Nickelodeon's 'Victorious', 'Big Time Rush' snapped up by ITV

Nickelodeon has announced that its live-action shows Victorious and Big Time Rush are to go free-to-air this month on ITV's terrestrial and digital channels.

ITV has picked up 33 episodes of Victorious, the show starring Victoria Justice, along with 49 episodes of Big Time Rush, which has become the highest-rated live-action series in Nickelodeon's 30-year history.

The programmes, previously shown only on pay-TV, will be broadcast during the breakfast slots on weekend mornings on ITV1, and after-school slots in weekdays on CITV, as well as in high definition.

Season one of Victorious launches on ITV's channels on October 30, and season one of Big Time Rush will break on the following day.

"Our clients around the world look for top-performing programming which travels and resonates with kids no matter where they are and Nickelodeon's latest hits, Victorious and Big Time Rush, really have it all," said Caroline Beaton, the senior vice president of programme sales at Nickelodeon-parent Viacom.

"I'm delighted that we're able to extend these two hit live-action series to even more audiences, this time across the UK, through our long-standing and fruitful partnership with ITV."

Tina McCann, the managing director of Nickelodeon UK, said: "Victorious and Big Time Rush have been huge hits for Nickelodeon UK. Each features outstanding young talent who really engage with UK fans.

"Both shows feature friendship, music, dance, fashion and aspirational lifestyle that really resonate with our audiences. We are delighted to be bringing these properties to a wider market."

Jamila Metran, the programme manager at CITV, added: "We are very pleased to have secured Victorious and Big Time Rush for broadcast on CITV and ITV Breakfast.

"The deal continues ITV's successful partnership with VIMN on past titles which include Drake and Josh and SpongeBob SquarePants."

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