Nickelodeon On Sunset
Encyclopedia
Nickelodeon On Sunset, formerly known as the Earl Carroll Theatre
, is a stage facility located at 6230 Sunset Boulevard in Hollywood, California which has housed the West Coast production of live-action original series produced for the Nickelodeon
cable channel since 1997, starting with the production of the fourth season of All That
.
As of 2011, 12 television series have been shot at the studios, not including minor publicity events and television pilots.
iCarly
and Victorious
are the only Nickelodeon original series' currently known to be in production at the studios.
As of September 2007, the City of Los Angeles Historic Preservation Board has worked to assure that the theater is protected.
. The supper club
-theatre offered shows on a massive stage containing a 60 feet (18.3 m)-wide double revolving turntable, staircase and swings that could be lowered from the ceiling. The building's facade was adorned by a 20 feet (6.1 m)-high neon head portrait of entertainer Beryl Wallace
. The sign had been long gone by the 1960s, but a recreation made from photographs of the sign is now on display at Universal CityWalk
, as part of a collection from the Museum of Neon Art
.
After Carroll and Wallace died in the crash of United Airlines Flight 624
in 1948, the theater was sold. In 1953, it became the Moulin Rouge nightclub
, then later the Hullabaloo Rock and Roll
club, and then the Aquarius Theatre in the late 1960s. The Pick-Vanoff Company, who owned Sunset Gower Studios
, purchased the property in 1983, converting it into a television theater where Star Search
, the Jerry Lewis MDA Telethon
and The Chevy Chase Show
were once broadcast.
In the mid-1990s, Nickelodeon decided to move production of some live-action series' to the West Coast from Nickelodeon Studios
in Orlando, Florida
at Universal Studios
, after scouting soundstages for a year, the network's headlining mover All That
spent a year at Paramount Pictures
before Nickelodeon obtained a lease for the 6230 Sunset Blvd facility, acquiring the soundstage and rebranding it "Nickelodeon On Sunset" by 1997. Due to limited studio space, only a few series' are taped at Nickelodeon On Sunset at a time, as a result, other live-action series' produced for the network are filmed in other stage facilities throughout the Hollywood area.
Earl Carroll Theatre
Earl Carroll Theatre was the name of two important theaters owned by Broadway impresario and showman Earl Carroll. One was located on Broadway in New York City and the other on Sunset Blvd in Hollywood, California.-Broadway:...
, is a stage facility located at 6230 Sunset Boulevard in Hollywood, California which has housed the West Coast production of live-action original series produced for the Nickelodeon
Nickelodeon (TV channel)
Nickelodeon, often simply called Nick and originally named Pinwheel, is an American children's channel owned by MTV Networks, a subsidiary of Viacom International. The channel is primarily aimed at children ages 7–17, with the exception of their weekday morning program block aimed at preschoolers...
cable channel since 1997, starting with the production of the fourth season of All That
All That
All That is an American live-action, sketch comedy-variety show that aired on the Nickelodeon cable television network featuring short comedic sketches and weekly musical guests. The theme song for All That was performed by TLC...
.
As of 2011, 12 television series have been shot at the studios, not including minor publicity events and television pilots.
iCarly
ICarly
iCarly is an American sitcom that focuses on a girl named Carly Shay who creates her own web show called iCarly with her best friends Sam and Freddie. The series was created by Dan Schneider, who also serves as executive producer. It stars Miranda Cosgrove as Carly, Jennette McCurdy as Sam, Nathan...
and Victorious
Victorious
Victorious is an American sitcom created by Dan Schneider for Nickelodeon. The series revolves around aspiring singer Tori Vega , a teenager who attends a performing arts high school called Hollywood Arts High School, after taking her older sister Trina's place in a showcase while getting into...
are the only Nickelodeon original series' currently known to be in production at the studios.
As of September 2007, the City of Los Angeles Historic Preservation Board has worked to assure that the theater is protected.
Brief history
Nick on Sunset originally opened on December 26, 1938 as the West Coast location of the Earl Carroll TheatreEarl Carroll Theatre
Earl Carroll Theatre was the name of two important theaters owned by Broadway impresario and showman Earl Carroll. One was located on Broadway in New York City and the other on Sunset Blvd in Hollywood, California.-Broadway:...
. The supper club
Supper club
A supper club, in general, refers to a dining establishment that also functions as a social club. The term may describe different establishments depending on the region, but in general, supper clubs tend to present themselves as having a high-class image, even if the price is affordable to...
