Pluto TV Helps Save '90s Nickelodeon

On January 31, 2022, Nickelodeon's Nostalgic programming block, NickRewind, ended after more than a decade strong on cable television during the digital and streaming era of the world!

Despite strong support from fan-based organization, Save '90s Nick, the block still discontinued on television. The organization has been running since 2013 and is a non-profit organization not affiliated with, nor endorsed by Nickelodeon or it's parent company Viacom.

The organization's main goal us to get an OFFICIAL Nickelodeon cable/satellite channel dedicated to airing '80s, '90s and early 2000's era Nickelodeon cartoons, live action shows and game shows, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Now, Nickelodeon is taking you back to the 90s with the launch of the brand new Pluto TV channel, "90’s Kids!"

Available on Pluto TV, the leading free, ad-supported streaming TV (FAST) service from Paramount Global, 90’s Kids' schedule features beloved classic Nickelodeon shows from that vintage decade, including Nicktoons such as Rugrats, Hey Arnold!, Rocko's Modern Life, and Doug, and the live-action sitcom Kenan & Kel.

The 90s block will air four episodes of a single show six times a day. You can check out the schedule (which takes Eastern Standard Time into account) below:

• Monday: Rugrats

• Tuesday: Hey Arnold!

• Wednesday: Doug

• Thursday: Kenan & Kel

• Friday: Rocko's Modern Life

• Saturday: Rugrats

• Sunday: Hey Arnold!

In addition to the daily schedule, 90s Kids will also schedule special programming blocks, including a 24/7 Hey Arnold! marathon and a Rugrats takeover in the first week of December, which will include an all-day run of the show’s iconic Hanukkah episodes to celebrate the start of the holiday on December 7.

The new channel joins eight other new Pluto TV channels added in late 2023.

Pluto TV can be accessed and streamed across mobile, web, and connected TV devices. You can watch online at pluto.tv or download the Pluto TV app for free on Amazon FireStick, Roku, Apple TV, Chromecast, Xfinity, Xbox consoles, and Playstation consoles. Also available are free apps for Android and Apple iOS devices.

It's Slime Time all the time on 90's Kids TV - You can find 90’s Kids on Pluto TV HERE!

Disney's Esmeralda: Sexy Feminist Battles Opression Amid Success

In the entertainment business, cartoon characters are treated as real celebrities and public figures with full careers and accolades to match.

Esmeralda is an animated character who is widely known for her supporting role in the Disney classic The Hunchback of Notre Dame (1996). Esmeralda is a deuteragonist in the film.

The Hunchback of Notre Dame film poster 

Disney's 34th Disney animated feature film being its seventh produced during the Disney Renaissance, marked her debut into the entertainment industry and mainstream media. The Hunchback of Notre Dame was released in 1996. It received positive reviews from critics. It was a commercial success, earning of over $300 million in worldwide box office revenue. Upon release, it became the fifth highest-grossing film of 1996. The film received Academy Award and Golden Globe Award nominations for its musical score.

Esmeralda singing "God Help the Outcasts" in the film

The musical score included Esmeralda's song, "God Help the Outcasts". As a pop ballad, the song was a prayer. A somber hymn in which Esmeralda asks God to shield outcasts like herself against racism and discrimination at the hands of Paris and Judge Claude Frollo in the film. The song also establishes Esmeralda as a selfless, empathetic character with whom Quasimodo falls in love.

The song as well as the film tackles a variety of different socila issues including discrimination, prejudice, and social injustice. Esmeralda's character in the film highlights the struggles  faced by marginalized groups and encourages viewers to empathize with their experiences.

Two tie-in games entitled The Hunchback of Notre Dame: Topsy Turvy Games and Disney's Animated Storybook: The Hunchback of Notre Dame were also released by Disney Interactive in 1996 both featuring Esmeralda.

In spite of both The New York Times' and Star-News' predictions that "God Help the Outcasts" would be nominated for the Academy Award for Best Original Song, the song was ultimately denied an Academy Award nomination at the 1997 award ceremony, along with the rest of Hunchback's original songs.

On BuzzFeed's "Definitive Ranking Of The 102 Best Animated Disney Songs," "God Help the Outcasts" was ranked fifty-forth.

A stage adaptation of the film was produced by Walt Disney Theatrical in 1999.

