Nickelodeon Perfectly Highlights Pride Over 30 Years

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Times have changed, and (perhaps surprisingly) Nickelodeon perfectly highlights the story of over 30 years of LGBTQ+ pride on television. Known for groundbreaking children's programming that promoted diversity, entertained families, and even helped them understand serious issues, Nickelodeon's legacy is one of social change. However, it took decades and a cast of courageous creators and characters to give the LGBTQ+ community a voice and a place on television where they are accepted.

Debuting in 1979, Nickelodeon prided itself on being “the first cable network for kids.” Airing a mixture of old and new family-oriented programming, Nickelodeon’s original television shows in the 1990s defined the channel and became some of their most iconic. Having produced cartoons, sitcoms, news programs, game shows, and everything in between, although nostalgic for many, the shows on the Paramount-owned TV network continue to set the standard in children’s entertainment as it acknowledges its past and embraces its future.

Related: What Does Nickelodeon Mean? The Name's Origin Explained

Nickelodeon always pushed boundaries and challenged what kid’s entertainment could be. Shows like Hey Arnold! explored subjects like mental health and taught audiences that families weren’t one size fits all, while others like Are You Afraid of the Dark? told stories that may have once been considered too scary for younger audiences. When it came to LGBTQ+ representation, Nickelodeon always had a special place for them, but it took over 30 years for those stories to truly be front and center, and fully celebrated. Going at least as far back as the humble 1990s and continuing well into today, Nickelodeon highlights the progress made in the LGBTQ+ community