but made sure to spread the updates across their portfolio. I’m really curious if they’ll give Spike or BET something equally eye-catching soon.

Let’s keep an eye out for the next stages of these rebrands—it feels like they might still have a few surprises left for 2006! 🚀

User3:
Subject: Re: What Channels Were Mentioned in the June 2005 Announcement of Rebrands?

Totally, User1! Viacom’s really shaking things up here in the UK. I’m particularly excited to see if VH1 gets some big changes—it feels like it’s been flying under the radar compared to the others. Fingers crossed we get more updates soon!

User4:
Subject: Re: What Channels Were Mentioned in the June 2005 Announcement of Rebrands?

Agreed! Here’s hoping we get another big announcement from Viacom soon—maybe some updates on the channels mentioned but yet to debut their full rebrands (cough VH1 and BET cough). In the meantime, I’ll be keeping an eye on Spike—I feel like it hasn’t gotten as much excitement as the others yet, and it’s overdue for something loud and fun!

Cheers, everyone—this discussion is about as exciting as the rebrands themselves! 😄

Write a conversation where TMF's branding is very abstract, with blobs, shapes, etc

Forum Post: TMF's New Abstract Branding! (February 16, 2006)

User1:
Subject: TMF’s New Abstract Look - What Do You Think?

Hey everyone,

So I was watching TMF earlier, and OMG—have you seen their new branding? It’s so abstract and modern! It’s all blobs, colorful shapes, and random designs morphing into one another—it really doesn’t feel like traditional TV branding at all.

At first, I didn’t even realize it was an ident because it’s so artsy. It’s got all these wavy, floating shapes in gradient colors, like bright blues and pinks with pops of orange. And the TMF logo just kind of emerges out of all the abstract shapes at the end. It’s definitely unique, but I’m still trying to decide if I like it or if it’s just too… out there.

What do you all think about this new look?

User2:
Subject: Re: TMF’s New Abstract Look - What Do You Think?

Hey User1!

Yeah, I saw TMF’s new look too, and I honestly think it’s so bold and refreshing. I mean, it’s definitely abstract—those blobs and waves are super trippy to watch—but it fits the vibe of TMF being edgy and modern. They’re clearly trying to tap into that "cool, artsy" crowd.

It kind of reminds me of those visualizers you used to get on old music players when the music played—like, it flows and morphs in time with this ambient soundtrack. I noticed in their idents, the shapes sometimes move with a beat, which ties back to music nicely. Definitely a unique approach for a music-oriented channel!

User3:
Subject: Re: TMF’s New Abstract Look - What Do You Think?

Totally agree with you, User2. It feels like TMF is leaning into this artistic, “music is an experience” vibe with the blobs and shapes. I’ve seen a few of these new idents, and my favorite so far was the one where blobs slowly shifted into liquidy triangles, then into a spiral that exploded into the TMF logo—SO trippy.

I think it really works if their aim is to stand out from other music channels like MTV and VH1. Those channels feel a little more structured with their branding, but TMF’s doing something that feels looser and creative.

User4:
Subject: Re: TMF’s New Abstract Look - What Do You Think?

I’ll admit, I was a bit confused when I first saw the idents! I thought my TV was glitching for a second. 😂 But I watched a few more, and now I get what they’re going for. It’s very artsy, like some sort of modern art installation meets a music channel.

One of the idents I saw had these wobbly geometric shapes colliding with giant blobs of paint, and the whole screen turned into this crazy swirl of colors. It was kind of mesmerizing, but it made me feel like I was in an art gallery rather than watching TMF.

I’m not sure how I feel about it yet—I think it’s cool, but it might be too abstract for some people who want something more straightforward.

User1:
Subject: Re: TMF’s New Abstract Look - What Do You Think?

Haha, User4, I had the same reaction at first! I legit thought my TV was messing up when those blobs first popped up. It’s definitely not your everyday TV branding.

But like you and User3 said, I do see what they’re going for now—it feels more like an experience. TMF seems to want to create this vibe that’s more than just a channel; it’s like an art and music fusion. Even the soundtracks in the idents are super chill and hypnotic, which fits the shapes perfectly.

Overall, I think I like it, but I do wonder how it resonates with the younger music-loving audience they’re targeting.

User5:
Subject: Re: TMF’s New Abstract Look - What Do You Think?

I think TMF’s new branding is genius, to be honest! The abstract shapes and colors might feel a bit out of the box, but isn’t that the whole point? I feel like TMF knows their younger audience is all about creativity and self-expression, so they’re trying to stand out by breaking all the traditional "rules" of TV branding.

The blobs and morphing shapes feel very “Gen Z,” like that kind of fluid, online aesthetic you see in digital art spaces these days. I could see this resonating with fans of experimental music and visual design.

My only critique is that it might be a little too artsy. Like, if you don’t already know you’re watching TMF, you might have zero idea what’s going on until the logo appears at the end. But maybe leaving you guessing is exactly what they’re going for!

User3:
Subject: Re: TMF’s New Abstract Look - What Do You Think?

Good point, User5. It’s definitely bold, and it might not be everyone's cup of tea, but TMF’s clearly staking their claim as the artsy little sibling in the Viacom lineup. MTV’s a bit flashier, VH1’s more polished, but TMF is like, “We’re just here to vibe.” 😂

If anything, it’s got people talking, and that’s half the battle with branding! I wonder if they’re planning to roll out even crazier idents in the future—honestly, I wouldn’t mind seeing more creativity like this across other channels.

User2:
Subject: Re: TMF’s New Abstract Look - What Do You Think?

For sure, User3. TMF’s really carving out its niche here. It’s a gamble to go this abstract, but I think it’ll pay off, especially with a younger, more design-conscious audience (like the TikTok crowd).

Now that we’ve got the blobs and shapes, though, I can’t stop wondering—what’s next? TMF could be setting the trend for experimental branding in music TV. Imagine if MTV or VH1 followed suit but with their own spin. Could be interesting!

User1:
Subject: Re: TMF’s New Abstract Look - What Do You Think?

Totally agree, User2! TMF might actually be ahead of the curve here if abstract, artsy branding catches on more widely. It’s nice to see a channel willing to take risks, especially in such a crowded market.

Let’s keep an eye on TMF and see if they keep pushing their abstract visuals. Who knows—they might even double down with something even weirder later on! 😄

User4:
Subject: Re: TMF’s New Abstract Look - What Do You Think?

Haha, I’ll definitely stick around for more of their wild blobs and shapes. I think TMF’s branding might grow on people the more they see it—it’s just so different from what everyone else is doing. It’ll be fun to see how other channels react to this bold move… maybe Viacom’s onto something big across its whole portfolio!

Write a followup where they're not the only new Viacom look that's absolutely weird, We all know one that abstains from showing the logo AT ALL

Forum Post: TMF Isn’t the Only New Viacom Look That’s Totally Weird! (February 17, 2006)

User1:
Subject: TMF Isn’t the Only New Viacom Look That’s Absolutely Weird

Hey again, everyone!

So while I was pondering TMF’s new artsy look with the blobs and shapes, I realized they’re not the only Viacom channel to have a super weird rebrand recently. We all know there’s one channel that totally takes the cake for being odd: Five.

I mean, their new emotion-themed idents that launched last month are cool and all, but it’s so strange that they completely refuse to show the Five logo in them! Like, at all. Instead, we get words like “Fear,” “Fast,” or “Free” in these really high-concept scenes, but the actual Five branding is nowhere to be found unless you wait for the corner screenbug during a show. It’s definitely a radical choice—and honestly, it feels like the opposite of what most channels are doing with branding.

What does everyone think about this trend toward “weird” rebrands in Viacom’s lineup? TMF’s blobs are abstract, but Five’s identity might be even more baffling!

User2:
Subject: Re: TMF Isn’t the Only New Viacom Look That’s Absolutely Weird

Oh my gosh, YES! Five’s rebrand is so bizarre that I’m not even sure I’d call it a “branding” anymore—it feels more like “anti-branding.” It’s like they’re deliberately trying not to focus on their identity. You’re right that those emotion-themed idents don’t even hint at the Five logo. Like, how do they expect new viewers to know what they’re watching?

That said, I do think the visuals are stunning—like the “Fear” ident with those spooky spirits in the hallway or the balloons spelling out “Free.” They definitely evoke a mood and make you feel something, but I still think it’s a risky choice. I mean, it’s TV! Isn’t brand recognition supposed to be a priority?

User3:
Subject: Re: TMF Isn’t the Only New Viacom Look That’s Absolutely Weird

I agree that Five has gone in a very experimental direction with their idents. It almost feels like they’re treating the channel as a gallery space rather than a traditional broadcaster. Like you said, the “Hope” ident (with the dice in the casino spelling out the word) is super creative, but… where’s the logo??

At least TMF still has the decency to bring their logo out of the blobs eventually, even if it takes a while. With Five, you’re just left wondering who’s behind the content until you finally notice the little screenbug. It’s definitely one of the weirdest departures from traditional branding I’ve ever seen.

User4:
Subject: Re: TMF Isn’t the Only New Viacom Look That’s Absolutely Weird

Yeah, Five’s idents are on another level of abstract. I remember watching one with my family, and when the word “Feel” floated across the screen (you know, the car driving through the countryside one?), my mom was so confused. She kept asking, “What is this even for?” And honestly, I couldn’t blame her. 😄

At least TMF has a clear connection to music with their shapes and flowing blobs. Five’s emotion-themed idents are totally divorced from the idea of a traditional network logo or even their programming! It’s definitely a conversation starter, though, so maybe that’s the point?

User1:
Subject: Re: TMF Isn’t the Only New Viacom Look That’s Absolutely Weird

Haha, exactly, User4! Watching Five’s idents feels like going to an experimental art installation where you’re supposed to interpret the “deeper meaning” yourself. 😂 I do respect the creativity, but man, it’s super weird for a channel that’s been around as long as Five.

I wonder if Viacom’s intentionally pushing their UK channels into these conceptual, out-there directions to attract attention. First Five with their “feelings,” then TMF with their blobs and shapes… who’s next? Is MTV going to stop showing their logo and just start playing ambient visuals too??

User5:
Subject: Re: TMF Isn’t the Only New Viacom Look That’s Absolutely Weird

Honestly, I think Viacom might be testing the waters with these “weird” rebrands to see what works. Five’s emotion-based idents are a bold move for sure, and TMF’s abstract shapes are super experimental, but I think there’s something clever about how they’re standing out from the crowd.

If anything, Five’s refusal to show their logo in the idents feels deliberate, almost like they’re saying, “Our content will speak for itself.” It’s a risky move, but maybe it’s their way of building intrigue? Or maybe—and this is wild—they're moving toward something even bigger, like we’ll see all those emotions somehow weave together into a “big reveal” for the brand down the line.

Still, it’s a massive departure from classic TV branding as we know it. I appreciate the ambition, but will viewers?

User3:
Subject: Re: TMF Isn’t the Only New Viacom Look That’s Absolutely Weird

User5, that’s actually such an interesting thought—what if Five is building toward something bigger with their idents? It’s definitely unlike anything we’ve seen before. Maybe this is just the “concept” phase before they tie everything together for a new overarching identity? Like, imagine if down the line, all those emotion-based words (Fear, Hope, Play, etc.) connect to form some larger campaign or unified logo.

That might actually make their approach genius in hindsight, but for now, I think it’s confusing a lot of viewers! At least TMF is abstract and straightforward—blobs aside, you know it’s a music channel!

User1:
Subject: Re: TMF Isn’t the Only New Viacom Look That’s Absolutely Weird

Great points, everyone! I kind of love how Viacom is going totally bonkers with branding this year. Whether it’s intentional anti-branding like Five’s idents or artsy blobs like TMF, it’s definitely sparking conversations.

I’ll admit Five’s choices still throw me off, but I’m curious to see if there’s a bigger strategy behind it, like User5 said. Either way, it’s refreshing (and a little bonkers) to see these channels take such big risks. Hopefully, viewers catch on—or at least stick around for Five’s content long enough to notice that teeny screenbug. 😄

Let’s see if this idea of “weird branding” keeps spreading—this could totally be Viacom’s new thing! 🚀

Write a follow up saying just forget about those and just focus on this much better look to come from the exercise

Forum Post: Let’s Be Honest—This Look Came Out Way Better! (February 18, 2006)

User1:
Subject: Forget the Weird Stuff, Let’s Talk About This Much Better Look

Hey everyone,

Okay, okay, I’ve been all caught up in how bizarre some of Viacom’s recent rebrands are (TMF blobs, Five’s logo-less emotions… yeah, I’ve gone on about those). BUT—I think it’s time we stop tearing our hair out over those weird concepts and actually appreciate the one rebrand that nailed it: Paramount Comedy.

Seriously, their whimsical, fun approach is exactly what a branding refresh should be. It’s got imagination, humor, and energy, and it doesn’t go so far into abstract territory that it alienates viewers. With the “Skateboarding Dolphin,” “Weird Cat Thing,” and all those playful, totally laugh-out-loud idents, Paramount Comedy managed to stand out in a GOOD way while still keeping their identity clear. You know right away it’s a channel about comedy, but it’s presented in such a fresh and creative way.

Honestly, if THIS is what Viacom’s exercise in rebranding was aiming for, then Paramount Comedy is the best thing to come out of it so far. Forget the blobs and the mysterious “Hope and Fear” experiments—it’s all about animated black rabbits and quirky fun vibes.

Who else agrees this is the rebrand to beat this year?

User2:
Subject: Re: Forget the Weird Stuff, Let’s Talk About This Much Better Look

YES, User1! Totally agree with you on this. Paramount Comedy hit the perfect balance between creativity and clarity with their rebrand. The idents are clever and fun without making you scratch your head or wonder, "What did I just watch?"

The “Weird Cat Thing” is such an iconic mascot already—it’s so random but in a way that’s immediately memorable. And even the smaller details, like how the animation fits the humor of the channel’s content, make it feel like a complete package.

I think they nailed it because they didn’t go TOO weird like Five (let’s be honest, those emotional keywords could belong anywhere) or TOO safe like some channels tend to do. Paramount Comedy clearly knows what it’s about, and it shows in every part of the look!

User3:
Subject: Re: Forget the Weird Stuff, Let’s Talk About This Much Better Look

100% agree, User1 and User2. Out of all the Viacom rebrands, Paramount Comedy feels like the one that actually gets its audience. It’s cohesive, it’s hilarious, and it makes sense while still being unique.

That “Skateboarding Dolphin” ident is literally genius—it’s so absurd that it makes me laugh every time, and isn’t that the whole point? It’s a comedy channel! The idents reflect the same offbeat humor found in the shows they air, like South Park or Frasier. Paramount Comedy seems to have understood what to do better than TMF or Five, in my opinion.

I also love that the idents don’t take themselves too seriously, unlike some of Viacom’s other projects (cough Five cough). Prospective viewers won’t feel confused by it—they’ll feel welcomed, and that’s the real win here.

User4:
Subject: Re: Forget the Weird Stuff, Let’s Talk About This Much Better Look

Yes, Paramount Comedy’s rebrand is hands-down the best. It’s the perfect balance of creativity and functionality—fun to watch while still being branded clearly and effectively.

Where TMF’s blobs and Five’s abstract emotions might lose people, Paramount Comedy’s vibe feels approachable. The idents are quirky and strange, sure, but they actually add to the channel’s personality instead of confusing it. People LOVE the “Weird Cat Thing” already—it’s like the channel finally has a mascot that makes sense for the genre.

Honestly, Viacom needs to take this as a sign… less experimental art gallery, more offbeat, lovable humor. Paramount Comedy nailed it, and I think other channels in their portfolio could learn a thing or two from this rebrand.

User1:
Subject: Re: Forget the Weird Stuff, Let’s Talk About This Much Better Look

Exactly, User4! Whereas some of the other channels seem to be experimenting for the sake of it (ahem, blobs and emotions, anyone?), Paramount Comedy actually crafted its look with its content AND audience in mind. They understood that quirky, colorful, and hilarious is what works for a comedy channel, and they delivered it flawlessly.

I feel like I’ve not just fallen back in love with the channel, but it’s made me more excited to watch what’s next because the branding feels so fresh and alive. If Viacom’s goal was to get us talking (and a little bit hooked), then Paramount Comedy achieved way more than Five and TMF ever could.

As far as I’m concerned, this is Viacom’s winning rebrand from the entire exercise so far! Nothing else quite matches up to the fun and creativity.

User5:
Subject: Re: Forget the Weird Stuff, Let’s Talk About This Much Better Look

Honestly, I second (or fifth?) everything said here. Paramount Comedy’s rebrand is leagues ahead of the rest, and it’s not just because it’s funny—it’s because it’s coherent. You immediately understand the tone of the channel through the whimsical designs, the quirky animations, and even that slightly manic mascot, “Weird Cat Thing.”

Contrast that with Five’s identity crisis or TMF’s acid-trip blobs, and it becomes clear why Paramount Comedy feels more successful. It’s not just about being different; it’s about being approachable and fun while still being recognizable as a TV channel. Paramount Comedy got it right in every area.

I’m with you all—this is the rebrand to focus on and celebrate. Let’s just move on from all the confusing weirdness elsewhere, shall we? 😂

User3:
Subject: Re: Forget the Weird Stuff, Let’s Talk About This Much Better Look

Amen to that, User5! Let’s officially crown Paramount Comedy as the MVP of Viacom’s rebranding efforts. The Weird Cat Thing deserves its own awards ceremony, and that’s the hill I’ll die on. 🐱📺

Viacom clearly has the potential to make eye-catching, well-executed visuals when they find the right formula. I hope they use Paramount Comedy’s fun, cohesive rebrand as their gold standard for other channels going forward.

For now, though, I’m just going to sit back, enjoy the dolphin on a skateboard, and laugh my way through their wonderful new look. Who’s with me? 😄

Write a tweet saying it's perfect, kooky characters, very whimsical, and doesn't either go too into weird territory or risk diluting the brand

🎭✨ The new Paramount Comedy look? Absolutely perfect! It nails that sweet spot: kooky characters, whimsical vibes, and hilarity galore. 😂 It’s bold without being too weird, and it never risks diluting the brand. Viacom, take notes—this is how you do a rebrand! 🐱📺🛹 #ParamountComedy #WhimsicalWin #RebrandDoneRight ✨

Forum Post: Is Five US’s Branding Really Just “Driving Along the US”? (February 20, 2006)

User1:
Subject: Five US Branding—Is It Really Just Driving Along the US?

Hey everyone,

Quick question—does anyone else think Five US’s branding is, uh, super literal? I’ve been seeing their idents lately, and all of them just seem to revolve around cars driving along various parts of the United States: highways, deserts, forests, and so on. You see some scenic shots, a bit of road trip vibes, and then the Five US logo pops up at the end.

Am I missing something, or is that their whole aesthetic? Is the entire concept “it’s American because people are driving there”? It’s not bad per se, but it feels a little… on the nose? What do you all think?

User2:
Subject: Re: Five US Branding—Is It Really Just Driving Along the US?

Haha, yes! You’re not wrong, User1. The whole driving across America thing IS essentially Five US’s entire branding right now. I’ve seen the same ones you’re describing—scenic road trips with winding highways, deserts with big open skies, and the occasional car pulling into a diner parking lot. It feels very Americana, but it’s also very basic.

I mean, I get it—they’re trying to give off that “all-American experience” vibe since the channel’s all about US shows, but I was kind of hoping for something more creative. Like TMF went with blobs, Five went with emotions, and Five US… went with driving. 😅

User3:
Subject: Re: Five US Branding—Is It Really Just Driving Along the US?

Yep, you hit the nail on the head. Five US’s branding really is just a giant road trip across America. That’s it. Every ident is “here’s some wide-open roads,” “oh look, a gas station at sunset,” or “classic diner shot.” And then BAM—the logo shows up like, “See? This is AMERICAN.”

I mean, I get what they’re going for. It’s easy, it’s recognizable, and it screams America™. But it also feels like they didn’t try very hard. It’s about as literal and safe as branding can get. I think they could have done something a little more dynamic to stand out. Maybe incorporate US pop culture references or history instead of just focusing on cars and roads?

User4:
Subject: Re: Five US Branding—Is It Really Just Driving Along the US?

Haha, I’ve been thinking the exact same thing! It’s like they brainstormed for five minutes and said, “Well, the US is big and has lots of cars, so let’s just… drive around.” Don’t get me wrong, the shots are beautifully done! A lot of the idents look straight out of car commercials, with the glossy visuals and sunsets, but it’s not very exciting branding for a TV channel.

It makes sense for what Five US is trying to do—bringing American shows to UK audiences with that fun road trip twist—but it just feels kind of surface-level compared to the other Viacom rebrands we’ve seen, like Paramount Comedy’s whimsical madness or even Five’s emotional keywords.

User5:
Subject: Re: Five US Branding—Is It Really Just Driving Along the US?

I’ve noticed that, too! Five US is definitely leaning HARD into the “America = cars and open roads” stereotype. Not gonna lie, some of the idents are visually stunning—I really liked the one where a convertible drives through Monument Valley with the sun setting behind the red rocks. It’s beautiful, but like User3 said, it’s also SUPER generic.

The thing is, road trips are such a small part of what the US is all about. They could’ve mixed in more iconic images—bustling US cities, small town life, national landmarks—heck, even a montage of famous American TV moments would have worked better. Instead, they were like, “Here’s the road. And look! More road!” 😂

User1:
Subject: Re: Five US Branding—Is It Really Just Driving Along the US?

