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iAnswer YOUR Questions!

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Hey all!

If you have a question for me, ask me on Twitter (@DanWarp).  Just include #AskDanWarp so I can easily find them.

When I can, I'll go on Twitter, check out some of your questions, and post the best ones here, with my answers.

Question #1:  Do you write all the episodes of your TV shows all by yourself?[from @jvac]

Answer:  No.  I work with an extremely talented, small group of writers (just 4 or 5 people).  They are instrumental in helping me come up with stories, outlines, and the all funny stuff that happens in the episodes.  Then, I take the lead in writing the actual scripts, usually with just one other writer.  And sometimes we write together, as a group.

Question #2:  Will we see the iCarly gang learn to drive in an episode?[from @Ezriela]

Answer:  I've discussed a doing a "someone gets their driver's license" episode with my writers many times.  The problem is, it's an idea we've all seen done sooooo many times.  We did a really fun driver's license on Drake & Josh.  I do my best not to repeat myself, so... I'm open to the idea of doing a driver's license episode (on iCarly or Victorious)... as long as we come up with something really different and unusual – and FUNNY, of course. :)

Question #3Does it bug you when fans criticize the episodes you make? [from @CindyKay618)

AnswerLuckily, the response I get from fans is usually great and really nice.  But the feedback is never unanimously positive.  One thing I've learned for sure is: No episode will ever please all the fans.  I always do my best to make every episode as funny and great as I can.  But if I tried to write episodes that never upset anyone, my shows would be really boring!  I look at it this way: Some people don't like pizza.  Some people don't like The Beatles.  Nothing is for everyone.  If I can make most fans happy the majority of the time, I'm cool with that.  Hey, the Beatles are my favorite band of all time, but… I don't like all their songs.

Question #4:  What did the goat do to Carly?[from @Piper_Mackenzie]

Answer:  Haha.  I get asked this question so much!  You know who asks it a lot?  Miranda Cosgrove – no kidding.  Even she doesn't know.  And the fact is, neither do I.  When we wrote that script, the writers and I had fun thinking about things the goat might have done... but we all had different ideas.  And, as you know, it was never stated in the episode.  So, this one is up to your own imagination.  There is no correct answer.  It's anyone's guess.  But I have a feeling I'll be asked this question by fans for a long, long time.   

Question #5:  Did you ever see your future like this when you were a kid? [From @RockOutLoudL]

Answer:  No.  When I was a kid, I loved television comedy, but I never dreamed I'd actually work in that field some day.  I thought I'd be an inventor, or work with computers (some kind of technology).  I wanted to go to college at M.I.T.  But then, by chance, I became an actor at age 18.  A few years later, again by chance, I was asked to write and produce a TV show for Nickelodeon, and the result was a sketch comedy show called All That.  Since then, I've created around 8 television shows and written/produced a few movies (e.g. Good Burger, Big Fat Liar).  It all just kind of happened.  

Question #6:  What did you think of the One Direction boys' acting during filming?  Were they all good actors? [From @xflom_diao13x]

Answer:  Yes, the One Direction guys are good, funny actors.  When I booked them to appear on iCarly, I didn't know if they could act or not.  I took a chance, and I was thrilled with their work.  Also, they were extremely nice, polite, and professional on set.  I'd love to work with them again, anytime.


Question #7: How did you come up with the names of both series, iCarly and Victorious? [From @AmalYouzbaki]

Answer:  It wasn't easy!  Show titles are very important to me.  I came up with the name iCarly while filming on the set of Zoey 101.  My friend Steve Molaro (now executive producer of The Big Bang Theory) was working with me, and we were trying to think of a good title for my new series about kids who start their own web show. 

At that point, in my pilot script, the lead girl's name was "Sam" and we tried to get the URL iSam, but it was taken.  So, I tried a bunch of other girls' names.  I actually bought iJosie (dot com), thinking I might name the lead character Josie, but then I decided I didn't like it.

Then I tried iCarly, and I got it.  I loved that name for the lead character, so I changed the names of the two lead girls from Sam and Kira to Carly and Sam.  (I still have my original script where it's Sam, Kira, and Freddie.)

So, back in 2007, if someone hadn't already owned the URL iSam.com, then iCarly would likely have been called iSam.

As for Victorious, I liked the idea of having the name "Tori" in the title, and I really liked the power of the title Victorious.  It's a show about kids following their dreams to be entertainers, so Victorious works great in many ways.  And if you watch the first episode, it's all about Tori facing her fears, giving an incredible performance, and emerging from the experience victoriously. 

Question #8: What is your favorite episode of Victorious? [From @jose98_andre] 

Answer:  I often get asked what my favorite episodes are (mostly about Drake & Josh, Zoey 101, iCarly, and Victorious).  It's a tough question – sort of like asking a parent "Which is your favorite child?"  I like all episodes for different reasons.  But since you asked about Victorious, I really like Survival of the Hottest– the one where they got stuck in Beck's R.V. on a very hot day, while Cat was outside having fun with a bunch of guys.  There's just something about that episode I love.  I wouldn't say it's my favorite episode, but it's definitely one of the Top 10.

Question #9: Do all the castmates get along?!  Do you consider the actors on both TV shows family/friends or just co-workers? [From @xoAriJennetteox]

Answer:  If you're talking about iCarly and Victorious, yes – the cast members get along very well.  The best way I can describe it is like a family.  The cast members are very close and spend lots of time together.  But as with any family, there are conflicts along the way.  Just like you might get mad if your sister uses all the toothpaste, actors also get annoyed with each other, once in a while.  But 99.9% of the time they laugh all day and have a blast at work.  Personally, I like all the cast members of iCarly and Victorious very much (and I'm not just saying that).  They're all sweet, nice, fun people with great senses of humor.

Question #10: I always wondered why CAT has no locker. [From @R2ELAZUL]

Answer: You're right – we've never shown Cat's locker on Victorious.  It's kind of like how we didn't show Carly's room (on iCarly) for a long time.  It's just sort of worked out that way, because we've never needed to show Cat's locker in a specific episode.  But some day, we will show Cat's locker.  I just have to figure out how it should be decorated.  Hmmmm...

Question #11: Are there any cool guest stars coming up on Victorious any time soon? [From ‎‏@AmberNichole_16]

Answer: Yes, but I'm not allowed to say who.  I know that sounds dumb, but for "legal" reasons, I'm not allowed to release the information until it's officially released by the star's publicity people. :(

Question #12: Do you ever plan on revealing Cat's brother on Victorious? [From ‎‏@NotAnotherEric]

Answer: Haha.  Ariana and I talk about that a lot.  She wants me to play her brother!  I told her I'm too old.  But then, I had this idea that I could play her brother who's 19, but say I have some "condition" that makes me look 20 years older than am I.  That's either really funny... or stupid... I'm not sure yet.  Others have suggested that Ariana's real- life brother (Frankie, who's hilarious) should play her TV brother.  Anyway, the answer to your question is: I think I probably will show Cat's brother, sometime in a future episode.

Question #13: Who do you think is more deadly: Sam or Jade? [From ‎‏‎‏@codyowens3]

Answer: Excellent question.  This has been discussed on the iCarly and Victorious sets by the actors and the writers.  Jade is extremely intimidating... but Sam can be brutal when she's pushed.  In all all-out fight... it's no contest – Sam wins easily.  A better question might be: Who is more deadly: Sam or Shelby Marx?  (I know the answer)

Question #14: How hard was it to write the script for iGoodbye? [From ‎‏‎‏@AgentSeddie]

Answer: Very hard.  iCarly has been a major part of my life.  So, to write the final episode was both a huge challenge, and a very emotional experience for me.  It was a challenge because I really wanted it to be awesome (I hope I achieved that with the script).  And it was emotional because iCarly has been such a big hit around the world, it was just very tough knowing that, after 109 episodes, I was writing the final one – the end.  I tend to be a pretty emotional, sentimental guy, so I had tears in my eyes more than once as I was writing the final iCarly script.

Question #15: Can you tell us the last word spoken in the last episode of iCarly? [From ‎‏‎‏‎‏@mccurdyluv]

Answer: Wow – great question!  I wasn't sure if I should really answer, but I decided... why not?  The last new word spoken by a character in the final episode of iCarly is the word "out".


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Remember: Don't ask your question in a comment here.  To get an answer, go on Twitter and ask me there: @DanWarp

Best,
–Dan Schneider (a.k.a @DanWarp)

Victorious

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A message from Dan Schneider:

Hey guys!  If I misspell anything in this post, please forgive me – I'm in the back seat of a car, typing on my phone!  

Okay, first things first…

There is a whole NEW SEASON of Victorious coming your way.  We just finished shooting 15 new episodes, and they're amazing.  If you love Victorious, I feel sure you'll love the NEW episodes coming!

By now, a lot of you have heard that Victorious will not be returning for a 4th season.  That is true. 

Please understand: Almost all Nickelodeon live-action shows have a life span of about 60 episodes.  We made around 60 episodes of Drake & Josh… of Zoey 101… and we made 41 episodes of The Amanda Show… and all those shows were big hits.  (Yes, iCarly did more, but the vast majority of Nick live action shows do around 60 episodes, total.)
 

I would love to have made more than 60 of Victorious, but that's how it usually goes.  Whenever I begin a new TV series for Nick, 60 episodes is the plan, from the beginning.

I've heard some people use the word "canceled" – which isn't accurate in this case.  The term "canceled" is usually used when a TV show gets poor ratings, causing the network to end the show early.  TV shows that aren't doing well get canceled.

Ratings for Victorious have always been very high (still are), thanks to the FANS.  Also, just last month, Victorious was nominated for three Emmys.  And just before that, Victorious won the Kids Choice Award for Favorite TV Show (see pic below).  


We're all extremely proud of the show, and all we've accomplished.

Also – and it's really important that you know this – the network's decision about Victorious had nothing to do with "Gibby" or "Sam & Cat".  I promise.  Even if there was no "Gibby" and no "Sam & Cat" – the network still would have ended Victorious after its 60-episode run.

I know that some of you are upset and angry – and while I feel terrible about that, I'm also flattered by it.  I really appreciate that you care so much.  It means you love the show, which makes me feel very proud.  


Remember: Stay psyched about the 15 new episodes of Victorious coming your way!

And I hope you'll continue to support me, and all the stars of Victorious.  I can almost guarantee you – they will make a big impact on the future of entertainment.

And finally... of course... I will keep making the best, funniest TV shows I know how to make, for as long as people have fun watching them.

I'll see you online later, and I'll try to answer some of your questions.

Thanks for listening.  As always, please be nice to each other. :)

Love, 

–Dan Schneider (a.k.a. DanWarp)

For UPDATES on Victorious, iCarly, and BUZZ about my NEW SHOWS COMING SOON... please follow me on Twitter by CLICKING HERE!

Fun Facts coming in moments...

FUN FACTS: iCarly Says "iGoodbye"

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by Dan Schneider

Hey there, iCarly fans.

On Friday night – Novemeber 23rd, 2012 – iCarly aired its final, farewell episode – a one-hour special called iGoodbye.  I can't believe we've come to the end.  Part of me feels great about all we accomplished, and part of me feels extremely sad.

iCarly first appeared on television on September 8th, 2007.  Two of my other shows, Drake & Josh and Zoey 101, were coming to an end, and iCarly was my new project.  I hoped it would, at least, reach the same heights as my previous shows.

I never dreamed the audience would embrace iCarly the way it has.  We premiered to strong ratings.  And within less than a year, we saw iCarly become more than just a successful show.  Thanks to the fans, iCarly became part of American pop culture.