In 2000, Disney launched its Disney Princess media franchise. Esmeralda was originally an official member of the Disney Princess franchise when it first launched and a Princess doll was made for her in 2004. In the twenty-three years that the franchise has been active, not many melanated girls have made the cut. Pocahontas, Tiana and Esmeralda have! The franchise consists of a specific group of princess characters that Disney actively promotes and markets. The inclusion of a character in the franchise is based on various factors, including popularity, box office success, and merchandise sales.

She was seemingly removed from the franchise around 2005 or 2008 and is no longer seen along with the other Princesses, in any product, or event related to the franchise.

She likely was removed because unlike the other princesses, Esmeralda was not as popular and her products did not sell as much. As a result of her being dismissed from the collective, most sources state that Esmeralda was never officially included in the Disney Princess lineup at all. Some even argue that Esmeralda did not meet the criteria for inclusion in the franchise. The Disney Princess lineup typically includes characters who are princesses by birth, marriage, or significant role in their respective movies. Esmeralda does not fit into any of these categories, as she is not a princess in the traditional sense.

Esmeralda is a gypsy. She does not come from royalty, nor does she marry into it. However, though it’s not mentioned in the movie, she is the adopted sister of the king of the gypsies, Clopin. So, at least within the gypsy community, she actually is a princess. Some fans may think that should count.

She is listed on the Disney Princess Wikipedia page as a "former princess". She was amongst other Disney girls that seem to have had access to membership with the club temporarily on a trial basis. Some of those including: Alice (from Alice in Wonderland; 1951), Jane (from Tarzan; 1999), Tinker Bell (from Peter Pan; 1953) and Megara (from Hercules; 1995). Both Esmeralda and Tinker Bell were apart the lineup at the same time and exited at the same time, with Tinker Bell going on to star at the head of the Disney Fairies franchise. They've since been mentioned several times amongst other Disney women as highly-qualified candidates for the Disney Princess club. She was featured at number seven on Collider's list of "15 Disney Characters Who Aren't Officially Princesses (But Should Be)".

Esmeralda would have been the only other Disney Princess character, other than Ariel (who presented Melody in 2000), to present an offspring to the public if she hadn't been ousted. Her son, Zephyr (who's father is Esmerelda's European husband Captain Phoebus), made his debut in the 2002 Hunchback sequel as a tritagonist.

Esmeralda and her son, Zephyr

Esmeralda's character added more diversity to Disney's roster of princesses. By featuring a non-white, Romani character, Disney expanded its representation of different cultures and ethnicities, promoting multiculturalism and inclusivity.

Following her brief stint with the Disney Princess club, Esmeralda made guest appearances on Disney's 2001 television series House of Mouse. Esmeralda makes a few cameo appearances in the House of Mouse, usually with Quasimodo. Her most notable appearance is in "Ask Von Drake" (Episode 13 of Season 3), she is seen dancing on a table during Ludwig Von Drake's song in 2002.

She later appeared in The Hunchback of Notre Dame II sequel in 2002 as a secondary character. She did not receive a song and the film was chopped up to mostly mediocre reviews.

More video game appearances came in 2012's Kingdom Hearts 3D: Dream Drop Distance and Disney Magic Kingdoms in 2016.

Esmeralda's character paved the way for more diverse and culturally significant characters in Disney films. Her representation inspired future films like Mulan, Moana, and Coco, which further explored and celebrated different cultures and traditions.

As a feminist she is depicted as an independent and empowered woman who hussles dancing for coins in the streets of Paris often standing up against oppression, fights for justice, and challenges societal norms. By challenging traditional gender roles as well as stereotypes, addressing social issues while promoting diversity and inclusivity, Esmeralda has carved out a moment in history for herself.

Esmeralda has also maintained a distinctive sense of beauty and sexuality. She, along with Pocahontas and Megera, are some of the most tempting female characters associated with Disney (especially if they were real).

Esmeralda is often portrayed as having a strong and alluring sex appeal. She embodies a sense of confidence. Esmeralda's physical appearance plays a significant role in her sex appeal. She is depicted as a young Romani woman with long, flowing black hair, captivating green eyes, and a curvaceous figure. Her exotic features and graceful movements add to her allure, making her stand out among other characters in the film.

