Big Time Rush Explained

Genre:Teen sitcom
Creator:Scott Fellows
Starring:
Num Seasons:4
Num Episodes:74
List Episodes:List of Big Time Rush episodes
Executive Producer:Marjorie Cohn
Lazar Saric
Scott Fellows
Producer:Grace Gifford
Joanne Toll
Lazar Saric
Debra Spidell
Cinematography:Carlos Gonzalez
Mike Mickens
Brandon Mastrippolito
Open Theme:"Big Time Rush" performed by Big Time Rush
Location:Los Angeles, California
Hollywood, California
Rochester, Minnesota
Malibu, California
Camera:Film; Single-camera
Runtime:23 minutes (normal episodes)
57 minutes (special episodes)
Company:Jack Mackie Pictures
Sony Music Entertainment
Nickelodeon Productions
Country:United States
Language:English
Channel:Nickelodeon

Big Time Rush is an American musical sitcom television series created by Scott Fellows that originally aired on Nickelodeon from November 28, 2009, to July 25, 2013, featuring the band Big Time Rush portrayed as a fictional version of themselves, similar to The Monkees.

It focuses on the Hollywood misadventures of four hockey players from Duluth, Minnesota, Kendall Knight, James Diamond, Carlos Garcia, and Logan Mitchell, after they are selected to form a boy band by fictional mega music producer Gustavo Rocque.

History

The series premiered with an hour-long pilot episode, "Big Time Audition", on Nickelodeon, on November 28, 2009. Its official debut episode premiered on January 18, 2010. The show's second season premiered on September 25, 2010. On May 24, 2011, Big Time Rush was renewed for a third season with production scheduled to begin in January 2012.[1] Season three premiered on May 12, 2012.[2] Big Time Movie, a film adaptation of the series, premiered on March 10, 2012. On August 6, 2012, Nickelodeon renewed Big Time Rush for a 13-episode fourth season. Production began on January 7, 2013. The fourth season premiered on May 2, 2013, and aired its series finale "Big Time Dreams" on July 25, 2013.

Cast and characters

See main article: List of Big Time Rush characters.

Main

Recurring

Film adaptation

See main article: Big Time Movie.

In late 2011, Nickelodeon announced that a television film based on the television series was going to premiere. However, a promo did not air until February 2012. The movie premiered on Nickelodeon on March 10, 2012, at 8 p.m. ET/PT. Throughout the whole weekend, the movie drew 13.1 million viewers.[3]

Production

The series was conceived and created by Scott Fellows, formerly the creator, executive producer, and showrunner of Ned's Declassified School Survival Guide.[4] Fellows says his inspiration for the show was the musical comedy show, The Monkees[5] —a popular and culturally significant American television series from the 1960s about a group of four young male adults who form a rock band, and perform songs while having comedic adventures.[6] Although the show had a concept as early as 2007, the series had no actual title as late as August 2009.

Music

See main article: Big Time Rush (group).

Big Time Rush is a Nickelodeon Viacom Music Productions Band consisting of four members: Kendall Schmidt, James Maslow, Logan Henderson, and Carlos Pena Jr. Nickelodeon partnered with Columbia/Epic Label Group to produce the show, which is why music and instrumentals are incorporated throughout the series.

Big Time Rush's debut album, BTR, was released on October 11, 2010, via Sony/Columbia.[7] Their second full-length album, entitled Elevate, was released on November 21, 2011. Big Time Rush released their new song "If I Ruled the World" ft. Iyaz on iTunes July 22.[8] They have also released many new songs such as "Music Sounds Better With U" (feat. Mann), "Love Me Love Me", "You're Not Alone", and "Superstar". They also released three singles, "Paralyzed", "Blow Your Speakers", and "Epic" in 2012. Then, "Epic" was the bonus track on the U.K. album version. They released their third CD, 24/Seven in the summer of 2013. Among the songs on the CD is "We Are" which won a Viewer's Choice award.