Like many of you who've been contacted me by email, Twitter, and Facebook, I'm really sad to see iCarly come to an end.  But in a way, iCarly will never be over.  We'll be seeing reruns for decades to come.  It will be available to you in lots of ways like iTunes, video-on-demand, etc. 

So, I hope that, like many loved TV comedies of the past, iCarly will live on and on.

Okay, let's get on to the Fun Facts!  But first...

*** SPOILER ALERT ***
*** SPOILER ALERT ***
*** SPOILER ALERT ***

DON'T READ THIS STUFF BEFORE YOU WATCH THE EPISODE IF YOU DON'T LIKE SPOILERS!!!!  YOU'VE BEEN WARNED!!! :)

If you read on, it will reveal some information about what happens in iGoodbye.  I'm not going to reveal too much, but still... you can wait and read these Fun Facts after you watch iGoodbye

If you're an iCarly super-fan, you'll probably enjoy reading this stuff.  But if you're a casual fan, you might find it boring.

And remember: Feel free to DISCUSS the episode here, in the comments below.  I definitely read them!  So do the cast and the writers.

When you're done reading all this, please tell any of your friends who like iCarly
about these Fun Facts, and that they can come here to read them.  Thanks! 

Okay, here we go... 

***iGoodbye***

During the first season of iCarly, I had the basic idea for the very last episode. 

I knew I wanted Carly and Spencer's dad, Colonel Shay, to return, for a special event.  I knew that Carly would be missing her dad terribly, and that he would make a surprise return home.  That's how I wanted the series to end. 

I had this vision of the front door opening, Carly hearing her dad's voice, turning, breaking into a huge smile, yelling "Dad!" and running into his arms.  I saw that scene in my head back in 2008.  So, it was kind of surreal when we filmed that very scene, in 2012. 

Okay.  Here we go with the scene-by-scene FUN FACTS...


*** Scene 1 ***
Scene begins in the school hallway with Carly at her locker.  For the record, the school's name is Ridgeway– which is the name of a high school in my home town, Memphis, Tennessee.  I never went to Ridgeway myself, but my nephew Scott did (he was the starting quarterback on the football team).

• Early in the scene, behind Freddie, you'll see one of the background actors wearing a Penny-Tee that says Squash Bosom.  If you've noticed, the main stars of iCarly haven't been wearing the Penny-Tees in recent episodes.  I can't tell you why!  You'll have to ask them.

• The idea for Freddie's new giant phone came straight from the iCarly writers room.  All the writers have iPhones except one who insists on using some giant phone we all make fun of.  So, I decided to incorporate that into this episode.  I think iGoodbye marks the first episode of iCarly where Freddie is not using a Pear Phone.

• Since Miss Briggs was in the first scene of the very first episode of iCarly, I felt it was only right to put her in the first scene of the last episode.  So, I did!  She's played by Mindy Sterling, a fantastic comedy actress and a lovely person. 

• You'll notice, in iGoodbye, a lot of "nods" (references) to past episodes of iCarly.  In this first scene, Carly and Sam mention Miss Briggs's "pointy boobs" – which they talked about in the first episode.

• Just before filming this scene, I experienced one of my most awkward moments ever, as executive producer of iCarly!  It was when the costumers brought Mindy ("Miss Briggs") to me, and asked, "Do you think we made Mindy's boobs look pointy enough?"  I blushed, kind of looked away, and muttered, "Uh yeah, sure, they're fine."  Haha.  So now you know... the costume ladies actually made Miss Briggs' boobs look pointy.

• Gibby's reaction to Freddie's phone is very much like the reaction that I, and the rest of the iCarly writers, give the one writer who has a giant phone.  We mock him constantly! :)

*** NEW OPENING CREDITS!!! ***

• I asked my awesome post production team, headed by Joe Catania, to make the opening credits extra special for iGoodbye.  And they did.  I think they did a great job!  You'll see a few fun shots from the past.  I love the way the end (the last 3 shots).

*** Scene 2 ***
This scene begins in Carly and Spencer's apartment, with Spencer getting a tool to work on a motorcycle – and then Sam and Freddie enter the apartment, together.

• Sam refers to the motorcycle as a 1964 Sterling.  It's actually a Triumph motorcycle.  I don't know know much much about motorcycles, but Jerry Trainor does, so he helped me pick what kind we should use.  And as a special bonus, a Triumph is the kind of motorcycle that Fonzie rode, on the classic TV show Happy Days.

• Yep, in this scene, we learn the name of another one of Socko's relatives – Ryder.  And since this is the last iCarly, that will be the final Socko relative we hear of.  Add Ryder to the list.

• I love the triple "Hey Audrey"  run with Spencer, Sam, and Freddie. 

• Only the iCarly will fully get Gibby's joke when he asks if the motorcycle is an exercise machine.  This calls back to an early episode where he asked if an exercise machine was a motorcycle.

• There is a reference to the two ex-girlfriends that Spencer accidentally ran over with his car.  That was first mentioned in iParty With Victorious.  Clearly, Spencer is not a very good driver.

• Spencer mentions B.F. Wangs Express (which is at the airport).  B.F. Wangs is a restaurant name I made up, first used in an episode of Drake & JoshThe restaurant has only been show once, at the end of one Drake & Josh episode.

*** Scene 3 ***
This short scene takes place in The Groovy Smoothie, with Carly sitting, by herself, at a table.


• This was the last scene ever filmed on the Groovy Smoothie set.

• I saved the actual cup and straw that Miranda used in this scene.  And I had Miranda autograph it.  I figure one day, it will end up in the hands of some big iCarly fan.  (Actually, I saved lots of stuff from iCarly.)

*** Scene 4 ***
Scene begins with Spencer sitting on the motorcycle, while Sam is doing some work on the front wheel. 


• When I started to write iGoodbye, I knew I wanted Lewbert to appear in the episode.  I love the Lewbert character, played by the brilliant Jeremy Rowley.  I've cast Jeremy in lots of my shows, including Drake & Josh, The Amanda Show, and others.

• According to makeup artist Michael Johnston, it takes approximately 28 minutes to apply Lewbert's hairy mole to his cheek.  And yes, I saved the actual mole, which was removed from Jeremy's face right after we finished filming this scene.

• Spencer's reaction to being sneezed on by Lewbert is priceless – absolutely hilarious – his run to the kitchen, spraying his tongue, etc. 

• This scene ends with Lewbert in the elevator being awesomely Lewberty.


---- COMMERCIAL BREAK ----


*** Scene 5 ***
Scene begins with Sam working on the motorcycle when Carly comes downstairs.  


• I needed a fun song to be playing when this scene opened, and I decided to go with "The Joke Is On You" – because so many iCarly fans loved that song when it was first used in iGet Pranky (during the montage when Spencer was pulling pranks on everyone).  The song was written by Michael Corcoran, the musical genius that does all the music for all my shows.  My first experience with Michael was when he and Drake Bell co-wrote the theme song for Drake & Josh.  Thanks to Drake Bell, for introducing me to Michael.

• I had to get in one last reference to Build-A-Bra!  And I did.  Actually, I had always thought about doing an episode where Gibby got a part-time job working at Build-A-Bra... but I decided not to (I thought it was a bit "much" for a TV show that airs on a kids' network – you know).  It would have been funny, though!  Imagine Gibby: "Hello, may I help you?"

• When Spencer is coughing and trying to stand up, Jerry improvised the line "I'm Spencer"– which made me laugh out loud when I heard it again in editing.  So, I put it in the show.  Why does he feel the need to identify himself to himself?  Only Jerry knows. :)

*** Scene 6 ***
Scene begins in a mall, at the Get-A-Head kiosk.  Now we know where Gibby goes to get his head duplicated!   


• And FINALLY... after all these years, someone FINALLY asks Freddie why he sometimes speaks Spanish!

• How amazing is our art department?  I couldn't believe how cool that head duplication machine looked when I first saw it.  If they had a "Get-A-Head" place like that at the mall you go to, would you get your head duplicated???

• Also amazing is David, our special effects artist, for making the head duplication machine come to life.  Looks amazingly real. 

• First mention ever of a new fast food restaurant – and one of Sam Puckett's favorites – Tubba Chicken– where she gets one of her favorite meals... a tub of chicken.

• As I'm watching this scene, and typing these Fun Facts for you, I'm realizing how much I love Sam-Spencer scenes.  They're so great together.  I think one of my favorite Sam-Spencer adventures was the "Assassin" game they played (like paint ball).  Now, this story between the two of them is another favorite.  It will make you laugh... and maybe cry a little, in a later scene.  We'll get to that one soon...

*** Scene 7 ***
This quick little scene takes place in the mall at a kiosk where Freddie is trying to buy a cell phone case.

• How cool are the huge Pear Phones in the background???

• Nathan Kress just makes me laugh in this scene.  I love him, looking in the mirror, trying to convince himself that the Side Packer isn't so bad. :)

*** Scene 8 ***
This scene starts with Sam walking into a motorcycle repair shop, owned by an odd character named Meekalito. 


• The actor who plays "Meekalito" is... he's okay, I guess. ;)

• I love the sign in the scene that says PLEASE BUY MY ROCKS.  Clearly, Meekalito wants someone to buy his rocks.

• The look on Sam's face as she backs out of the shop makes me laugh every time.

*** Scene 9 ***
This short scene takes place back at the mall, at the Get-A-Head kiosk.  Gibby's head is almost fully duplicated! 


• Mrs. Benson!  We couldn't do the final episode of iCarly without Freddie's mom!  And with her is a very special girl in my life, otherwise known as my adorable wife, Lisa (a.k.a. Hungry Girl).  She appeared in one episode of Drake & Josh, and I told her she had to appear in the last iCarly.  So, she did. :)

• Doesn't the fact that Gibby loves animals and defends them make me love him even more?

*** Scene 10 ***
And we're back at Carly and Spencer's apartment, where you see Spencer, emerging from his hallway, with a thermometer in his mouth. 


• If you like Carly's cute dress, then you love the work of Kris Dangl, our incredibly talented costumer.  She's one of my favorite people, and she's been dressing our actors since the end of All That.  She's extraordinarily talented.  Love ya, Kris!

• The script for iGoodbye was finished, and then I thought to myself, "I want to see a pair of Spencer's cool socks (made by Socko) one more time before iCarly comes to an end.  So, I wrote it in.  Don't you want a pair of Socko's light-up socks? :)

---- COMMERCIAL BREAK ----

*** Scene 11 ***
Scene starts with Carly and Sam on the couch in Carly's apartment. 


• A very short scene, but Miranda is wonderful in it.  I love her delivery of the line, "You're a good friend." 

• I also love the look on Sam's face when she reveals the frosting.  Come on... who doesn't want a best friend like Sam Puckett? :)

*** Scene 12 ***
This scene starts at the mall, at the Get-A-Head kiosk, with Gibby's head stuck in the duplication machine.


• Very interesting moment between Sam and Freddie when they talk about getting back together, isn't it?  ;)

• Notice the special effects in Gibby's head dome when he gets up and starts running around.

*** Scene 13  ***
Scene starts in Carly and Spencer's apartment, with Sam at a red toolbox, and Spencer emerging from his room. 


• Get your tissues ready for this special scene between Sam and Spencer. 

• As I watch this scene, I want to be very careful about what I say.  I don't want to give too much away.  Even though you are reading this, knowing there are spoilers... I still don't want to spoil this scene for you, by giving away too much.  Let's just say... this is a very heartwarming scene between Sam and Spencer. 

