Nickelodeon has hosted an NFL playoff game each of the past two seasons. Now, for the first time, a regular-season game is coming to the children's network.
The NFL's Week 16 Christmas game between the Broncos and Rams will be broadcast on Nickelodeon alongside the traditional CBS broadcast.
As the NFL expands its reach, the matchup between Denver and Los Angeles could set the stage for more regular-season games finding their way to Nickelodeon.
MORE: TV schedule, times, channels for NFL Christmas tripleheader
Here's what you need to know about why Nickelodeon is broadcasting NFL games.
Why does Nickelodeon broadcast NFL games?
The NFL is aiming to appeal to younger fans with its Nickelodeon broadcasts. The league's goal isn't just to make the game available to more children, but also to explain the sport to young viewers.
When the NFL first announced its plans for Nickelodeon to broadcast a playoff game in 2020, CBS Sports chairman Sean McManus said it would be a "unique telecast that will maximize the co-viewing appeal for kids and families, while maintaining the integrity of the game and its traditions."
An estimated 2 million people watched Nickelodeon's broadcast of Bears vs. Saints in January 2021, and an estimated 1.3 million watched the Cowboys host the 49ers in the playoffs last season.
After the NFL's first Nickelodeon broadcast, Nickelodeon CEO Brian Robbins said, "The sensational response absolutely proved there's huge demand for sports content with the kind of kids and family point of view that only Nickelodeon can deliver."
Nickelodeon airs its own NFL-themed show, "NFL Slimetime," during the regular season. The network hands out an "NVP" award to one player each week, though fan voting after each of Nickelodeon's first two playoff games awarded the NVP to the losing quarterback.
MORE: What is the NVP? Full list of winners of Nickelodeon's fan-voted award
What is unique about the NFL Nickelodeon broadcast?
Nickelodeon viewers can still see all of the in-game action they would see on a traditional broadcast, but there are some unique aspects.
Virtual graphics are displayed on the screen throughout the game, including virtual slime that pours down when a player scores a touchdown. Additionally, a virtual blimp can be seen flying through the stadium during the telecast.
Spongebob Squarepants' face is also superimposed between the goalposts to represent netting on field-goal and extra-point kicks.
CBS will air another Nickelodeon x NFL broadcast for Wild Card weekend.
— B/R Gridiron (@brgridiron) September 1, 2021
The first one was quite an experience 🤣 pic.twitter.com/gImJEs7KnP
The inaugural Nickelodeon broadcast livened up an offensively challenged game between the Bears and Saints, so viewers disappointed by this weekend's matchup of the eliminated Broncos and Rams might consider turning to the Nickelodeon broadcast for some entertainment.
NFL Nickelodeon games
| Date | Game | Score |
| Jan. 10, 2021 | Bears vs. Saints (wild-card round) | Saints, 21-9 |
| Jan. 16, 2022 | 49ers vs. Cowboys (wild-card round) | 49ers, 23-17 |
| Dec. 25, 2022 | Broncos vs. Rams (Christmas) |
The Christmas matchup between the Broncos and Rams will be Nickelodeon's first regular-season broadcast.
There has not been an announcement about Nickelodeon hosting a playoff game this season. The NFL's Super Wild Card Weekend less than a month away.