Nickelodeon partnered with Columbia/Epic Label Group to produce the show, which incorporates original music into the series.[9] Big Time Rush is one of the three Nickelodeon shows (the others are iCarly and Victorious) on which the cable network is partnering with the music group to promote music as well as shows.[10] The Los Angeles Times has been critical of the show's focus on music, noting:

The closing credits of Nickelodeon airings of the show contain short clips of music videos for singles featured in the series. Occasionally, full versions of the videos are featured.

The show incorporates wacky sound effects, some laugh-like noises, music, and editing cuts designed to make it more humorous to the intended demographic of viewers aged 10 to 18; this was also typical of creator Scott Fellows' previous work on Nickelodeon. However, the show does not have a laugh track. Big Time Rush made an appearance at the 2010 Kids' Choice Awards, and the 2010 Teen Choice Award and performed at the 2011 Kids' Choice Awards. they also appeared in an episode of BrainSurge during the week of April 18–22, 2011. On November 24, 2011, the group performed the National Anthem at Cowboys Stadium for the Thanksgiving NFL game which was broadcast on CBS. Big Time Rush has released 3 albums, B.T.R, Elevate, and 24/Seven.

More singles were released in 2012. Big Time Rush covered The Beatles songs in their movie "Big Time Movie" which was released March 10, 2012.

They went on tour with Victoria Justice in 2013 on the Summer Break Tour. Their final tour was the Big Time Rush: Live World Tour in 2014 for February.

In 2021, the band officially announced their comeback via Twitter,[11] [12] and began performing shows. They released their fourth album, Another Life, in 2023.

Casting

A nationwide casting effort began in 2007.[13] [14] More than 1,500 teens and young adults auditioned for the four roles.[15] James Maslow and Logan Henderson were the easiest and first actors cast. Kendall Schmidt was the last actor cast, and the most difficult role to cast. The role of Kendall Knight was originally to go to Curt Hansen, who later played Dak Zevon on the show, but when he appeared a lot older than the others and sounded too much like James in the pickup pilot, the producers auditioned and cast Schmidt after a recommendation by Logan Henderson, who was also friends with the actor before casting. Filming of the series began in August 2009. Actor Carlos Pena Jr. previously worked with Scott Fellows on Ned's Declassified School Survival Guide.[13] As he had just entered the Boston Conservatory to study musical theatre, Pena was reluctant to audition but sent in a tape at the encouragement of his manager.[16] Executive producer Scott Fellows was inspired to write each character by the personality of the actor playing him.[17]

In addition to Pena, five alumni of Scott Fellows make appearances in this show: Spencer Locke, Carlie Casey, Daran Norris, Adam Conway (as recurring cast members), and James Arnold Taylor (as a guest star).

Locations

The series was filmed in Studio 27, Paramount Pictures in Hollywood, Los Angeles, California.[18] The series premiere's one-hour special took place in the suburbs of Los Angeles and a small town in Minnesota.[19]

Reception

Audience reception

A one-hour special preview (which serves as the series pilot and first episode) debuted on Nickelodeon on November 28, 2009, drawing an audience of 3.6 million viewers. The series' official premiere on January 18, 2010 (which followed the premiere of the iCarly special "iSaved Your Life"), was watched by a total of 6.8 million total viewers, Nickelodeon's highest-rated live-action series debut.[20]

Critical reception

The show received positive reviews from audiences and mixed reviews from critics.[21] The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette stated the show was "Nick's attempt at building a Jonas Brothers-style pop band. It's Nick's answer to Disney Channel's 'JONAS,' albeit slightly less organic since 'Rush' doesn't feature siblings."[22] The Hartford Courant stated the series a "not so good" show "with their thin pop and unfunny comedies".[23] The Boston Globe stated the show as "one example in a growing list of kid shows selling showbiz fantasies to children. The genre is stronger than ever now and more fixated on the perks of the glamorous Hollywood lifestyle ... wish fulfillment at a time when tabloid dreams are ubiquitous."[13] DVD Talk had the following review of the Big Time Rush: Season 1, Volume 1 DVD. "It would be hard to craft a description engineered to be less interesting to me, and yet, as I plowed through this collection from the series' beginnings, I frequently found myself amended and entertained. Say what you will about Nickelodeon's teen programming, but they've got the art of making a solid sitcom down to a science."[24]