• I think maybe what motivated me to write this scene was... I love the Sam character so much.  Yeah, she's rough around the edges... but she has a great heart.  We all know that about her.  And not many good things happen for Sam.  I felt it was time something did. :)

• The very end of this scene had to be filmed several days after most of it was filmed.  The reason: the motorcycle battery died, so we couldn't finish the scene.  So, a few days later, we came back and picked up the ending, once the motorcycle's battery had been re-charged.

*** Scene 14  ***
This scene starts at the mall, at the Get-A-Head kiosk, as Gibby is being given oxygen by a paramedic.

Two new Penny-Tees: Zesty Roger and Captain Sausage.  You see them for sale at a kiosk, behind Freddie, early in the scene.

• Of all the things you might have guessed would happen in iCarly's final episode, I bet you never would have guessed that Gibby would get his own weasel.  Well, that's iCarly for ya. :)

• Big applause to the actor, Chris Fogleman, who played "Benny" – the guy in charge of the weasel kiosk.  So funny and great!

*** Scene 15  ***
This scene starts in Carly and Spencer's apartment, with Carly looking very sad (and crying) as she looks at the computer screen. 


•  More tissues might be required for this scene, too.  A pretty amazing moment is about to happen.  Your eyes might get a little teary on this one.  Mine do!

• The way Carly says "Yay for Sam" is adorably cute and sad. :(

• How great to Freddie and Gibby look in tuxes?!?

• And here comes one of the most awesome, magical moments in the history of iCarly.  It gives me chills every time I watch it.  I had this moment in my brain – the return of Carly's dad, and her reaction – way back in 2008.  And now, it finally happens here.  I wonder if you will feel choked up (in a good way) like I do, every time I watch this moment. 

• The music in this scene, at that special moment when Carly lays eyes on her father, makes the moment even more amazing.  Thanks to our brilliant composer, Michael Corcoran.

• Carly's father, Colonel Steven Shay, is played by a terrific, classy actor named David Chism.  I was so nervous about casting this role.  Carly's dad had to be PERFECT.  I've had this image of Colonel Shay in my mind for years, and I was so worried that we wouldn't be able to find the right actor to play him.  But we did!  David is absolutely perfect in the role. 

• Dad calls Carly "Snug Bug" – which Carly told us is the special name he calls her, back in the episode iMeet The First Lady.

• And once again, Gibby is still confused that Spencer is not Carly's dad.  We (the writers of iCarly) love that running bit.  How can he still be unclear on that???

• Spencer's reaction to seeing his dad is fantastic, too.  I think it will make you smile big.

• Okay, so what's your opinion: Phone case?  Or Purse? ;)

---- COMMERCIAL BREAK ----

*** Scene 16 ***
Scene begins in Carly and Spencer's apartment with... a crazy hat party!  Sound familiar?  


• The hat that Freddie is wearing in this scene is the exact same hat he wore in the very first episode of iCarly, during that crazy hat party.

• I decided to put a special spin on crazy hat party.  I made it a Crazy Hat Spaghetti Taco Party!  It only seemed appropriate, for iCarly.

• The blue cowboy hat they put on Carly's head... that's the exact same hat that Carly wore in the very first episode of iCarly... the one she always tosses up in the air in the opening credits (which was a little tribute to the great Mary Tyler Moore).  That hat is now in my home, safely put away.

• And this marks the final scene with T-Bo.  Thank you, Boogie, for bringing such a fun, crazy, hilarious character to life.  I wish you could all meet Boogie – he's about as lovable and funny a guy as you'll ever meet. :)

• The last part of this scene... it kills me.  I get so choked up -- especially at one particular part.  We'll get to that in a minute...

• Jennette has a joke in this scene that's one of the funniest Sam jokes ever.  I won't tell you what it is (I want you to be surprised when you hear it)... I'll just say it's about what Sam would say to her father.  I think it will make you laugh. :)

• And now, one of the moments that gets me every time.  When Carly says, "But... what about..." and she looks... and we cut to Spencer, looking back at her.  He gives her this little smile, and my heart breaks.  I don't know what it is... it's knowing that Carly is realizing she's going to have to say goodbye to Spencer... but I think it's more just Jerry Trainor's acting... the warmth and love he conveys  with that one little smile.  It kills me.  It makes me think of when I was a child, watching The Wizard of Oz– when Dorothy about to go home, and she says goodbye to the scarecrow.  It's justgreat.














When Spencer gives Carly that little smile, it just breaks my heart... but in a sweet way, if that makes sense.

*** Scene 17 ***
Scene begins in the iCarly studio, with Freddie's familiar "In five, four, three two..." (the last time).


• Two of my all-time favorite web show sketches are Baby Spencer
and The Cowboy and the Idiot Farm Girl Who Thinks The Cowboy's Mustache Is A Squirrel.  I'm really glad I was able to get them into the final episode, so we could see them one last time. 

• Jerry both loves and hates playing Baby Spencer.  He loves playing this bizarro baby character (because it's hilarious)... but he says it's extremely uncomfortable, because of the way he has to sit under the crib and crane his neck up through the bottom.  But Jerry's a pro – never complains.

• If you didn't cry when Spencer gave Sam the motorcycle... or when Carly's dad walked in and surprised her... I'm pretty sure this final web show farewell from Carly and Sam will make you cry.  It's pretty sad, and it's the first time in iGoodbye we really start to get that feeling we'reheading toward the end.

• When Carly gives this speech: "Listen... doing iCarly for you guys has meant so, so much to me.  And it's changed my life... and I want to say, to the fans of iCarly... thank you" – those words, which I remember writing as I sat in my usual chair, in my own den... that was a message from me to you, spoken through iCarly.  And I know that Miranda, Jennette, Nathan, Jerry, Noah, and everyone associated with iCarly, feel the same way.

*** Scene 18 ***
Scene begins in Carly's room, as Carly packs her suitcase, and Spencer sits on the bed


• There's very little acting in this scene.  As both Miranda and Jerry will tell you, every emotion you feel from them in this scene is 100% real.  It was a very tough scene to film.  Miranda and Jerry had eyes full of tears as we filmed several takes.  Our makeup artists kept having to step in and dry their eyes.  As I sat with the writers, watching the scene on my monitor, my eyes were also filled with tears.  In fact, I don't think there was a dry eye on our stage.  Even the camera operators needed tissues.  This Carly-Spencer goodbye scene was really difficult for us all to get through.  So, when you watch it, if you feel that deep emotion, you should know... it's all very, very real.  And I think it's just a beautiful scene. 

• Carly says a line in this scene, and I think it might be one of the most important lines of dialogue I've ever written.  She looks at Spencer and thanks him for teaching her that: "Being a grownup doesn't mean you have to stop being silly, creative, and fun."  At the time I wrote that line, I didn't realize just how meaningful that message is.  Maybe it took Miranda's perfect delivery of the line to make me realize its important.  Please don't forget it. :)

• As I mentioned, Carly's and Spencer's tears in this scene are very real. 

• I had Miranda and Jerry shoot an alternate ending to this scene – a funny one – where Spencer picks Carly up, and playfully wrestles her to the floor (as Carly laughs).  It was sweet... but when I got into editing, at that time, I decided to end the scene in a more poignant, not-funny way.

• When Carly and Spencer hug and say "I love you" to each other, that is also 100% real.  Listen to how they say it.  At that moment, they're not really being Carly and Spencer.  They're being Miranda and Jerry.  Watch it closely.  You can tell.

*** Scene 19 ***
Scene begins in the iCarly studio, with Freddie packing up his tech equipment, and then Carly walks in.


• This was the very last scene ever filmed in the iCarly studio set.  

• Both Miranda and Nathan did a wonderful job playing the sadness and the awkwardness of saying goodbye in this scene.  I think it wasn't easy for them, because they knew it was their last scene together as Carly Shay and Freddie Benson – just the two of them.

• Some fans think the kiss in this scene has some "relationship" significance.  I think they're reading too much into it.  There's no doubt that Carly and Freddie love each other as friends.  All the characters in iCarly love each other very much.  Does this kiss between Carly and Freddie mean more than deep friendship?  Who knows?  If there's ever an iCarly reunion, maybe we'll deal with that.  But in this scene, it's really just a warm moment of love and friendship between a guy and girl who care very much about each other, and are sad that that won't be seeing each other for a while.  

• As we filmed a few takes of this scene, one of the writers suggested that Freddie raise his arms victoriously as he walks out behind Carly.  We all thought it was a funny idea, so it the last few takes, Nathan did that – and it made us laugh.  Do his raised arms mean that Freddie feels he finally "got" Carly?  Or is he just psyched, the way any guy is when he gets to kiss a nice, sweet girl like Carly Shay?  For now, that's subject to anyone's personal interpretation.  I feel that the best writing sometimes leaves a few questions unanswered, so that fans can have discussions and apply their own feelings to some characters' words and actions.  I have a feeling that, some day, I'll be writing more words and actions for these characters.  I sure hope so. :) 

*** Scene 20 ***
Scene begins in Carly and Spencer's main living room, with Spencer and Gibby talking to Colonel Shay.


 • This is the very last scene the iCarly cast ever filmed.  We arranged our production schedule so that the very last scene we filmed would involve the whole main cast: Miranda, Jennette, Nathan, Jerry, and Noah.  This is the last scene the 5 of them ever did together.

• Watch Sam (Jennette) closely in this scene.  Jennette was extremely sad when we were filming this final scene.  We had to stop several times because Jennette was crying, and couldn't stop.  It made us all cry.  So, when you watch this scene, and you see the distressed expressions on "Sam's" face... that's not Jennette being Sam Puckett.  That's just Jennette.  We had to give her lots of hugs to get through it.

•  Sam's line, "I'll ride down with ya" – that's the line Jennette just couldn't say.  Every time we got close to her saying that line, Jennette would start crying, and she couldn't get the words out.  We had to do 11 or 12 takes.  We only got one take where she was actually able to get the words out.

• After Sam says "I'll ride down with ya"– watch her as she walks out of the kitchen.  When she comes around the white post, getting close to Spencer, you can see the pained sadness on JENNETTE'S face.  That's Jennette, trying hard to keep herself together, and not cry.  You can see it clearly as Jerry touches her back -- you can see Jennette's very sad "trying to not cry" expression -- it's very obvious, and 100% real.

• The group hug and shuffle is a tribute to the final episode of the great TV comedy The Mary Tyler Moore Show.  I loved that show when I was a little kid.  I've always felt (and said) that the Carly-Sam relationship is similar to the Mary-Rhoda relationship.  In the final episode of The Mary Tyler Moore Show, the cast did a very similar group hug and shuffle. :)

*** Scene 21 ***
Scene begins in the elevator as Carly and Sam head down to the lobby.


 • This is a hard scene to watch.  Carly and Sam saying goodbye to each other.  Again, there wasn't a dry eye on the iCarly stage when we filmed this scene.

• When Sam hands Carly her remote, that's a moment when many people tear up.  It's really hard not to.  It's such a sweet, difficult moment between two dear friends.  I love it... but it kind of hurts to watch. :(

• The emotion between Carly and Sam in this elevator scene is 100% real-life.  Miranda and Jennette have been through a lot together during the course of iCarly, and they're very close friends.  This scene was really tough for them, because they knew something wonderful and magical had reached the end.

• As I wrote this episode, I kept telling myself, "Dan!  Don't make it too sad!"  So, I tried to keep lots of comedy in, too.  That's why, at the end of this very poignant goodbye scene between Carly and Sam, I decided to have Lewbert enter the elevator, which gave Sam the opportunity to be her good ol' funny, crazy Sam self.  I love how she SCREAMS "Get out!" and terrifies Lewbert.  It's great how runs away screaming, like a terrified little girl.  So funny.