Beyond her physical attributes, Esmeralda's personality and demeanor contribute to her sex appeal. As a fiercely free-spirited woman who is unafraid, her self-assuredness is also an attractive quality that draw others to her.

Esmeralda's sensuality is also evident in her dance sequences throughout the film. Her fluid movements, combined with her passionate expressions and seductive gestures, create an aura of allure and mystique. These scenes showcase her ability to captivate and mesmerize those around her, further enhancing her sex appeal.

Furthermore, Esmeralda's compassionate nature and her willingness to stand up for the oppressed make her even more appealing. Her empathy and ability to connect with others on a deeper level add layers to her sex appeal, making her a complex and intriguing character.

Dora Márquez: Latina Shero

In the entertainment business, cartoon characters are treated as real celebrities and public figures with full careers and accolades to match.

Dora Márquez, the latina shero that starred in the hit Nick Jr. preschool series, Dora the Explorer, changed the course of history. When her hit series aired on Nickelodeon August 14, 2000 there was no looking back. In honor of National Hispanic Heritage Month 2023 this article is being written.

The animated children's television series has achieved groundbreaking cultural significance. Dora, as a Latina character, provided much-needed representation for Latina girls and boys who were vastly underrepresented in mainstream children's media in the early two thousands. Her character helped to foster a sense of inclusivity and encouraged children from diverse backgrounds to see themselves represented on screen.

Dora the Explorer also introduced young viewers to basic Spanish vocabulary and phrases, helping to promote multiculturalism and language learning. The show's interactive nature, where Dora would engage with viewers and encourage them to participate, made it an engaging and educational experience for children. The show's emphasis on language education and cultural understanding has helped shape the way children's programming incorporates educational content.

Dora helped reinforce Spanish language skills and encouraged bilingualism among Latino children and other viewers interested in learning Spanish.

Dora the Explorer practically re-revolutionized children's television with its interactive format. A format seen in show's like Barney and Friends, Mister Roger's Neighborhood and Blues Clues. This, having a significant impact on popular culture in several ways.

With the series, Dora became role model as well. A positive one! Her character embodies qualities like curiosity, kindness, problem-solving skills, and a strong sense of adventure. Children could look up to Dora as a positive role model who demonstrates compassion, resilience, and the value of friendship. Like her cousin, Diego Márquez, who received his own spin-off series called, Go, Diego, Go! (5 seasons), after appearing on Dora.

Dora went global. The show gained popularity and had a broad international audience, reaching children and families worldwide. The show's global reach fostered cross-cultural appreciation, making it easier for children around the world to engage with and understand different cultures.

Thus merchandising and branding was explosive. Dora the Explorer's success in the television realm led to an extensive line of merchandise and brand tie-ins. The character's image and catchphrases became widely recognizable through toys, clothing, books, and other branded products. This merchandising success demonstrated the cultural impact of the show and its ability to create a marketable and enduring brand.

Cultural Appreciation and Understanding also played a huge role. The show consistently highlighted elements of Hispanic culture, such as traditional music, food, customs, and celebrations. By incorporating these cultural references into the storytelling, Dora the Explorer promoted cultural appreciation and understanding among viewers from different backgrounds. Dora's cultural pride as a proud Latina girl, provided much-needed sense of identity, and belonging within the Latino community.

Family and Community Values were not short within the series. Dora's character often emphasized the importance of family bonds, friendship, and cooperation. These positive portrayals of Latino family and community values helped reinforce and celebrate these aspects of Hispanic culture. La Familia!

Dora empowered all with her adventurous spirit, problem-solving skills, and positive attitude served as a source of inspiration for many children, including Latino youth.

Last but not least, Dora has had a positive impact on women, particularly Latino and Spanish women, in the entertainment and television industry and in life in general.

Of course, by breaking stereotypes. Dora's character challenged traditional gender stereotypes by portraying a strong and intelligent young girl as the lead protagonist. This representation provided a counter-narrative to stereotypes that can limit the roles and aspirations of women, including Latina women, in entertainment and media fields.

Dora the Explorer's success and visibility as a popular children's show allowed for increased representation of Latino and Spanish women in the entertainment industry. It helped create opportunities for Latina actresses, voice actors, writers, and creators to showcase their talents and contribute to the broader landscape of television and media. By employing female writers, directors, and producers, which provided opportunities in the male-dominated industry. The involvement of women in key creative roles helped shape the show's narrative and representation, ensuring a more authentic and inclusive portrayal of women and girls.