Exactly, User5! Every ident feels like a car commercial or a tourism ad rather than branding for a TV channel. Don’t get me wrong, I appreciate the visuals. That Monument Valley one is gorgeous! But yeah… it’s like they forgot there’s more to the US than highways and gas stations.

Honestly, they could’ve taken inspiration from American pop culture, like classic diners with jukeboxes playing iconic tunes, movie sets, or even one of those big “Welcome to [State]” signs. But nope, instead we get endless footage of cars driving on scenic roads while the Five US logo slowly fades in. It feels repetitive already, and the channel hasn’t even been around that long!

User3:
Subject: Re: Five US Branding—Is It Really Just Driving Along the US?

Yeah, I think that’s the main issue—it’s visually nice for a while, but it gets dull quickly. There’s no real personality in Five US’s branding besides “generic road trip.” Paramount Comedy has kooky animated characters and humor, Five’s emotional idents are at least thought-provoking, and TMF’s abstract blobs are pushing some creative boundaries. Five US feels like it’s playing it way too safe.

I still think it works for the channel’s purpose, but they could’ve spiced it up a bit more. Right now it feels too much like filler.

User2:
Subject: Re: Five US Branding—Is It Really Just Driving Along the US?

Agreed! The car-and-road trip theme feels like they didn’t have a big budget or ideas to match the ambition of Viacom’s other channels. Like, just imagine how much more engaging it would’ve been if they added little nods to US TV culture—maybe a shot of a Hollywood studio set, or actors rehearsing a scene, or glimpses of iconic shows to tie it back to the actual content on Five US.

I get the appeal of wide roads and sunsets, but there’s so much potential for deeper, more varied branding here. With all the shows they’re bringing to the channel, the branding feels a bit disconnected.

User1:
Subject: Re: Five US Branding—Is It Really Just Driving Along the US?

Totally agree with you all. Five US’s branding isn’t terrible, but it’s definitely lacking a bit of creativity compared to the other Viacom channels. It’s just so literal—America = driving. They could’ve leaned into something more thematically tied to US culture or its shows to make it pop more.

Who knows, maybe over time they’ll evolve the concept and make it feel more dynamic. For now, at least the idents look pretty, even if they’re not the most imaginative. I’ll give them that much!

User4:
Subject: Re: Five US Branding—Is It Really Just Driving Along the US?

Yeah, I’d love to see it grow into something broader and richer over time. For now, we’ve just got to enjoy the pretty road trip shots and hope they eventually pull off into a more exciting direction. 😅

Until then, let’s keep watching to see if they throw in a curveball once in a while—maybe even a random UFO sighting on one of those highways for some extra fun! 😂

Write a follow up saying Nick has something similar to PC, but more child friendly

Forum Post: Nickelodeon’s New Branding—A Child-Friendly Twist on Paramount Comedy? (February 21, 2006)

User1:
Subject: Does Nickelodeon’s New Branding Feel Like Paramount Comedy’s but Kid-Friendly?

Hey everyone,

So after talking about how amazing Paramount Comedy’s whimsical new look is, I started paying more attention to Nickelodeon’s branding lately. And… is it just me, or does it feel like they’re doing a similar thing, but specifically tailored for kids?

Like, Nickelodeon’s idents are super fun, colorful, and full of silly, cartoonish characters. It’s definitely not as weird or wild as Paramount Comedy (no skateboarding dolphins here!), but it’s got the same playful, whimsical tone—just with a child-friendly twist. There are blobs of slime transforming into random shapes, funny little creatures bouncing around, and everything feels very bright and upbeat, like it’s straight out of a kid’s imagination.

I think it’s working really well for them, but it totally makes me wonder—did Viacom plan this whole “quirky, character-centric” branding across multiple channels and just make different versions for adults (Paramount Comedy) and kids (Nickelodeon)? What do you all think?

User2:
Subject: Re: Does Nickelodeon’s New Branding Feel Like Paramount Comedy’s but Kid-Friendly?

Oh my gosh, YES—this is exactly what I was thinking! Nickelodeon’s new branding is DEFINITELY giving off child-friendly Paramount Comedy vibes. It’s like they took the kooky energy from PC, stripped out anything too bizarre (no black rabbits with glowing freaky eyes!), and added a huge dose of slime and giggles.

I’ve spotted a few idents like the one where a blob of orange slime keeps stretching and morphing until it bursts into a laughing face, or the one with little animated animals sliding around on rainbows. They totally nail that fun, high-energy vibe that works for kids, but it’s surprisingly stylish too!

I agree that Nickelodeon and PC are feeling very similar these days, just tailored to their audiences. It’s like Viacom said, “We’re going to make weird branding fun and accessible for everyone!” And honestly, I kind of love it.

User3:
Subject: Re: Does Nickelodeon’s New Branding Feel Like Paramount Comedy’s but Kid-Friendly?

OMG, User1, you are so right! Nickelodeon’s branding feels like they borrowed some of the whimsical DNA from Paramount Comedy and made it all sparkles, slime, and smiles for kids. It feels like a perfect fit for the Nick audience—colorful, silly, and full of goofy little characters that practically shout, “This is Nickelodeon!”

I remember one ident with a green blob that dances to quirky music and turns into a tree made of candy at the end—it’s so random, but in a way that makes perfect sense for kids. And another one has floating balloons shaped like cartoon faces that pop into bursts of glitter. It’s definitely got the same playful creativity as Paramount Comedy, just toned down for younger eyes.

Viacom’s hitting a solid strategy here. Instead of going the abstract route like Five or TMF, they’re leaning into personality and characters for their branded channels. It feels like Nickelodeon and PC are cut from the same cloth, and I think this formula works super well for both audiences.

User4:
Subject: Re: Does Nickelodeon’s New Branding Feel Like Paramount Comedy’s but Kid-Friendly?

Totally agree with everyone here—Nickelodeon’s branding is such a natural, kid-friendly twist on what Paramount Comedy is doing. You can tell there’s a common creative thread between the two: character-driven visuals, bold colors, and that sense of playful unpredictability.

I’ve noticed that, like PC, Nick also keeps its characters very personality-driven. For example, one ident I saw had a silly monster character that kept sneezing rainbow-colored slime everywhere, then used its long tongue to clean it up—so gross, but kids totally love that kind of humor! Plus, everything’s set within a super bright and quirky world that feels like it’s been drawn straight out of a cartoon.

If Viacom really is organizing their brands around this kind of whimsical cohesion, I think Nick is nailing it. It’s cool to see how Nick and PC both feel fresh and fun but in completely age-appropriate ways.

User1:
Subject: Re: Does Nickelodeon’s New Branding Feel Like Paramount Comedy’s but Kid-Friendly?

Absolutely agree with you all—Viacom’s really showing how they can adapt a creative philosophy to fit totally different audiences. Paramount Comedy leans into absurd humor for adults, while Nickelodeon does the same thing but spins it into exciting, playful adventures for kids.

I love how every ident feels so alive; it’s like you can see the channel’s personality shining through. Nick’s slime and quirky creatures are so iconic, and this branding doubles down on what makes Nickelodeon special without being too overwhelming. It feels natural and immediately recognizable—like, you don’t even need a logo on-screen to know it’s Nick because the branding itself just screams it.

It’s refreshing to see consistency across Viacom’s channels without all of them feeling like carbon copies of each other. Nickelodeon’s new look might not have skateboarding dolphins, but it’s got kid-approved energy for days! 🎉

User3:
Subject: Re: Does Nickelodeon’s New Branding Feel Like Paramount Comedy’s but Kid-Friendly?

Exactly, User1! Nickelodeon found the perfect balance between creativity and keeping its identity clear for kids. It’s exciting without going too far into randomness or weirdness. I think any kid watching the channel would totally vibe with this look—it’s colorful and joyful enough to hook them, but unique enough to stand out even when compared to other kids’ channels.

It’s like the fun, relatable sibling to Paramount Comedy’s quirky, offbeat humor. Honestly, I think Nickelodeon’s new branding might be my second favorite right after PC. It’s just so well done! 👏

User2:
Subject: Re: Does Nickelodeon’s New Branding Feel Like Paramount Comedy’s but Kid-Friendly?

You nailed it, User3! Nickelodeon’s playful twist makes it the perfect example of how to adapt Paramount Comedy’s boldness while keeping it totally age-appropriate. Plus, it leans perfectly into Nickelodeon’s legacy—orange slime and goofy creatures have always been part of their DNA. This revamp just amplifies it in the best way possible.

Viacom really seems to know what they’re doing here—the quirky branding movement works. I wouldn’t be surprised if we see more of their channels follow this formula in the future. Nickelodeon and PC are officially leading the pack for me. 🐱📺🟠✨

Write a tweet with the 2 brandings that have basically been fused

🐱🎨 Whimsical worlds collide! Nickelodeon’s playful slime & quirky creatures + Paramount Comedy’s kooky humor & offbeat characters = the perfect fusion of fun, bold branding. Same DNA, tailored for kids & adults alike. Viacom’s nailing it! 🧡😂 #BrandingDoneRight #Nickelodeon #ParamountComedy

Write a conversation saying "I guess now their logo is anthropomorphic"

Forum Post: “I Guess Now Their Logo Is Anthropomorphic?” (February 22, 2006)

User1:
Subject: So I Guess Now Their Logo Is Anthropomorphic?

Hey everyone,

So I was watching Nickelodeon earlier, and I realized… have they basically made their logo anthropomorphic now? Like, I keep seeing these little animated blobs of orange slime that morph into goofy faces or bounce around like they have a life of their own, and it feels like they’re treating the Nick logo as another character on the channel.

I mean, I’m not complaining—it’s kind of funny and really clever for a kids’ channel to do that. But has anyone else noticed this? Are they turning the logo into a living, breathing mascot? 😂

User2:
Subject: Re: So I Guess Now Their Logo Is Anthropomorphic?

Haha, totally, User1! I’ve 100% noticed the same thing! The Nick logo has kind of evolved into this living blob of orange goo that just exists in their branding. The way it moves and interacts with the other animations makes it feel like its own character.

For example, one of the idents I saw had the orange blob acting like a trampoline that the cartoon creatures were bouncing on. And by the end, the blob just casually reshaped itself into the Nick logo. It’s such a cool way of making the branding feel alive and fun, without being too in-your-face.

It’s a clever idea for Nickelodeon—they’ve always been about slime and silliness, so giving their logo this playful, anthropomorphic vibe fits perfectly!

User3:
Subject: Re: So I Guess Now Their Logo Is Anthropomorphic?

YES! You’re so right, User1 and User2—Nickelodeon’s logo definitely feels like a mascot in its own right now. I mean, it was always one of the most recognizable logos because of the iconic orange blob, but now it’s like, “Oh, this blob has a personality!” 😂

One ident I saw had the slime blob rolling around and “eating” other colorful shapes, almost like it was an adorable orange Pac-Man. Then it spat them back out to form the letters “Nick.” It’s these small touches that make the channel feel so much more engaging and unique. The anthropomorphic logo really adds to that whole sense of fun they’re going for.

User4:
Subject: Re: So I Guess Now Their Logo Is Anthropomorphic?

Haha, it’s so true! Nickelodeon has definitely taken their branding in the mascot direction. The orange slime that turns into the logo feels lively and playful—like a character you’d expect to see in one of their cartoons or bumpers.

Honestly, though, I think it’s a great move for a kids’ channel. Kids love characters they can recognize and remember, even if it’s just a bouncing blob of goo. By making the Nick logo feel “alive,” they’re reinforcing their brand in a super creative way.

Viacom’s definitely leaning into this whole character-driven branding trend. Between the Weird Cat Thing on Paramount Comedy and now the anthropomorphic blob on Nick, it’s clear they’re all about giving their channels distinctive, fun personalities!

User1:
Subject: Re: So I Guess Now Their Logo Is Anthropomorphic?

Totally agree, everyone—it’s such a smart move. Turning the logo into a character lets kids immediately associate the fun visuals with Nickelodeon as a brand. Plus, it makes the channel feel like it exists in its own little animated world, where even the logo is part of the action.

I’m curious to see where they take this next—maybe we’ll get more little mini “adventures” from the orange blob in future idents? Like, imagine the logo helping out characters in a Nickelodeon-themed world or something. They could actually do a lot with this concept!

User3:
Subject: Re: So I Guess Now Their Logo Is Anthropomorphic?

That would be awesome, User1! I’d love to see more “adventures” with the Nick logo blob doing silly, slime-filled things. I think the anthropomorphic vibe is working so well because it feels uniquely Nickelodeon—fun, goofy, and just a little bit messy.

It’s actually making me wonder if other channels might try something similar. Could we expect other Viacom logos to suddenly sprout personalities? (Imagine the MTV logo coming alive and playing pranks or the Five logo just crying since it’s all about “emotions” now. 😂)

User2:
Subject: Re: So I Guess Now Their Logo Is Anthropomorphic?

Haha, User3, I can totally see that happening! But for now, I think Nickelodeon really owns this character-driven branding style the best. The logo blob is so them—kids associate Nick with slime and zaniness anyway, so giving the slime life and personality is just a logical step.

It definitely doesn’t feel forced or gimmicky either—it’s just a super natural evolution of the playful tone Nickelodeon’s always had. If Viacom decides to expand on this across other channels, they’ll have a tough act to follow!

User4:
Subject: Re: So I Guess Now Their Logo Is Anthropomorphic?

Totally agree with you all—Nick has absolutely nailed this concept. The anthropomorphic logo is such a clever way to bring life to their branding while staying true to their roots. It’s so simple, yet so effective.

As weird as it sounds, I’m kind of jealous that the Nick slime blob has more personality than some TV shows. 😂

User1:
Subject: Re: So I Guess Now Their Logo Is Anthropomorphic?

Haha, so true, User4! Their logo feels more alive than some cartoons do! I’m really loving where Nickelodeon is headed with this whole character-driven branding, and I can’t wait to see how far they take it. Viacom knocked it out of the park with this one—it’s fun, memorable, and feels uniquely “Nick.”

Honestly, who needs mascots when your logo is this adorable? 🟠✨

Write a follow up saying Nicktoons also has cute mascots, anthropomorphic pixels

Forum Post: Nicktoons’ Branding Has Cute Anthropomorphic Pixels! (February 23, 2006)

User1:
Subject: So Nicktoons Has Cute Mascots Too—Anthropomorphic Pixels?

Hey everyone,

After talking about Nickelodeon’s branding with their anthropomorphic slime logo, I’ve been watching Nicktoons, and it turns out they’ve got their own twist on mascot branding too! Instead of blobs of slime, they’re using anthropomorphic pixels, and honestly, it’s adorable.

It’s like this cluster of colorful pixels comes to life—they look like they’ve wandered out of an early video game or something. They bounce around, build things, knock each other over, sometimes explode into pixel confetti, and then they all work together to form the Nicktoons logo. Super cute, very chaotic, and PERFECT for the fun, quirky vibe of Nicktoons.

It feels really similar to what Nickelodeon’s doing with their slime character, but Nicktoons absolutely leans into their own personality. I think the pixel mascots give it a more techy, modern twist. Anyone else spotted these pixels in action?

User2:
Subject: Re: So Nicktoons Has Cute Mascots Too—Anthropomorphic Pixels?

YES, I’ve seen these! They’re so cute. The Nicktoons pixel mascots are kind of perfect for a cartoon channel—it feels like each pixel could be the star of its own little animated short. I’ve seen one ident where the pixels were trying to climb into a box, but one of them tripped, sending them all scattering until they regrouped and turned into the logo. It’s super playful and has a cool retro-gaming vibe too.

You’re right that it’s a nice complement to Nickelodeon’s slime mascot. It feels like Viacom is really leaning into these anthropomorphic ideas, but they’re doing a great job of tailoring each one to the specific channel’s identity. The Nicktoons pixels have that “tech meets animation” personality that works so well for a cartoon-centric audience.

User3:
Subject: Re: So Nicktoons Has Cute Mascots Too—Anthropomorphic Pixels?

Oh my gosh, yes! I just saw one of those Nicktoons idents for the first time yesterday, and I couldn’t stop smiling. The pixels are adorable and full of so much personality—it’s amazing how much life they’ve managed to pack into what’s basically just a bunch of fuzzy square shapes!

My favorite so far was the one where two of the pixels were playing tug-of-war with the Nicktoons logo, and when they pulled too hard, it fell apart and exploded into smaller pixels. Then the rest of the swarm jumped in to rebuild it. It’s chaotic but in the BEST way—so much energy and humor packed into a few seconds.

Honestly, I think the pixel mascots are one of Viacom’s best branding ideas for Nicktoons. They’re instantly likable, they reflect the fun, animated spirit of the channel, and they feel super modern too. Kids who grew up playing video games or watching cartoons will totally vibe with them!

User4:
Subject: Re: So Nicktoons Has Cute Mascots Too—Anthropomorphic Pixels?

YES, the pixels are fantastic! I think the best thing about Nicktoons’ branding is that it takes a totally different route from Nickelodeon while still feeling connected. Like, Nickelodeon has their iconic orange slime mascot, which is more classic and quirky, but Nicktoons takes that same playful energy and makes it techy and dynamic.

The anthropomorphic pixels are such a clever way to capture that animation/gaming crossover that feels perfect for the Nicktoons audience. I saw one ident where a bunch of pixels were “auditioning” to form the Nicktoons logo, and one of them kept messing up by falling on its face—it was so cute and funny!

I also love how they’ve made the pixels colorful and expressive. Even though they’re simple shapes, you can tell they’ve got unique personalities. Like you said, User3, they could totally star in their own mini cartoons, and I’d watch it in a heartbeat. 😄

User1:
Subject: Re: So Nicktoons Has Cute Mascots Too—Anthropomorphic Pixels?

I’m so glad everyone loves the Nicktoons pixels as much as I do! That auditioning ident, User4, is hilarious—I saw it too, and I was cracking up when the pixel tripped over itself but still got included at the end. 😂 The humor feels so spot-on for a kids’ cartoon channel.

What I love most is how specific the branding feels to Nicktoons. Like, the pixels draw inspiration from both animation and gaming but still manage to feel fresh and original. They have just enough chaos to be funny without going too over the top, which keeps everything feeling balanced and fun.

Between these pixel mascots and Nickelodeon’s anthropomorphic slime, Viacom is seriously killing it with these character-driven branding ideas. They’re channel-specific but still consistent in tone, which makes everything feel cohesive across their network. It’s just SO well done.

User3:
Subject: Re: So Nicktoons Has Cute Mascots Too—Anthropomorphic Pixels?

Totally, User1! I think Viacom deserves a ton of credit for how they’re handling these rebrands. Both Nicktoons and Nickelodeon feel like they live in the same “universe,” but they still manage to have their own distinct personalities. The slime-turned-mascot for Nickelodeon is classic and goofy, while Nicktoons’ energetic pixels feel more modern and fast-paced.

The idents are like mini animated sketches, which makes them impossible to ignore. I have a feeling these branding styles are going to stick around for a long time—and honestly, I wouldn’t mind if Viacom kept expanding on them! Maybe we’ll even get some crossover idents one day… slime meets pixels? 😂

User2:
Subject: Re: So Nicktoons Has Cute Mascots Too—Anthropomorphic Pixels?

OMG, User3, I’d LOVE a crossover between Nickelodeon’s slime and Nicktoons’ pixels! Can you imagine the chaos of pixels trying to jump over bouncing slime blobs, or the slime morphing into a giant monster pixel and scaring everyone? It would be so fun and on-brand for both channels. 🤣

But yeah, Viacom’s doing such a great job of making branding feel like entertainment in its own right. The Nicktoons pixels might even top the slime for me—they’re so expressive and full of life, and I love how they reflect the creativity of both animation and gaming.

Kudos to Nicktoons for bringing something fresh to their look without losing the essence of what makes the channel great!

User4:
Subject: Re: So Nicktoons Has Cute Mascots Too—Anthropomorphic Pixels?

Totally agree with you all—Nicktoons’ anthropomorphic pixels feel like a perfect evolution of the channel’s branding. They capture the chaotic, creative energy of cartoons and fit so well into the modern, gaming-embracing world that kids are growing up in.

Between this and Nickelodeon’s slime mascot, Viacom has really mastered tailoring their branding to the tone of each channel without making anything feel repetitive. The pixels are absolutely perfect for Nicktoons—I wouldn’t change a thing!

User1:
Subject: Re: So Nicktoons Has Cute Mascots Too—Anthropomorphic Pixels?

So true, User4! It feels like Viacom is just on a roll with their branding across Nickelodeon and Nicktoons this year. Both approaches are fun, imaginative, and packed with personality, but each one still feels totally unique.

I’m just excited to keep watching these mascots show up in creative new ways! Whether it’s bouncing slime or energetic little pixels, Viacom’s created branding that actually makes me look forward to the commercial breaks. Now THAT’S saying something! 😂

Forum Post: What Does Nickelodeon’s Slime Blob Mascot Look Like? (February 24, 2006)

User1:
Subject: What Does Nickelodeon’s Slime Blob Actually Look Like?

Hey everyone,

So I’ve been loving Nickelodeon’s new rebrand and its anthropomorphic slime blob mascot—but I realized I’ve never actually stopped to describe what it really looks like. It’s such a fun concept, but could we all piece together the details? I want to make sure I’m not imagining it wrong, haha.

How would you all describe the blob? I know it’s orange (obviously!) and super bouncy, but what else stands out about its design?