-theatre offered shows on a massive stage containing a 60 feet (18.3 m)-wide double revolving turntable, staircase and swings that could be lowered from the ceiling. The building's facade was adorned by a 20 feet (6.1 m)-high neon head portrait of entertainer Beryl Wallace
Beryl Wallace
Beryl Wallace was an American singer, dancer and actress.Born Beryl Heischuber in the Brighton Beach section of Brooklyn, New York, she was the eldest of nine children of working class Jewish immigrants from Austria...
. The sign had been long gone by the 1960s, but a recreation made from photographs of the sign is now on display at Universal CityWalk
Universal CityWalk
Universal CityWalk is the name given to the entertainment and retail districts located adjacent to the theme parks of Universal Parks & Resorts. Originating as an expansion of Universal's first park, Universal Studios Hollywood, CityWalk serves as an entrance plaza from the parking lots to the...
, as part of a collection from the Museum of Neon Art
Museum of Neon Art
The Museum of Neon Art is a museum that exists to a encourage learning and curiosity through the preservation, collection, and interpretation of neon art. The museum has had several locations since its foundation; it is presently located at 136 West Fourth Street in Los Angeles, California, and is...
.
United Airlines Flight 624
United Airlines Flight 624, a Douglas DC-6 airliner, registration NC37506, was a scheduled passenger flight that originated in San Diego, California with stops in Los Angeles and Chicago en route to LaGuardia Airport in New York City. The four-engine propeller-driven airplane crashed at 1:41 p.m...
in 1948, the theater was sold. In 1953, it became the Moulin Rouge nightclub
Nightclub
A nightclub is an entertainment venue which usually operates late into the night...
, then later the Hullabaloo Rock and Roll
Rock and roll
Rock and roll is a genre of popular music that originated and evolved in the United States during the late 1940s and early 1950s, primarily from a combination of African American blues, country, jazz, and gospel music...
club, and then the Aquarius Theatre in the late 1960s. The Pick-Vanoff Company, who owned Sunset Gower Studios
Sunset Gower Studios
Sunset Gower Studios is a television and movie studio at the corner of Sunset Boulevard and Gower Street in Hollywood, California. It continues today as Hollywood's largest independent studio and an active facility for television and film production on its twelve soundstages.The studios were...
, purchased the property in 1983, converting it into a television theater where Star Search
Star Search
Star Search is a television show that was produced from 1983-95, hosted by Ed McMahon, and created by Alfred Masini. A relaunch was produced in 2003-04. The show was originally filmed at the old Earl Carroll Theatre at 6230 Sunset Blvd...
, the Jerry Lewis MDA Telethon
Jerry Lewis MDA Telethon
The MDA Labor Day Telethon is an annual telethon in the United States to raise money for the Muscular Dystrophy Association . The first MDA telethon was during the Thanksgiving Day weekend of 1952 and titled Party for MDA. It has been held annually since 1966...
and The Chevy Chase Show
The Chevy Chase Show
The Chevy Chase Show was an American late night talk show hosted by actor, comedian and Saturday Night Live alumnus Chevy Chase that aired in 1993 on Fox...
were once broadcast.
In the mid-1990s, Nickelodeon decided to move production of some live-action series' to the West Coast from Nickelodeon Studios
Nickelodeon Studios
Nickelodeon Studios was a television taping studio as well as an original attraction at Universal Studios Florida.-History:...
in Orlando, Florida
Orlando, Florida
Orlando is a city in the central region of the U.S. state of Florida. It is the county seat of Orange County, and the center of the Greater Orlando metropolitan area. According to the 2010 US Census, the city had a population of 238,300, making Orlando the 79th largest city in the United States...
at Universal Studios
Universal Studios Florida
Universal Studios Florida is an American theme park located in Orlando, Florida. Opened on June 7, 1990, the park's theme is the entertainment industry, in particular movies and television. Universal Studios Florida inspires its guests to "ride the movies," and it features numerous attractions and...
