During the 2020-2021 NFL season during playoffs the Bears vs. Saints game was broadcasted on CBS as usual with most NFL games, but it was also broadcasted on Nickelodeon.

If you’re unaware of what kind of channel Nickelodeon is, it’s the channel that hosts extremely popular kids shows such as SpongeBob, iCarly and Avatar: The Last Airbender. According to statements by the CBS Sports chairman Sean McManus, it was decided to broadcast the game on Nickelodeon to “maximize the co-viewing appeal for kids and families, while maintaining the integrity of the game and its traditions”

Unlike a traditional viewing of an NFL game, Nickelodeon put its own twist on the viewing pleasure for the younger audience watching. Beginning before the game there was the “SpongeBob SquarePants Countdown Special” which was hosted by Denver Broncos star Von Miller. The game also featured a sneak peak of “Kamp Koral: SpongeBob’s Under Years” at half time, which is a prequal show to the original SpongeBob SquarePants which will debut on the Paramount streaming service. During the game various Nickelodeon characters popped in to commentate some parts of the game along with virtual on-field graphics.

Perhaps in the future the NFL will try more of these types of expansion to other channels to gain more of an audience. The Viewing on Nickelodeon opens the door to dozens of other possibilities. Lots of fans and families enjoyed the game with the added bonuses of their favorite characters being involved.