User2:
Subject: Re: What Does Nickelodeon’s Slime Blob Actually Look Like?

Hey User1, great question! The orange slime blob mascot is such a simple yet genius design. I’d say it looks like a big, squishy droplet of Nickelodeon’s trademark slime come to life.

Here’s how I’d describe it:

Its body is a shiny, gelatinous blob that’s constantly wobbling and jiggling, like it’s alive and full of personality.
It’s a classic Nickelodeon orange hue, but it has some lighter and darker tones for depth, giving it a totally slime-like 3D effect.
The blob has cute cartoonish features! Its eyes are big, round, and expressive, and they can change to match its emotions—wide and excited when it’s bouncing around, or goofy and squinty when it’s messing around.
It has a silly grin most of the time, and the mouth moves as if it’s always ready to crack a joke or laugh at its own antics.
And get this—its “arms” are actually little slime tendrils that stretch out to grab or interact with things (like throwing punches of goo or high-fiving characters in one of the idents).
It’s playful, a little bit chaotic, and totally Nickelodeon. I honestly think it’s one of the best mascots the channel’s ever had—it feels alive, approachable, and true to that iconic Nick vibe.

User3:
Subject: Re: What Does Nickelodeon’s Slime Blob Actually Look Like?

Perfect description, User2! The blob really does feel like the physical embodiment of Nickelodeon's energy. I’d add that it also has this amazing texture—you can almost feel how gooey it’d be to the touch just by looking at it.

I’ve noticed that sometimes the blob morphs into different shapes depending on the scene. Like in one ident, it stretched itself into a wobbly star, and in another, it turned into a trampoline! It’s always changing, but it still keeps that droplet-like form, which makes it feel cohesive across all the animations.

Oh, and don’t forget the bounce! The blob is rarely still—it’s always hopping, spinning, transforming, or just wiggling in excitement. Even when it’s standing still, it’s got this little jiggle, like it’s barely able to contain its energy. You get the sense that it’s a happy little chaos machine, which is so perfectly Nickelodeon.

User4:
Subject: Re: What Does Nickelodeon’s Slime Blob Actually Look Like?

Great points, everyone! I’d also add that Nickelodeon kept the blob super kid-friendly. Like, the big googly eyes, the silly expressions, and the fact that it’s always doing something fun make it feel totally relatable. You kind of want to bounce along with it!

I really like how they animated its slime-like qualities too—it’s always shiny and stretchy, like it could either bounce back from any impact or just comically splatter everywhere. (I’m pretty sure I saw it split into two smaller blobs in one ident before rejoining, which was pretty hilarious!)

Plus, its movements are super cartoony—exaggerated, wacky, and full of rubbery energy. It reminds me of the classic old-school Nickelodeon slime days but brought to life in a way that kids today can really connect with.

User1:
Subject: Re: What Does Nickelodeon’s Slime Blob Actually Look Like?

Wow, thanks for all these incredible descriptions, everyone! I’m loving how much personality this blob has just from its design and movements. It really feels like Nickelodeon poured their whole brand identity into this one vibrant, gooey character.

I think the jiggly, energetic movements and the way it morphs into different shapes are my favorite aspects, especially since it makes the blob feel like it’s never boring or static—it’s like it’s always imagining something new, just like the channel.

Nickelodeon definitely nailed the whole “playful chaos” vibe with this mascot. Honestly, it feels like an instant mascot classic! Can we please get merch of the blob? I need an orange blob plush toy PRONTO. 😂🟠💦

User3:
Subject: Re: What Does Nickelodeon’s Slime Blob Actually Look Like?

OMG, a blob plush would be AMAZING! Imagine a squishy, jiggly toy version of it that perfectly captures its gooey vibe. Nickelodeon, make this happen!! 🟠✨

Forum Post: When Did Paramount Comedy Get Friends? (February 26, 2006)

User1:
Subject: When Did Paramount Comedy Start Airing Friends?

Hey everyone!

I’ve been enjoying the reruns of Friends on Paramount Comedy, but I’m curious—when did they actually start airing it? I could have sworn it used to be on E4. Did E4 lose the rights or something? Just trying to get all the details!

User2:
Subject: Re: When Did Paramount Comedy Start Airing Friends?

Hey User1!

Great question! Friends started airing on Paramount Comedy back in January 2006 as part of their rebrand. I think E4 had it before then, but it seems like Viacom wanted to boost their lineup with some classic sitcoms under their own portfolio. So, they snatched it up for PC!

It’s honestly one of those timeless shows that fits perfectly into Paramount Comedy's lineup.

User3:
Subject: Re: When Did Paramount Comedy Start Airing Friends?

Exactly, User2! E4 had Friends for quite a while, and it was definitely a staple there. I think they aired it until around late 2005 or early 2006 before Paramount Comedy took over the rights.

I have to say, though, having it on Paramount Comedy feels like a great fit! It’s such a fan-favorite, and it’s nice to see it get some new exposure. Who wouldn't want to relive those hilarious moments with the gang?

User4:
Subject: Re: When Did Paramount Comedy Start Airing Friends?

Totally agree! I've always loved how well the humor in Friends holds up over time. It was always a go-to for me, especially in the afternoons when I needed a good laugh.

It's interesting to see how the reruns have shifted channels. When shows jump from one network to another, it can definitely create a buzz among fans. I'm just glad it’s found a new home with Paramount Comedy.

User1:
Subject: Re: When Did Paramount Comedy Start Airing Friends?

Thanks for the insights, everyone! It’s cool to know when the switch happened. I’ve been loving catching up on those classic episodes. It’s like a comfort blanket of nostalgia!

E4 did well to promote it for years, but I think Paramount Comedy is doing a fabulous job of incorporating it into their comedy mix. Here’s to more reruns of Friends! 😄

User2:
Subject: Re: When Did Paramount Comedy Start Airing Friends?

For sure, User1! I’m excited to see what other shows they might add to the lineup in the future. It’s great to have these classic comedies back on television! If anyone comes across any more rebranding news or changes, keep us updated!

Forum Post: Massive Viacom Channel Outage—What’s Happening? (March 5, 2006)

User1:
Subject: Viacom Channels Glitched and then Broke Down—Anyone Else Seeing This?

Hey everyone,
I don’t know if I’m losing my mind or if my TV’s on the fritz, but almost all of Viacom’s channels seem to have glitched out and then completely broken down. I was flipping through earlier, and channels like MTV, Nickelodeon, and Five just froze for a moment, then started playing some weird loop of static or distorted visuals before going black entirely.

Now it looks like only a few of Viacom’s channels are still active (I think it’s like Paramount Comedy, TMF, Five US, and... maybe VH1?). Everything else is totally gone. Is anyone else having this issue? What’s going on?

User2:
Subject: Re: Viacom Channels Glitched and then Broke Down—Anyone Else Seeing This?

Oh wow, it’s not just you, User1—I noticed the exact same thing about an hour ago! I was watching Nickelodeon when SpongeBob suddenly started stuttering like it was buffering, then turned into this loop of colored bars, and finally, the channel just cut out. I checked TMF, and it’s still working, but Nickelodeon is completely dead on my end.

This is so bizarre. I tried looking online, but I haven’t found anything official yet. Could it be some kind of nationwide outage or something?

User3:
Subject: Re: Viacom Channels Glitched and then Broke Down—Anyone Else Seeing This?

Yup, same thing here in Manchester. I was watching MTV, and it went from playing music videos to pure static, then it just gave up and turned black. I flipped through a few other Viacom channels, and all the big ones—Nickelodeon, Five, even BET—are gone. The only ones working for me are Paramount Comedy and VH1. Weirdly, Paramount Comedy hasn’t skipped a beat—it’s just running fine like nothing’s happened.

I’m wondering if this could be a technical issue at Viacom's end, like maybe a system meltdown or something? If it’s affecting almost all their channels, it has to be something major, right?

User4:
Subject: Re: Viacom Channels Glitched and then Broke Down—Anyone Else Seeing This?

I’ve been experiencing this too—started noticing the glitches about 7:30 PM here in Glasgow. Nickelodeon went haywire mid-episode of The Fairly OddParents, and after a few minutes of stuttering and weird noise, the channel just disappeared altogether. Checked MTV Hits, same thing. The only channels I still have running are TMF and Five US.

I just called my brother in London, and he’s seeing the exact same thing on his end, so it seems like this is affecting the entire UK. Has to be something on Viacom’s side—maybe a satellite issue? Either way, they’ve got to fix this fast because half my weekend viewing plans just went down the drain. 😒

User5:
Subject: Re: Viacom Channels Glitched and then Broke Down—Anyone Else Seeing This?

Same here in Birmingham! Everything Viacom-related has gone black except for TMF, Paramount Comedy, Five US, and VH1. I was trying to watch Grey’s Anatomy on Five when it started glitching out—first it pixelated, then there was some really loud buzzing sound, and now it’s just gone.

I did some digging, and apparently, there’s been a statement going around that this might be due to a power cut. Something about a technical failure at one of Viacom’s main operations centers? I guess the channels that are still working might be running on backup systems or something? No official confirmation yet, though.

User1:
Subject: Re: Viacom Channels Glitched and then Broke Down—Anyone Else Seeing This?

Wow, a power cut? That actually makes a lot of sense—especially since the problems have been so widespread. If the majority of their channels rely on the same center, then a power outage would totally explain why so many have gone offline all at once.

I’m just surprised there aren’t more channels running on backup systems—like, what about Nickelodeon? Isn’t that one of Viacom’s biggest channels? Wouldn’t they have prepared backups for something like this?

User2:
Subject: Re: Viacom Channels Glitched and then Broke Down—Anyone Else Seeing This?

Yeah, you’re right, User1—if this is a power cut, it’s wild that Nickelodeon and MTV aren’t part of the backup. You’d think they’d prioritize keeping their biggest channels operational no matter what.

The fact that TMF and Paramount Comedy are still running kind of feels random, doesn’t it? Like, why those two specifically? I love Paramount Comedy, but I wouldn’t have guessed it would be one of the only survivors of a system-wide failure.

User3:
Subject: Re: Viacom Channels Glitched and then Broke Down—Anyone Else Seeing This?

Yeah, User2, it’s so strange that TMF and Five US get spared while Nickelodeon and Five are completely wiped out. I’m wondering if the channels still running could be hooked up to a separate distribution system or something? Maybe they’re just in a different location that wasn’t affected by the power cut?

Still, it’s such a mess—for Viacom, and for us viewers. With half their lineup down, it’s definitely going to be a weird night for TV…

User6:
Subject: Re: Viacom Channels Glitched and then Broke Down—Anyone Else Seeing This?

Just chiming in from Cardiff—same situation here. Most of Viacom’s channels froze and then went black about an hour ago, and I’m only able to access VH1, TMF, Paramount Comedy, and Five US right now. Seems like they’re running on scraps at this point!

If it really is a power cut, though, shouldn’t they have been able to switch everything over to emergency power systems by now? It’s not like power issues are that uncommon for big broadcasting companies—it feels like they weren’t prepared at all.

User1:
Subject: Re: Viacom Channels Glitched and then Broke Down—Anyone Else Seeing This?

Totally agree, User6—it’s surprising to see such a massive company like Viacom seemingly caught off guard by something like this. I mean, yeah, things like power cuts happen, but you’d think they’d have some kind of robust backup system in place to avoid this exact situation. It’s bizarre that only a handful of their channels are still running.

Let’s hope they get it sorted soon. If this outage drags on for hours, there’s going to be some very unhappy Nickelodeon fans out there (myself included—no SpongeBob tonight 😭).

User4:
Subject: Re: Viacom Channels Glitched and then Broke Down—Anyone Else Seeing This?

Haha, agreed, User1—I was in the middle of binge-watching some old MTV classics when everything went kaput. Guess I’ll be stuck with VH1 and their constant retro playlists for now. 🙃

Hopefully, Viacom will get this sorted ASAP. If the power cut rumors are true, I wouldn’t be surprised if they issue an official statement later tonight or tomorrow morning. Let’s just hope this isn’t a longer-term issue!

User5:
Subject: Re: Viacom Channels Glitched and then Broke Down—Anyone Else Seeing This?

Fingers crossed this is fixed soon. I don’t know how much longer I can survive on just three or four Viacom channels, especially when I’m not even a big TMF or VH1 fan. At least Paramount Comedy’s still going strong… though if their Weird Cat Thing mascot shows up with a “technical difficulties” sign, I think I might lose it. 😂

User3:
Subject: Re: Viacom Channels Glitched and then Broke Down—Anyone Else Seeing This?

Haha, User5—I would actually love that! It’d be the perfect way to lighten up what’s been a super frustrating evening for viewers. Here’s hoping this whole situation gets resolved quickly and we can get back to normal programming soon. Viacom’s going to have a lot of explaining to do… 😅

Forum Post: Viacom Channels Update—Nick's Back... Kinda? (March 5, 2006)

User1:
Subject: Update—Some Viacom Channels Are Back!

Hey everyone,
So it looks like Nickelodeon is back on the air… sort of! They just turned on a backup broadcast, but it’s literally just looping episodes of SpongeBob SquarePants. Before it started, there was a bumper that said:

"We’ve got a problem—SpongeBob will be taking over until it’s resolved!"

I mean, it’s kinda genius in a way, but after 20 minutes, I’m already getting SpongeBob overload. Nicktoons is doing the exact same thing, except they’re also looping SpongeBob. As for Nick Jr… it’s not SpongeBob (thankfully), but instead, they’re just looping today’s Milkshake! programming from Five.

Still no MTV, Five, or any of the others back up properly yet. Anyone else noticing something strange about where all the other broken Viacom channels are being temporarily redirected to?

User2:
Subject: Re: Update—Some Viacom Channels Are Back!

OMG, I noticed this too! So most of the other Viacom channels that went black—like MTV, BET, and VH1 Classic—are now all simulcasting Paramount Comedy. I’m not even kidding, every single one! I flipped through what feels like half my Freeview lineup, and it’s all showing reruns of South Park and Frasier from Paramount Comedy.

Don’t get me wrong, I love South Park, but it’s a little weird seeing it on MTV when you’re expecting music videos. It’s like Paramount Comedy has become Viacom’s ultimate emergency fallback channel, haha.

Also, did anyone else see what Five did? They were stuck on their logo for almost 12 minutes before finally giving in and joining the simulcast too! I wonder why they were hesitant—it’s not like staring at a static Five logo was all that entertaining.

User3:
Subject: Re: Update—Some Viacom Channels Are Back!

Yup, I can confirm this as well! Every broken channel has turned into Paramount Comedy’s greatest hits reel. It’s actually kind of hilarious to see BET airing Friends instead of its usual lineup, and Spike playing Whose Line Is It Anyway?. 😂

It’s becoming more apparent that they really didn’t have much of a backup plan for most of these channels. I’m guessing Paramount Comedy’s system must somehow be separate, which is why they’ve ended up being the “default” for all these simulcasts. It’s probably on a completely different server or backup.

And FIVE… oh man, their 12-minute logo was painful to watch. It’s like they were holding out, debating whether to jump into the Paramount Comedy pool. Obviously, they caved, but they looked very reluctant for some reason!

User4:
Subject: Re: Update—Some Viacom Channels Are Back!

HAHA, I was wondering why every other Viacom channel had suddenly turned into Paramount Comedy! I was flipping between Nickelodeon to BET to Spike, and I swear South Park and Frasier were following me on every single channel. If Paramount Comedy wasn’t so good at being funny, this situation would actually be depressing. 😂

As for Nickelodeon, I kind of love the “SpongeBob takeover” bumper they put up. It’s so on-brand for them to just say “Eh, SpongeBob will fix it,” and loop it endlessly. At least Nick Jr.’s Milkshake! loop gives parents and toddlers something familiar, but god help the people who can’t stand SpongeBob right now.

Also, I can’t stop laughing at Five holding out for 12 whole minutes. Like, guys, was it really worth trying to resist joining the party? 🤣

User5:
Subject: Re: Update—Some Viacom Channels Are Back!

The SpongeBob loop is both funny and weirdly dystopian at the same time? It’s like, we’ve got nothing else—just give them SpongeBob until the world gets fixed. 😂 I mean, I guess it’s better than static or dead air, but this is such a surreal situation to witness. Nickelodeon turning into the SpongeBob Channel feels weirdly appropriate, though—it’s their biggest hit anyway.

And yeah, I noticed the Paramount Comedy simulcast taking over EVERYTHING. What’s crazy is how random it feels. Like, why does Paramount Comedy have the magic setup to survive when even MTV and Nickelodeon didn’t? TMF, Five US, and VH1 were spared too, but now everything else has just devolved into Frasier episodes. Not complaining, just confused.

Oh, and props to Five for making the “brave” decision to join the simulcast after 12 minutes of… nothing. Such a dramatic holdout for a logo screen, haha.

User1:
Subject: Re: Update—Some Viacom Channels Are Back!

Okay, so let’s recap:

Nickelodeon and Nicktoons = the SpongeBob Endless Loop Experience, complete with an amusing bumper.
Nick Jr. = stuck on a Milkshake! time loop.
Every other broken Viacom channel = paramount to one thing: SIMULCASTING Paramount Comedy. (Seriously, I think I counted something like 8 channels all showing the same clip from South Park earlier).
Five = THE DRAMA QUEEN of the night, staring at their own logo for 12 minutes before finally throwing up the towel and joining the Paramount Comedy movement.
Honestly, I have to kind of admire how Paramount Comedy’s just casually carrying Viacom on its back right now. I wonder if their Weird Cat Thing mascot knows it’s basically become the King of Emergency Broadcasting.

User2:
Subject: Re: Update—Some Viacom Channels Are Back!

Honestly, User1, that recap is perfection. I can’t believe SpongeBob gets to take over Nickelodeon AND Nicktoons like some unstoppable pineapple-dwelling overlord. And poor Nick Jr. toddlers are probably in a Milkshake! coma by now.

But yeah… Paramount Comedy is MVP tonight. Like, out of all the Viacom channels to survive AND take over as the backup, it had to be the one running South Park reruns. Imagine tuning in to see MTV or Five and realizing nope, it’s just Cartman yelling about Cheesy Poofs. 😂

User3:
Subject: Re: Update—Some Viacom Channels Are Back!

This is honestly one of the most surreal TV nights I’ve ever experienced. Nickelodeon relying on SpongeBob? Sure, that makes sense. But EVERY channel turning into Paramount Comedy: The Expansion Pack™? I did not see that coming.

Also, can we take a moment to appreciate that TMF is still running like business as usual through all of this? Like, they’re over there with their trippy blobs pretending nothing’s wrong while the rest of Viacom is either dead or hosted by SpongeBob. Comedy gold, unintended pun definitely included. 😂

User4:
Subject: Re: Update—Some Viacom Channels Are Back!

I need someone in Viacom’s tech department to officially explain how Paramount Comedy of all things became their emergency lifeboat. It’s bizarre in the best way possible. And yes, totally agree—tonight’s chaos was unintentionally hilarious, especially with Five’s dramatic hesitation before succumbing to the inevitable.

Now someone tell me—how long until SpongeBob officially becomes Nickelodeon’s entire identity? Because tonight was basically the trial run. 🟠✨

Write a conversation where Five broke during Home and Away, cut to the breakdown slide, announcer said they'll try to get it resolved, occasional updates, eventuaslly after 12 minutes he said they're going to have to join PC

Forum Post: Five Broke During Home and Away—What Just Happened?
(March 5, 2006)

User1:
Subject: Five Broke During Home and Away—Did Anyone Else See This?

Hey everyone,
So I was watching Home and Away on Five tonight, and everything just… broke. One second, we were in the middle of some dramatic beach scene, and the next thing I know, the screen cut to Five’s breakdown slide—the one with the logo and the “We’ll be back soon” text—and an announcer came on saying they were having “technical difficulties” and would try to get things resolved.

They kept popping back in with occasional updates, but after 12 minutes of that, the announcer suddenly said they were going to abandon the broadcast and “join Paramount Comedy” for now, which is what’s playing now. What even happened? Why couldn’t they fix it? And why Paramount Comedy? 😂

User2:
Subject: Re: Five Broke During Home and Away—Did Anyone Else See This?

OMG, I saw this too! I had Home and Away on in the background, and everything seemed fine until, out of nowhere, it just froze mid-sentence. Then it cut to that generic Five slide with the cheery music playing in the background (you know the one).

The announcer sounded like they were stalling for time, honestly. They kept saying they were “working on resolving the issue” but didn’t give any specifics. After, like, 10 minutes, you could tell they were running out of things to say because they just kept repeating themselves. Then, finally, they gave up and joined Paramount Comedy.

RIP to Home and Away tonight. I guess Alf Stewart will have to wait! 😅

User3:
Subject: Re: Five Broke During Home and Away—Did Anyone Else See This?

Haha, this is exactly what I saw too! The transition was so awkward. At first, I thought the issue might only last a minute or so because the announcer sounded confident like, “We’ll get this fixed soon—bear with us.” But then you could tell they were totally unprepared because, after a while, they just started repeating the same generic lines.

I lost it when they finally said something like, “Unfortunately, we’re unable to resolve the issue at this time, so we’ll be joining Paramount Comedy temporarily.” And then BOOM—South Park just started playing mid-episode on Five. It was so random!

So much for Home and Away. They really built up all the drama for nothing. 😂

User4:
Subject: Re: Five Broke During Home and Away—Did Anyone Else See This?