, after scouting soundstages for a year, the network's headlining mover All That
All That
All That is an American live-action, sketch comedy-variety show that aired on the Nickelodeon cable television network featuring short comedic sketches and weekly musical guests. The theme song for All That was performed by TLC...
spent a year at Paramount Pictures
Paramount Pictures
Paramount Pictures Corporation is an American film production and distribution company, located at 5555 Melrose Avenue in Hollywood. Founded in 1912 and currently owned by media conglomerate Viacom, it is America's oldest existing film studio; it is also the last major film studio still...
before Nickelodeon obtained a lease for the 6230 Sunset Blvd facility, acquiring the soundstage and rebranding it "Nickelodeon On Sunset" by 1997. Due to limited studio space, only a few series' are taped at Nickelodeon On Sunset at a time, as a result, other live-action series' produced for the network are filmed in other stage facilities throughout the Hollywood area.
Shows taped at Nickelodeon On Sunset
- Star SearchStar SearchStar Search is a television show that was produced from 1983-95, hosted by Ed McMahon, and created by Alfred Masini. A relaunch was produced in 2003-04. The show was originally filmed at the old Earl Carroll Theatre at 6230 Sunset Blvd...
- The original US series from the 1980s (not under Nickelodeon) - All ThatAll ThatAll That is an American live-action, sketch comedy-variety show that aired on the Nickelodeon cable television network featuring short comedic sketches and weekly musical guests. The theme song for All That was performed by TLC...
(seasons 4-10) - Kenan & KelKenan & KelKenan & Kel is an American teen sitcom produced by Tollin/Robbins Productions that originally aired on Nickelodeon from July 1996 to July 2000. The show starred friends and then-All That cast members Kenan Thompson and Kel Mitchell. Sixty-two episodes and a made-for-TV movie were produced over four...
(seasons 3 and 4) - The Amanda ShowThe Amanda ShowThe Amanda Show is an American live-action sketch comedy and variety show that aired on Nickelodeon from November 6, 1999 to September 21, 2002. It starred Amanda Bynes, Drake Bell, and Nancy Sullivan, along with several performing artists who came and left at different points, such as John Kassir,...
- The Nick Cannon ShowThe Nick Cannon ShowThe Nick Cannon Show is an American television comedy spin-off of All That. It aired on Nickelodeon's SNICK block 2002-2003 along with All That, The Amanda Show and Taina...
(Various soundstage production) - The Conspiracy ZoneThe Conspiracy ZoneThe Conspiracy Zone was a American discussion program about conspiracy theories with a group of panelists, a mix of experts and celebrities. It was a half hour in length and ran for 26 episodes, though there was also an unaired pilot episode. The show was hosted by Kevin Nealon and was shown on...
(the series was produced for NickelodeonNickelodeon (TV channel)Nickelodeon, often simply called Nick and originally named Pinwheel, is an American children's channel owned by MTV Networks, a subsidiary of Viacom International. The channel is primarily aimed at children ages 7–17, with the exception of their weekday morning program block aimed at preschoolers...
's sister channel TNN, now Spike) - TainaTaina (TV series)Taina is an American sitcom that aired on Nickelodeon and was one of the last live-action comedy shows taped at Nickelodeon Studios but later moved to the Nickelodeon On Sunset in Hollywood, for its second season. The show aired from January 14, 2001 to May 11, 2002.-Premise:Taina Morales is a...
(season 2 only) - Drake & JoshDrake & JoshDrake & Josh is an American sitcom that premiered on the Nickelodeon television network on January 11, 2004, which follows the lives of two stepbrothers. It stars Drake Bell and Josh Peck as stepbrothers Drake Parker and Josh Nichols, respectively. Both actors had played roles in The Amanda Show,...
(seasons 1, 2 and 4) - Ned's Declassified School Survival GuideNed's Declassified School Survival GuideNed's Declassified School Survival Guide, commonly called Ned's Declassified for short, is an American live-action situation comedy on Nickelodeon that debuted in the channel's Sunday night TEENick scheduling block on September 12, 2004. The series' actual pilot episode aired on September 7, 2003...
(season 1 only) - UnfabulousUnfabulousUnfabulous is an American children's television series that aired on Nickelodeon The series is about an "unfabulous" junior high school student, played by Emma Roberts...
- iCarlyICarlyiCarly is an American sitcom that focuses on a girl named Carly Shay who creates her own web show called iCarly with her best friends Sam and Freddie. The series was created by Dan Schneider, who also serves as executive producer. It stars Miranda Cosgrove as Carly, Jennette McCurdy as Sam, Nathan...
* - Dance on SunsetDance on SunsetDance on Sunset is a dance and music series hosted by Quddus on Nickelodeon that featured dance routines, called the "Fresh-Squeezed Dance", designed to be performed by its pre-teen and teen-age viewers. Choreographer Tony Testa and the show's dance troupe, the Nick 6, demonstrated each routine...