Discography

Awards and nominations

YearAwardCategoryRecipient(s)Result
20102010 Australian Kids' Choice AwardsFave TV StarBig Time Rush[25] [26]
Casting Society of AmericaOutstanding Achievement in Casting – Children's Series ProgrammingTara-Anne Johnson
Carol Goldwasser
Sharon Chazin Lieblein
Howard Meltzer
Geralyn Flood
[27]
20112011 Kids' Choice AwardsFavorite TV ShowBig Time Rush[28] [29]
2011 UK Kids' Choice AwardsNick UK's Favourite ShowBig Time Rush[30]
2011 Australian Kids' Choice AwardsFave TV StarBig Time Rush[31] [32]
Young Artist AwardsBest Performance in a TV Series – Guest Starring Young Actor 18–21Thomas Kasp[33]
Best Performance in a TV Series – Recurring Young Actor Ten and UnderTucker Albrizzi
Best Performance in a TV Series – Recurring Young Actress 17–21Erin Sanders
Youth Rocks AwardsRockin' Ensemble Cast (TV/ Comedy)Big Time Rush[34] [35]
Kids' Choice Awards MexicoFavorite International ShowBig Time Rush[36]
Kids' Choice Awards Argentina 2011Favorite International TV ShowBig Time Rush[37]
Meus Prêmios Nick BrazilFavorite TV ShowBig Time Rush[38] [39]
2012Young Artist AwardsBest Performance in a TV Series – Supporting Young ActressCiara Bravo[40]
Best Performance in a TV Series – Guest Starring Young Actor Ten and UnderTucker Albrizzi
Best Performance in a TV Series – Recurring Young Actress 17–21Erin Sanders
Kids' Choice Awards MexicoFavorite International ShowBig Time Rush[41] [42]
Kids' Choice Awards ArgentinaFavorite International TV ShowBig Time Rush
TV Grama AwardsInternational Pop SeriesBig Time Rush
2012Hollywood Teen TV AwardsFavorite Television ActorKendall Schmidt[43]
20132013 Kids' Choice AwardsFavorite TV ActorCarlos Pena[44]
2013Kids Choice Awards México 2013Favorite International TV ShowBig Time Rush[45]
2013Kids Choice Awards ArgentinaFavorite International ProgramBig Time Rush
2014Kids Choice Awards ColombiaFavorite International TV SeriesBig Time Rush
2014Shorty AwardsBest TV Show in Social MediaBig Time Rush
2015Shorty AwardsBest TV Show in Social MediaBig Time Rush[46]
2017Kids Choice Awards Colombia20 Years of Nick in Latin America Big Time Rush[47]
2017Kids Choice Awards Mexico20 Years of Nick in Latin America Big Time Rush[48]
2017Meus Prêmios Nick BrazilNick Retro / 20 Years of NickBig Time Rush[49]
2017Kids' Choice Awards ArgentinaFavorite International Nick Show of The Past 20 yearsBig Time Rush

Home media

NameRegion 1Region 2Contains
Big Time Rush: Season One, Volumes One/Volume Two[50] March 29, 2011October 10, 2011(part 1)/ February 13, 2012(Part 2)Volume One Episodes 1-12/Volume Two Episodes 13–20.
Big Time Rush: Season Two, Volume OneJanuary 17, 2012November 8, 2012Volume One episodes 21–31, 34–36 episodes from season 2.
Big Time Movie/Rags: 2-In-One Movie PackAugust 28, 2012TBAFeatures Big Time Movie and Rags on a disc pack.
Big Time Rush: Season Two, Volume TwoJanuary 25, 2013June 6, 2013Volume Two episodes 32–33, 37–49 episodes from season 2.
Big Time Rush: The Complete First SeasonJuly 8, 2015[51] March 26, 2012Contains all the episodes from season 1. Manufactured on demand (MOD) on DVD-R.