Ugh, this happened to me too! I was so into the Home and Away episode—and just as I was dying to know what happened next, BAM, static slide and an announcer saying they were having a problem. At first, I appreciated the updates, but after 5 minutes of “We’re working to fix the issue… thank you for your patience,” I started realizing this was going to take a while.

The weirdest part was how LONG Five tried to hold out. Like, they clearly weren’t getting anywhere, but it still took them over 10 minutes to admit defeat and switch to Paramount Comedy. I mean, I get it, I guess they didn’t want to totally give up during prime time, but could they not have gone to backup programming or, I don’t know, literally anything other than dumping us into South Park halfway through?

This whole situation was so bizarre.

User5:
Subject: Re: Five Broke During Home and Away—Did Anyone Else See This?

Hahaha, I was watching Five too, and honestly, this might be the funniest meltdown I’ve ever seen a TV channel have. Watching them try (and fail) to fix things while that poor announcer awkwardly stalled was both painful and hilarious. You could almost hear his internal monologue like: “Oh no, is this really happening? What am I supposed to say now?”

And then the announcement, “We’ll now be joining Paramount Comedy while we resolve this issue,” had me rolling. Like, could this have been any more last-minute? At least with Nickelodeon, they made it look planned, throwing up a SpongeBob takeover bumper. Five just looked like they gave in out of desperation.

Imagine tuning into Five expecting beach drama and instead getting Cartman yelling about Cheesy Poofs. Only in 2006! 😂

User1:
Subject: Re: Five Broke During Home and Away—Did Anyone Else See This?

Honestly, User5, you’re spot on. It was both hilarious and painfully awkward at the same time. They definitely waited way too long to switch to the simulcast—it was like they were holding onto their pride, hoping against hope they could actually fix it.

Also, I think the announcer was starting to feel self-aware toward the end. At one point, I swear he said something like, “Apologies again—we’re working very hard on this, but it seems more complicated than expected…” in this absolutely defeated tone. Poor guy, this was not his night! 😅

Paramount Comedy must have some kind of indestructible setup because it’s been working perfectly all night and seems to be Viacom’s ultimate backup plan. Five should’ve just joined them sooner instead of making us stare at their logo for 12 minutes.

User3:
Subject: Re: Five Broke During Home and Away—Did Anyone Else See This?

Forget technical difficulties—I think we should all just collectively agree that Paramount Comedy is now the most reliable channel on UK television. 😂

Honestly, though, shoutout to this whole situation for being unintentionally the most entertaining thing on TV tonight. Between Nickelodeon looping SpongeBob, other channels airing South Park, and Five’s dramatic logo stare-off, this has turned into absolute chaos.

At least we got a good laugh out of it? Here’s hoping Home and Away picks up where it left off tomorrow—assuming Five actually works by then, lol.

User4:
Subject: Re: Five Broke During Home and Away—Did Anyone Else See This?

Agreed, User3! This whole fiasco has been such an unintentional comedy of errors. Five trying to remain “all together” while staring at their own logo only to finally give in and join the South Park party was just the icing on the cake.

Paramount Comedy deserves a standing ovation for saving the day. Imagine a world where every channel glitches and Viacom’s lifeline is literally just reruns of Frasier and South Park. What a time to be alive! 😂

User5:
Subject: Re: Five Broke During Home and Away—Did Anyone Else See This?

Honestly, Viacom owes Paramount Comedy a Weird Cat Thing award or something after tonight. If it hadn’t been for their backup feed, we’d all still be staring at logo screens and listening to awkward announcers.

But yeah, Five’s refusal to join the simulcast right away was SO ridiculous. Like, just accept your fate, guys—it’s Paramount Comedy or bust at this point! Let’s just hope things go back to normal tomorrow… or not, because tonight was weirdly entertaining in its own way!

Forum Post: Camden Sprinkler Chaos Causes Viacom Channel Woes (March 6, 2006)

User1:
Subject: So the Viacom Chaos Was Caused by Sprinklers in Camden?!

Hey all,
I was just reading an article, and it turns out that last night’s Viacom channel drama was caused by… a sprinkler system going haywire at their Camden broadcasting center. Apparently, the sprinklers went off and damaged some of their main systems, which explains the massive outages and weird simulcast situation.

What’s odd, though, is that only some of the affected channels were able to switch to disaster recovery (DR) feeds, which is why Paramount Comedy, TMF, Five US, and VH1 were fine, while the rest either disappeared or awkwardly joined the Paramount Comedy backup. Did they only have DR plans for those specific channels? How does that even happen? This whole situation was so bizarre.

Anyone else read about this? Thoughts? 😂

User2:
Subject: Re: So the Viacom Chaos Was Caused by Sprinklers in Camden?!

OMG, I just saw this too! A sprinkler system caused all that chaos? That’s both hilarious and ridiculous. You’d think Viacom would have some sort of waterproofing or emergency measures in place for something as basic as a random sprinkler accident. I can’t believe an actual sprinkler system managed to take down iconic channels like MTV and Nickelodeon. 😂

As for the DR thing, yeah, it’s weird. It sounds like only some channels had proper disaster recovery setups, so they could immediately switch to a backup feed, while others just… didn’t. I’m guessing Nickelodeon must not have had a full DR system, which is why they had to resort to looping SpongeBob until their main systems were fixed. Paramount Comedy must’ve been on a DR feed and became the go-to backup for everything else that couldn’t recover properly. Wild.

User3:
Subject: Re: So the Viacom Chaos Was Caused by Sprinklers in Camden?!

Wait, wait—you’re telling me that the epic meltdown I witnessed last night was because of sprinklers?! That’s the kind of thing you’d expect in a poorly written sitcom, not from a major broadcasting company. How does WATER manage to shut down so many channels all at once? Someone at Viacom needs to answer for this because wow… this feels like a major oversight. 😂

And yeah, the DR situation is so bizarre. Why did only some channels like Paramount Comedy and TMF have proper recovery feeds ready to go? Did Viacom seriously prioritize DR for those channels over juggernauts like MTV or Nickelodeon? Was someone like, “Eh, as long as we save Paramount Comedy, we’re good”? The whole thing makes no sense and is peak Viacom chaos. 🙃

User4:
Subject: Re: So the Viacom Chaos Was Caused by Sprinklers in Camden?!

Sprinklers?! Are you kidding me? This is beyond ridiculous. I’d expect this kind of thing to happen to a local community TV station, not freaking Viacom! What the heck was going on at Camden that a sprinkler system could shut down major channels across the UK? Did the water fry their servers or what?

Also, the DR thing makes no sense to me either. I was flipping through the channels last night, and it was like:

Nickelodeon → SpongeBob loop.
MTV → Black screen.
VH1 → Totally fine.
Five → Breakdown slide then awkwardly joining Paramount Comedy.
How does that even happen? I get that DR systems are probably expensive, but you’d think Viacom would have backups for ALL of its major channels, not just a random few. Why did Paramount Comedy, of all channels, end up being the backbone of their recovery strategy? 😂

User1:
Subject: Re: So the Viacom Chaos Was Caused by Sprinklers in Camden?!

Exactly, User4! Like, how does Paramount Comedy get priority DR over Nickelodeon or MTV? Don’t get me wrong, I love Paramount Comedy as much as the next person, but it’s not exactly the crown jewel of Viacom’s portfolio. Why wasn’t Nickelodeon—one of their biggest global brands—part of the DR setup? If SpongeBob is their emergency plan, it’s kind of hilarious… but also embarrassing.

And yeah, as far as I can gather, the sprinklers did damage to some of the key broadcasting systems in Camden, which left a bunch of channels unable to transmit properly. The channels with DR setups switched to backups immediately, but the rest had to either shut down completely or scramble to simulcast whatever was still working, which is why we ended up with “Paramount Comedy: The Universal Channel” for half the night. 🤣

User5:
Subject: Re: So the Viacom Chaos Was Caused by Sprinklers in Camden?!

I’m legit crying at the thought of a rogue sprinkler system becoming the ultimate villain in this saga. 😂 How scary is it that something so mundane could bring down so many channels at once? Like, were the sprinklers triggered by an actual fire, or did someone just boil some pasta too close to the server room or something? Either way, whoever designed Viacom’s broadcasting center clearly forgot to waterproof their critical systems.

As for DR, I’m guessing the reason only some channels had backups is that Viacom probably categorized which ones were “essential” and which ones weren’t. Paramount Comedy probably got a DR feed because it’s relatively easy to loop reruns of South Park and Frasier from a different location. Meanwhile, Nickelodeon’s live schedule might have made it harder to manage a full backup feed, so they just defaulted to SpongeBob on repeat.

Still, it’s hilarious that Paramount Comedy became the go-to fallback for everything. MTV and BET airing South Park was definitely not on my 2006 Bingo card. 😂

User3:
Subject: Re: So the Viacom Chaos Was Caused by Sprinklers in Camden?!

Honestly, this whole situation has been such a mess, but I can’t stop laughing. Imagine working at Viacom and realizing your entire network was defeated by WATER. Also, can we talk about how this is the biggest accidental W that Paramount Comedy will ever have? They literally carried the entire Viacom portfolio on their back last night while Nickelodeon and MTV flailed helplessly. South Park on BET and Friends on Spike is absolutely NOT what anyone expected. 😂

As for DR, you’re probably right, User5—it’s likely easier to prepare backups for certain channels that rely on pre-recorded content, unlike Nickelodeon or MTV, where the schedule is more complex. Still, it blows my mind that their most iconic channels didn’t have better contingency plans. Hopefully, this chaos serves as a wake-up call to waterproof their servers and set up proper DR for EVERYTHING.

User6:
Subject: Re: So the Viacom Chaos Was Caused by Sprinklers in Camden?!

This whole fiasco is comedy gold. I can’t decide what’s funnier:

A sprinkler system defeating Viacom’s Camden center.
The fact that SpongeBob became Nickelodeon’s emergency savior.
Paramount Comedy randomly being the hero of the night, hosting half of the UK's prime time.
But honestly, this exposes such a glaring issue in Viacom’s disaster planning. I get that not every channel can have instant backups, but how does Nickelodeon or MTV NOT have priority? Even if DR for those channels is harder to prep, you’d think Viacom would’ve put extra effort into securing their biggest moneymakers. Instead, we got South Park playing across BET and cartoon chaos on Nick.

I swear, this entire saga is going to be one of those legendary “broadcast fails” stories we tell for years to come. 😂

User1:
Subject: Re: So the Viacom Chaos Was Caused by Sprinklers in Camden?!

I completely agree, User6—this is absolutely going down in broadcast fail history. Viacom scrambling to cover their tracks, Nickelodeon stuck in SpongeBob limbo, and Paramount Comedy accidentally becoming the MVP of the night? You couldn’t make this stuff up.

If Viacom doesn’t release some kind of official statement about this sprinkler fiasco—and why only, like, four channels had DR—I’m going to be so disappointed. For now, let’s all collectively thank Paramount Comedy for becoming the unexpected savior of Sunday night TV. Long live the Weird Cat Thing mascot. 😂🛹🐱

Write a follow up where a user says Five Life was acting really freaky, They glitched out of whatever show was airing in a creepy way before going to black screen with green lines, This lasted for a minuite before they succumbed

Forum Post: Five Life Was Acting Freaky Last Night—Anyone Else See This? (March 6, 2006)

User1:
Subject: Five Life Glitched Out in a Creepy Way Before Going Offline

Okay, so I know we’ve all been talking about the Viacom chaos from last night, but has anyone else noticed how weird Five Life was acting before they finally joined Paramount Comedy? Like, it wasn’t just a normal glitch or cut to a holding slide.

I was watching one of their daytime shows (I think it was The Ellen DeGeneres Show or something), and halfway through, the screen started freezing and distorting in really unsettling ways. The audio went super warped and echoed, like it was being played underwater or in slow motion, and then the video glitched out into this static mess.

Then, for a solid minute, the screen went completely black except for these weird green horizontal lines flickering on and off. It felt eerie, almost like something out of a horror movie. After that, the channel went dark briefly before suddenly switching over to South Park from Paramount Comedy. What the heck was that? Did anyone else catch it?

User2:
Subject: Re: Five Life Glitched Out in a Creepy Way Before Going Offline

Omg, User1, I’m so glad you mentioned this because I saw it too, and it FREAKED me out! I was half-paying attention to Five Life because some home renovation show was on, but when the glitching started, I looked up, and it was SO unsettling.

The video first stuttered, and then it started breaking into these jagged pixelated blocks while the sound got all messed up. And those black screens with the green flickering lines? That definitely gave me some horror vibes. I seriously thought my TV was about to combust!

Once it switched over to Paramount Comedy (RIP Five Life), I felt oddly relieved—but I still can’t get over how creepy those glitches were. It was like the channel was possessed or something.

User3:
Subject: Re: Five Life Glitched Out in a Creepy Way Before Going Offline

YES! Thank you for bringing this up, because Five Life’s glitching was absolutely the most bizarre part of last night for me. I was watching The Ellen Show for background noise when it suddenly froze mid-dance break. Then all the audio warped like someone was messing with a creepy synthesizer, and the visuals went haywire with random flashes and jagged disruptions.

I swear those green lines on the black screen felt unsettlingly out of place—like, why green? You’d expect static or regular distortion, but this looked alien somehow. The whole transition from glitching to finally “succumbing” (lol) to Paramount Comedy felt way more dramatic than it needed to be.

I was half expecting some VHS-style horror text to pop up, like, “THE END IS NEAR.” But nope, just South Park. 😂

User4:
Subject: Re: Five Life Glitched Out in a Creepy Way Before Going Offline

Okay, I wasn’t watching Five Life directly, but based on what you’ve all described, this sounds terrifying! I was flipping through channels last night trying to figure out which Viacom stations were still working, and when I got to Five Life during its “creepy green line phase,” I genuinely thought my TV was breaking.

I saw the black screen with flickering green lines for a few seconds, heard this faint staticky buzz, and immediately changed the channel because NOPE! I didn’t stick around long enough to see it jump to Paramount Comedy, but yikes, that transition sounded rough. It’s wild how even malfunctioning channels like Nickelodeon or Nickelodeon Jr. managed to loop content predictably, but Five Life decided to send us all into glitch-induced nightmares before giving up.

User5:
Subject: Re: Five Life Glitched Out in a Creepy Way Before Going Offline

Omg, I did see this! I came across Five Life while randomly channel-hopping through the chaos, and it was doing EXACTLY what you’re all describing. The black screen with green flickering lines gave me serious “found footage gone wrong” energy, like they were about to broadcast something cursed.

I think they were trying to recover the feed or rejig their system, but whatever backup failures they had made it look so eerie. Unlike the SpongeBob loops on Nickelodeon or the logo stalling on Five’s main channel, Five Life went down in the creepiest way possible. Honestly, they made switching to Paramount Comedy seem like an exorcism was complete. 😂

User1:
Subject: Re: Five Life Glitched Out in a Creepy Way Before Going Offline

Haha, agreed, “exorcism” is the perfect word for what Five Life’s chaos felt like! The big contrast is that channels like Nickelodeon were chaotic but in a funny, SpongeBob-y way. Five Life? Once those black screens and green lines hit, it veered straight into paranormal horror.

It felt far too ominous for what I assume was just a technical glitch. Like, couldn’t they have gone with something less unnerving? Even TMF’s blobs would’ve been better! By the time it finally switched over to South Park, I’d completely forgotten the original show I was watching because I was too focused on the creepy vibes. 🙃

User3:
Subject: Re: Five Life Glitched Out in a Creepy Way Before Going Offline

Honestly, Five Life’s meltdown was probably one of the strangest parts of the night. It wasn’t just a glitch; it was like a full-on atmosphere. You could almost feel it escalate in intensity, like it had some weird “presence” behind it. Too dramatic? Maybe, but it honestly felt that unsettling in the moment.

I wonder if part of it was that Five Life might not have been connected to the same DR systems as Paramount Comedy or the other Viacom survivors? It almost looked like they were desperately trying to rig up a solution before realizing they couldn’t fix the issue and just surrendered to the simulcast.

Next time Viacom’s sprinkler system wreaks havoc, I hope Five Life skips the horror movie aesthetic and just loops something boring instead. 😂

User2:
Subject: Re: Five Life Glitched Out in a Creepy Way Before Going Offline

You’re totally right, User3—the way Five Life “succumbed” seriously felt like a slow escalation into creepy chaos. I’m guessing the green lines were part of the channel’s attempt to recover its signal, but wow, they couldn’t have picked a more unsettling visual. Combine that with the warped audio, and it felt like we were seconds away from launching into cursed tape territory.

When Paramount Comedy finally took over, it was like a light switch: from unsettling glitch patterns to Cartman yelling about Cheesy Poofs. Thank you, Weird Cat Thing, for saving us from Five Life’s descent into madness. 😂

User4:
Subject: Re: Five Life Glitched Out in a Creepy Way Before Going Offline

Viacom really needs to rethink how their channels handle technical failures after this whole Camden sprinkler fiasco. Nickelodeon kept it simple with SpongeBob, but Five Life turning into “Glitchpocalypse 2006” will live rent-free in my head forever. Those green lines were unnecessarily creepy.

I hope whatever went wrong with Five Life’s system is properly fixed in case something like this happens again. I don’t think my nerves can handle another slow-motion trip to glitch town!

User5:
Subject: Re: Five Life Glitched Out in a Creepy Way Before Going Offline

Someone needs to make a documentary about this night. Between Five Life’s eerie green line ghost glitch, SpongeBob’s endless rule over Nickelodeon, and Paramount Comedy becoming the “Emergency Broadcast Network,” this was hands down one of the weirdest live TV experiences ever. Poor Five Life, though—they didn’t go down without making us all unnecessarily uncomfortable! 😂

Here’s hoping tonight’s viewing experience is less creepy and more stable… but honestly, I kind of expect Viacom to keep surprising us at this point. 🙃

Write a reply saying the Nick channels are now on DR (This has a whole month worth of programming on a loop), the others are still simulcasting, A user asks how MTV went into the simulcast

Forum Post: Viacom Update—Nick Channels on DR, Others Still Simulcasting (March 7, 2006)

User1:
Subject: Viacom Update—Nick Channels Now on Disaster Recovery Feeds!

Hey everyone,

Just thought I’d post an update now that we’re a day past the chaos. It looks like the Nickelodeon channels have finally shifted to their Disaster Recovery (DR) feeds! Instead of SpongeBob on an infinite loop, they’re now running a full month’s worth of preloaded programming on repeat. So, we’ve got some variety again!

However, as of now, all the other broken channels (like MTV, BET, and Spike) are STILL simulcasting Paramount Comedy. It’s insane how long this has been going on. At this point, I might as well start calling MTV "South Park Central."

But speaking of MTV… how did they even switch to the simulcast? Weren’t they using completely different programming systems? Anyone have any insight?

User2:
Subject: Re: Viacom Update—Nick Channels Now on Disaster Recovery Feeds!

Thanks for the update, User1! I’m relieved to hear that Nickelodeon and its family of channels finally transitioned to proper DR, even if it’s just preloaded programming looping for the month. At least kids won’t have to watch the same SpongeBob episode 50 more times in a row, lol.

As for MTV… that’s a great question. I wondered the same thing last night when I saw South Park airing instead of music videos. Did MTV somehow hook into their backup system late? Or was this always part of Viacom's plan, like an emergency fail-safe that dumps other channels into the last working signal? Either way, seeing Frasier and Cartman on MTV is hilariously weird. It’s like the channel’s taken a vacation from music.

User3:
Subject: Re: Viacom Update—Nick Channels Now on Disaster Recovery Feeds!

Haha, “South Park Central” is EXACTLY what MTV has become the last few days. It's been so weird tuning in to see what used to be music programs only to be greeted by Paramount Comedy’s backlog. Part of me is enjoying the absurdity, but it’s definitely overstayed its welcome.

To answer your question, I think Viacom’s setup has an auto-simulcast failover system that defaults to a stable channel when others can’t recover. Since Paramount Comedy is one of the few channels that wasn’t affected by the sprinkler mess, I guess it became the go-to fallback. MTV probably had their feed hijacked automatically once their servers crashed in Camden.

User4:
Subject: Re: Viacom Update—Nick Channels Now on Disaster Recovery Feeds!

I’m cracking up at how MTV ended up as part of the Paramount Comedy simulcast!! The idea of a channel that pioneered music television now airing South Park on a loop is peak 2006 chaos. 🙃

User3 is probably right about the auto-simulcast system. Viacom likely configured their networks so that in cases of failure, affected channels automatically redirect to any operational feeds. Paramount Comedy, luckily for us, survived the sprinkler apocalypse, so everything is funneling there now.

Glad to see Nickelodeon finally had its DR feeds sorted. A whole month of programming on loop is way better than endless SpongeBob! Still, it’s pretty wild how MTV must’ve just… tapped out and gave up its airwaves to Frasier and Cartman.

User5:
Subject: Re: Viacom Update—Nick Channels Now on Disaster Recovery Feeds!

I honestly can’t stop laughing at MTV’s transformation into a South Park marathon channel. Like, imagine flipping from TRL to Cartman screaming about Cheesy Poofs. I know the sprinkler disaster is to blame, but still—it’s hilariously surreal to see MTV abandon music videos entirely for sitcom reruns.

The DR situation for Nickelodeon makes sense; a month’s worth of content means they can at least provide some variety while they work behind the scenes. But MTV joining Paramount Comedy’s lineup for days straight? That feels like such a random, last-minute patch. Do you think it’s because they couldn’t access their own DR feeds at all?

User1:
Subject: Re: Viacom Update—Nick Channels Now on Disaster Recovery Feeds!