- True Jackson, VPTrue Jackson, VPTrue Jackson, VP is an American television sitcom that aired on Nickelodeon from November 8, 2008 to August 20, 2011. The series starred Keke Palmer, Ashley Argota, Matt Shively, Danielle Bisutti, Greg Proops, Robbie Amell and Ron Butler. The theme song was written by Toby Gad and Keke Palmer and...
(season 1 only) - The Fresh Beat BandThe Fresh Beat BandThe Fresh Beat Band is a children TV show with original pop songs produced for Nick Jr.. The Fresh Beats are Shout, Twist, Marina, and Kiki, described as four best friends in a band who go to music school together and love to sing and dance...
- Various episodes for Nick Jr. - VictoriousVictoriousVictorious is an American sitcom created by Dan Schneider for Nickelodeon. The series revolves around aspiring singer Tori Vega , a teenager who attends a performing arts high school called Hollywood Arts High School, after taking her older sister Trina's place in a showcase while getting into...
* - Alf's Hit Talk ShowAlf's Hit Talk ShowAlf's Hit Talk Show is an American cable television talk show that aired on TV Land. It ran for seven episodes in 2004. The host is the puppet character Gordon Shumway, of '80s television fame. At the beginning of each show, Alf is introduced by his "sidekick", Ed McMahon. The show ran in a...
- For Nick's sister network TV Land
- *Currently in production
Specials produced at Nickelodeon On Sunset
From the studios prime opening in 1997, several shows have used Nickelodeon On Sunset to film special events, shows which have used the soundstage in such ways include:- "All ThatAll ThatAll That is an American live-action, sketch comedy-variety show that aired on the Nickelodeon cable television network featuring short comedic sketches and weekly musical guests. The theme song for All That was performed by TLC...
LIVE" - The self-acclaimed "100th episode" of "All ThatAll ThatAll That is an American live-action, sketch comedy-variety show that aired on the Nickelodeon cable television network featuring short comedic sketches and weekly musical guests. The theme song for All That was performed by TLC...
" aired LIVE on the evening of March 6, 1999 and was the first NickelodeonNickelodeon (TV channel)Nickelodeon, often simply called Nick and originally named Pinwheel, is an American children's channel owned by MTV Networks, a subsidiary of Viacom International. The channel is primarily aimed at children ages 7–17, with the exception of their weekday morning program block aimed at preschoolers...
show of its kind broadcast live from Hollywood, despite popular belief, several portions of the show were taped prior to the live taping, to fit in with costume changes, etc. For example, the Backstage Tour which included Josh ServerJosh ServerJoshua Aaron "Josh" Server is an American actor and comedian, best known for being the only All That cast member to remain through the entire original 6 seasons.-Acting career:...
and Kenan ThompsonKenan ThompsonKenan Thompson is an American actor and comedian. He is best known for his work as a cast member of NBC's long-running sketch comedy series Saturday Night Live...
running around backstage, checking out dressing rooms with Nick CannonNick CannonNicholas Scott "Nick" Cannon is an American actor, comedian, rapper, entrepreneur, record producer, radio, and television personality. On television, Cannon began as a teenage sketch comedian on All That before going on to host The Nick Cannon Show, Wild 'N Out, and America's Got Talent...
and prop house with Leon FriersonLeon FriersonLeon Curtis Frierson is an American actor and comedian, best known for his work on the Nickelodeon comedy show, All That.-All That:...
as well as the "All ThatAll ThatAll That is an American live-action, sketch comedy-variety show that aired on the Nickelodeon cable television network featuring short comedic sketches and weekly musical guests. The theme song for All That was performed by TLC...
Wall of Gifts" did not take place during the live segments, nor did the "Where's Danny TamberelliDanny TamberelliDaniel "Danny" Tamberelli is an American actor and musician.-Biography:Tamberelli played Jackie Radowski on the television series The Baby-Sitters Club shortly before more notably playing Little Pete on the Nickelodeon television show The Adventures of Pete & Pete and provided the voice for Arnold...
?" segments or the cold open, it is quite easy to tell where the live portions were as the camera pans out into the audience straight from the sketches (i.e. "Good BurgerGood BurgerGood Burger is a 1997 American comedy film by Tollin/Robbins Productions and Nickelodeon Movies, released by Paramount Pictures, directed by Brian Robbins, and starring Kenan Thompson and Kel Mitchell...