Broadcast

The series aired worldwide on Nickelodeon.

Season 1

It was shown as a preview in Australia and New Zealand on April 10, 2010, and premiered on May 15, 2010.[52] It was previewed on April 16, 2010, and premiered on May 31, 2010, in Southeast Asia. In the United Kingdom and Ireland, it was previewed on May 27, 2010, and premiered on June 21, 2010. In Canada, it was previewed on August 6, 2010, and premiered on September 6, 2010.[53]

Season 2

It premiered in January 2011 in Australia and New Zealand and in February 2011 in the UK and Ireland. It was announced by Nickelodeon in October 2011 that Big Time Rush would go free-to-air on CITV in the UK.

Season 3

The third season premiered in November 2012 in Australia and New Zealand and in December 2012 in the UK and Ireland.

Season 4

It premiered in August 2013 in Canada and late 2013 in the UK and Ireland.

External links

Notes and References

  1. Web site: 'Big Time Rush' Renewed By Nickelodeon for a Third Season - Ratings - TVbytheNumbers.Zap2it.com. https://web.archive.org/web/20110527150126/http://tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com/2011/05/24/big-time-rush-renewed-by-nickelodeon-for-a-third-season/93818/. dead. 2011-05-27. TVbytheNumbers.
  2. Web site: Big Time Rush on Nickelodeon . Nick.com . May 23, 2012 . 2013-06-12 . https://web.archive.org/web/20120616151204/http://www.nick.com/shows/big-time-rush?navid=showNav . June 16, 2012 . dead .
  3. Web site: Ratings – Nickelodeon's "Big Time Movie" Scores Top Spot for the Week With Kids and Teens and Reaches 13 Million Total Viewers . The Futon Critic . March 13, 2012 . 2012-09-25.
  4. http://www.calendarlive.com/tv/la-et-big-time18-2010jan18,0,1486338.story Lloyd, Robert. "Reviews: 'Big Time Rush' and 'I'm in the Band'."
  5. Martin, Denise. "Child's Play." Los Angeles Times. November 22, 2009.
  6. Baker, Glenn A. Monkeemania: The Story of the Monkees. Rev. ed. Medford, N.J.: Plexus Publishing, 2000. ; Lefcowitz, Eric. The Monkees Tale. Rev. ed. San Francisco, Calif.: Last Gasp, 1989. ; Sandoval, Andrew. The Monkees: The Day-By-Day Story of the '60s TV Pop Sensation. Charlotte, N.C.: Thunder Bay Press.
  7. Web site: Big Time Rush Clips and Music Videos . Kids.aol.com . 2011-02-23.
  8. Web site: Big Time Rush begin recording second album entitled Elevate . Nickutopia . 2011-06-09.
  9. http://prnewswire.com/news-releases/nickelodeon-scores-record-breaking-night-with-brand-new--and-big-time-rush-debut-82099487.html "Nickelodeon Scores Record-Breaking Night with Brand-New and Big Time Rush Debut." Press release. Nickelodeon. January 19, 2010.
  10. Weisman, Jon. "Nick, Sony Will Duet on Laffers." Daily Variety. August 26, 2009.
  11. Web site: https://twitter.com/bigtimerush/status/1417152781274652672. 2021-07-21. Twitter. en.
  12. Web site: July 19, 2021. After 7 years, Big Time Rush is making a big-time comeback. But who are they?. 2021-07-21. Los Angeles Times. en-US.
  13. http://www.boston.com/ae/tv/articles/2009/11/26/big_time_rush_is_a_little_bit_entourage_a_little_bit_monkees/ Martin, Denise. "'Big Time Rush' Is A Little Bit 'Entourage,' A Little Bit 'Monkees'."
  14. Web site: Tillman, Adriane. "Local Teen Ready For a 'Big Time Rush' on Nickelodeon." . 2011-11-11 . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20100110213429/http://www.sdnn.com/sandiego/2009-11-28/local-county-news/local-teen-ready-for-a-%E2%80%98big-time-rush%E2%80%99-on-nickelodeon#ixzz0dZhK7to0 . January 10, 2010 . mdy . La Jolla Village News. November 28, 2009.