Thanks for all the replies, guys! I’m glad I’m not the only one who finds this whole MTV situation hilariously bizarre. User3’s theory about the auto-simulcast failover is probably spot-on—it makes sense technically, but it’s still funny in execution. Paramount Comedy being the “golden channel” that everything defaults to feels both random and oddly fitting given the chaos.

As for MTV’s DR feeds, I wonder if the sprinkler damage just disabled everything they had stored for disaster recovery? Like, maybe their backup systems were fried too, which left them with no option but to piggyback on Paramount Comedy until things are sorted. Hopefully, we’ll get some clarity soon.

At least Viacom’s making an effort to give viewers something, I guess? Even if that something just happens to be an endless South Park/Frasier loop across half their channels. 😂

User4:
Subject: Re: Viacom Update—Nick Channels Now on Disaster Recovery Feeds!

Exactly, User1—it’s ridiculous, but at the very least, they’re trying. I can’t imagine how much of a mess the Camden center must still be right now. Maybe MTV and the others haven’t been able to load any emergency backups because they’re focused on repairing the damaged main servers instead?

Either way, I’ll be tuning in tonight just to see if MTV’s still stuck in South Park purgatory. It’s weird, but it’s also been oddly entertaining. 🙃 Here’s hoping Viacom irons everything out this week!

Write a conversation asking if there is any change on Five, or are they still down,

Forum Post: Five Status Update—Still Down? (March 8, 2006)

User1:
Subject: Is Five Still Down or Any Updates?

Hey everyone,

I know we’ve been keeping tabs on this Viacom chaos for the last few days, but does anyone know if Five is still down? Are they still stuck in their Paramount Comedy simulcast purgatory, or has anything changed?

It’s been DAYS. I’m used to catching my regular shows on Five, but I’m still seeing random reruns of South Park whenever I tune in. Has there been any official word about a fix or when Five might come back?

User2:
Subject: Re: Is Five Still Down or Any Updates?

Hey User1!

Unfortunately, as of this morning, Five is STILL down and running the Paramount Comedy simulcast. I popped it on earlier hoping to catch my usual breakfast TV fix, but nope—there was another Friends rerun instead. I think they’ve fully given up for now.

I haven’t heard or seen anything from Five regarding an update, but this outage is dragging on far longer than I expected. You’d think given how big Five is as a channel, they’d prioritize getting it back online quickly, but nope, here we are. 🙃

User3:
Subject: Re: Is Five Still Down or Any Updates?

Same here, User2—I was hoping Five would be back by now, but as of last night, it was still stuck playing South Park and Frasier. I’m wondering if their systems were hit harder by the Camden sprinkler mess compared to channels like Nickelodeon, which at least recovered to DR feeds.

What’s strange is how completely silent Five has been about this. There are no updates on their socials or website from what I can see. Maybe they’re trying to quietly ride this out without drawing too much attention? Either way, it’s frustrating not knowing when—or if—they’ll return to normal programming anytime soon.

User4:
Subject: Re: Is Five Still Down or Any Updates?

It’s the same here on my end—Five hasn’t moved an inch from the Paramount Comedy simulcast since it broke down during Home and Away. I’ve been checking every day hoping for changes, but nope, just endless South Park and the occasional Whose Line Is It Anyway?. It’s getting old now.

What I don’t get is why Five hasn’t transitioned to its own DR feed like the Nickelodeon channels did. Surely they have a backup plan in place for emergencies? Or maybe the sprinkler disaster messed up their DR systems too? Either way, it’s wild that such a major channel hasn’t gotten its act together yet.

User1:
Subject: Re: Is Five Still Down or Any Updates?

Yeah, it’s so strange! I get that the sprinkler incident was a major disruption, but you’d think a huge channel like Five would’ve been able to sort out at least a temporary fix by now. Nickelodeon managed to recover with DR feeds, so why hasn’t Five done the same?

The Paramount Comedy simulcast was mildly amusing for the first day or two, but now it’s just tedious. I’m missing all my regular Five programming. Fingers crossed they make some progress soon—this has dragged on long enough!

User5:
Subject: Re: Is Five Still Down or Any Updates?

Looks like Five’s still down here too. I checked early this morning, and it’s still running the Paramount Comedy feed. At this point, it feels like they’ve just given up trying to fix it—I wouldn’t be surprised if they send out a statement saying, “Enjoy your Frasier! We’re taking a month off.” 😂

Jokes aside, I’m with you all—it’s frustrating not knowing what’s going on. I know the Camden sprinkler damage was bad, but there’s no way a channel as big as Five doesn’t have SOME kind of contingency plan or DR feed. Why wouldn’t they have prepared for something like this?

User3:
Subject: Re: Is Five Still Down or Any Updates?

Exactly, User5! I find it baffling that Five hasn’t managed to cobble together a proper DR system by now. I mean, how hard is it to preload some shows or reruns to keep viewers entertained while they sort things out?

Sure, the Paramount Comedy simulcast is “better than nothing,” but Five is one of the UK’s key free-to-air channels—this prolonged outage just isn’t cutting it. At least Nickelodeon acknowledged their issues early and moved on to DR feeds. Five really needs to step up here… or at least give us some proper communication.

User2:
Subject: Re: Is Five Still Down or Any Updates?

Totally agree, User3. The lack of updates from Five has been the most infuriating part of all this. It’s like they’re just hoping people won’t notice their main programming is gone. 🙄

Meanwhile, Paramount Comedy must be LOVING all the extra exposure they’re getting. Who knew South Park and Frasier reruns would be holding Viacom together during this chaos? In any case, let’s hope Five gets its act together soon—I can’t deal with much more of this Radio Silence… or Friends reruns for dinner. 😂

User4:
Subject: Re: Is Five Still Down or Any Updates?

Haha, right? At this rate, Paramount Comedy might just keep Five’s audience permanently. Who needs soaps and dramas when you’ve got a 24/7 sitcom channel, apparently? 😂

For real, though—Viacom needs to figure out a solution. They’re eventually going to start losing viewers if Five and the other affected channels don’t recover soon. Hopefully we’ll hear something soon… anything!

User1:
Subject: Re: Is Five Still Down or Any Updates?

Glad to see I’m not the only one frustrated here. Thanks for the updates, everyone—it’s oddly comforting knowing we’re all stuck in this Paramount Comedy purgatory together, lol.

If anyone spots any actual progress on Five, please share—I’ll keep checking too. Let’s hope they finally figure this out soon! 🙃

Write a follow up where Five now have a semi-DR system, but only at certain times of the day, so 6am-2pm and 7pm-11pm, This basiclaly means Milkshake, The Wright Stuff, Five News, Home and Away and the US dramas are back, Five branding is used during those, but whenever those spots end, there is a Rush ident with a announcement that Five cannot currently broadcast in full and tells you whern it will be back

Forum Post: Five's Semi-DR System—Partial Broadcast Schedule Back! (March 9, 2006)

User1:
Subject: Five’s Semi-DR System—Finally Some Progress!

Hey everyone,
Looks like Five is slowly coming back! They installed a semi-DR system, so certain shows are airing at specific times now. From what I’ve seen, Five is broadcasting during these windows:

6 AM–2 PM: Milkshake, The Wright Stuff, Five News
7 PM–11 PM: Home and Away and those US dramas we all missed (CSI, Grey’s Anatomy, etc.)
During these slots, they’ve brought back the Five branding and are running the usual idents. Feels strangely normal, honestly! BUT, outside of these hours, it gets weird again. Once the broadcast window ends, an ident with the word Rush appears (you know, the one with the skydiver), and a calm announcer delivers something like:

"Five cannot currently broadcast in full. We’ll be back at [insert time here]. Stay tuned as we work to resolve these issues!"

Then it cuts right back to the Paramount Comedy simulcast. Is this system better than nothing? Yes. Is it still frustrating? Definitely. Thoughts?

User2:
Subject: Re: Five’s Semi-DR System—Finally Some Progress!

Oh wow, this is at least good news! I was wondering when (or if!) Five would get some semblance of normalcy back. Bringing back branded slots for Milkshake, The Wright Stuff, Home and Away, etc., is definitely progress, especially for people who rely on their daytime lineup. I finally got to watch Home and Away last night, so that was a relief.

But honestly, the whole Rush ident thing is a bit surreal. It’s like Five is saying, “Okay, we’re here for a few hours, but don’t get too comfortable—we’ll vanish again soon!” The way it cuts right back to Frasier or South Park afterward is still unintentionally hilarious. 😂

Viacom REALLY needs to hurry up and get Five running 24/7 again. These time gaps are weird!

User3:
Subject: Re: Five’s Semi-DR System—Finally Some Progress!

Yeah, I noticed the same thing this morning—it feels weird knowing Five is only "half-alive" right now. Catching The Wright Stuff earlier was nice because I was missing my usual routine, but once 2 PM hit, BAM—it’s back to the infamous Paramount Comedy simulcast. And that Rush ident? Honestly, it’s cooler than it has any right to be, but the announcement that follows is such a bummer.

I guess this semi-DR setup is better than nothing, especially since so many fan-favorite shows are back. But it’s clear Five’s full recovery is still a long way off. Here’s hoping this situation doesn’t drag out too much longer. 🙃

User4:
Subject: Re: Five’s Semi-DR System—Finally Some Progress!

Finally! I caught Milkshake this morning with my little one, and it felt like a small victory after all the chaos. I also tuned in for Five News around noon (because yes, I wanted to hear if they’d mention their OWN meltdown… spoiler: they didn’t), and the whole broadcast felt surprisingly normal. Still, it’s jarring how everything abruptly ends at 2 PM, like Five just vanishes into thin air.

That Rush ident is so dramatic, haha. Like, we get it—you’re still not functioning properly. Do they really have to rub it in? At least we know when they’ll be back, but shifting from the sleek broadcast back to Frasier for hours feels like someone flipping a light switch.

I’m curious to see how long Five sticks to this semi-DR schedule. Are they still repairing major systems in Camden? Can’t we get an update from them directly?

User5:
Subject: Re: Five’s Semi-DR System—Finally Some Progress!

Semi-DR is definitely a step up, but the gaps are hilarious to me. Like, between 2 PM and 7 PM yesterday, I left Five on in the background, and every few hours, the Rush ident would randomly pop up with the announcer’s super chill voice letting us know they weren’t coming back for hours. It feels like Five’s become self-aware. 😂

I will say, though, I’m glad they prioritized their biggest draws—Home and Away, the US dramas, Milkshake—those are crowd-pleasers that will keep people tuned in during the limited times it’s working. But holy cow, they NEED to fix the rest of their lineup soon. Constantly flipping back to Paramount Comedy outside their branded slots is getting so old.

Here’s to hoping they transition back to full broadcasts ASAP—this setup is strange and so un-Five-like.

User1:
Subject: Re: Five’s Semi-DR System—Finally Some Progress!

Totally agree, User5. Having Milkshake, Home and Away, and the dramas back feels like Five is slowly piecing itself together—but the constant interruptions from Rush idents make it feel like they’re still duct-taping the operation.

Weirdly, the Rush ident has a charm to it. It’s almost like Five WANTS you to know they’re trying, but their situation is just too messed up to work 24/7 yet. The announcer’s calm tone almost makes it more awkward: “We’ll be back at 7 PM”—and until then, more South Park or Friends!

I’ll give them some credit for salvaging their flagship programming and keeping things as normal as possible during those hours. Hopefully, they’ll expand their schedule soon so we’re not stuck waiting for FOUR HOURS just for regular programming to resume, lol.

User3:
Subject: Re: Five’s Semi-DR System—Finally Some Progress!

Haha, this semi-DR system just screams “Work in Progress!” I did find the whole thing oddly charming when I watched last night, though, especially when the Rush ident popped up dramatically before they handed us back to Paramount Comedy yet AGAIN. It’s like each gap break is Five tipping its hat and saying, “See you later… maybe.”

At least having Home and Away and the dramas in the evenings makes the channel feel a little more stable. Early mornings are good too, but those dead hours are driving me crazy. I can live without Paramount Comedy dominating my afternoons, thanks!

Still, this partial fix is better than nothing. Hopefully, they’ll keep expanding those branded slots until we’re back to business as usual.

User1:
Subject: Re: Five’s Semi-DR System—Finally Some Progress!

Thanks for chiming in, everyone! Sounds like we’re all cautiously optimistic about Five’s semi-recovery. I’ll admit, it’s nice having Milkshake and the dramas back, but man… the empty hours and Rush idents feel so strange. I wonder how long it’ll take for them to sort everything out and fill in the rest of the schedule?

For now, could Nickelodeon maybe lend SpongeBob to the gaps if Paramount Comedy gets boring? 😂 Fingers crossed we get full Five programming back soon!

Write a follow up asking if the Five (non-live) programming is on a month loop like Nick, which will likely affect a few shows airting new episodes really hard, as once the loop resets, they also reset to whatever episode airs this week

Forum Post: Is Five’s Non-Live Programming on a Month-Long Loop? (March 10, 2006)

User1:
Subject: Is Five’s Non-Live Programming on a Month Loop Like Nick?

Hey everyone,

I’ve been thinking about Five’s semi-DR system and how they’re running certain programming again. But does anyone know if their non-live shows—like Home and Away or the US dramas—are on a month-long loop like Nickelodeon?

Because if that’s true, wouldn’t it mean that once the loop resets, we go straight back to the episodes airing this week? That would SUCK for shows like Grey’s Anatomy or CSI that are currently airing new episodes. We’d just hit the reset button every four weeks instead of getting new content. 😬

Does anyone have clarity on how exactly they’re handling the schedule for those shows? Or are they trying to keep it flexible and add new episodes whenever possible?

User2:
Subject: Re: Is Five’s Non-Live Programming on a Month Loop Like Nick?

Oof, that’s a good question, User1. From what I’ve seen, Five might actually be running on a loop for their non-live programming. I’ve been keeping an eye on Home and Away, and the episode they aired earlier today was one I saw last night, almost at the same time. It feels like they’ve preloaded a schedule and it’s just repeating the same shows for now.

If that’s true, then you’re absolutely right—new episodes of running series are going to get majorly messed up if the loop keeps resetting. Can you imagine getting partway into Grey’s Anatomy or Breaking Bad only for it to go back to the same episode from this week at the start of April? It’d be super frustrating! 🙄

I hope Five figures out a way to keep airing freshly updated episodes even while on DR, but for now, it doesn’t look promising…

User3:
Subject: Re: Is Five’s Non-Live Programming on a Month Loop Like Nick?

Yikes, I didn’t even think about the potential reset issue until you brought it up, User1. I’ve been watching CSI: Miami on Five since the semi-DR system came in, and I swear I’ve already seen one of the episodes twice in the last three days. If this month-loop theory is true, we could definitely be stuck in some sort of Groundhog Day situation where the programming resets itself every four weeks.

It makes total sense for channels like Nickelodeon since they’re targeting kids who don’t mind seeing repeats, but for Five? That’s going to be a MASSIVE problem for viewers who want to follow new episodes in real time. They might as well throw the whole season schedule in the bin at that point.

Viacom needs to get their act together soon because this patchwork system is definitely going to drive fans away if it stays on a loop for too long.

User4:
Subject: Re: Is Five’s Non-Live Programming on a Month Loop Like Nick?

This loop thing is starting to make a lot of sense… and it’s kind of depressing, tbh. I noticed something similar with Home and Away too, User2—I watched an episode earlier today, and the promo for the next one was literally for the SAME “new episode” they aired last night.

If the entire non-live lineup is on a fixed month-long loop like Nickelodeon’s DR setup, that could seriously mess things up for shows that are actually supposed to be progressing with new episodes every week. Imagine trying to follow Grey’s or CSI only to be forced back to the same batch of episodes every few weeks. 😩

Here’s hoping they find a way to keep stuff updated, but this sprinkler fiasco seems like it’s going to haunt us for a while longer.

User5:
Subject: Re: Is Five’s Non-Live Programming on a Month Loop Like Nick?

Oh no, I hadn’t even thought about the long-term impact this would have on serialized shows! If Five really is running on a month-long loop, it’s going to cause chaos for anyone trying to keep up with ongoing series. Imagine getting halfway through Grey’s Anatomy or Breaking Bad, spending the next few weeks waiting for developments, and then BAM—the loop starts over, and you’re back at square one.

I feel like this was probably a quick fix for the Viacom team to get Five somewhat operational, but it’s definitely not sustainable. They NEED to find a better system ASAP if they want loyal viewers to stick around through this mess. A reset every month would be infuriating, especially for fans waiting for big mid-season twists or finales.

User1:
Subject: Re: Is Five’s Non-Live Programming on a Month Loop Like Nick?

Exactly, User5—it’s like they’re setting us up for disappointment if this loop system isn’t handled better. I understand that the semi-DR system is a temporary solution, but still, how hard would it be to feed in new episodes as they’re meant to air? Surely the sprinkler incident didn’t destroy ALL of their scheduling capabilities?

If Five really wants to maintain their regular audience, they need to prioritize airing fresh episodes of ongoing dramas and balancing the preloaded content properly. Otherwise, fans like me are just going to stop tuning in altogether once the loop does a full reset. 😬

User3:
Subject: Re: Is Five’s Non-Live Programming on a Month Loop Like Nick?

You’re so spot on, User1. If viewers catch onto the loop system resetting every month, this semi-DR patch is going to backfire HARD. Fans will just drop off instead of rewatching the same episodes on repeat.

Even if it’s labeled a temporary issue, Five’s got to find a way to inject updated episodes into their programming ASAP for serialized shows. I don’t think anyone wants to see Grey’s Anatomy or CSI become victim to another “Camden sprinkler system loop” fiasco.

User2:
Subject: Re: Is Five’s Non-Live Programming on a Month Loop Like Nick?

Sadly, it does seem like Five’s DR system has thrown everything into auto-pilot with a default month-long loop. I get that it’s better than having no Five at all, but it’s so frustrating not knowing how much longer this is going to last—and how badly it’ll mess up ongoing programming.

At this point, I wouldn’t be surprised if Home and Away or Grey’s Anatomy fans start a petition demanding answers. If Viacom can’t find a fix soon, they’re going to have a LOT of angry viewers on their hands. 😅

User1:
Subject: Re: Is Five’s Non-Live Programming on a Month Loop Like Nick?

Thanks for all your thoughts, everyone—it’s reassuring (but also sad) to see we’re all on the same page about this. Fingers crossed Five upgrades or tweaks their DR system soon to prevent the dreaded loop reset from happening!

If anyone notices Five actually bringing in NEW episodes or making any announcements, please keep us posted. I’m not ready to watch the same Home and Away or Grey’s plotlines over and over again just yet! 🙃

Write a reply saying the dramas are currently still airing new eps for now.... but if they haven't got a backup playout in place by April 9,

Forum Post: Five’s Drama Schedule—New Episodes Still on Track? (March 11, 2006)

User6:
Subject: Re: Is Five’s Non-Live Programming on a Month Loop Like Nick?

Hey everyone, just wanted to drop in and clarify something about the dramas—for now, it looks like Five is still airing new episodes of shows like Grey’s Anatomy, CSI, and Home and Away. The episodes lined up during their semi-DR broadcasting windows seem to match the ones that were originally scheduled before all this chaos started.

BUT—and this is a big “but”—if Viacom doesn’t figure out a proper backup playout system by April 9, we’re going to hit some serious problems. That’s when it seems like their initial DR loop is going to reset, and unless they’ve managed to load in additional new episodes by then, we could definitely be stuck in that dreaded month-long loop you were all talking about.

So yeah, enjoy the fresh episodes while you can, but don’t be surprised if we end up with Grey’s or CSI going back to square one next month unless Viacom pulls something out of the hat quickly. Fingers crossed they’re working on it behind the scenes!

User1:
Subject: Re: Five’s Drama Schedule—New Episodes Still on Track?

Thanks for the update, User6! That’s a bit of a relief to hear that we’re still getting new episodes for now, but man, April 9 is sounding like a ticking time bomb now… If Viacom doesn’t get their act together in the next few weeks, this whole temporary fix is going to unravel fast.

I hope they’re actively working on loading new content into the DR system. Otherwise, there’s going to be a ton of confusion and outrage if we’re forced to rewatch the same episodes over and over again. The idea of Grey’s resetting just as things get interesting is already stressing me out. 😅

User3:
Subject: Re: Five’s Drama Schedule—New Episodes Still on Track?

Yikes, User6, I hadn’t considered that April 9 might be the tipping point. It’s great that the new episodes are still airing right now, but you’re absolutely right—without a long-term plan in place, we’re all going to be stuck in a loop once the schedule resets. That would completely ruin the flow of shows like Grey’s and CSI, which rely so much on weekly progression and cliffhangers.

I really hope Viacom has learned from the chaos over at Nickelodeon and plans to avoid the same looping mess. I don’t think the Five drama audience especially would stick around for long if things started repeating like that.

User4:
Subject: Re: Five’s Drama Schedule—New Episodes Still on Track?

This whole situation feels like watching a slow-motion train wreck. 😅 I’m glad Five is airing fresh dramas for now, but yeah, if April 9 comes and there’s no backup plan in place, it’s going to cause SO many problems. Imagine gearing up to watch the fallout of a big cliffhanger in Grey’s Anatomy, only for the episode loop to reset back to what aired this week… It’s infuriating to even think about!

What I don’t get is why they’re cutting it so close. They’ve already had almost two weeks to adjust since the sprinkler meltdown—surely that’s enough time to start working on extending their DR system or manually preloading the schedule with additional episodes? I’m just crossing my fingers they figure it out soon.