And that's the last time we'll see Lewbert (played by Jeremy Rowley) on iCarly.  Thank you, Jeremy, for bringing this insane, bizarre character to life, and making him so fun to watch.  FUN SIDE-FACT: Can you guess who Jeremy's real-life girlfriend is?  It's Danielle Morrow, who played "Nora" in iPsycho and iStill Psycho.  Try to imagine Thanksgiving dinner with Lewbert and Nora at the same table! :)

*** Scene 22 ***
Scene begins at the Seattle airport.  Carly and her dad on on the plane.


 As you can see, the Shays are taking Aloft Airlines, our airline of choice in the world of Schneider's Bakery TV shows. 

• Can you guess who's doing the voice of the flight attendant?  It's my cute wife @HungryGirl!  We recorded it on my iPhone, in our den at home, and then I emailed the audio file to my post production department, who put it in the show. 

• Even Colonel Shay uses a Pear phone!  How cool is he?!?

• As the flight attendant speaks, we see a shot of Carly's laptop, and it shows a page that's like my own personal Twitter page.  If you freeze frame, you'll see that I took this opportunity to thank some people.  Here are the exact tweets you'll see...

Huge THANKS to the FANS for watching @iCarly over the past 5 years.  It's been an honor and a privilege entertaining you :) :) 
 
Love and thanks to my wife @HungryGirl and my dear friend @SteveMolarofor helping me create iCarly. #iLoveYouBoth 
 
To my friends Robin Weiner and Joe Catania.  There would be no @iCarly without the two of you :)

• Can you guess who's doing the voice of the pilot?  That's me! :)

• I'm not sure how many people will noticethis... but if you'll notice, you hear me say "This is your pilot speaking..." and then Carly clicks a button on the iCarly.com page, and then a clip from the PILOT (the very first episode of iCarly) begins playing.  GET IT?  I say, "This is your PILOT speaking..." -- and then the pilot plays.  I thought that was kinda cool.

*** Scene 23 ***
Scene begins with Freddie leaving Carly and Spencer's apartment.  His familiar camera is in his hand.


 Miranda tells me this is a scene that makes her cry – when Freddie leans back against his door, and thinks back to how iCarly started.  It's amazing to see how much Nathan has grown up since we started, back in 2007.

• When production of iGoodbye was over, I went on set to Nathan and handed me Freddie's video camera.  We even made a video on my iPhone as he handed it over to me.  His camera (which I think was seen in every episode of iCarly) is now safely put away in my home.

*** Scene 24 ***
Scene begins in Carly and Spencer's apartment, with Spencer sitting down alone on the couch
 

 Another very poignant scene.  When I watch this one, it makes me think how Spencer lives alone now.  That makes me sad, but then I remember that Freddie lives across the hall... and that Gibby hangs out with Freddie all the time... and that T-Bo lives at Freddie's... so I feel okay knowing that Spencer will have plenty of company and fun to come.  Ha.  Listen to me.  I'm "worried" about fictional characters that doesn't even really exist.  I guess they're real to me.  I still care about them.  :) :(

• As I've said earlier in these Fun Facts, I didn't want iGoodbye to get too sad.  So I kept "slicing through" the sadness with funny stuff.  That's one reason I wanted the squirrel camcorder to burst into flames at the end of this scene.  The other reason: I felt that, in iCarly's final episode, Spencer had to have something accidentally catch on fire, right? :)

• It was important to me that Spencer smile at the end of this scene.  It's the very last Spencer scene we'll ever see.  So, we had to see him smile as he reflects on his life, and all that's happened in the past 5 years.  It wanted the fans to know that Spencer is still happy, and that he'll be okay.

*** Scene 25 ***
Scene begins on a Seattle street at night, as Sam rides her motorcycle to a stoplight, and stops.


This is the last scene ever filmed for iCarly.  During the two weeks of production for iGoodbye, we didn't have time to film this exterior night scene with Sam riding off on her motorcycle.  But we knew we'd be shooting a new pilot called Sam & Cat a month or so later.  So, this nighttime motorcycle scene wasn't filmed during the production of iGoodbye.  It was fimed about a month later, during production of Sam & Cat.

I'm glad that iGoodbye contains a scene of Sam with a ham. :)

*** Scene 26 ***
Scene begins back on the airplane, on Carly with her laptop.


• This is the montage showing clips of past iCarly web episodes on Carly's laptop.  I wanted to end iGoodbye with some past memories.  It's also to show that Carly is proud of what she created with Sam and Freddie, and all the fun stuff they did together.

• I'm very glad Baggles made it in.  I don't know why, but I just love that big ol' green sack of yogurt with a perpetual sinus infection. :)

• I like the final look on Carly's face... her last shot in iCarly.  I love her happy, content, big smile.

*** Scene 27 ***
Scene begins back on the street, at night, with Sam on her motorcycle.


This is the very last scene of iCarly.  Sam riding off, in search of whatever adventures await her next.  I think you'll enjoy those adventures. ;)

After Sam rides off, you'll see a red car enter frame from the other direction.  As that red car drives away, look closely at the license plate. :)

And... we're clear.

That's all Fun Facts for the last episode of iCarly.  I hope you liked reading them. 

Now... here's some fun iCarly Trivia for you...
  • In my first script (in 2006), Carly did not start a web show with her friends.  She was a normal girl who, by a stroke of luck, was cast in her favorite, popular televisionshow.  I ended up tossing that script in the trash, and I wrote a new script where Carly started a web show with her best friends, Sam and Freddie.
  • An episode of iCarly ("iSaved Your Life") holds the record as the highest-rated broadcast of any show in Nickelodeon's history.
  • In my first script, Carly's best friend was named Kira.  In a later draft, I changed the name to Sam.
  • When I wrote the iCarly pilot, I wrote the role of Sam with Jennette McCurdy specifically in mind.  I had been extremely impressed with Jennette two years earlier, when I cast her in a role on one of my previous shows, Zoey 101.
  • The hardest iCarly role to cast was Spencer.  It was my wife Lisa who said to me, "Hey, what about Jerry – 'Crazy Steve' from Drake & Josh?" I said, "Hmmm... that could be good."
  • I loved the idea of Carly living with her older brother because, when I was 12, I spent a week visiting my cool older sister, Sally, at her college.  We had such a great time just being together and having fun, with no real "parental authority" around.
  • When Drake & Josh was coming to an end... before I decided to create a new character for Miranda Cosgrove (Carly), I was considering writing a spin-off show for her, where she would have continued as "Megan" – her character from Drake & Josh.
  • My wife Lisa and my close friend Steve Molaro were major players in helping me create iCarly.  Steve is now an Executive Producer of The Big Bang Theory, the most popular comedy on primetime television today.
  • All episodes of iCarly were filmed at Nick On Sunset in Hollywood – except for the final 13 episodes, which were filmed at another studio (Sunset Bronson), a few blocks down the street from Nick On Sunset.
  • The iCarly theme song was written and produced by Michael Corcoran, the genius who does all the music for my shows.  I love the iCarly theme song.  My favorite lyric is "There's no chance unless you take one."
  • In no episode has there ever been any explanation about the identity or whereabouts of Carly and Spencer's mother.
  • The most referred to, but never seen character on iCarly is Spencer's friend Socko.  I got the name "Socko" from a real-life friend of mine.  He's a brilliant craftsman who has made much of the furniture in my home.
  • I did not invent the name Schneider's Bakery.  My grandfather did.  He was a real baker who owned and ran the very successful Schneider's Bakery in Memphis, Tennessee for 40 years.  I adopted the name to honor his memory, and to make my dad smile. 
  • Most iCarly episodes were written in my den, at my home.
  • As I was in the editing room, working on iGoodbye, I kept hoping the editor wouldn't turn around, because I often had tears in my eyes, and I didn't want him to know. 
  • Miranda, Jennette, Nathan, and Noah all got together at Nathan's house to watch the final iCarly episode together in Los Angeles when it aired on Friday night, November 23rd, 2012.  Jerry and I would have attended, but Jerry was in San Diego with his family (for Thanksgiving), and I was in Santa Barbara with my family.  Here's a photo from Nathan's house, the night they watched iGoodbye together (which I think is wonderful)...
 

    That's all the trivia for now.  But there's something else you need to know about iCarly, and it's important...

    Most of you have never had a chance to meet the cast.  If you had, you wouldn't have been disappointed.  I promise you this: The cast of iCarly is made up of the nicest, sweetest group of people you could ever meet.  Miranda… Jennette… Nathan… Noah… Jerry… they're every bit as great, lovable, and wonderful as the characters they played.

    Even though iCarly became a very popular, high-profile television show, not one cast member ever had "attitude" or was ever unprofessional in any way. 


    From the first day of the first episode to the last day of of the last, they all remained easy-going, gentle, warm, charming, friendly people.  They were always prepared.  Always happy.  And always ready to stop and chat with any fan who wanted to meet them.  They were never demanding.  Never difficult.  No "star attitudes" at all.  They're just good, sweet, huggable people – every one of them.

    I say this with 100% sincerity.  Ask anyone who ever worked with the iCarly cast. 

    It was a pleasure and privilege for me to work with
    Miranda, Jennette, Nathan, Noah, and Jerry.  Forever, I'll treasure every minute we spent together making iCarly.   

    And now, a message to the amazing FANS of iCarly…

    There can be no great show unless there's an audience to love it.  You've all loved iCarly for a long time.  Every day, I get tweets, Facebook posts, and emails from fans  telling me how sad they are that iCarly is ending, saying things like "It was my childhood".  You have no idea how much that means to me.  I'm sad, too. 

    When I've had a rough day or rough week, I'll sometimes foget about work, just flip on the TV, and watch an old show I loved when I was younger.  Doing that takes me back to a simpler time in my life, and it just makes me feel good.  No matter how much time has passed, the show – that old rerun – it's still the same as I remember it.  And when I watch it again, it's like going back in time to a happy, fun, comforting place.

    I hope iCarly will be one of those shows for you.  Years from now, when you turn on a TV (or some kind of fancy screen) and see an episode of iCarly, I hope it gives you a happy, warm feeling again.  I hope it makes you laugh and smile.

    Thank you all so much for making iCarly one of the greatest experiences in my life.

    Much love,
    --Dan Schneider



     

    Sam & Cat is a GO!

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    Thank youVariety, Deadline Hollywood, and The Hollywood Reporter!



     

     

    Nickelodeon Greenlights Spinoff of 'iCarly,' 'Victorious'

    Nickelodeon Picks Up ‘iCarly-Victorious’ Spinoff: ‘Sam & Cat’ Gets 20-Episode Order

    Dan Schneider's "Sam & Cat" features Jennette McCurdy and Ariana Grande reprising their roles from the respective series.



     

    NICKELODEON GREENLIGHTS SAM & CAT, NEW SPIN-OFF SERIES FROM HIT-MAKER DAN SCHNEIDER STARRING FAN FAVORITES JENNETTE MCCURDY AND ARIANA GRANDE


    Production Commences on 20 Episodes Featuring iCarly and Victorious StarsWho Embark on Crazy Adventures as Unlikely Best Friends and Part-Time Babysitters

    Santa Monica, Calif. – November 29, 2012 – On the heels of last week’s series finale of iCarly that topped all basic cable in total viewers, Nickelodeon is announcing the series pick-up of Sam & Cat (20 episodes), a spin-off comedy from award-winning creator and executive producer Dan Schneider (iCarlyVictorious, Drake & Josh, Zoey 101). Starring Jennette McCurdy (iCarly’s Sam Puckett) and Ariana Grande (Victorious’ Cat Valentine) reprising their roles from their respective hit shows.  The pair are unlikely roommates who become teen entrepreneurs by starting their own after-school babysitting business.  Sam & Cat will premiere in 2013, with production beginning this January in Los Angeles.