  15. Moore, Frazier. "An Inside Look at a Boy Band on Nick's New Comedy." Associated Press. January 15, 2010.
  16. Rentería, Melissa. "Plans Change as Pena Lands Co-Starring Role in Nickelodeon's 'Big Time Rush'." Conexión. November 26, 2009.
  17. Blair, Iain. "Big Time Rush." Daily Variety. December 4, 2009.
  18. Web site: Beg. Mirza Aaqib. March 31, 2021. Where Was Big Time Rush Filmed? TV Show Filming Locations. 2021-07-21. The Cinemaholic. en-US.
  19. Web site: Beg. Mirza Aaqib. March 31, 2021. Where Was Big Time Rush Filmed? TV Show Filming Locations. 2021-07-21. The Cinemaholic. en-US.
  20. Web site: Monday Cable Ratings . Tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com . 2013-06-12 . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20120729012213/http://tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com/2012/07/24/monday-cable-ratingswwe-raw-1000th-episode-wins-night-love-and-hip-hop-single-ladies-the-closer-teen-wolf-bunheads-warehouse-13-more/142490/comment-page-4/#comments . July 29, 2012 . mdy-all .
  21. Web site: – Television Review . January 14, 2010 . Commonsensemedia.org . 2011-02-23.
  22. http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/10018/1029034-67.stm#ixzz0dZRVWAux Owen, Rob. "Producer of FX's 'Justified' Recalls 'Boom' Times Here."
  23. http://blogs.courant.com/roger_catlin_tv_eye/2010/01/also-on-tonight-buried-life-am.html Catlin, Rogert. "Also On Tonight: 'Buried Life,' 'American Pickers'."
  24. http://www.dvdtalk.com/reviews/50001/big-time-rush/ Rizzzo III, Francis. "Reviews, DVD Video Reviews, Big Time Rush"
  25. Web site: Nickelodeon Kids' Choice Awards Australian 2010 – Nominees. dead. https://web.archive.org/web/20131015110534/http://www.thehothits.com/news/19942/Nickelodeon%20Kids%27%20Choice%20Awards%20Nominations%20-%20Australia%202010%21. October 15, 2013. mdy-all.
  26. Web site: Nickelodeon Kids' Choice Awards Australian 2010 – Winners. January 17, 2013. October 14, 2013. https://web.archive.org/web/20131014011157/http://www.popsugar.com.au/List-winners-from-2010-Australian-Nickelodeon-Kids-Choice-Awards-including-Rove-Kyle-Sandilands-Jessica-Mauboy-11413235. dead.
  27. Web site: Casting Society of America, USA (2010). IMDb.
  28. Web site: 2011 Nickelodeon Kids' Choice Awards – Nominees. January 17, 2013. February 3, 2016. https://web.archive.org/web/20160203124244/http://nickkcapress.com/2011KCA/release/2011_host. dead.
  29. Web site: 2011 Nickelodeon Kids' Choice Awards – Winners. Digital Spy. April 3, 2011. January 17, 2013. July 9, 2015. https://web.archive.org/web/20150709123218/http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/ustv/news/a312484/nickelodeon-kids-choice-awards-2011-the-winners.html. dead.
  30. Web site: Nickelodeon Kids' Choice Awards 2011 Winners!. Fun Kids - the UK's children's radio station. April 12, 2011 .
  31. Web site: NameBright - Coming Soon. revistateen.com.
  32. Web site: 2011 Nickelodeon Kids Choice Awards Australia – Winners. January 17, 2013. September 26, 2013. https://web.archive.org/web/20130926114705/http://www.clevvertv.com/awards-show-2/27891/2011-kids-choice-awards-australia.html. dead.
  33. Web site: Young Artist Awards 2011.