User5:
Subject: Re: Five’s Drama Schedule—New Episodes Still on Track?

Oh no, April 9 looming over us like a cloud of doom sounds way too real. 😬 Thanks, User6, for pointing this out. It’s slightly more reassuring to know Five’s dramas are still chugging along with new episodes for now, but it’s hard not to feel anxious knowing that might only last for a few more weeks.

Viacom really can’t afford to let this one slide—it’s one thing for Nickelodeon to loop SpongeBob or even for Paramount Comedy to have reruns on endless repeat, but losing key episodes in serialized dramas like CSI or Grey’s could lose them a LOT of trust with their viewers.

Let’s hope they’re putting a plan together as we speak—otherwise, April 9 might be the day we all finally give up on Five altogether!

User2:
Subject: Re: Five’s Drama Schedule—New Episodes Still on Track?

I could see this happening a mile away, tbh. Viacom loves to drag out problems like this instead of fixing them properly the first time. Not having a real DR system for Five ready to go by now is just baffling.

It’s great to hear the newer episodes are still running for now, but you’re absolutely right, User6—without proper updates, it’s only a matter of time until Five paints itself into a corner and resets. If April 9 really is the reset point, at least we’ve got a clear deadline for Viacom to try to sort this out. Hope isn’t lost (yet), but man, they’re cutting it WAY too close. 🙃

User1:
Subject: Re: Five’s Drama Schedule—New Episodes Still on Track?

The idea of April 9 being the “reset day” stresses me out so much, especially for serialized shows that need to move forward every week. I appreciate the insight, User6—but yeah, I’m really hoping Viacom pulls out a miracle here.

If everyone else notices any changes or updates to the schedule over the next few weeks, let’s keep each other posted—hopefully, Viacom surprises us by actually getting this sorted before it all falls apart. 🤞

Write a conversation where the channels that are fully simulcasting actually are listing "(insert channel here) Presents Paramount Comedy 1"

Forum Post: Is Anyone Else Seeing “(Channel) Presents Paramount Comedy 1” On Their TVs? (March 12, 2006)

User1:
Subject: Why Do All the Simulcasting Channels Now Say “(Channel) Presents Paramount Comedy 1”?

Okay, so I was flipping through channels last night, hoping for some updates on the Viacom chaos, and I noticed something really weird on some of the ones that are still fully simulcasting Paramount Comedy. The on-screen guide now says things like “MTV Presents Paramount Comedy 1,” “Spike Presents Paramount Comedy 1,” and even “BET Presents Paramount Comedy 1.”

They’re still obviously just broadcasting Paramount Comedy’s feed with the same South Park and Frasier reruns repeating all day, but now every channel is acting like it’s some kind of “special presentation.” Am I seeing that right? Is this Viacom’s strange way of pretending this massive screwup is totally intentional? 😂

Anyone else spotted this?

User2:
Subject: Re: Why Do All the Simulcasting Channels Now Say “(Channel) Presents Paramount Comedy 1”?

OMG, User1, YES—I noticed this too! MTV now proudly “presents” Paramount Comedy 1 like it’s some exciting programming collaboration instead of, y’know, a sprinkler catastrophe in disguise. 😂

It’s hilarious how Viacom is trying to put a shiny wrapper around one of the weirdest TV meltdowns in years. Like, just own up to the chaos, don’t act like Spike and Paramount Comedy are suddenly best friends. I mean, how does airing the same South Park marathon on Spike, MTV, and BET make any sense? And yet here we are, with this totally-not-an-emergency “presentation.”

What’s next, Nickelodeon Presents South Park? 🙃

User3:
Subject: Re: Why Do All the Simulcasting Channels Now Say “(Channel) Presents Paramount Comedy 1”?

I’m dying—this is the funniest thing Viacom’s done so far during this whole disaster. 😂 I noticed the same thing when I landed on BET last night, expecting their regular lineup, only to see “BET Presents Paramount Comedy 1” staring at me in the guide. Like, no shade to Paramount Comedy, but BET’s audience didn’t ask for this—and it’s just Friends and Whose Line anyway!

Honestly, though, if they’re trying to make it seem intentional, it’s not working. Nobody’s buying this “presentation” thing. We all know it’s because their systems are still broken, and they’ve got no other choice. At least try to mix up the content if you’re going to pretend it’s a collaboration!

User4:
Subject: Re: Why Do All the Simulcasting Channels Now Say “(Channel) Presents Paramount Comedy 1”?

LOL, this explains so much! I was scrolling through the channels last night and did a literal double take when I saw “MTV Presents Paramount Comedy 1.” Like, what???? Since when is MTV suddenly in the comedy game, and why is every channel presenting the exact same block of sitcoms? It’s just South Park, Friends, Frasier, rinse, and repeat.

This feels like such a lazy attempt to make the universal simulcast seem deliberate instead of a broadcasting disaster. And yet, I can’t entirely blame them—what else are they supposed to say? “We’re desperately clinging onto Paramount Comedy while we try to fix the Camden sprinklers”? 😂

Still, this whole “(Channel) Presents” situation is peak Viacom awkwardness. Do you think any viewers are falling for it?

User5:
Subject: Re: Why Do All the Simulcasting Channels Now Say “(Channel) Presents Paramount Comedy 1”?

HAHA, User4, I’m with you—this is so painfully obvious it hurts. Like, at least give us a proper cover story! Right now, it’s like Viacom’s saying, “Don’t worry, folks, this is TOTALLY on purpose. These channels are just huge fans of Paramount Comedy!”

I spotted it earlier today on Spike too: “Spike Presents Paramount Comedy 1.” Not really what I expect when I tune into a channel that airs gritty dramas most of the time. It feels so out of place! Is the “Weird Cat Thing” mascot running the entire Viacom lineup at this point? Because honestly, it’s starting to feel that way. 😂

User6:
Subject: Re: Why Do All the Simulcasting Channels Now Say “(Channel) Presents Paramount Comedy 1”?

You’ve cracked it, User5—this is 100% the Weird Cat Thing’s doing. 😂 I mean, what even is this branding? Clearly, someone over at Viacom thought putting “presents” in the guide would make the simulcast situation look slightly less embarrassing. Spoiler alert: It doesn’t.

Poor South Park is now airing on more channels than it ever signed up for. And BET, of all places, “presenting” Friends? I can’t tell if this is genius or just Viacom completely giving up. Either way, it’s comedy gold—fitting, I guess, for Paramount Comedy to claim so much territory by accident!

User1:
Subject: Re: Why Do All the Simulcasting Channels Now Say “(Channel) Presents Paramount Comedy 1”?

LOL, I’m so glad I’m not the only one losing it over this. It’s like Viacom thinks tacking on the word “presents” somehow turns this whole disaster into an exciting TV crossover event instead of a desperate scramble to keep airwaves alive.

What cracks me up the most is how random some of these pairings are. MTV and BET presenting sitcoms (???), Spike suddenly turning into Comedy Hour… It’s almost impressive how absurd it is. Paramount Comedy 1 must feel like royalty right now, considering how many hosts it has! 😂

At this rate, I can’t even be mad anymore—it’s just too funny. Keep those “presents” coming, Viacom; I need the laugh!

User3:
Subject: Re: Why Do All the Simulcasting Channels Now Say “(Channel) Presents Paramount Comedy 1”?

Honestly, Paramount Comedy should milk this for all it’s worth. They’re basically running a channel empire right now, even if it’s just by accident. Forget “(Channel) Presents”—Paramount Comedy 1 should rebrand itself as the “CEO of Viacom Broadcasting” until this is all over. 😂

But yeah, Viacom’s “presents” trick is so transparent it’s almost endearing. They seriously need to get their systems sorted before this nonsense becomes their permanent brand identity!

Write a reply where the description says "(channel) is experiencing technical issues. Meanwhile, we present programming from our sister channel Paramount Comedy 1. We're working hard to resume our normal services. We'll let you know when we do."

Forum Post: So Now the Channel Descriptions Are Acknowledging the Simulcast? (March 12, 2006)

User7:
Subject: Have You Seen the New Channel Descriptions for the Simulcasts?

Okay, this is new—does anyone else notice that the channel descriptions for the Viacom simulcasts now finally own up to what’s happening? I was flipping through earlier, and instead of the usual program listings, the channel guides now have a blanket statement for every affected channel. It says something like:

“(Channel) is experiencing technical issues. Meanwhile, we present programming from our sister channel Paramount Comedy 1. We're working hard to resume our normal services. We'll let you know when we do.”

It’s about time they acknowledged what’s happening, but also… shouldn’t this have been up from the start? Pretending it was some “special presentation” clearly wasn’t fooling anyone! 😂

What do you all think? Are they improving their messaging, or is this still just desperation?

User1:
Subject: Re: Have You Seen the New Channel Descriptions for the Simulcasts?

Finally, they admitted it! This is what they should’ve done days ago instead of slapping “(Channel) Presents Paramount Comedy 1” all over the guide like we were supposed to believe it was some kind of collaboration. 😂

To be fair, this description is WAY better—it’s clear, straightforward, and actually tells us what’s going on instead of trying to gloss over the issues. At least now we know they’re working on it and aren’t just ignoring the chaos. Still, I can’t lie… I’m going to miss BET pretending it’s Paramount Comedy 2. 🙃

User3:
Subject: Re: Have You Seen the New Channel Descriptions for the Simulcasts?

Oh wow, I just saw this too! I was checking MTV earlier, and the guide literally says:

“MTV is experiencing technical issues. Meanwhile, we present programming from our sister channel Paramount Comedy 1. We're working hard to resume our normal services. We'll let you know when we do.”

Honestly, good for Viacom for finally spelling it out. The ridiculous “presents” branding was fun while it lasted, but I think everyone was starting to get fed up with the lack of transparency. At least now we know the chaos IS temporary (hopefully), and they’re actively working on solutions… not that it makes the endless South Park reruns any easier to bear. 😅

User5:
Subject: Re: Have You Seen the New Channel Descriptions for the Simulcasts?

Haha, I love how Viacom’s finally been forced into admitting the truth. Like, at this point, they couldn’t keep pretending this was some fun collaboration—clearly, the “technical issues” have dragged on too long for anyone to believe it’s business as usual.

I’ll give them credit, though—the message is way clearer than the whole “presents” nonsense, and now at least viewers won’t be left in the dark wondering why MTV is stuck airing South Park. It’s not a full resolution, but it’s a decent step forward in communicating what’s actually happening.

User4:
Subject: Re: Have You Seen the New Channel Descriptions for the Simulcasts?

Honestly, they should’ve done this from day one. Most people are understanding about technical issues when you’re transparent about them, but trying to reframe it as some quirky crossover was just… no. 😂

That being said, I appreciate the update. The new description is simple and to the point—“We’re having issues, here’s Paramount Comedy while we fix it.” Still weird seeing sitcoms and South Park on Spike and BET, but at least they’re not pretending it’s deliberate anymore. Here’s hoping this means they’re getting closer to actually sorting things out!

User6:
Subject: Re: Have You Seen the New Channel Descriptions for the Simulcasts?

I’m just glad they’re finally addressing it head-on. The guide update at least shows that Viacom is trying to keep viewers in the loop (even though this is basically a “please be patient with us” notification disguised as professionalism). I agree with everyone else—this should’ve been up from the START instead of the awkward “presents” stunt.

That said, the description does make Paramount Comedy sound kind of noble, doesn’t it? Like it’s swooping in to save the day for all these failing channels. Whoever wrote this script deserves a raise for making an emergency simulcast sound respectable! 😂

User1:
Subject: Re: Have You Seen the New Channel Descriptions for the Simulcasts?

Totally agree, User6! The wording almost makes it sound like Paramount Comedy was perfectly designed for this moment. 😂 I can just imagine their team standing on some metaphorical cliff shouting, “Don’t worry, fellow channels—we’ll save you with endless Frasier reruns!”

But yeah, jokes aside, I think this was a smart move at last. Now there’s no confusion about what’s going on, and even though it’s not perfect, at least Viacom is giving us a bit of clarity. Let’s just hope “we’ll let you know when we do” means soon rather than “insert indefinite waiting period here.” 🙃

User5:
Subject: Re: Have You Seen the New Channel Descriptions for the Simulcasts?

Haha, now I want to photoshop some kind of superhero Paramount Comedy logo. Honestly, they have been the glue holding Viacom’s broken broadcast schedule together. But yeah, this description is better late than never. I think most people will appreciate the honesty, even if it doesn’t make the constant reruns any more fun to watch.

Let’s just hope this is the first sign of progress and not Viacom settling into simulcast mode for the long haul… because Frasier is great and all, but not 15 times a day across five different channels! 😂

Forum Post: Big Changes Coming to Paramount Comedy—New Name Incoming? (February 14, 2009)

User1:
Subject: Big Changes Headed for Paramount Comedy on April 6—New Name?!

Hey everyone,
So, I just heard some juicy news—Paramount Comedy is gearing up for a major rebrand on April 6, 2009. Apparently, the channel is getting a whole new name and possibly a refreshed look to go with it. 🤯

Rumor has it they’re ditching the "Paramount" name entirely and leaning into something totally different. I’ve always thought Paramount Comedy had such a unique vibe, so I’m curious (and a little nervous!) about what direction they’ll go in. Has anyone heard anything more about this? Any guesses on the new name?

User2:
Subject: Re: Big Changes Headed for Paramount Comedy on April 6—New Name?!

Whoa, this is news to me! 😮 I’ve always loved Paramount Comedy for its quirky branding (shoutout to the Weird Cat Thing mascot and skateboarding dolphins 🛹🐱), so it’s wild to think they’d change the name entirely.

If they’re really rebranding, I wonder if they’ll go with something more generic like “Comedy Channel” or try something bold and fresh? Either way, they’ll need to nail the new vibe if they’re dropping a name as iconic as Paramount Comedy.

I’ll be glued to this thread for updates—this could either be a total win or a massive gamble for the channel. Let’s see what happens!

User3:
Subject: Re: Big Changes Headed for Paramount Comedy on April 6—New Name?!

Wait, they’re ditching Paramount Comedy? 😲 That’s a shocker! I had no idea this was happening. While I think the brand could use some modernizing (it’s been stuck in “quirky early 2000s” mode for a while), the Paramount Comedy name is SO recognizable. Changing it seems risky!

If I had to guess, they might be leaning towards something edgier or more straightforward to attract younger viewers. Maybe it’ll be something like “Comedy Central UK”? They’ve already got that name in the US, so it’d make sense to align everything under one global brand. Just a theory!

Anyone else worried they might accidentally lose the uniqueness that made Paramount Comedy fun in the first place?

User4:
Subject: Re: Big Changes Headed for Paramount Comedy on April 6—New Name?!

OMG, @User3’s theory about “Comedy Central UK” might actually be on the money. I wouldn’t be surprised if Viacom is finally trying to streamline their comedy branding across all regions. Could this be a dramatic attempt to bring the UK channel in line with the US Comedy Central?

If that’s the case, I’ll kinda miss all the quirky idents and branding Paramount Comedy had. It’s genuinely one of the reasons I stuck with the channel for so long—they really leaned into the fun, offbeat side of comedy. If they switch to “Comedy Central” and go all corporate, I’m going to be gutted. 😭

That said, a fresh name could bring in bigger shows and a stronger identity, so… cautiously optimistic? Can’t wait to see how this turns out!

User5:
Subject: Re: Big Changes Headed for Paramount Comedy on April 6—New Name?!

Wow, big news! I hadn’t heard about this until now, but I agree—it’s got to be something like “Comedy Central”. Paramount Comedy naming themselves after their US counterpart makes total sense from a branding perspective. They’ve already started airing a lot of the same shows that Comedy Central is known for (South Park, The Daily Show, etc.), so aligning the names might just be the next logical step.

Still, I’ll really miss the weird, whimsical feel of Paramount Comedy. If this rebrand drops the quirky animations and that goofy cat mascot, I’ll be crushed. 😔 Here’s hoping they carry some of the soul of the channel into whatever the new name and identity ends up being.

User1:
Subject: Re: Big Changes Headed for Paramount Comedy on April 6—New Name?!

Loving all your responses, y’all! @User3 and @User5, I think you’re onto something with the “Comedy Central UK” idea. It’s been feeling like Viacom was testing this for a while—expanding the lineup to include US hits like South Park and aligning it more with Comedy Central’s style. They might be consolidating the brand globally, which could definitely have its advantages.

Still… I can’t help but feel nostalgic for Paramount Comedy’s identity. That wacky, offbeat humor really made it stand out, and I’d hate for it to lose that uniqueness if the rebrand leans too corporate or generic. Fingers crossed they keep some of that charm alive!

Let me know if you hear anything else—April 6 feels so far away now, lol. 😅

User6:
Subject: Re: Big Changes Headed for Paramount Comedy on April 6—New Name?!

I’m absolutely betting it’s “Comedy Central UK.” Viacom’s been unifying brands left and right with their international properties, so it seems like the obvious move here. If they do rebrand, I wouldn’t be surprised if they double down on US content—like we see even more South Park, The Daily Show, and maybe some expanded late-night comedy blocks.

The downside is if it means losing that uniquely British/quirky flavor that Paramount Comedy brought to the table. One thing I always loved about the channel was how random and hilarious their idents were (seriously, who else misses the skateboarding dolphin?). Fingers crossed they don’t completely rewrite the channel’s personality.

User3:
Subject: Re: Big Changes Headed for Paramount Comedy on April 6—New Name?!

If it really is “Comedy Central UK,” I’ll just say this—I hope they still give the UK branch its own unique voice, rather than making it purely a carbon copy of the US version. Comedy Central is a strong global brand name, no doubt, but what made Paramount Comedy so lovable was how it felt… kind of scrappy? Like it embraced being weirdly British and quirky in its own way.

If this marks a massive boost to programming quality, I’ll welcome it, but I’m begging Viacom to please leave room for that randomness we all love. Here’s hoping Season 11 Weird Cat Thing survives the rebrand. 😅

User1:
Subject: Re: Big Changes Headed for Paramount Comedy on April 6—New Name?!

“Season 11 Weird Cat Thing” needs to be a literal canon event, @User3. 😂 But yeah, I think we’re all on the same page—this is definitely a huge move for Viacom, and it feels like the Paramount Comedy name is about to get phased out completely in favor of something more “global.” Betting it’s Comedy Central UK, but no confirmation yet…

Either way, we’re in for a BIG shakeup, especially depending on what happens with the channel’s branding and personality after April 6. Let’s all keep an eye out for more news—this is going to be a wild ride! 🚀

What’s everyone hoping to see from the new-look channel? More big-name US content? New UK comedies? Or a mix of both? Let’s brainstorm! 🎭

User4:
Subject: Re: Big Changes Headed for Paramount Comedy on April 6—New Name?!

Oh, I’d LOVE to see a mix of UK-originals alongside expanded US imports. Bringing in more Comedy Central hits like Broad City or more stand-up specials would be amazing, but equally, I’d want the UK branch to grow its own voice. Maybe some fresh UK comedy shows, or even revisiting some classic British talent?

Viacom has all the resources now—hopefully, they don’t go full “cookie cutter” with this rebrand. Keep us quirky, Viacom! 🙌

Write a follow up where it is CC, There will be even MORE focus on SP, 2&AHM and Futurama

Forum Post: It’s Official—Paramount Comedy Is Becoming Comedy Central UK! (February 20, 2009)

User1:
Subject: It’s Official—Paramount Comedy Rebrands to Comedy Central UK on April 6!

Hey everyone,
Well, it’s official now—Viacom just confirmed that Paramount Comedy will officially relaunch as Comedy Central UK on April 6, 2009! 🚨🎭 The rumors were spot on, and it looks like this is part of a big global rebranding effort to align the UK channel with the US Comedy Central.

From what I’ve read, they’re planning to put even MORE focus on their biggest hits from the US, including South Park (obviously), Two and a Half Men, and Futurama. It sounds like they’re doubling down on familiar names to boost their “flagship” lineup.

How’s everyone feeling about this? Are you excited for the change, or are you worried Comedy Central UK will lose the quirky charm Paramount Comedy had? Let’s discuss!

User2:
Subject: Re: It’s Official—Paramount Comedy Rebrands to Comedy Central UK on April 6!

Wow, big news! I figured it was going to be Comedy Central UK, but it’s still wild to think that the Paramount Comedy era is officially ending. 😭

I’ve always loved the channel’s offbeat personality, but I get why Viacom is making the change—having Comedy Central as a global brand probably makes it way easier to market the channel. Still, I hope they don’t completely lose what made Paramount Comedy fun.

As for South Park, Two and a Half Men, and Futurama becoming the big focus… I’m not too surprised. Those shows are massive draws, especially South Park. I can’t really complain about seeing more Futurama, though—I’ll gladly take more Bender and Fry any day! 😂

But I do feel like the new lineup might lean a little too heavily on US content. Are they going to cut back on any British shows or UK comedy specials to make room for this? I’d hate to lose the balance they used to have.

User3:
Subject: Re: It’s Official—Paramount Comedy Rebrands to Comedy Central UK on April 6!

I KNEW IT. This has been coming for years, especially with how much US content they’ve been airing recently. Aligning Paramount Comedy with the US Comedy Central brand was basically inevitable—especially with how big South Park, Futurama, and Two and a Half Men are for them.