    “Jennette and Ariana are adored by our audience, and it’s great to unite these talented actresses in this hilarious new comedy from Dan Schneider," said Russell Hicks, President, Content and Development & Production, Nickelodeon.  “This show promises to deliver on what our audience loves most about these two favorite characters – laugh-out-loud humor and non-stop adventure, and is sure to be a compelling new chapter for our new comedic duo.”


    Best known for her comedic portrayal of Sam Puckett on the mega-hit Nickelodeon series iCarly, Jennette McCurdy most recently wrapped production on Nickelodeon’s original TV movie Swindle.  In addition, she was featured in other Nick original TV movies. McCurdy has also guest starred on CSI: Crime Scene Investigation, Strong Medicine, Law & Order: SVU, Medium and Judging Amy.


    Prior to garnering attention as the beloved character Cat Valentine on the Nickelodeon series Victorious, Ariana Grande performed on Broadway in the musical 13.  This holiday, Ariana will star as Snow White at The Pasadena Playhouse in a presentation of "A Snow White Christmas" alongside Neil Patrick Harris and Charlene Tilton.  Grande’s other acting credits include a feature role in Nickelodeon’s original TV movie Swindle and voiceover work on the animated Nick series Winx Club.  Grande is also signed to Universal Republic Records and her first single, “Put Your Hearts Up,” debuted at #24 on the pop charts.  Grande is leading the way with her social media efforts on Twitter, Instagram and Keek, and her YouTube account has garnered over 115 million views.


    Writer-producer Dan Schneider has established himself as a dominant force in the world of family entertainment by creatively drawing on his affinity for youth culture at Nickelodeon.  Under his Schneider’s Bakery Productions, he has carved a unique, progressive niche in the world of kid and family entertainment, most recently as creator and executive producer of the mega-hit Nickelodeon series iCarly starring Miranda Cosgrove, Victorious starring Victoria Justice, and Zoey 101 starring Jamie Lynn Spears—all of which have received Emmy nominations.  Schneider also created/executive produced The Amanda Show starring Amanda Bynes and Drake & Josh starring Drake Bell and Josh Peck.  Schneider began with Nickelodeon as executive producer and show runner on the network’s groundbreaking sketch comedy series All That from 1994 to 1998, and then returned to run the show in its seventh season.  He then went on to produce Kenan & Kel, starring Kenan Thompson and Kel Mitchell.  Schneider also created the hit WB series What I Like About You, starring Amanda Bynes and Jennie Garth.  His comedic success has also translated to the big screen for which he wrote and produced the popular films, Good Burger and Big Fat Liar.

    Sam & Cat PREMIERES!!!!!

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    June 8, 2013

    Written by: Dan Schneider

    Hey guys!  

    It's hard to believe that I have a new TV show – Sam & Cat – premiering TONIGHT (8:00 PM on Nickelodeon – 7 central).  It's been a while since I've done my FUN FACTS, but tons of people have been asking me to do them for the first episode of Sam & Cat, so here goes!

    To anyone who's watched my shows over the years, it comes as no surprise that my new show has its roots in one of my past shows (actually, in this case, two of my past shows).  Every show I've ever created starred an actor or actress from a prior show.

    It all started with All That.  Kenan Thompson and Kel Mitchell were so freakin' great on All That, we decided to give them a shot at their own show – and Kenan & Kel was born.  Since then, you can trace every TV show I've created back to one of my previous shows.  That's not a formula I ever "thought through" – it just sorta happened... and kept happening.

    As you probably know, iCarly and Victorious were very successful shows for Nickelodeon.  They were the top two live-action shows on the network, after Drake & Josh and Zoey 101 ended.

    There were two main factors that lead to the creation of 
    Sam & Cat.  First, I love BUDDY COMEDIES.  You can't beat the fun energy of two great, comedic actors working together as a team.  Two of the most popular shows I created were Drake & Josh and Kenan & Kel.  And for a long time, I've thought it would be great to make a show like those – a buddy comedy – but with two GIRLS.

    But who would be the PERFECT STARS for a buddy comedy starring two girls?  Not an an easy question to answer.  Until... it became an extremely easy question to answer. ;)

    Thanks to Jennette McCurdy's talent (plus the talent of many amazing comedy writers),
    SAM PUCKETT became a hugely popular character on iCarly.

    And thanks to Ariana Grande's talent (plus the talent of many amazing comedy writers),
    CAT VALENTINE became a hugely popular character on Victorious.

    It all came together in my head, one day, when I was in my office, talking with a senior Nickelodeon executive named Tracy Katsky – one of the best, most respected and well-liked TV executives in the entertainment business.  We were sitting around, talking about what my next show might be – and with Tracy's help, the idea for a new buddy comedy called
    Sam & Cat was born!

    I created the "Sam Puckett" character when I wrote the pilot for iCarly.  At that time, I had no idea that, 3 years later, I'd create the character "Cat Valentine" in the Victorious pilot script.  So, by accident, I created two characters who were ideal to star together in a fun, crazy, new buddy comedy.  Sam + Cat = the perfect pairing for a great, hilarious TV show.

    Now, 
    Sam & Cat hits television TONIGHT on Nickelodeon at 8:00 PM (7PM central).  The show is made by the same, incredible creative team that brought you many of my past shows – the same talented, creative people who helped me produce Drake & Josh, Zoey 101, iCarly, Victorious, and more.

    Okay, the time for the Fun Facts is NOW!  But first...

    *** SPOILER ALERT ***
    *** SPOILER ALERT ***
    *** SPOILER ALERT *** 


    DON'T READ THIS STUFF BEFORE YOU WATCH THE EPISODE IF YOU DON'T LIKE SPOILERS!!!!  YOU'VE BEEN WARNED!!! :)

    If you read on, it will reveal some information about what happens in the first episode of 
    Sam & Cat   I'm not going to reveal too much, but still... you can wait and read these Fun Facts after you watch Sam & Cat.  

    If you're super-fan, you'll probably enjoy reading this stuff.  But if you're a casual fan, you might find it boring.

    And remember: Feel free to DISCUSS the episode here, in the comments below.

    When you're done reading all this, please tell any of your friends about these Fun Facts, and that they can come here to read them.  Thanks! 

    Okay.  Here we go with the scene-by-scene FUN FACTS...




    ••• Scene 1 •••
    Scene begins on a street, with Sam driving up on her motorcycle, stopping at a food truck.

    • If you watched iGoodbye (the final episode of iCarly), you know this motorcycle.  It's the 1964 "Sterling" that Spencer gave to Sam.  I intentionally set this up in the last iCarly.  I knew that Sam would be traveling to Los Angeles, since that's where Cat Valentine lives.  And I wanted to give Sam some continuity from her life in Seattle to her new life in L.A.  That's one of the reasons I set up Sam's new motorcycle in the final iCarly, iGoodbye.

    • Cat's pink bike, that you see her riding in this scene, was first scene in an episode of Victorious.  I just talked to Ariana, and we think her bike first appeared in the episode "A Thousand Berry Balls" – when she had it at the Cow Wow dance.  (P.S. Ariana's not very good at riding at a bike, but don't tell her I told you that.  Shhhhhhh!)

    • The two boys looking for their missing cat, Pawsley, are actually brothers in real life.  

    • In Cat's bike basket, you'll see Mr. Purples, her little stuffed purple giraffe.  You've seen Cat with Mr. Purples before in several episodes of Victorious, and in her videos on The Slap.

    • The street where we filmed this scene is the same location where, in Drake & Josh, Josh tried to drive his new yellow car (a stick shift) with Drake and Megan.  It's also where we shot the giant cupcake scenes in the Victorious episode "Terror on Cupcake Street."  

    • When Cat opens the lid of the green garbage can, I didn't expect the lid to fall off.  But it did, every time.  So, I added the line "Oh the hinge!" for Cat to say when it falls off.

    • Notice the name printed on the garbage cans, and on the garbage truck: Filth In Motion.  We had to come up with a name for the trash company, and we thought Filth in Motion was funny.

    • I always knew I wanted the first scene of 
    Sam & Cat to be about Sam coming to Cat's rescue.  In my first draft of the pilot script, Sam entered the scene when some mean, tough girls were trying to steal Cat's bike from her.  Later, I came up with the idea of the garbage truck rescue, which I liked much better.  It's a very "big" opening scene for a little TV sitcom. :)

    • Some fans have asked me, "But wait!  Didn't Sam and Cat already meet in iParty With Victorious?" The answer is: yes and no.  True, both characters appeared in iParty... but they never really interacted.  So, to me, this is their first real meeting – and I love that it happens in a moving garbage truck.

    • While Sam and Cat are in the garbage truck, if you'll notice, the garbage is closing in (compacting) on the girls.  

    *** MAIN TITLES (THEME SONG + OPENING IMAGES) ***
    "I'm never that far, no matter where you are... believe it, we can make it come true..."


    • As a kid who grew up loving television comedy, I always felt the power and importance of a great theme song.  Sadly, over the past 15 years, theme songs have slowly been disappearing from TV shows in the primetime world.  They're not completely gone yet, but they're fading into extinction. 

    Luckily, a few showrunners today fight the big networks and win approval to have a theme song.  An example is The Big Bang Theory – a great show with a perfect theme song that gives the show its soul.  Those first few bars, "Our whole universe was in a hot dense state..." make you smile and want to sit down and watch the show.  Try to imagine The Fresh Prince of Bel Air or Full House without their great theme songs!

    For the 
    Sam & Cat theme song, I went to our resident musical genius, Michael Corcoran (Backhouse Mike) who's created all my recent shows' theme songs.  I first met Michael through Drake Bell, when they wrote the them song for Drake & Josh.

    Michael knows how important theme songs are to me and WOW, he came through again!  When he presented me with the theme song to 
    Sam & Cat  called "Just Fine" – I listened to it once... then a second time... and then I said, "Brilliant – that's IT."  It's just great.  It sounds like a classic TV theme song, but somehow fresh and contemporary at the same time – an instant classic.  It makes you feel good and happy, and it makes you want to sit down and watch a half-hour of fun television.  So, thank you Michael, for your musical genius again

    I hope you love the main titles (that is, the theme song plus the pics and video clips on the Pear Pad) as much as we all love it here at Schneider's Bakery.  It's a great collection of fun images from the show.  The POST PRODUCTION WORK (making everything work properly on the Pear Pad) took a ton of time and care.  Luckily, we have the best post production team in Hollywood.  Thanks to Joe, David, Jeff, and the whole post team!

    • You see the ampersand (the & sign) over Sam's and Cat's heads in this shot below?  I found and bought that ampersand sign at the Rose Bowl swap meet (flea market) in Pasadena.  I went there looking for cool stuff for the show, because you can find all kinds of interesting, crazy things at a swap meet that you can't find anywhere else.  So, I bought that 
    & sign there. (Secret: The lights don't really light up – that's a post effect we added.)  Take a look...




    • When you watch the main titles, can you guess what object Sam is using to break the glass bottle?


    ••• Scene 2 •••
    Scene begins outside in a parking lot, with Cat lying on the pavement as Sam dries her clothes with a gasoline powered leaf blower.


    • Cat informs Sam that she (Cat) lives with her "Nona" – her grandmother.  The other writers and I from Victorious set this up – Cat's living situation – in one of the later episodes of Victorious titled "Star-Spangled Tori".
     (Side Note: The character is named "Nona" because that's what Ariana calls her own grandmother, in real life).

