MUMBAI: Preschoolers will “just press play,” as Noggin, the commercial-free, educational preschool network from Nickelodeon, introduces a new form of interactive viewing for preschoolers, on its new, original, live-action series, The Upside Down Show.

Starring comedy duo, The Umbilical Brothers (David Collins and Shane Dundas), the 13 episode half-hour preschool series developed by Sesame Workshop, the nonprofit educational organization behind Sesame Street will debut on Noggin on 16 October with two back-to-back episodes from 11:00 am – 12:00 pm (ET). Beginning Friday, November 10, The Umbilical Brothers can be seen performing in Manhattan at The New Victory Theater with their comedy show Speedmouse.

Noggin will premiere a new episode every Monday, Wednesday and Friday at 4:30 pm (ET) for four weeks straight through Friday, November 10. The Upside Down Show will air regularly on Noggin weekdays at 11:00 a.m. and 4:30 pm (ET), informs an official release.

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The Upside Down Show provides a fresh new way for preschoolers to interact by learning critical thinking skills, rich vocabulary and relational concepts and life skills through pretend play. The series elevates the concept of imaginative play to a new platform in which children build valuable reasoning skills, develop creative problem solving abilities and enhance their understanding of and joy in the world around them. The remote control featured on the series becomes a fun tool to help children learn unique vocabulary and relational concepts, as well as to play along with these completely original, imaginary stories.

Set in a fantastical living room with more doors than walls, The Upside Down Show stars David and Shane, two brothers who live with their fun-loving sidekick Puppet, their invisible pet fly Fido, and the Shmuzzies, adorable fluff balls who speak “Shmuzzish” and love to rhyme. Each episode begins as the brothers “hand” an imaginary remote control to the viewers at home so they can “control” the duo’s physical motion by fast forwarding, rewinding or pausing their movement. Breaking “the fourth wall” of the television set, the brothers encourage their audience to participate in their antics and accompany them on their excursions.

Every week, the duo will embark on a journey to explore new infinite worlds like the Very Hairy Room, Wind Room or Puppy Room, and everyday destinations like the beach, the airport or the movies. But Shane and David need help from their friends and viewers at home, as they don’t know where their destination is or how to get there! They take detours through magical doors in their apartment which allow the brothers — and the preschoolers playing along — to investigate the world around them, adds the release.

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“David and Shane may be the two funniest men on the planet. They are silly, spontaneous, ridiculous, amazing and on the perfect wavelength for preschoolers,” said Nickelodeon Preschool Television executive creative director Brown Johnson. “The Brothers make ordinary things extraordinary — from taking a trip to the art museum or the beach to visiting wacky places like the sticky room, the no-room room, or the sandwich room, where they achieve ‘total sandwich.’ They make me laugh every time!”

“We’re very excited about the debut of The Upside Down Show, which is very different than other preschool shows,” said Sesame Workshop’s executive VP/Creative Director Liz Nealon. “Pairing the irresistible antics of the Umbilical Brothers with the Workshop’s understanding that young children learn best through imaginative play has created a special kind of alchemy. We’ve worked hard to make sure that this offbeat and funny show also serves up serious school readiness — teaching and reinforcing cognitive thinking and language skills, and fostering a sense of mastery and self- confidence, all while keeping kids laughing and engaged.”

Noggins’s website http://www.noggin.com will feature a variety of content to complement the premiere of The Upside Down Show, including an online game where preschoolers can personalize an imaginary play experience with Shane and David by creating their own interactive video. The site will also feature downloadable clips from the series and several activities including The Upside Down Show printables, crafts, E-cards and more. Nick Jr.’s website http://www.nickjr.com will also launch The Upside Down Show interactive game and activities, in addition to featuring a dedicated playlist of clips from series on Nick Jr. Video.

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