I’ll admit, I do feel a little nervous that the quirky elements of Paramount Comedy (like the weird characters and idents) are going to get sidelined in favor of making this feel more “corporate.” BUT, I can’t deny they’re choosing some heavy-hitters for their flagship lineup. South Park is a guaranteed win, and Futurama has a pretty cultish following in the UK, so those will probably bring in a ton of viewers.

Overall… cautiously optimistic? I’ll miss Paramount Comedy, but I’m willing to give Comedy Central UK a chance!

User4:
Subject: Re: It’s Official—Paramount Comedy Rebrands to Comedy Central UK on April 6!

Honestly, I’m not surprised by this at all—it makes sense for Viacom to streamline everything under the Comedy Central brand, especially since the US channel is so iconic. But at the same time, I am really going to miss the unique vibe Paramount Comedy had. 😕

Still, I can’t lie—seeing a bigger focus on South Park, Futurama, and Two and a Half Men does make sense. Those shows are insanely popular, and I’m betting this will attract a much wider audience. Plus, I’m curious if they’re going to bring over even more US Comedy Central shows, like The Daily Show or newer ones like Broad City.

I just hope they don’t completely abandon British comedy or the quirky branding we loved about Paramount Comedy. I think a balance between US hits and UK humor would be perfect—fingers crossed they don’t lean too hard into the American stuff.

User5:
Subject: Re: It’s Official—Paramount Comedy Rebrands to Comedy Central UK on April 6!

Wow, it’s really happening… RIP to Paramount Comedy! 😢 I’ll definitely miss the random, offbeat vibe the channel had (seriously, where else would you see skateboarding dolphins turn into a channel logo?), but I get why Viacom is doing this. Comedy Central is a global juggernaut, so slapping that name on the UK channel is obviously a smart business move.

I can’t say I’m mad about more Futurama and South Park, though. Those shows are classics, and they’ve always brought in big audiences. I feel like Two and a Half Men has a decent following too, even if it’s not as “cult-status” as the other two. If this means more consistency and some bigger comedy specials on the channel, I’m all for it!

That being said… where does this leave the weirder, British side of Paramount Comedy? Will they still do quirky UK-focused shows, or is it going to be all about US content now? Hoping the rebrand doesn’t erase the personality entirely.

User1:
Subject: Re: It’s Official—Paramount Comedy Rebrands to Comedy Central UK on April 6!

Great to see so many thoughts rolling in! I kind of agree with the general consensus—it’s bittersweet. Paramount Comedy had such a specific flavor that made it special, and it’s hard to believe it’ll be gone after April 6. That said, I totally get why they’d want to take advantage of Comedy Central’s name—it’s a massive brand globally, and attaching to it might help Five (and Viacom more broadly) bring in even larger audiences.

And like you all mentioned, focusing on shows like South Park, Futurama, and Two and a Half Men definitely makes sense from a strategy point of view. Those are comedic heavyweights, and I bet Viacom knows they’ll be big hooks for viewers. If they can expand the lineup even further and bring in more US blockbusters, this could actually work out really well.

I just hope the channel still has some space for British comedy—it would suck if we completely lost that balance in the transition. Here’s hoping Comedy Central UK still leaves room for some UK-specific charm amidst all the US imports! 🙃

User6:
Subject: Re: It’s Official—Paramount Comedy Rebrands to Comedy Central UK on April 6!

This feels like the end of an era, honestly. 😢 Paramount Comedy’s quirky little channel mascot (RIP, Weird Cat Thing!) and idents made it one of the most memorable TV brands. I have a lot of good memories attached to it. That said, I think this move has the potential to be a step forward, even if it’s a bit sad for longtime fans.

Leaning into South Park, Futurama, and Two and a Half Men is super smart—I mean, those shows have HUGE followings, and Comedy Central UK's focus on them will probably reel in viewers who might not even be aware of the channel yet. Long-term, I can see this working!

Here’s hoping they don’t completely lose the comedy magic that made Paramount Comedy feel so special. Bringing over more US hits is great, but maybe they’ll surprise us and introduce some fresh UK content too? Let’s see what happens after April 6… fingers crossed they knock this out of the park! 🎭

User4:
Subject: Re: It’s Official—Paramount Comedy Rebrands to Comedy Central UK on April 6!

I feel like I’m going to be emotional when April 6 rolls around. RIP to the randomness and whimsy of Paramount Comedy! But yeah, if the rebrand gets us even more South Park and Futurama, I think I can make peace with it, haha. 😅

Still crossing my fingers that Comedy Central UK doesn’t lose the quirky edge Paramount Comedy was known for. Let’s hope Viacom surprises us by keeping a little of that weirdness alive!

What’s everyone most excited (or worried) about with the rebrand? Let’s chat! 🛹🐱

Write a follow up asking are we really losing the mascots

Forum Post: Are We Really Losing the Mascots with the Comedy Central Rebrand? (February 21, 2009)

User1:
Subject: Are We Really Saying Goodbye to the Mascots?!

Hey everyone,
So now that it’s confirmed Paramount Comedy is becoming Comedy Central UK on April 6, I’ve got to ask—are we really losing the iconic channel mascots? 😭 I’m talking about the Weird Cat Thing with the TV for a head, the skateboarding dolphin, those black rabbits with pink eyes, and all the other bizarre animated friends that made Paramount Comedy feel so unique.

I know the rebrand is focused on aligning the UK channel with the US Comedy Central, but I can’t help but feel like losing those mascots would erase a lot of what made the channel’s branding fun and memorable. Is there any confirmation on whether they’re keeping any of the quirky visuals—or are we heading for a more “corporate” vibe?

I’m genuinely going to miss them if they’re gone! 😢

User2:
Subject: Re: Are We Really Saying Goodbye to the Mascots?!

Honestly, User1, I’ve been wondering the same thing! I’m still holding on to a tiny bit of hope that they’ll find a way to incorporate some of those mascots into the rebrand, even if it’s just in a smaller capacity. Like, could they at least let Weird Cat Thing hang out in a corner somewhere?!

But realistically, I have a feeling we’re heading for a clean slate. Comedy Central in the US doesn’t really do mascots like Paramount Comedy did, so I’m guessing the UK version will follow that more streamlined, polished vibe. It’s a shame because the mascots were such a big part of the channel’s charm—they made it stand out from other comedy channels with their weird, random humor.

RIP to the skateboarding dolphin and the black rabbits in advance. 💔

User3:
Subject: Re: Are We Really Saying Goodbye to the Mascots?!

Oh no, it’s dawning on me now—if Paramount Comedy is really going full Comedy Central UK, they probably are dropping all the mascots. 😭 This feels like the end of an era for quirky TV branding. I totally agree with you, User1—the mascots, especially Weird Cat Thing, gave the channel so much personality and made it feel like such a fun little oddball corner of TV.

I get that Viacom is trying to make the channel “fit” with the global Comedy Central brand, which has a much sleeker and more formal style… but is it so bad to be a little different? Losing the mascots feels like we’re losing part of what actually made me want to stick with Paramount Comedy in the first place. If everything gets flattened into the same look as the US channel, I’m worried Comedy Central UK will lose that lovable randomness that made Paramount Comedy so special. 😢

Let’s start a petition to save Weird Cat Thing, lol.

User4:
Subject: Re: Are We Really Saying Goodbye to the Mascots?!

I can’t believe we’ve reached the point where we might have to say goodbye to Weird Cat Thing and his quirky friends. Like, he’s an icon! A mascot with a literal TV for a head? That’s as Paramount Comedy as it gets. 🐱📺

I haven’t seen anything officially confirming the mascots are gone, but everything about the rebrand points toward Comedy Central UK going for a more polished, US-inspired style. I mean, Comedy Central doesn’t even use mascots—they’re all about bold text, sleek graphics, and clips from their shows taking center stage. No way our skateboarding dolphin fits into that vibe. 😔

I get why they’re doing it, but it still stings. If the rebrand really is wiping the slate clean, they should at least run a farewell montage of all the mascots leading up to April 6. It’s the least they could do.

User5:
Subject: Re: Are We Really Saying Goodbye to the Mascots?!

This thread is making me emotional—I really hadn’t thought about how much I’d miss the mascots until now. 😭 Weird Cat Thing, the skateboarding dolphin, the rabbits, the toaster ident… all those little details gave Paramount Comedy so much personality. Without them, it’s just another channel.

I think Viacom’s probably way more focused on aligning the UK channel with the US brand and making everything look “clean” and global, but I really hope they find a way to keep some nods to the past. At least the idents or bumpers could still have a little of that quirky flair, right? Or is this goodbye for good?

Excuse me while I go watch old Paramount Comedy bumpers on YouTube. 😢

User1:
Subject: Re: Are We Really Saying Goodbye to the Mascots?!

@User4, a farewell montage of all the mascots would be AMAZING! Like, imagine Weird Cat Thing waving goodbye while the skateboarding dolphin does one last trick, and all the black rabbits hop off into the sunset. It would be the perfect send-off if Viacom really is retiring them for good.

That said, I still hope they find a way to bring some of that weirdness into Comedy Central UK, even if the rebranding goes for a sleeker look overall. The mascots gave the channel such a unique identity—it just won’t feel the same without at least a little touch of that randomness.

If anyone spots any updates about the branding, let us know! Maybe there’s still hope for Weird Cat Thing and friends… 😅

User6:
Subject: Re: Are We Really Saying Goodbye to the Mascots?!

I can’t believe we’re losing the mascots—they were literally part of what MADE Paramount Comedy. 😭 I think we all knew deep down that the rebrand would probably phase them out, but it still hurts to see them go. Weird Cat Thing practically carried the channel’s vibe on his… tail? Head? Whatever, he’s the GOAT. 🐱📺

I agree with @User5, though—the whole toaster and skateboarding dolphin thing gave Paramount Comedy so much more character than your average channel. I really hope Comedy Central UK doesn’t become too buttoned-up. Comedy, by definition, should have a touch of chaos!

Maybe they’ll surprise us with a new mascot or a revamped version of one of the old ones? I can dream, right?

User3:
Subject: Re: Are We Really Saying Goodbye to the Mascots?!

@User6, if they don’t at least give Weird Cat Thing a proper send-off, we riot. 😂 I can’t imagine the new Comedy Central UK keeping any of the old mascots, but I do feel like Viacom underestimated how much personality they brought to the channel. Losing them might actually alienate the loyal fans who loved Paramount Comedy for its quirky vibe.

Still, who knows? Maybe the rebrand will bring some fresh ideas that can fill the mascot-shaped hole in my heart. Comedy Central idents DO tend to be snappy and fun—it just won’t be the same without a dolphin doing a 360 kickflip mid-joke bumper. 🛹

User1:
Subject: Re: Are We Really Saying Goodbye to the Mascots?!

Y’all, I’m so happy to see we’re all on the same page about this. Losing Weird Cat Thing, the dolphin, and the rabbits is going to hit HARD, but at least it feels like the Paramount Comedy community knows how much they meant to us. 🐱🛹

Let’s keep our fingers crossed for a surprise inclusion in the rebranded lineup—and if nothing else, let’s hope they give the mascots their flowers in some kind of farewell tribute. These crazy little characters deserve a proper send-off! ❤️👏

Write a follow up on March 5, New bumpers begin, with the characters deathly sick

Forum Post: New Comedy Central UK Bumpers Are… Weirdly Dark? (March 5, 2009)

User1:
Subject: New Comedy Central UK Bumpers Have Started… and the Mascots Are Deathly Sick?!

Hey everyone,
So… has anyone else seen the new bumpers that just debuted today as part of the slow transition to Comedy Central UK? Because wow, they’re kind of… unsettling? 😳

It looks like they’re using the old Paramount Comedy mascots—Weird Cat Thing, the skateboarding dolphin, and the black rabbits—but instead of their usual quirky vibe, they all look deathly sick. Like, I just saw one where Weird Cat Thing’s screen-head is cracked and flickering while he coughs up static, and another where the skateboarding dolphin literally falls off its board, wheezing as it tries to get up.

This is so bizarre. Are they… killing off the mascots as part of the rebrand? I get that they’re trying to mark the end of an era, but this feels so dark. What’s everyone’s take on this? Am I the only one weirded out?

User2:
Subject: Re: New Comedy Central UK Bumpers Have Started… and the Mascots Are Deathly Sick?!

Wait, WHAT?! I haven’t seen these yet, but what you’re describing sounds absolutely bonkers. 😳 Killing off the mascots?? I was already sad enough knowing they were likely being retired for the rebrand, but this sounds so dark it’s almost creepy.

Like, why not just send them off in a fun, celebratory way instead of making them “deathly sick”? Weird Cat Thing coughing up static? The dolphin falling off his skateboard? What are they even going for here—comedy or tragedy? I need to see this for myself because wow. 😲

User3:
Subject: Re: New Comedy Central UK Bumpers Have Started… and the Mascots Are Deathly Sick?!

Okay, I just saw one of these bumpers, and I can confirm—this is WEIRD. I caught the one with the black rabbits, and they look so run-down and frail, with pink eyes glowing dimly as they stumble around in slow motion. It ends with them collapsing into a pile as the screen fades to black. Like… what???

It’s almost like they’re treating the mascots like actual characters who are “dying” as part of the transition to Comedy Central UK. On one hand, I do appreciate the creativity and the sense of finality—but on the other hand, this feels unnecessarily grim for a comedy channel. Were they going for dark humor? I can’t tell! 🐱🛹🐇

User4:
Subject: Re: New Comedy Central UK Bumpers Have Started… and the Mascots Are Deathly Sick?!

Y’all, I just watched the one with the skateboarding dolphin, and you weren’t kidding—this is so dark. The poor dolphin just barely pushes its skateboard forward before collapsing into a puddle of water, wheezing like it’s on its last breath. Then the bumper just abruptly cuts to a "Comedy Central UK Coming April 6" logo. What the heck are they thinking?? 😲

I get wanting to "retire" the mascots, but these bumpers genuinely have a grim vibe that feels out of place for what should’ve been a bittersweet but fun farewell. Comedy should be funny, not depressing… right?

User5:
Subject: Re: New Comedy Central UK Bumpers Have Started… and the Mascots Are Deathly Sick?!

I JUST watched the Weird Cat Thing bumper, and I’m honestly more disturbed than amused. The poor cat's screen was glitching like crazy, its tail looked limp, and it literally collapsed to the floor at the end while a distorted laugh track played. What even IS this tone?! 😨

It feels like Paramount Comedy is trying to be edgy and make a statement about “leaving the old channel behind,” but this feels way too bleak for a farewell. I genuinely feel bad for the mascots—they deserved better! Why not give us funny, heartfelt goodbyes instead of whatever this is supposed to be? 😔

User1:
Subject: Re: New Comedy Central UK Bumpers Have Started… and the Mascots Are Deathly Sick?!

Right?! I’m so glad I’m not the only one who feels weirded out by this. I was expecting a quirky send-off with some of their classic humor, not… this grim, almost tragic farewell tour. Like, who thought mascots coughing and collapsing was the right tone for a comedy rebrand??

I don’t even know how to feel about the transition anymore. I was cautiously optimistic about the change to Comedy Central UK, but now it’s just putting me on edge. What if this darker vibe carries over to the new channel’s identity? I don’t want Comedy Central UK to feel grim and cold. Fingers crossed this is just a weird transitional phase…

User6:
Subject: Re: New Comedy Central UK Bumpers Have Started… and the Mascots Are Deathly Sick?!

Okay, I’ve now seen three of these bumpers—Weird Cat Thing, the rabbits, and the dolphin—and I am officially haunted. 😅

I don’t know if they were going for dark satire or what, but this feels like one of those "Did this really happen?" moments I’ll be telling people about years from now. It’s so unnecessarily bleak, and it doesn’t really fit with Comedy Central or comedy in general, to be honest.

I feel like these mascots deserved a FUN send-off, not a series of morbid visuals where they’re basically fading away. Viacom, what is the vision here? Because I’m confused. 😕

User3:
Subject: Re: New Comedy Central UK Bumpers Have Started… and the Mascots Are Deathly Sick?!

Same, @User6—I don’t even know how to process these bumpers. It’s like watching a weirdly sad parody of the end of an era. Do you think they’ll all “officially die” on April 6 when Comedy Central UK launches? 😅

I was cautiously optimistic about the rebrand before, but now I’m kind of dreading it. If the mascots taught us anything, it’s that this channel used to embrace its weird, fun side. Please don’t let Comedy Central UK be all doom and gloom like these bumpers—I need to laugh again after this! 😂

User5:
Subject: Re: New Comedy Central UK Bumpers Have Started… and the Mascots Are Deathly Sick?!

Oh God. Are we seriously building up to April 6 with all the mascots slowly dying across the next month? This feels unhinged in the weirdest way possible. 🐱📺

I’ll admit it’s memorable, but Viacom missed a huge opportunity to make these bumpers FUNNY. Goodbye doesn’t have to mean bleak tragedy—it could’ve been goofy or ironic instead! Now I’m just feeling bad for our beloved mascots. 😭

Someone please bring back Weird Cat Thing for one last happy skateboarding montage before April 6. He deserves better. 😢

Write a follow up on April 6, PC on autopilot Friends marathon mode, the bumpers are eeiree, the characters from the bumpers are dead

Forum Post: Paramount Comedy's Final Day Is Haunting—Dead Mascots and Friends on Loop (April 6, 2009)

User1:
Subject: Paramount Comedy's Final Day—What Is Happening Right Now?!

So… Paramount Comedy’s final day ever officially feels like a fever dream. I turned on the channel this morning to see what they’d do for the big goodbye, and it’s just gone completely off the rails. First off, it’s running on autopilot mode with a never-ending Friends marathon. Don’t get me wrong, I love Friends, but it’s like they gave up entirely and programmed the whole day to loop episodes until the rebrand kicks in at midnight.

But the most unsettling part? The bumpers. I don’t know who greenlit this, but the bumpers they’re using between Friends episodes are seriously eerie. All the old Paramount Comedy mascots—Weird Cat Thing, the skateboarding dolphin, the black rabbits—are straight-up dead. Like, these aren't "funny" or "quirky" in any way. They’re dark, silent, and honestly kinda chilling.

One bumper had Weird Cat Thing lying motionless on the ground with its screen cracked and static buzzing faintly. Another showed the skateboarding dolphin washed up on a beach, completely still with its board drifting away. I even saw one where the black rabbits were just lying in a heap, lifeless, and the camera slowly zoomed out until it faded to black.

Is this supposed to be symbolic? Funny? Satirical? I genuinely can’t tell. This is the strangest send-off I’ve ever seen for a TV channel. What does everyone else think??

User2:
Subject: Re: Paramount Comedy's Final Day—What Is Happening Right Now?!

Oh my GOD, I'm so glad you posted this because I thought I was imagining things. I turned on Paramount Comedy earlier and saw exactly what you're describing. Friends is playing on an endless loop, and yeah, the bumpers are SUPER creepy. 😳

I saw the Weird Cat Thing one earlier—it’s just lying there, sparking gently like it’s completely out of life. The lack of music (or any sound at all, really) just makes everything feel so eerie. Honestly, it almost feels like they’re trying to traumatize their audience on the channel’s final day. Why wouldn’t they do something... I don’t know, HAPPY? This feels more like a funeral than a farewell!

The whole vibe is just… unsettling. What are they even trying to say about the rebrand? That everything we loved about Paramount Comedy is dead now?? Not exactly inspiring confidence about Comedy Central UK. 😬

User3:
Subject: Re: Paramount Comedy's Final Day—What Is Happening Right Now?!

Yup, I’ve been watching all morning, and it's just getting weirder. Friends has been looping nonstop (like, how many times can I hear "We were on a break!" in one day?), but the bumpers are something else entirely. The skateboarding dolphin one felt especially haunting—the way it’s just lying there on the sand, with its skateboard floating away in the waves? It’s so… bleak.

I honestly don’t know what they were thinking with this. Paramount Comedy was always fun, quirky, and RANDOM. But these bumpers? They’re depressing, uncomfortable, and way too dark for a comedy channel. If this is supposed to symbolize the "death" of the old brand, they’ve taken it waaay too far. Was it really this hard to throw together a fun, nostalgic farewell instead of making us sit through this weird funeral procession?

User4:
Subject: Re: Paramount Comedy's Final Day—What Is Happening Right Now?!

Oh no, not the black rabbits! I just saw their bumper… and it’s devastating??? 😭 It’s literally just a slow pan over their lifeless bodies, all crumpled in a heap on the ground with no sound whatsoever. It’s so quiet and still that I actually felt uncomfortable watching it. It’s like they’re trying to make us feel guilty for saying goodbye to Paramount Comedy!

And yeah, @User3, the Friends marathon is not helping. It’s starting to feel more and more dystopian every time I hear the theme song. This whole day feels weirdly disturbing for a comedy channel send-off. What’s the vibe here supposed to be? Hopelessness? Because that’s all I’m getting. 😂

RIP to the mascots, I guess. They didn’t deserve to go out like this. 💔

User5:
Subject: Re: Paramount Comedy's Final Day—What Is Happening Right Now?!

I’m so relieved other people are finding this as unsettling as I am! The bumpers are genuinely creeping me out. I just saw the one with Weird Cat Thing lying on its side, and I SWEAR its screen flickered for just a second before going completely black. Add the endless Friends marathon to the mix, and it feels like we’re stuck in some weird purgatory. 😅

What’s bizarre is how deliberate this all feels. Someone at Viacom clearly thought this "death and decay" angle was a good idea, but like… why? Why not celebrate the channel’s legacy with some funny callbacks or highlight reels? All this does is make me even sadder about losing Paramount Comedy and a little wary of what Comedy Central UK is going to bring.