  34. Web site: Youth Rocks Awards – Rockin' Ensemble Cast (TV/Comedy). Youth Rocks Awards.
  35. Web site: Youth Rocks Awards – Winners. January 17, 2013. October 13, 2013. https://web.archive.org/web/20131013060859/http://oceanup.com/2011/december/08/youth-rocks-awards-2011-winners. dead.
  36. Web site: Ganadores de los Kids Choice Awards México 2011. September 3, 2011.
  37. Web site: Todos los ganadores de los Kids' Choice Awards. October 12, 2011. Exitoina.
  38. Web site: Meus Prêmios Nick 2011 – Nominees. January 17, 2013. September 23, 2018. https://web.archive.org/web/20180923200602/http://anmtv.xpg.com.br/nickelodeon-anuncia-os-finalistas-do-meus-premios-nick-2011/. dead.
  39. Web site: Meus Prêmios Nick 2011 – Winners. January 17, 2013. October 12, 2013. https://web.archive.org/web/20131012013936/http://www.anmtv.xpg.com.br/nickelodeon-divulga-os-vencedores-do-meus-premios-nick-2011/. dead.
  40. Web site: 33rd Annual Young Artist Awards . Young Artist Awards . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20120404162133/http://www.youngartistawards.org/noms33.html . April 4, 2012 .
  41. Web site: Nominados Oficiales A Los Kids Choice Awards Mexico 2012. July 6, 2012.
  42. Web site: Kids' Choice Awards Mexico 2012 – Winners. January 17, 2013. March 4, 2016. https://web.archive.org/web/20160304112544/http://entretenimiento.starmedia.com/alfombra-roja/lista-ganadores-kids-choice-awards-mexico-2012.html. dead.
  43. Web site: Hollywood Teen TV Awards – Favorite Television Actor. https://web.archive.org/web/20120210070059/http://teentvawards.com/favorite-television-actor/. dead. 2012-02-10.
  44. Web site: Kids' Choice Awards 2013 TV nominees-- EXCLUSIVE. EW.com.
  45. Web site: Nickelodeon – Kids' Choice Awards México 2013 – Hashtags . Kidschoiceawardsmexico.mundonick.com . 2014-03-21.
  46. Web site: Danna Paola nominations on The Shorty Awards 2015. The Shorty Awards. January 22, 2015. dead. https://web.archive.org/web/20150122221411/http://shortyawards.com/dannapaola. January 22, 2015. mdy-all.
  47. Web site: KCA Colombia 2017: ¡Conoce A Los Pre Nominados!. Trendy by nick. July 25, 2017. es. https://web.archive.org/web/20170729071932/http://www.trendybynick.com/2017/07/kca-colombia-2017-conoce-a-los-pre-nominados/. July 29, 2017. dead. mdy-all.
  48. Web site: ¡Checa los nominados a los Kids' Choice Awards México 2017!. revista Tú. June 24, 2017. June 22, 2017. es. August 25, 2017. https://web.archive.org/web/20170825085240/http://www.tuenlinea.com/noticias/17/06/22/nominados-a-los-kids-choice-awards-mexico-2017/. dead.
  49. Web site: NICK RETRÔ/ 20 ANOS DE NICK A VOTAÇÃO TERMINOU! . September 23, 2017. pt.
  50. Web site: Nickelodeon's Newest Music Sensation Hits Stores With Their First-Ever DVD! – NEW YORK, Jan. 10, 2011/PRNewswire/ . New York . Prnewswire.com . January 10, 2011 . 2011-02-23.
  51. Web site: Amazon.com: Big Time Rush: The Complete First Season: Kendall Schmidt, James Maslow, Carlos PenaVega, Logan Henderson, Ciara Bravo, Stephen Kramar, Glickman, Tanya Chisholm, Scott Fellows: Movies & TV. amazon.com. July 8, 2015 .
  52. News: Today . Rushing to the big time . April 7, 2010 . . 5.
  53. Web site: BigTimeRushTV.com – Your source for Nickelodeon's Big Time Rush!. bigtimerushtv.com. June 19, 2010. https://web.archive.org/web/20110717095503/http://bigtimerushtv.com/. July 17, 2011. dead.