Dora the Explorer's global success and positive reception has helped challenge stereotypes and promote diversity in the portrayal of women, including Latino and Spanish women, on television and in other forms of media.

Dora's character has inspired young women and especially Latina girls by showcasing a confident and empowered female.

Dora has become a worldwide phenomenon by challenging stereotypes, increasing representation, inspiring future generations, facilitating cross-cultural exchange, and empowering women both on-screen and behind the scenes, amongst other things.

After eight successful seasons the show came to end on June 5, 2014, with the final six unaired episodes later airing from July 7 to August 9, 2019. That's a long time in television years. It's rare and many shows don't achieve that feat. However, Dora did! A sequel television series entitled, Dora and Friends: Into the City! (2 seasons).

With a live action film, a soundtrack album and video as of 2023, Dora has one of the highest-grossing media franchises of all time at $15.8 billion dollars.

More projects are reportedly on the way, including a live-action series and a computer-animated reboot series.

Speedy Gonzales: Hispanic Heritage Hero

In the entertainment business, cartoon characters are treated as real celebrities and public figures with full careers and accolades to match.

Hispanic Heritage Month 2023 is fast approaching. Thus, it feels appropriate to dedicate an article during this time to icon of latin decent.

Speedy Gonzales is an animated cartoon character in the Warner Bros. Looney Tunes and Merrie Melodies series of cartoons. Dubbed as "The Fastest Mouse in all Mexico", he has either starred in or featured in 46 theatrical shorts.

Gonzales made his first appearance in 1953's, Cat-Tails for Two.
His official debut came in his 1955 self titled film, Speedy Gonzales. The cartoon won the 1955 Academy Award for Best Short Subject (Cartoons).

His film, Tabasco Road in 1957 was also Academy Award-nominated as well as his 1959 film Mexicali Shmoes and his 1961 film The Pied Piper of Guadalupe.

Speedy Gonzales has gained significant importance in history and pop culture. As an animated character created in 1953 by Warner Bros., Speedy Gonzales was one of the first positive Hispanic cultural representations in mainstream media. He embodies Mexican culture with his accent, sombrero, and his portrayal as fast and resourceful.

Feeling that the character presented an offensive Mexican stereotype, Cartoon Network shelved Speedy's films when it gained exclusive rights to broadcast them in 1999 (as a subsidiary of Time Warner, Cartoon Network is a corporate sibling to Warner Bros.).

Despite this, The Hispanic-American rights organization League of United Latin American Citizens called Speedy a cultural icon, and thousands of users registered their support of the character on the hispaniconline.com message boards. Fan campaigns to put Speedy back on the air resulted in the return of the animated shorts to Cartoon Network in 2002.

The longevity of Speedy Gonzales can be described as impressive and enduring. Being a positive role model, Gonzales is often depicted as triumphant over larger adversaries, representing the triumph of the underdog. He embodies perseverance, intelligence, and resourcefulness, teaching important lessons about determination and problem-solving.

Gonzales has remained popular throughout the years, even appearing in various spin-off comics, television shows, and movies. His enduring popularity demonstrates his continued importance and impact on pop culture.

The Unknown Rise of Daisy Duck

In the entertainment business, cartoon characters are treated as real celebrities and public figures with full careers and accolades to match.

Daisy Duck is a beloved Disney character who holds significant influence in both pop culture and Disney history. She became an iconic figure in popular culture by transcending her roots as a Disney character and has become a recognizable symbol in various forms of media, including television, films, comics, merchandise, and theme park attractions. Her likeness is often featured in advertising campaigns and promotional materials, making her an important character for Disney's marketing strategies. She, like many fictional characters have accomplished much more than many ordinary beings will ever see.

However, her long-standing presence and rise into animation history and pop culture might not have been as clear cut as you originally thought.

Donna Duck, Donald's ex-girlfriend

Daisy was NOT Donald's original love interest. It was Donna Duck. Donna, a latin female, made her sole animated appearance in the short film Don Donald (1937), directed by Ben Sharpsteen. It was the first installment of the Donald Duck film series and was also the first time Donald was shown with a love interest (which it is significant for).