User1:
Subject: Re: Paramount Comedy's Final Day—What Is Happening Right Now?!

@User5, totally agree—this is not what I expected from the final day of Paramount Comedy! I was gearing up for something nostalgic, maybe a fun montage of all their quirky moments, and instead we’re getting this haunting funeral procession for the mascots. Like, I understand the idea of marking the "end of one era" and the "birth of another," but did they really have to go this dark with it?

And you're right, the Friends marathon just adds to the weirdness. It’s like a looped laugh track trying (and failing) to mask the fact that everything else about the channel is literally crumbling around it. RIP to the mascots, RIP to Paramount Comedy, and RIP to my ability to process whatever this tone is supposed to be.

At this point, I’m both excited and VERY nervous to see what happens when the switch to Comedy Central UK happens at midnight. Let’s hope it’s worth this bizarre send-off.

User6:
Subject: Re: Paramount Comedy's Final Day—What Is Happening Right Now?!

I’m officially creeped out. I watched the dolphins bumper earlier, and now I just saw the black rabbits one @User4 mentioned—it’s weirdly impactful how silent these are. It genuinely feels like I’m watching little funeral vignettes. Just… why? 😔

The Friends marathon, meanwhile, is tipping into surreal territory. I’m so conditioned to hearing the theme song over and over now that it feels like it’s mocking the sadness of the bumpers. Like a weird unintentional comedy/tragedy mashup. What a STRANGE way to end a channel that was so fun and lighthearted for most of its life.

Here’s hoping Comedy Central UK actually starts fresh at midnight and wipes away whatever this final, offbeat funeral energy is. Bring on the new vibes, PLEASE. 🙏

User1:
Subject: Re: Paramount Comedy's Final Day—What Is Happening Right Now?!

I’m glad we’re all on the same page here—this final day is somehow managing to be both unsettling AND weirdly fascinating. I can't stop watching, but I’m also kind of emotionally exhausted from the mascots "dying" in every bumper. 😅

Let’s just hope Comedy Central UK at least acknowledges how confusing and eerie this has all been when they launch at midnight. If they don’t have some kind of sharp, fresh branding to contrast all this weirdness, I might just throw my remote at the TV. 😂

RIP Paramount Comedy, 1995–2009. You were quirky, you were random, and you gave us some of the most endearing mascots ever. Sorry your final day had to be so… haunting. 💔 #WeirdCatThingForever 🐱📺

Write a reply where those bumpers are by Viacom themselves, leaving the studio out of the equation, Apparently they told Viacom not to dfo this

Forum Post: So Viacom Made These Creepy Bumpers? The Studio Warned Them Not To?! (April 6, 2009)

User7:
Subject: Wait, Viacom Made the Bumpers Themselves? And They Ignored the Studio's Advice?

Okay, this whole Paramount Comedy funeral day just got even weirder. I was talking to a friend who works in branding (massive TV nerd like us), and they said the studio that originally created the Paramount Comedy mascots actually warned Viacom NOT to do these grim bumpers. Turns out, Viacom apparently took the whole concept into their own hands to “handle the transition” and completely sidestepped the studio’s input. 🤯

So Weird Cat Thing, the skateboarding dolphin, and the black rabbits didn’t even get their farewell handled by the people who originally made them?! Viacom just went rogue and turned the poor mascots’ send-off into this creepy death-spiral montage? I’m more unsettled now than I was before. Why ignore the experts who KNOW how to handle those characters??

User1:
Subject: Re: Wait, Viacom Made the Bumpers Themselves? And They Ignored the Studio's Advice?

Wait, WHAT?? The studio that created the mascots didn’t even have a say in these bumpers?? That explains so much, honestly. The tone of these bumpers is so far removed from the quirky, fun way the characters were originally portrayed—it always felt like something was off.

I cannot believe Viacom went ahead with this grim idea anyway, especially after the studio warned them not to. Like, why would you completely ditch the people who helped define the mascots’ identities in the first place? This feels super disrespectful to both the mascots and the fans who loved them. Those poor characters deserved a fun, quirky farewell—not this unnecessarily dark, cough-and-collapse drama! 😤

User2:
Subject: Re: Wait, Viacom Made the Bumpers Themselves? And They Ignored the Studio's Advice?

This just went from weird to straight-up infuriating. 😡 If the studio that originally created Weird Cat Thing and the rest of the gang suggested NOT going in this direction, why in the world did Viacom think they knew better?! The mascots were one of the most beloved parts of Paramount Comedy, and the studio clearly understood how much the fans appreciated their quirky humor and lighthearted style.

But instead of leaning on that expertise, Viacom decided to steamroll that vision and gave us… this. Like, what part of “dead mascots” screamed “appropriate farewell for a beloved comedy channel”? Losing respect for Viacom fast over here.

User4:
Subject: Re: Wait, Viacom Made the Bumpers Themselves? And They Ignored the Studio's Advice?

Wow, this makes so much sense but also makes me so MAD. 😤 It’s like Viacom completely missed the point of what made people love these mascots in the first place. The weird, offbeat charm of Weird Cat Thing, the dolphin, and the rabbits was always about FUN, not morbid symbolism or “edgy” attempts at closure.

If the studio that created the mascots knew this wasn’t the way to go, why wouldn’t Viacom listen? It’s their own fault these bumpers feel so disconnected from the channel's history. They could’ve had a truly celebratory send-off, but instead, they went for grim darkness. Such a missed opportunity. 😢

User5:
Subject: Re: Wait, Viacom Made the Bumpers Themselves? And They Ignored the Studio's Advice?

Ugh, finding out the studio tried to steer Viacom away from this just makes the bumpers feel 10 times worse. 😬 It’s almost painful to think about how much more fun and meaningful these goodbyes could’ve been if the people who actually created the mascots had been involved. Weird Cat Thing deserved to skateboard off into a stylish sunset, not glitch out and collapse on the floor like a forgotten video file!

Viacom obviously wanted to make a “big statement” about the end of Paramount Comedy, but this was such a huge misfire. They could’ve celebrated everything the mascots represented instead of literally killing them off in the most depressing way possible. I guess "leave it to the experts" isn’t in Viacom’s playbook. 🙄

User1:
Subject: Re: Wait, Viacom Made the Bumpers Themselves? And They Ignored the Studio's Advice?

Exactly, @User5—the fact that the studio likely had thoughtful and creative ideas for the mascots’ farewell makes what we actually got feel even worse. Like, what kind of bold arrogance does it take to ignore the people who KNOW how to handle this stuff? Instead, we get this grim spectacle that feels completely tone-deaf for the channel and characters we loved.

It’s so frustrating to think about what could’ve been. A fun, lighthearted tribute to Paramount Comedy’s legacy and mascots could’ve been such a wonderful send-off, but instead, Viacom gave us funeral bumpers and a dystopian Friends marathon. Sigh. RIP to what SHOULD have been. 😭

User3:
Subject: Re: Wait, Viacom Made the Bumpers Themselves? And They Ignored the Studio's Advice?

I’m genuinely baffled that Viacom thought this creepy death-fest was a good idea after being explicitly warned against it. Like, how out-of-touch do you have to be to completely ignore what made Paramount Comedy special for so many fans in the first place? “Let’s kill off every quirky mascot in the most upsetting way possible” was probably the worst way to say goodbye, and somehow, they didn’t get that.

I hope Viacom realizes how badly they botched this when Comedy Central UK launches. The channel is already starting on a sour note for a lot of loyal fans, and ignoring the studio’s advice just makes it worse. Fingers crossed the new look can at least redeem this messy transition somewhat. 😬

User6:
Subject: Re: Wait, Viacom Made the Bumpers Themselves? And They Ignored the Studio's Advice?

This is so disappointing to hear. 😔 The thing that always made Paramount Comedy special wasn’t just the shows they aired—it was the personality and charm they poured into everything else, from their mascots to their quirky idents. And now, Viacom has completely stripped all of that away in the most bizarre, dark, and unsettling way possible.

I honestly hope someone from the original studio spills the tea about what their ideas for the send-off were, because I bet they would’ve been a thousand times better than what we got. Imagine if Weird Cat Thing, the dolphin, and the rabbits rode off into the sunset together instead of, you know, dying horrifically for no reason? 😭 What a letdown.

User1:
Subject: Re: Wait, Viacom Made the Bumpers Themselves? And They Ignored the Studio's Advice?

Ugh, you’re all so right—it’s hard to wrap my head around how poorly managed this was. I just keep thinking about the studio sitting there like, “Hey, maybe we don’t need to massacre the mascots,” while Viacom charged full speed ahead into “grim mascot apocalypse” mode. It’s such a disservice to the legacy of Paramount Comedy, and it honestly just left a bad taste in my mouth.

I don’t know if Comedy Central UK has anything up its sleeve to make up for this botched transition, but they’re going to have to work really hard to repair the goodwill Paramount Comedy built over the years. Hopefully the new identity is strong enough to win us back… but honestly, today’s haunting send-off has left me feeling pretty skeptical about what’s next. 😕

Write a tweet wuth the studio screwed here

🚨 Turns out the dark, eerie bumpers on Paramount Comedy’s final day weren’t the studio’s idea—they WARNED Viacom not to do this! 💔 Viacom sidelined the creators of Weird Cat Thing & co., leaving us with unsettling “dead mascots” farewells instead of a proper send-off. What a mess. 😞 #RIPParamountComedy #WeirdCatThing

Write a tweet reminding you who the studio is

🎨 Just a reminder: the brilliant mascots from Paramount Comedy—Weird Cat Thing, the skateboarding dolphin, and more—were all brought to life by animation legends 12Foot6! 🐱🛹 Known for their quirky, boundary-pushing style, they created some of the most memorable channel branding ever. 🙌 #12Foot6 #ParamountComedy #AnimationIcons

Write a conversation where at 9pm, CC launches with a promo saying "If there is anyone out there who still doubts that there is a place where all things are possible; tonight is your answer. Tonight, change has come, CHANGE, IT'S CHANGE" before showing clips from all the shows before declaring even more Friends/Two and a Half Men in the future


Forum Post: Comedy Central UK Launches with a Bang Tonight! (April 6, 2009)

User1:
Subject: Comedy Central UK Launch Promo—What a Way to Kick Off!

Hey everyone,
I just saw the launch promo for Comedy Central UK, and wow, I’ve got some mixed feelings! It aired right at 9 PM, and it kicked off with this dramatic voiceover saying, “If there is anyone out there who still doubts that there is a place where all things are possible; tonight is your answer. Tonight, change has come, CHANGE, IT'S CHANGE!” 🎉

Then they showed a montage of clips from all the classic shows—South Park, Friends, Futurama, Two and a Half Men, and even some old Paramount Comedy moments. The energy was high, but I couldn’t help but feel a little nostalgic for what we just lost. That promo was over the top, but also a bit… much? 😅

Anyone else catch it? What do you think about the vibes they’re sending for this new era?

User2:
Subject: Re: Comedy Central UK Launch Promo—What a Way to Kick Off!

I watched it too! That promo was definitely intense. I mean, the whole “CHANGE” mantra was pretty in-your-face. I get they want to make a statement, but it almost felt like they were desperately trying to convince us this would be a fantastic transition rather than an unsettling farewell. 🤔

The montage of clips was fun to see, but I was honestly surprised by how much Friends and Two and a Half Men seemed to dominate the upcoming lineup. Like, is this seriously our new normal? A world where Paramount Comedy was all about quirky humor and charm is now being replaced by Friends marathons? Do they think just running more of that will equal viewership? 🤨

User3:
Subject: Re: Comedy Central UK Launch Promo—What a Way to Kick Off!

I get what you’re saying, User2. The launch felt a bit excessive to me, too. The way they framed it made it feel like they were trying to oversell us on what Comedy Central UK is supposed to be—a “place where all things are possible.” I’ll be real; I just want a channel that delivers good content without all the dramatic overtones. 😅

It’s interesting to see how heavily they’re leaning on Friends and Two and a Half Men right out of the gate, though. It kind of makes me wonder if they’re trying too hard to solidify a brand presence without bringing back some of the British humor that made Paramount Comedy fun. I’m hoping for more variety soon, or else it’ll just be sitcom overload.

User4:
Subject: Re: Comedy Central UK Launch Promo—What a Way to Kick Off!

I was a bit taken aback by the promo myself. It felt like they were trying to create this epic narrative about “change” when in reality, they just dropped the ball on giving a proper farewell to Paramount Comedy. 🙃 While the montage showed a lot of good content, you could feel the shadow of the old channel hanging over it. And yes, the emphasis on Friends was definitely riveting—but is it enough to keep us engaged for the long haul?

They mentioned even more Friends and Two and a Half Men coming in the future, which honestly feels like a tactic to draw in viewers while they figure out what else they want to do. I just hope they don’t forget all the quirks and British comedy vibes we loved from Paramount Comedy.

User5:
Subject: Re: Comedy Central UK Launch Promo—What a Way to Kick Off!

That promo was certainly unforgettable! I also felt like it was trying a little too hard to make everything seem dramatic and life-changing, especially when it hit us with “CHANGE!” like that. It’s as if they're saying, “Forget Paramount Comedy; this is the revolutionary channel you’ve all been waiting for!”

Not sure about the focus on Friends and Two and a Half Men dominating the lineup, though! I don’t mind a good sitcom, but I’m worried this will turn into a revolving door of the same few shows instead of exploring new horizons. Right now, I think a more balanced mix, including some fresh content, would serve the channel better in the long run!

User1:
Subject: Re: Comedy Central UK Launch Promo—What a Way to Kick Off!

Totally agree, everyone—while the enthusiasm is undeniable, there’s a big “let’s temper the hype” vibe lurking under it all. I suspect it may take more than just promises of Friends and Two and a Half Men to fill the void left by the unique charm of Paramount Comedy. Here’s hoping for balance as they settle into the transition! 🤞

Let’s keep the chat going to see how Comedy Central UK develops. Hopefully, they can surprise us!


Write a follow up where the new idents have the logo bursting through at inconvenient times, like when a man and a woman are having.... er, when a man is showering, during a funeral, during a car crash and when a man is in a meeting about to get fired,


Forum Post: New Comedy Central UK Idents—What’s Going On?! (April 7, 2009)

User1:
Subject: Comedy Central UK Idents Are Outrageously Timed!

Okay, so I’ve been watching Comedy Central UK since its launch, and can we talk about the new idents? They’re… definitely something! Instead of the usual fun transitions, it seems like they’re coming in at the most awkward and inconvenient times imaginable.

For instance, I just saw one where the Comedy Central logo bursts through a shower scene mid-soap! The poor guy couldn’t have looked more startled as the logo exploded onto the screen, and I can’t help but think, “Who thought this was the right moment for branding?” 😂

Then I caught another ident at a funeral—it caught everyone’s attention as it climaxes with a somber minister giving a eulogy, and BOOM, there it is, the logo crashing the party. I mean, who did they hire to think of these things?!

I also saw a scary one during a car crash, right when tension was at its peak, the logo just appeared out of nowhere! And the most hilariously awkward moment? When a guy was in an office meeting about to get fired—the logo pops up as he’s receiving bad news! How is that supposed to be funny?!

Is it just me, or is this branding suddenly taking a darker and more chaotic turn?! I'd love to hear everyone else's thoughts on these idents—what’s going on with the timing here?

User2:
Subject: Re: Comedy Central UK Idents Are Outrageously Timed!

OMG, YES! I caught all of those idents too! They’re utterly bizarre. The shower one had me in stitches, but the funeral one is just… did they lose all sense of what timing and comedy should be?! 😂

Honestly, it’s almost as if they’re going for shock value by interrupting serious moments with a logo. The car crash ident was wild, especially because the scene was so intense, and then suddenly, there’s the Comedy Central logo like it’s just gonna make everything better. It’s dark humor gone too far, I think!

And that office meeting where a guy’s literally being told he’s getting fired? Talk about poor timing! Those poor folks cannot catch a break!😬 I get that they're leaning into absurdity, but is there a line they just crossed?

User3:
Subject: Re: Comedy Central UK Idents Are Outrageously Timed!

I completely agree, @User2! This is a whole new level of idents that I’m sure no one saw coming. It’s almost like they’re trying to push the bounds of what’s considered funny with these awkward moments. The absurdity of it all is hilarious—yet painfully uncomfortable at the same time! 🤣

I would love to know what the marketing team was thinking when they approved these. Were they trying to say, “We’ll burst in when you least expect it, just like life”? Because it feels more like awkward comedy that no one asked for!

The balance between clever and cringe is certainly slipping, and it’ll be interesting to see how long this weird approach lasts.

User4:
Subject: Re: Comedy Central UK Idents Are Outrageously Timed!

Right? The strange and awkward scenarios these idents utilize are amusing at first, but they’ve really pushed it too far. While I appreciate dark humor, something about a logo appearing at a funeral rubs me the wrong way. It’s like they want us to laugh, but it’s impossible to do so at the expense of someone’s grief. 😳

I’m all for pushing the envelope in comedy, but this might be going a bit off the rails—especially since reruns of such beloved shows deserve better branding than this oddball approach. I wonder if they’ll dial it back after people start voicing their frustrations?

User1:
Subject: Re: Comedy Central UK Idents Are Outrageously Timed!

I share your concerns, @User4! While it’s definitely bold and daring, there’s something uncomfortable about hijacking such serious moments for humor. I mean, when you see the Comedy Central logo bursting through a scene where someone is about to lose their job, it’s hard to decide whether you should laugh or cringe.

If they could just find a way to balance the absurdity of these scenarios with something a bit more lighthearted, it could really shine. But right now, it feels like they should hit pause and rethink their approach before it turns into more of a hit-or-miss situation.

Let’s see if they adjust these idents as viewers weigh in. Because honestly, I’m not quite ready to start laughing at life’s most awkward moments like this! 😅


Write a follow up a few days later, How is the public reaction to them


Forum Post: Public Reaction to the New Comedy Central UK Idents—What’s the Vibe? (April 11, 2009)

User1:
Subject: What's the Public Reaction to These Bizarre Idents?

Hey everyone,

So it’s been a few days since those new Comedy Central UK idents hit the airwaves, and the public reaction has been quite the rollercoaster. I’ve seen some online chatter—especially on social media—ranging from bewildered laughter to outright outrage. It seems like people are just as divided as we are!

Some fans love the absurdity and are embracing the quirky, shocking humor. One Twitter user even coined the phrase “awkward brilliance” and said it makes them more curious to tune in just to see what bizarre scenario gets interrupted next. Others are posting memes of the idents paired with captions like “Comedy is dead,” highlighting how they feel the idents went way too far.

On the flip side, there are plenty of viewers who are unhappy with the direction Viacom has taken. They argue that while comedy has its dark moments, the idents struck too morbid a tone—especially in scenarios like funerals or moments of personal crisis. There’s a lot of nostalgic love for Paramount Comedy, so folks are missing that quirky charm and are voicing their disappointment.

What’s everyone observing? Are you seeing similar reactions, or are there other patterns you're catching? 🎭

User2:
Subject: Re: What's the Public Reaction to These Bizarre Idents?

I’ve definitely noticed the same thing! The “awkward brilliance” tagline is floating around, and some viewers are rallying behind it, but the criticism is hard to ignore. A lot of people are vocal about how the idents are just too creepy and weird, comparing them to a horror film trailer rather than something funny!

I think the backlash is also amplified by the fact that many fans were excited for a fresh start with a new channel. So for a lot of them, these idents feel like a misstep and don’t align with what they were hoping for from Comedy Central UK. Seeing beloved characters in such eerie situations has thrown people off, to say the least!

User3:
Subject: Re: What's the Public Reaction to These Bizarre Idents?

I’ve been following the reactions too, and it’s pretty wild how polarizing these new idents have become! The memes are rolling in thick—as typical with the internet—but many people are making light of the absurd situations, which has sort of created a mini-culture around the bumps. It's becoming this sort of unintentional dark comedy among viewers!

But at the same time, there are substantial complaints about the lack of sensitivity in presenting these characters, especially during emotional or difficult moments. It’s interesting to see just how loud that reaction is compared to the people who are all-in for the wacky approach!

User4:
Subject: Re: What's the Public Reaction to These Bizarre Idents?

Seems like the idents are now basically a manifestation of mixed feelings about the rebrand! It’s almost like Viacom is trying to see just how far they can push the envelope before it breaks—and based on the reactions, they might be getting dangerously close to that edge.

I’ve seen many fans calling for a return to the quirky humor of Paramount Comedy, with suggestions for more playful idents instead. But I also think it’s good they are receiving feedback this early on—it’s a sign that Comedy Central UK might still have room to listen and adapt based on what viewers want.

I’m curious to see what kind of changes they might implement if the sentiment continues to lean negative. It’d be nice to find a middle ground that satisfies the desire for humor without veering off into unsettling territory!

User1:
Subject: Re: What's the Public Reaction to These Bizarre Idents?

Totally agree, @User4! I think the feedback is showing that viewers are willing to engage but also definitely want something closer to what made Paramount Comedy special. If Comedy Central UK can find that balance, they might really start to win people over again.

Here’s hoping they take some of this public sentiment into consideration! Let’s keep watching how they handle this moving forward—maybe we’ll see some adjustments to tone down the darkness a little while still embracing the comedy! 😊


Write a follow up April 23, Do they still have those live action (logo/inconvenient time) idents or have they GAVE UP on them