The More You Know (TV programming block) explained

The More You Know
Premiered: (NBC)
(Telemundo; MiTelemundo)
Channel:NBC (2016–present)
Cozi TV (2017–present)
Telemundo (2018–present)
Country:United States
Parent:leased by Hearst Media Production Group subsidiary of Hearst Television
Format:Weekend morning E/I block
Runtime:3 hours (10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. on COZI) (9-12 am in all time zones on NBC)
Language:English

The More You Know (TMYK) is an American programming block that is programmed by Hearst Media Production Group (formerly Litton Entertainment), and debuted on October 8, 2016, as a replacement for the animation block NBC Kids. It airs on weekend mornings on NBC and Telemundo, and as of 2017 is replayed Sunday mornings on sister network Cozi TV. The block's programs are also available through all of NBC's video on demand venues, including the network's site/app, Peacock, and cable/satellite services.

Based on NBCUniversal's series of public service campaigns of the same name, the three-hour weekend morning block features live-action programming aimed at pre-teens and teens ages 10 to 18 that are designed to meet federally mandated educational programming guidelines.[1]

It is Hearst's fourth E/I-centric programming block across the major U.S. television networks, joining three other Hearst blocks: Weekend Adventure (ABC), Dream Team (CBS), and One Magnificent Morning (The CW).[2] [3] [4] [5]

As of January 6, 2018, a version of the block also airs on NBC's sister network Telemundo under the name MiTelemundo, with all of its programs dubbed in Spanish. Telemundo had previously aired a Spanish-language version of NBC Kids under the same title.

History

Between February 24, 2016 and March 3, 2016, NBCUniversal announced that it would discontinue its existing weekend morning block NBC Kids, which was programmed by Sprout (now Universal Kids), in favor of The More You Know, a new, three-hour block produced by Litton Entertainment, that would feature live-action educational programming aimed at preteens, teenagers, and their parents. The block serves as a brand extension of The More You Know—a series of public service campaigns first launched by NBC in 1989.[6]

NBC Kids aired for the final time on September 25, 2016. It was thought to be the last conclusive Saturday morning block across the major U.S. commercial broadcast networks that primarily featured non-educational children's programming. Such content has gradually fallen out of favor because of the E/I rules, as well as shifts in viewing habits toward cable networks and online video on demand services for cartoons and other youth-oriented content. The More You Know debuted two weeks later on October 8, 2016 (October 1 children's programming was pre-empted for NBC network coverage of the 2016 Ryder Cup).[7] [8] Programs in the block often air at alternate times (including weekdays) due to pre-emptions from NBC Sports, including golf coverage.

On January 6, 2018, Telemundo relaunched its MiTelemundo block—which had also been programmed by Sprout—with a new schedule consisting of Spanish dubs of The More You Know's programming.[9] [10]

Some of the More You Know series have received long-lasting acceptance. Earth Odyssey with Dylan Dreyer has filmed 128 episodes as of 2022, usually hosting in an unidentified outdoor park with paths although sometimes at the Brookfield Zoo in Chicago.[11]

Programming

Current

!Program!Premiere date!Replaced!References
The Voyager with Josh GarciaOctober 8, 2016See NBC Kids programming
Earth Odyssey with Dylan DreyerJuly 28, 2018Journey
Roots Less TraveledApril 4, 2020
One Team: The Power of SportsAugust 29, 2020The Champion Within
Harlem Globetrotters: Play it ForwardOctober 1, 2022Vets Saving Pets[12]
Mutual of Omaha's Wild Kingdom Protecting the WildOctober 7, 2023Wild Child[13]

Former

!Program!Premiere date!End date!Replaced!Replaced by!References
The Champion Within with Lauren ThompsonOctober 8, 2016August 22, 2020See NBC Kids programmingOne Team[14]
GiveMarch 31, 2018Health + Happiness with Mayo Clinic
Wilderness Vet with Dr. OakleyMay 26, 2018
Journey with Dylan DreyerJuly 21, 2018Earth Odyssey
Naturally, Danny SeoJune 1, 2019
Health + Happiness with Mayo ClinicApril 7, 2018August 4, 2018Give[15]
Consumer 101October 6, 2018September 26, 2021[16]
Vets Saving PetsSeptember 24, 2022Harlem Globetrotters

Play it Forward

Moved to ABC’s Weekend Adventure
A New LeafOctober 5, 2019September 26, 2021
Wild ChildJanuary 2, 2021September 30, 2023Mutual of Omaha's Wild Kingdom Protecting the Wild

Notes and References

  1. News: Middleton. Richard. NBC, Litton prep factual block. March 7, 2016. C21Media. February 26, 2016.
  2. Web site: CBS Slates Teen-Centric Programming Block For Saturdays. Deadline Hollywood. July 24, 2013. October 17, 2014.
  3. Web site: CBS partners with Litton Entertainment for Saturday teen block. James. Meg. Los Angeles Times. July 24, 2013. July 25, 2013.
  4. Web site: Litton Teams with The CW on New E/I Block. Albiniak. Paige. Broadcasting & Cable. June 5, 2014. June 5, 2014.
  5. Web site: CW adds Saturday morning teen block. Ostrow. Joanne. The Denver Post. June 5, 2014. June 5, 2014.
  6. Web site: 'The More You Know: There's More to Know. Garber. Megan. The Atlantic. September 16, 2014. February 25, 2016.
  7. Web site: NBC, Litton Partner on 'The More You Know' Block. Malone. Michael. Broadcasting & Cable. February 24, 2016. February 25, 2016.
  8. Web site: August 8, 2016 . NBC and Litton Entertainment Announce Fall 2016 Line-Up for The More You Know Programming Block . August 8, 2016 . The Futon Critic.
  9. News: Telemundo Kicks Off 2018 with New 'Mi Telemundo' Programming Block. Desk. TV News. 2018-02-17. en.
  10. News: Litton Entertainment & Telemundo Kick Off 2018 with the new "Mi Telemundo" Kids Programming Block Premiering Jan. 6. Litton Entertainment. 2018-02-17. en-US.
  11. https://www.goodhousekeeping.com/life/entertainment/a39879755/today-show-dylan-dreyer-instagram-earth-odyssey-reaction/
  12. Web site: 2018-11-15 . 2018 Gospel Radio Award. The Gospel Music Association.
  13. Web site: Maas . Jennifer . June 15, 2023 . 'Wild Kingdom' to Return to NBC After More Than 30 Years With New Iteration From Hearst Media Production Group (EXCLUSIVE) . June 24, 2023 . Variety.
  14. News: NBC And Litton Entertainment Announce New Spring 2020 Lineup . March 31, 2020 . Litton Entertainment.
  15. News: NBC and Litton Entertainment Announce New Educational Series Set to Premiere on Saturday, April 7. Litton Entertainment. 2018-03-29. en-US.
  16. News: NBC and Litton Entertainment Announce New Fall 2018 Lineup for Award-Winning The More You Know Family Programming Block. Litton Entertainment. 2018-08-30. en-US.