Don Donald promotional poster

After Donna made her one and only appearance on screen, Daisy entered with her first appearance several years later as Donald's new love interest in Mr. Duck Steps Out (June 7, 1940) directed by Jack King.

Promotional poster for Mr. Duck Steps Out

After this, in Walt Disney's Comics and Stories #1 (published in October 1940), Daisy Duck is named Donna in an image that appears based on Mr. Duck Steps Out.

Image from Walt Disney's Comics and Stories #1

The image contains Donald and Daisy, with the text "Donald's got a girl! —and Donna thinks that HE'S just dandy. Because his heart is full of—candy!"

Daisy continued to appear in Disney shorts from 1941 to 1947. Her appearances became significant to her career such as her cameo in The Nifty Nineties (1941), which cemented her as a recurring character. Her appearance in Donald's Crime (1945) marked the first time Daisy appeared in an Academy Award nominated film (Best Animated Short). The ceremony was held as the 18th Academy Awards on March 7, 1946 at Grauman's Chinese Theatre.

She had her first starring role as the protagonist in Donald's Dilemma (July 11, 1947). In 1950, the 88th short film in Donald's series, Crazy Over Daisy, was titled after Daisy.

Other Disney characters, such as Goofy, were introduced under various names including ones like Dippy Dawg.

Facts like this caused some historians to conclude that Donna and Daisy are the same character.

1951 comic featuring both Donna and Daisy

Donna returned in Bob Karp's Donald Duck daily strips from 1951, where she's moving in as Donald's neighbor, causing Daisy to be jealous. This establishes the two as separate characters and marks the first time they appear together in a story.

Cel from 2012 comic, Too Many Donalds

Donna and Daisy are clearly rivals and not just over Donald's love. It seems that Daisy got the rising star that was somehow originally meant for Donna and became a star in her own right. Although Donna was not intended to be a recurring character in the Donald Duck series. Donna has only made one current appearance in a 2012 comic by Lars Jensen and Carlos Mota, called Too Many Donalds. Other than that, Donna is all but forgotten.

Confusingly, in spite of the above-mentioned comics showing Donna to be a separate character from Daisy, various other Disney products, such as the book Disney Dossiers: Files of Characters From the Walt Disney Studios and the Walt Disney Cartoon Classics: Starring Donald and Daisy VHS, refer to Donna and Daisy as being one and the same.

These public misunderstandings resulted in Daisy erroneously being given credit for Donna's appearance in Don Donald, with some marking it as Daisy's official debut instead of Mr. Duck Steps Out. All this taking place during what is known as the Golden Age of American animation.

Not only did Don Donald and Mr. Duck Steps Out have different directers but they also had a set of different writers. Yet, the decision to replace Donna with Daisy came from Carl Barks, the screenwriter and lead Storyboard artist for Mr. Duck Steps Out. He was inspired by Don Donald, to revive the concept of a female counterpart for Donald. Just like that, Daisy was there. Regardless of the behind the scenes drama, confusion and competition, Daisy emerged from the scandal a star.

Since then Daisy has appeared in several different theatrical films including: Mickey's Christmas Carol (1983), Who Framed Roger Rabbit (1988) and Fantasia 2000 (1999). Direct to video classics like, Mickey's Once Upon a Christmas (1999), Mickey's Twice Upon a Christmas (2004), and Mickey, Donald, Goofy: The Three Musketeers (2004). As well as television series: Quack Pack (1996), House of Mouse (3 seasons), the main cast of Mickey Mouse Clubhouse and its successful spin-off Mickey Mouse Funhouse. Not to mention many comics.

Although never married, Daisy and Donald have been a couple for eighty-plus years as of 2023. Daisy's relationship with Donald Duck is one of the most iconic romantic partnerships in Disney's extensive history. Their on-screen chemistry and comedic interactions have endeared them to audiences for generations.

Daisy has spent eight decades in the public eye as a superstar. Her enduring popularity has made her recognizable to audiences of all ages.

Despite her relationship with Donald, she remains a feminist. Often being depicted as an independent and strong-willed female, breaking away from traditional gender roles. She challenges gender stereotypes, often taking charge and demonstrating confidence. Her characteristics has helped progress the representation of women in Disney and has inspired young girls worldwide.