Nickelodeon and iHeartRadio are partnering to produce two new original podcasts based on the beloved animated series SpongeBob SquarePants and Avatar: The Last Airbender.
Premiering Tuesday, June 22, 2021, Avatar: Braving the Elements will be hosted by original series voice actors Janet Varney (Korra) and Dante Basco (Prince Zuko) as they explore the Avatarverse. The two will re-watch every episode of Avatar: The Last Airbender and break down key themes and notable battles while offering behind-the-scenes trivia. They will be joined by special guests, including cast members and producers, to discuss the origins of the story and how the series was brought to life. The podcast is slated to run for 40 episodes.
Meanwhile, SpongeBob SquarePants fans can return to Bikini Bottom with super-fans Frankie Grande and Hector Navarro, who will host the companion podcast SpongeBob BingePants. In this podcast, the hosts will rewatch and recap every episode while offering never-before-heard secrets about the show. SpongeBob BingePants will also consist of 40 episodes and is slated to premiere later this year.
Avatar: Braving the Elements and SpongeBob BingePants join Nickelodeon's already robust library of podcasts that serve as an extension of its hit franchises. The network already has podcasts Listen Out Loud with The Loud House, The Casagrandes: Familia Sounds, Blue’s Clues & You!: Bedtime Stories and Nickelodeon Animation Podcast, all of which are available across iHeartRadio, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube.
“The family podcast market is still nascent, and we’re thrilled to be working closely with our good friends at iHeartRadio producing exciting new content for all audio platforms,” said Nickelodeon's Douglas Rosen, Senior Vice President, Strategy, Business Development and Digital Products. “Not only are we extending our beloved franchises and IP to the audio landscape, but we’re also working with creative talent to produce new ideas and concepts for all audiences.”