Photo Credit; Getty Images
Nickelodeon Animation Studios is entering a new phase following a major restructuring within Paramount’s television division. As part of a broader consolidation strategy led by George Cheeks, Chair of TV Media, the animation studio will now operate as a label under CBS Studios. This move aligns Nickelodeon Animation Studios with other production units that have recently been brought under the same umbrella, including BET Studios, signaling a clear effort to unify operations across Paramount’s cable and television assets.
The transition comes with a leadership change. Alec Botnick has been appointed President of Nickelodeon Animation Studios. He will continue to hold his existing role at CBS Studios, where he serves as Executive Vice President of comedy development, as well as head of animation and alternative programming. In his expanded position, Botnick will oversee the animation studio’s creative direction and growth across television, streaming, and digital platforms.
Ashley Kaplan, who had been co leading the studio alongside Botnick for the past four months, will shift into a consulting role. In this capacity, she will focus on special projects within the TV Media division through the end of the year. Kaplan’s transition marks the end of a significant chapter, as she has spent seven years at Nickelodeon, where she played a key role in developing the company’s digital presence, particularly its short form content strategy on platforms like YouTube.
The restructuring reflects a larger vision for how Nickelodeon will evolve in a rapidly changing media landscape. According to Cheeks, Botnick’s leadership will be central to reimagining how the brand connects with modern audiences, especially younger viewers. The focus will be on meeting kids and families where they first discover content, then expanding that engagement across multiple platforms. This approach aims to transform Nickelodeon into a truly cross platform brand that remains relevant in an increasingly digital first world.
Botnick will also oversee Nickelodeon’s unscripted programming for television, including major events such as the Kids Choice Awards. In addition, he will guide the
development of new animated series while maintaining oversight of established franchises that continue to define the brand, including SpongeBob SquarePants, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, and Paw Patrol.
Despite these changes, some leadership roles remain unchanged. Jules Borkent will continue as Executive Vice President of global commercial partnerships and operations, managing Nickelodeon’s kids and family business strategy in collaboration with Botnick and other stakeholders.
This restructuring follows earlier organizational shifts after the merger with Skydance, which led to the consolidation of Paramount’s television production units. Notably, Nickelodeon’s live action series division has already been integrated into Paramount Television Studios.
Overall, the move to position Nickelodeon Animation Studios as a label within CBS Studios underscores a broader effort to streamline operations while strengthening the brand’s ability to compete across television, streaming, and digital platforms. With Botnick at the helm, the studio is poised to navigate its next chapter while continuing to build on its legacy of iconic children’s programming.