    • As you'll see, this first episode of 
    Sam & Cat was directed by Steve Hoefer.  He's an amazing director, incredibly hard worker, and one of the nicest guys you could ever meet.  Steve also directed the pilots for iCarly and Victorious.

    • WHAT is up with the limo driver's TIE?  Yikes!  (I actually think it's pretty cool.)


    ••• Scene 3 •••
    Scene begins in Cat's grandmother's apartment (Nona's), as she pours a glass of lime water, and Sam comes out wearing a very un-Sam-like robe.

    • Meet "DICE" played by the awesome Cameron Ocasio.  Cameron is only 12, but he's already performed on Broadway, and he was exactly what I was looking for when I started writing the role of "Dice".  Cameron is such a great kid, and (in real life) he does magic tricks that would make your head explode!  In the short time we've been filming 
    Sam & Cat, Cameron has already become great friends with Jennette and Ariana.  He loves working with the girls every day.  He's also a great dancer – check him out here (he's the kid in the middle of the screen): http://youtu.be/Fx_2ytZTsvM

    • If you could buy a lock of hair from any celebrity, whose hair would you want the most?!?

    •  "He smells so talented!" – one of my favorite lines from the first episode. :)

    • Not many characters on TV shows get introduced by being pushed into their first scene in a grocery cart while trapped in a burlap sack.  Ladies and gentlemen, meet "NONA"– played by the fantastic Maree Cheatham.  We all love Maree, here at Schneider's Bakery.  If you want to see just how experienced an actress Maree is, check out her IMDB page – impressive!

    • Maree insisted that we didn't use a stunt double for her fall out of the grocery cart onto the couch.  She wanted to do it herself.  I think Maree's having a BLAST playing the fun, wacky, bizarre comedy we do here at Schneider's Bakery.  After appearing in dozens of TV shows, I have a feeling she's having the most fun of her career, here with us on 
    Sam & Cat.

    • In my first draft of the pilot script, the place where Nona wanted to move to was "Shady Acres" – which is a fine name.  But it wasn't very funny or interesting, so later, I changed it to "Elderly Acres" which I like a lot better... because it's so ridiculous. :)


    ••• Scene 4 •••
    Scene begins with Sam asleep on Cat's sofa bed, late at night.


    • Many friends of mine who've seen the first episode of 
    Sam & Cat are SO CURIOUS as to how we did the bit where Sam gets folded up into the sofa bed.  Even my good friend Steve (exec producer of The Big Bang Theory) was all, "How the heck did you guys do that?!"  Guess what.  Even I don't know how we did it!  I wrote the bit, but it was our genius special effects guys and art department who figured out how to make it happen.  All I know is... it's hilarious to see happen.

    • It wasn't easy for Ariana to lift the sofa bed out with one hand (to free Sam), but she did it!


    ••• Scene 5 •••
    Scene begins with Cat coming home from school, and finding Sam making something in the kitchen.


    • When my wife Lisa saw the first episode, she loved the shirt that Sam wears in this scene, so she bought one for herself!

    • I love the spit take that Cat does in this scene!  So funny.  If you don't know what a "spit take" is... it's when someone is drinking and hears something shocking (or funny), which causes them to suddenly SPIT their drink out of their mouth.  Usually, it's a big, SUDDEN SPRAY, like PPPPBBTTTHHHH!!!  But what Cat does in this scene is a special variation of the spit take – where the liquid just falls out of her mouth.  Yes, this is what I do for a living... I analyze the various kinds of spit takes.  Not a bad job. :)

    • Jennette and Ariana actually hit that door really hard when the first try to run out of the apartment.  It startled us (the producers) when it happened.  We thought that they really got hurt!  Turns out they're just great actors.  (P.S. I think they got a little hurt, but just didn't want to admit it.)

    ••• Scene 6 •••
    Scene begins with Sam and Cat running fast out of the apartment into the atrium, rushing to get to Elderly Acres.


    • As you can see, Sam and Cat live in apartment number 22.  That number has a special meaning.  Can you guess what it is??

    • The kids who played Max and Chloe (the young kids who Sam and Cat babysit) did such a great job in this episode.  I'm really glad when I find kids who can give me "real acting" – as opposed to "kid TV show" acting, which I always try hard to avoid.  These two kids were real pros.  And their little brother, "baby Darby" was a good actor, too... even though he's only 7 months old.

    ••• COMMERCIAL BREAK •••


    ••• Scene 7 •••
    Scene begins with Cat running into Elderly Acres, bringing in the younger kids, with Sam following them in.


    • The kids who played Max and Chloe loved riding that red scooter.  They both wanted to keep doing more takes.  Although scooters are usually for people who have trouble walking, kids seem to LOVE THEM.  I bet the companies who make these kinds of scooters could have a lot of success marketing slightly smaller versions for kids.

    • When I get older, if I ever need to move to a retirement home, I want to live in one like Elderly Acres.  Being in my 70's or 80's and playing Twister... getting tattoos... hopping in a swimming pool and watching movies... sign me up!

    • When the Elderly Acres worker (woman in blue shirt) walks up to the tattoo station and says "I'm sorry everyone" -- there is a mistake.  See if you can spot the mistake.  (P.S. The way that woman later says "I'm sorry" makes me laugh – she did it that way when she auditioned, which is why I cast her.)


    ••• Scene 8 •••
    Scene begins with at the drive-through window of Inside Out Burger.


    • I first invented the restaurant Inside Out Burger for an episode of Drake & Josh.  Since then, I think I've mentioned Inside Out Burger in Zoey 101, iCarly, Victorious, and now 
    Sam & Cat   If you live in California, you probably have a good idea what real fast food restaurant Inside Out Burger is based on.  Hint: It rocks.

    • How freakin' CUTE is that baby in the scooter basket?!? 

    • The baby in this episode ("Darby") is a twin.  When you're making a TV show or movie and you need a baby, you always try to cast TWIN babies.  That way, if one of them gets fussy, you just switch 'em out! 


    ••• Scene 9 •••
    Scene begins back at Elderly Acres with Cat talking to her grandmother, Nona.


    •  Nona's soup recipe: Open the can, pour it in the bowl, put it in the microwave.  Quite a recipe.  It's so funny when Cat hears that, then says, "Wait, slow down!"

    •  Be honest: If you could have Sam Puckett give you a tattoo of a chicken leg on your arm, would you let her do it?   Think about it.


    ••• Scene 10 •••
    Scene begins back at Inside Out Burger with the two kids ("Max" and "Chloe") talking to the drive-though guy.


    •  The drive-through guy is played by Adam Tait.  He's our dialogue coach on Sam & Cat (and also was on iCarly and Victorious, too).  His job is to rehearse with the actors, and help them with their dialogue.  Adam also happens to be a GREAT ACTOR himself, and one of the nicest guys ever.

    • It was really hot on the day we shot this scene.  We all felt so bad for the actor who plays the manager of Inside Out Burger.  He had to chase that scooter around, take after take.  Some of the sweat you see on him is REAL.


    ••• Scene 11•••
    Scene begins with Cat walking into the atrium, with Sam, on her way back to her apartment.


    •  Are you ready for this?  As I'm typing these Fun Facts right now, our costume designer (Kris) is sitting near me.  She tells me that the pink dress that Cat is wearing... she's wearing BACKWARDS.  I asked why.  She told me, "We thought it looked better that way."  Go figure.

    • We were all surprised when Cat GASPED and said, "The kids!" See if you can guess why we gasped. 


    ••• Scene 12 •••
    Scene begins back at Inside Out Burger with the two kids ("Max" and "Chloe") riding the scooter, being chased by the manager.


    •  We had rehearsed these Inside Out Burger scenes all week... and at the last minute I had the idea to give the manager a stick with a flashing police light on top.  Our fantastic prop department created the prop fast, so it made it into the show!

    • There's a nice little Star Wars reference in this scene (for the fans who are as nerdy as I am).

    • During the part where Sam and Cat are giving the man "their version" of CPR... notice a reaction shot of the baby.  It's so great because even that 7-month-old BABY is looking at Sam and Cat like they're insane.

    • I love the "happy double-hand-slap thing" that Sam and Cat do at the end of this scene.  
    Jennette and Ariana came up with that on their own. :)

    ••• Scene 13 •••
    Scene begins back in the apartment – Cat is on the couch with the kids, playing a video game, while Sam is in the kitchen area with Dice.

    •  Can you guess what video game Cat is playing with the kids?

    • How much would you pay for a Ziplock bag of Sam Puckett's hair?  Should we give some away to fans?  How about the Kleenex that Dice wants from her?  Would you buy that?

    • After the woman says "A hundred and fifty bucks" -- it's soooo funny how Sam goes, "Whaaaaaaaaat?" – Jennette McCurdy is just a brilliant comedic actress – that's all there is to it.

    • About Cat's lines, "We sort of have this whole, fun odd couple dynamic" and "built-in conflict" and "lots of potential for more adventures" – that's me kinda making fun of the kinds of things television executives say.  In other words, I'm teasing my bosses a little bit (in a friendly way!).

    • I laugh every time I watch Cat yell, "Shut up, who is she!"  Ariana Grande = nuclear funny.


    ••• Scene 14 •••
    Sam and Cat are on a motorcycle together, cruising along a busy street.


    •  This final scene teaches us 3 very important things if you're riding on the back of someone's motorcycle:  
    (A)  Don't tickle the driver.  (B)  Don't put your fingers in the driver's ears.  (C)  Don't play bongo drums on the driver's helmet.  These are important thing to remember!

    -----------------------------------------------

    And that's all the Fun Facts for the very first episode of 
    Sam & Cat   I'm so psyched about the premiere of this new show, for many reasons.

    Unless I'm wrong (which happens!), 
    Sam & Cat is is the first double spin-off ever on television.  There have been many shows where they took a popular character and created a new show with that character, like Frasier (from Cheers), and Laverne & Shirley (from Happy Days), etc.  But...

    I'm pretty sure that 
    Sam & Cat is the first TV show where the two leads come from two previous hit TV shows – a DOUBLE spin-off.  We think that's pretty amazing.  I'm incredibly proud of both iCarly and Victorious – and everything those shows accomplished – so it makes me really happy that part of those two shows will live on in Sam & Cat.

    If you're between the ages of 6 and 14, I feel pretty sure you're going to love 
    Sam & Cat (whether you were a fan of iCarly and Victorious or not).  And for the older fans who have fond memories of Drake & Josh and Kenan & Kel, I feel sure that Sam & Cat will make you laugh a lot.

    As always, my goal isn't to just make a popular "kids show."  I like to make television that the whole family can watch together.  On Nickelodeon, kids are always the main target audience – I'll always respect that – but if I can also get the older kids, college kids, parents, and even grandparents to laugh along... that's what makes me feel proudest.

    I miss the family TV comedies I used to watch as a kid with my mom, dad, and sisters, so I hope that 
    Sam & Cat can be a show like that for you and your family.

    Special thanks to everyone who worked to make iCarly and Victorious such special, wonderful shows.  Without them, there would be no Sam & Cat!

    Please have fun watching the show – tomorrow (Saturday) night at 8:00 PM on Nickelodeon (7:00PM central) -- like I haven't said that enough!  

    By the way, here's a cool new article that just came out today.  Thanks to Verne Gay and Newsday for this: http://www.bendbulletin.com/article/20130607/NEWS0107/306070335/

    On Twitter, my name is @DanWarp.  Please let me know what you think of the the new show! 