", "Fax Ashley", "Vital Information", "Whateverrr", Inconvenience Store, etc.). Britney SpearsBritney SpearsBritney Jean Spears is an American recording artist and entertainer. Born in McComb, Mississippi, and raised in Kentwood, Louisiana, Spears began performing as a child, landing acting roles in stage productions and television shows. She signed with Jive Records in 1997 and released her debut album...
was scheduled as a headlining musical guest but had a foot injury very close to filming and had to be replaced at the last minute by Lauryn HillLauryn HillLauryn Noelle Hill is an American singer-songwriter, record producer, and actress.Early in her career, she established her reputation as a member of the Fugees. In 1998, she launched her solo career with the release of the commercially successful and critically acclaimed album, The Miseducation of...
, from the Gibson Amphitheater (formerly the Universal Amphitheater), Hill was introduced by Mavis and Clavis and she quickly acknowledged the live show wishing it a "Happy 100th episode". Britney was featured in the show but only to introduce clips of "All ThatAll ThatAll That is an American live-action, sketch comedy-variety show that aired on the Nickelodeon cable television network featuring short comedic sketches and weekly musical guests. The theme song for All That was performed by TLC...
" sketch Detective Dan. - All ThatAll ThatAll That is an American live-action, sketch comedy-variety show that aired on the Nickelodeon cable television network featuring short comedic sketches and weekly musical guests. The theme song for All That was performed by TLC...
Live also was one of the first times in the studio's then two-year history under NickelodeonNickelodeon (TV channel)Nickelodeon, often simply called Nick and originally named Pinwheel, is an American children's channel owned by MTV Networks, a subsidiary of Viacom International. The channel is primarily aimed at children ages 7–17, with the exception of their weekday morning program block aimed at preschoolers...
ownership that the studio's exterior was presented to the TV audience-- (shown when host MyaMya-A person:* Bo Mya , Chief Commander of the Karen National Union* Mýa , American R&B singer-songwriter and actress** Mýa , a 1998 album by Mýa-A code:* Burmese language, ISO 639-3 code is mya* Moruya Airport's IATA code...
welcomes people on the red carpet, the exterior shots of the audience before & after commercial break and Mavis and Clavis introducing Lauryn Hill). - Nickelodeon On Sunset was not presented on screen prior to this show, in order to not confuse the television audience with Nickelodeon StudiosNickelodeon StudiosNickelodeon Studios was a television taping studio as well as an original attraction at Universal Studios Florida.-History:...
in Orlando, Florida, which was a big tourist attraction during the time. The red carpet exterior was later used for the Tenth Anniversary Reunion Special as well, with a computer edit on the sign entry, showing no originality (however the Reunion show did have a red carpet inside the NOS lobby), the exterior was used very well creatively for the live show capturing the red carpet, big ALL THAT live entrance and hundreds of kids fans in the well hidden NOS parking lot.
- Lets Just Play 2003 & 2004 worldwide day of play
- TEENick
- "R U All ThatAll ThatAll That is an American live-action, sketch comedy-variety show that aired on the Nickelodeon cable television network featuring short comedic sketches and weekly musical guests. The theme song for All That was performed by TLC...
? Competition" - The "R U ALL THAT" one-hour competition finale aired prior to the summer of 2003, in which the finalists of the competition performed sketches with All ThatAll ThatAll That is an American live-action, sketch comedy-variety show that aired on the Nickelodeon cable television network featuring short comedic sketches and weekly musical guests. The theme song for All That was performed by TLC...
cast-members, Christina KirkmanChristina KirkmanChristina Sally Kirkman is an American teen actress and comedian. She was best known for her role in All That in season 9.-Early life:Kirkman was born in Melrose, Massachusetts and she is an only child...
was crowned the winner and Ryan ColemanRyan ColemanRyan Coleman is an American teen actor from the Nickelodeon series All That. He was originally a runner-up in the "R U All That" competition only losing to Christina Kirkman; but soon joined the cast in the middle of ninth season as a replacement for Bryan Hearne...
runner-up, both joining the cast in Season 9 (Ryan, mid-season).
- "All ThatAll ThatAll That is an American live-action, sketch comedy-variety show that aired on the Nickelodeon cable television network featuring short comedic sketches and weekly musical guests. The theme song for All That was performed by TLC...
Tenth Anniversary Reunion Special"