    Best,
    Dan Schneider :)

    P.S.  If you'd like to follow the cast on Twitter, here are their names...

    SAM:  @JennetteMcCurdy 
    CAT:  @ArianaGrande
    DICE:  @CameronOcasio
    NONA:  @MareeCheatham
    GOOMER @ZoranKorach  (He's not in the first couple of episodes, but you'll know him soon!)

    Sam & Cat – GREAT RATINGS!!!!

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    RATINGS AND NEWS REPORT FOR...

    SAM&CAT

    Thanks toTHE FANS...


    The premiere of Sam & Cat last Saturday night was a huge success!!!


    RATINGS ARE IN!

    Despite strong counter-programming directly against us, the debut of 
    Sam & Cat broke the 4 million barrier... with 4.2 million total viewers!

    It was Nickelodeon biggest live-action launch in the past THREE YEARS.


    And it was Nickelodeon's biggest live-action launch in TEN YEARS, if you don't count launches that followed the Kids' Choice Awards or an iCarly TV special.


    In other words, Sam & Cat's ratings come without the help of a powerful lead-in!!!


    Sam & Cat swept kid, tween and teen demos as number-one on Saturday, June 8th, among Kids 2-11, Kids 6-11, Tweens 9-14, and Teens 12-17.  Among its target audience, the show raised last year’s levels by triple digits and handily beat direct competition by high double digits.


    By Sunday morning, 
    Sam & Cat hit the #1 spot on all of iTunes!  That's not just for Kids TV... but for all TV shows on iTunes...


    We did it!  Again, THANKS TO THE FANS!!!

    Be sure to tune into the next new episode of Sam & Cat this Saturday night at 8:00 PM (7 central)!!!

    Sam & Cat – Fun News!!!

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    “Laverne & Shirley” Stars Reuniting on “Sam & Cat” 

    Posted on Wednesday, June 26, 2013 – CBS News

    LOS ANGELES — The leading ladies of "Laverne & Shirley" are reuniting.

    Classic TV comedy legends Penny Marshall and Cindy Williams (Laverne & Shirley) will act together again for the first time in over 30 years with their upcoming guest appearance on Nickelodeon’s newest hit sitcom.

    Marshall and Williams will guest star with Jennette McCurdy and Ariana Grande on Sam & Cat.

    In the episode, teen girl roommates Sam Puckett and Cat Valentine are ordered to rename their babysitting business because it’s too similar to “Salmon Cat,” a fictional TV show from the 1970's. Sam and Cat must then locate the show’s two original creators (played by Marshall and Williams) and resolve their three decade-long feud.

    The classic TV actresses starred as 1950's pals and roommates Laverne DeFazio and Shirley Feeney, workers in a Milwaukee brewery. The mega-popular sitcom aired from 1976 to 1983 on ABC, often ranking as the #1 television show in America.

    Nickelodeon says Marshall and Williams will start filming on Wednesday. 

    Sam & Cat creator Dan Schneider says it was an honor to write for what he called TV's "funniest female roommates" ever. Schneider has been the main creative force behind other popular tween/family comedies including iCarly, Victorious, Drake & Josh, and Zoey 101.  

    Sam & Cat, currently Nickelodeon’s number-one live-action series, drew over 4.2 million viewers with its series premiere making it the network’s biggest live-action debut in three years. The series airs regularly Saturdays at 8:00 p.m. (ET/PT).

    © 2013 All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. The Associated Press contributed to this report.

    Victorious - Big Final Episode???

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    Hey guys!  So, as some of you know, recently, I posted these 3 tweets:

    • Hey@NickelodeonTVand @Victorious cast! You wanna get back together and make a BIG FINAL EPISODE, for the fans? I want to! Do you?!?

    • A big fun @Victorious finale would be AMAZING & the fans would LOVE IT. So LET'S MAKE ONE,@Victoriouscast & @NickelodeonTV. You in?!?

    • By the way, @NickelodeonTV... my fee for making a @Victorious finale? ZERO. I'll do it for FREE. There - you have it in writing :)

    When I got home, I got one of the usual emails from our social media team (they frequently send out reports to the producers, etc. about web activity for our shows).  

    They loved my tweets, because they want a Victorious finale, too. But they also told me that a bunch of fans have been saying things like:

    Oh my god I can't believe it's really happening!

    And...

    I'm crying! We're finally getting a finale!!!!

    And...

    "I hope you're not teasing us!!!"

    And other comments like that. So, I need to say...

    Slow down, guys! No one said there's going to be a Victorious finale. I said I want to write and produce one -- because I think it would be a lot of fun -- and because I think the series needs a finale (I've been saying that publicly for a year) -- and MOST OF ALL, because the Victorious FANS DESERVE a great finale.

    But please understand: Nobody said, "This is happening".  

    Do I think a finale will happen? Maybe. Maybe not. I hope so! So far, we know that most of the cast and I would love to do it. If the entire cast says "yes" -- then the big question is: Will the network want to do it? And that likely depends on lots of things. It's not one person's decision. But here's how I look at it...

    When Drake & Josh ended in 2006, we all thought, "Well, that's it -- we're done making this show forever." But then, about a year later, I started making some noise about getting the gang back together to make a big, fun, TV Christmas movie. Next thing I knew, I was asked to write a script, and then we were filming Merry Christmas, Drake & Josh. And when it aired, over 8 million people tuned in! So, you see...

    Sometimes when I make some noise, things happen. Other times, things don't. But certainly, NOTHING happens if you don't TRY.

    So, I'm trying. I'll keep you posted if there's any news. For now, my goal is to make sure that everyone (the cast, the network, the fans) know that I want it to happen.

    Massive thanks and appreciation to all the fans who support this idea, and who love Victorious.

    Best,
    --Dan :)

    Coolest Way To Park Your Car!

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    CARDOK
    Whether you want to repurpose your existing garage, or just make more room in your off-street parking area, you can safely stow your car underground with the Cardok ($TBA). This galvanized steel, electro-hydraulic lift system can store two cars — one underneath, and one on top — thanks to a lift capacity of 10 tons and a working load of three tons per deck. Installation is relatively simple, it takes up very little space, and can even be customized to match the surface of the surrounding area. It operates using a convenient remote control, makes virtually no noise at all, and opens in just thirty seconds.

    Courtesy of Uncrate.com


    New York Times reviews 'Yours Truly' by Ariana Grande!!!

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    Review of Ariana Grande's NEW ALBUM Yours Truly, by Jon Caramanica from the New York Times!!!

    ARIANA GRANDE
    “Yours Truly”
    (Republic)
    “Glee” will begin its fifth season this month, and “American Idol” is busy trying to secure its lineup of judges for the coming 13th season. Together, even though they’re perennially unfashionable, these Fox shows have been responsible for an intense surge of interest in music on television, but they haven’t left much of a mark on the shape of pop.
    That’s because both shows are fundamentally conservative institutions, privileging the familiar and the unchallenging. They’re about emulating, not innovating.
    Largely by sticking to those codes, Ariana Grande has become the first identifiable post-“Glee”/”Idol” pop star, in that she takes the rules of those enterprises, uses them as a foundation, and innovates atop them. She relates to pop music in the ways those shows do — treating it as a historical inspiration pool and also a sacred text.
    But Ms. Grande isn’t a mere covers artist. A onetime child actress — she played Cat Valentine on the Nickelodeon’s “Victorious” and now on the spinoff “Sam & Cat” — she uses the “Glee”/”Idol” template as a jumping-off point to make modern pop-R&B with a sturdy vintage backbone.
    For Ms. Grande, the early-mid 1990s are the holy grail. So much of this surprisingly strong album is in debt to Mariah Carey’s first two albums, and several songs were written and produced in part by Babyface, that titan of slow-burn late-1980s R&B. A few songs are riddled with blatant Mariah-isms: See especially the final 20 seconds of “Baby I,” in which Ms. Grande approximates the super-high-pitched vocal trills Ms. Carey excelled at.
    Ms. Grande is almost there. She has a lithe voice and is capable of real power, though she doles it out carefully. Like that other child TV star turned pop comer Miley Cyrus, Ms. Grande is 20, but her slide into maturity isn’t moving at Ms. Cyrus’s warp speed. Ms. Grande’s version of adulthood is about expertise, not transgression.
    She’s not so innocent that the guest rappers on this album keep their libidos in check, though. “You a princess to the public but a freak when it’s time,” Mac Miller exclaims on “The Way”; “A player so you know I had some girls missionary/My black book of numbers thicker than a dictionary,” Big Sean swears on “Right There.”
    They’re expressing thoughts that Ms. Grande can’t quite, both because of the squeakiness of her clean and because of the austerity of her sound. “Yours Truly” is largely sweatless. “I wanna say we’re going steady/Like it’s 1954,” she sings on “Tattooed Heart,” which captures the tenor of this album well. Just as the song structures are traditional, so is the sound.
    A couple of songs wink to mid-’90s hip-hop: “Right There” uses the same sample as Lil’ Kim’s 1996 hit “Crush on You,” and “The Way” uses the same sample as Big Punisher’s 1998 “Still Not a Player.” But Ms. Grande’s real innovation is to restore the attitude and power to more traditional pop schemas. “Daydreamin’ ” is clean-cut 1950s-style piano pop, and the striking “Tattooed Heart” has a doo-wop heartbeat. One of the album’s high points is “Almost Is Never Enough,” a bracing torch song on which Ms. Grande sneaks in some gospel-singing enunciation for extra effect. It’s practically Streisandian, startling in its utter rejection of the now, and ripe for some young singer on “Glee” or “Idol” to butcher.  JON CARAMANICA
    For link to NYT article, CLICK HERE

    No, They Did Not Meet

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    I want to address something.  

    Every few weeks, someone asks me:"But Daaaaannn… didn't Sam and Cat ALREADY MEET in iParty With Victorious?" 

    Answer:  No, they didn't.  Some iCarly and Victorious characters did meet in iParty, but most didn't.  

    Now, some fans will point to the group song at the end, when they all sang the iCarly-Victorious theme song mash-up.  I don't consider that part of the narrative (the story).  I wrote iParty, and the STORY ENDED before that group song began.

    In fact, when I wrote the first and second drafts of iParty, I had the end credits rolling over the kids singing the song at the end.  That was the original plan. 

    But when I heard the mash-up (the two songs blended together), I felt it was too good to roll end credits over.  So, I did a little rewrite, and I decided to feature the casts singing the song without rolling the end credits over it.

    But the singing of the mash-up had nothing to do with the story.  It was sort of like… the show was over… and the kids all said "goodbye" by singing you the song.

    So, just because Cast Member A and Cast Member B might have stood near each other, or even sung together in the closing song, that (to me) does not mean that Cast Member A and Cast Member B met.

    Unless I'm mistaken, Sam and Cat had no significant interaction in iParty With Victorious.  They didn't converse. 

    In fact, Cat didn't even speak in the episode (until the very end, just before the song -- and she wasn't speaking to Sam).

    The End. 

    FUN FACTS! Sam & Cat: #TheKillerTunaJump

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    FUN FACTS for...

    Sam & Cat #TheKillerTunaJump  #Freddie #Jade #Robbie

    (airs Saturday night – January 18th – 8:00 PM on Nick – 7:00 PM central)

    by Dan Schneider

    Wow, it's been a while since I've written Fun Facts.  As I've mentioned before, I love writing them for you.  The thing is, it takes me HOURS to write them.  And I've been so busy writing scripts and doing other work, it's hard for me to find time to write the Fun Facts.  Anyway...

    Less than 24 hours from now -- Saturday, January 18th at 8:00 PM (7:00 PM central) -- we premiere the new Sam & Cat one-hour special event called #TheKillerTunaJump.  And as many of you already know, it reunites some former cast members from iCarly and Victorious!

    I was so excited when we came up with the idea for this one-hour special.  And I was even more psyched when I contacted Nathan Kress (“Freddie” from iCarly), and Liz Gillies ("Jade" from Victorious), and Matt Bennett ("Robbie" from Victorious)… and they were all eager to come back and reprise their roles on Sam & Cat.

    And that's one of the reasons the whole idea of creating Sam & Cat excited us when the idea came about to spin those two characters off on their own show.  I loved making iCarly and Victorious -- and I knew that Sam & Cat would be a way for those "worlds" to continue on.  We'd always have the opportunity to bring back the stars of iCarly and Victorious for special events.  Now, it's happening.

    Okay, before I get to the Fun Facts...

    *** SPOILER ALERT ***
    *** SPOILER ALERT ***
    *** SPOILER ALERT *** 

    DON'T READ THIS STUFF BEFORE YOU WATCH THE EPISODE IF YOU DON'T LIKE SPOILERS!!!!  YOU'VE BEEN WARNED!!! :)

    If you read on, you will learn some information about what happens in tonight's Sam & Cat special.

    I'm not going to reveal too much, but still... you might want to wait and read these Fun Facts after you watch it.

    When you're done reading all this, please tell your friends about these Fun Facts, and that they can come here to read them.  Thanks! 

    Okay.  Here we go with the scene-by-scene FUN FACTS...

    ••• Scene 1 •••
    Scene begins in Sam and Cat's kitchen, with Sam dumping a bunch of ingredients into a large pot on the stove.

    ------> After Sam says "There's like a billion sauces in the world, right?" -- you see her drink soy sauce, right out of the bottle.  That bit was not in the script.  I added it while we were filming the scene.  The liquid in the bottle is actually grape juice.

    ------> You see Sam give Cat a taste of her new all-purpose sauce.  That "sauce" was actually a smoothie, prepared by our excellent prop department.  I'm told it contained fruit and vegetables.

    ••• Scene 2 •••
    Scene begins in Bots restaurant, after hours.  Dice is playing poker with a bunch of guys (and Tandy, the red robot waiter).

    ------> Sitting next to Dice is the character "B.J." -- he made his first appearance on Sam & Cat in the episode #TextingCompetition.  We brought him back because he's really funny and a great kid.  And what's better than a character who obsessed with hard boiled eggs so much that he wears a salt shaker around his neck?

    ------> In real life, the kid who plays the role of B.J. (Cyrus Arnold) does not like eggs.

    ------> Do you know who does the VOICE of Tandy, the red robot?  If you do, tweet me on Twitter (@DanWarp), and tell me who you think it is.

    ------> We all love the Spear Fisherman character.  He's played by a terrific actor named Steve Lewis.  His first appearance on Sam & Cat was in the episode #OscarTheOuch.  Since then, we've brought "Spear Fisherman" back for several more episodes, including this one.  

    ------> In our scripts, his name is "Brody" -- but I don't think his name has ever been mentioned in an episode.  
    SIDEBAR TRIVIA:  On one of my previous shows, Drake & Josh, the dad's name was "Walter"… but the mom's first name was never mentioned (never spoken) in ANY episode of Drake & Josh.  However, her name was always in our scripts.  Do you know what her name was? 
    ------> Also at the card game: Randy!  The actor's real name is Nick, and he's such a great kid.  We first brought "Randy" onto Sam & Cat in the episode #TextingCompetition.  It was a small part -- we never intended to make "Randy" a recurring character.  But he cracks us up -- and everyone loves him -- so we keep bringing "Randy" back on Sam & Cat.  Look for him in more episodes to come.  

    ------> I love how Randy always pointlessly identifies himself by saying"I'm Randy!" for no real reason.  The first time I did a bit like that was in the original All That, which ran on Nickelodeon from 1994 – 2005.  We created a character called "Detective Dan" back in 1995, played by the extremely funny actor, Josh Server.  The character would often blurt out, "I'm Detective Dan!"randomly (for no reason).  Now, "Randy" does kind of the same thing: "I'm Raaaaaandy." It makes no sense, but it's funny.

    ••• Scene 3 •••
    Scene begins back in Sam and Cat's kitchen, with Sam and Cat continuing their conversation with Dice.

    ------> After Dice sighs and says"You don't get it" -- it's so funny how Sam responds with her own sigh and says "I don't want it.” I love how Jennette played that.  But Jennette delivering a comedy line brilliantly comes as no surprise.

    ------> Okay, in case you're wondering if Kansas Razorback Tunafish actually exist… they don't.  The Sam & Cat writers and I made them up.  They're loosely based on piranha fish, which I learned about when I was a kid, watching a James Bond movie with my dad.  You can read about piranha fish here: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Piranha

    ------> In this scene, Cat asks, "Why would a tunafish wanna eat me?" -- and Dice responds,"I don't know -- revenge?" This is a reference to a joke between my wife and me.  

    Lisa (Hungry Girl) and I love sushi.  We often go out for sushi 3 times a week, and sometimes even more.  So, a running joke between Lisa and me is that we can never swim in the ocean again, because we eat so much fish, we fear that their fish cousins will seek revenge by trying to eat US :)

    ------> It's so great to see JADE return in this scene!!!  We all love working with Liz Gillies.  She's such a pro, and her acting is really smart, and funny.  Even though it's been a year since she played Jade on Victorious, she instantly slipped right back into the role.  And as always, she plays the part perfectly.  No other actress could play Jade so well.

    ------> On Victorious, I always felt that Cat/Jade scenes were awesome and really funny.  I remember the first scene we did with Jade driving Cat in a car (an episode titled “Car, Rain & Fire”).  Ariana and Liz were hilarious together in the car.

    ------> Another reason we were excited to have Jade on Sam & Cat is: we always felt it would be great to have scenes with SAM and JADE together.  Their characters share some similarities -- tough, cool, fearless, scary -- but there are differences, too.  We knew it would be interesting to see if they bonded… or clashed.  You'll see soon.

    By the way: many people ask me who would win in physical fight between Sam and Jade?  The answer is so obvious, I don't even need to tell you.  Do I?

    ------> Remember: Sam & Cat is set in Los Angeles.  And in this world, both Cat and Jade still go to school together at Hollywood Arts.  So, it makes perfect sense that Jade could (and would) visit Cat's apartment.  In this scene, you'll find out why you've never seen Cat invite Jade over before.  Can you guess why?  If you have a good guess, tweet me on Twitter (@DanWarp), and tell me.

    ------> When Cat takes Jade out into the atrium to talk, you'll see that Sam and Cat's apartment is number 22.  The reason: 22 is my wife Lisa's favorite number. 

    ••• Main Titles •••
    By main titles, I mean the opening sequence of shots that go along with the theme song.

    ------> Watch the main titles carefully.  You'll notice some fun changes for this one-hour Sam & Cat special.

    ••• Scene 4 •••
    Scene opens with Cat lying face down on the floor of her apartment.  It continues with Cat running into her bedroom, alarmed and worried about what might be happening between Sam and Jade.

    ------> The video game that Sam and Jade are playing doesn't actually exist in real life.

    ------> In this scene, we learn why Cat never wanted Sam and Jade to meet.  Why do you think?

    ------> Jade makes a joke where she says "wharf speed" -- a reference to "warp speed" -- which further reveals what many of you already know about me: I'm a huge fan of Star Trek, especially the original series.  It's one of my favorite TV shows of all time.  

    I often still watch the original Star Trek, to this day.  A couple of nights ago I watched one of my all-time favorite episodes, "Mirror Mirror".  I just wish I could have met Star Trek's creator, Gene Roddenberry -- such a genius.  Okay, enough of my nerdishness.  Back to Sam & Cat…

    ••• Scene 5 •••
    Scene opens at Fisherman's Wharf, outside.  We see the huge tank containing the dangerous tunafish that Dice doesn't know what to do with.

    ------> How cool is it to see Sam and Jade ride up together on Sam's motorcycle?

    ------> Sam's motorcycle was first revealed in the final episode of iCarly (“iGoodbye”).  As you might remember, Spencer gave it to Sam.  

    In fact, the very last shot of iCarly shows Sam riding off on this black motorcycle.  And she's riding it the first time we see Sam in the pilot of Sam & Cat.  

    In my head, that motorcycle represents Sam's transition from iCarly to Sam & Cat.  I planned this when I was writing iGoodbye.

    ------> Sam's motorcycle is often referred as a 1964 Sterling.  In real life, it's a modified 2010 Triumph Bonneville T100 motorcycle.  Such a cool bike.  

    ------> The bit where the man gives Dice a shove… that was not in the script.  We came up with that bit while we were filming this scene.  It made us all laugh, because it's so random and unexpected.

    ------> How cool is it when Sam looks at the tank of water, suddenly thrusts her hand into it, and then pulls out a live fish?!?  Only Jennette McCurdy.  Do you know how she was able to do that?  If you do, tweet me your answer on Twitter @DanWarp.

    ------> It makes me laugh hard when Cat screams "YOU'RE from Kansas!!!"

    ------> I like the new restaurant name we came up with for this episode -- a new salad place called Lettuce Eat Lunch.  Ha.  There are probably a lot of people in Hollywood who'd love a lunch place that's all about lettuce.

    ••• COMMERCIAL BREAK •••

    ••• Scene 6 •••
    Scene opens with Sam and Jade at Bots Restaurant, sitting in a booth together, having lunch.

    ------> The trick that Sam and Jade play on Tandy (the red robot)… that's a trick I often play on people.  I say something, but I intentionally mumble some fake words (nonsense words), and then I watch the confusion on people's faces as they try to figure out what I just said.  I know… I'm not normal.  But it's fun. :)

    ------> The way that Tandy (the red robot) gets confused and then blows up -- that's a nod to something that happens in an episode of the original Star Trek -- in an episode titled "The Changeling".  

    ------> Do you know who does the VOICE of Bungle, the BLUE robot?  If you think you know, tweet me on Twitter (@DanWarp), and tell me who you think it is.

    ------> In this scene, Cat continues getting more upset and jealous about the growing friendship between Sam and Jade.  I'm curious to know what YOU think about that, after you watch this special.  Do you think Cat is RIGHT to feel so upset?  Or do you think Cat is acting irrationally?  (There was some debate about this among the writers, so I want to know what YOU think.  Tweet me @DanWarp on Twitter.)

    ••• Scene 7 •••
    Scene opens with Cat sitting or her bed, then Sam comes in wearing a robe.

    ------> The picture of the black-and-white rabbit on the wall behind Cat is Cookie Bunny.  Cookie was my bunny for 10 years (1999 to 2009).  Cookie was magical -- such a sweet, cute, fun little friend.  My wife Lisa and I loved her like a child.  Cookie appeared in episodes of The Amanda Show, Drake & Josh, Zoey 101, All That, and more.  I miss her a lot.

    ------> When Cat says "A little song called Who Needs Cat"-- notice how she puts her fist up to her chin.  That's Ariana doing her impression of Matt Bennett.  Ariana and Matt are good friends, and she often has fun imitating his style of delivery.  You'll notice Ariana doing this in various episodes of Victorious, and on Sam & Cat.

    ------> Ariana's delivery of her line "I like it upside down"is just hilarious.

    ------> When Sam goes into the shower, you can hear her singing.  If you listen closely, you might recognize the song -- it's the rap song that she and Ariana sang when they were playing "Rap Attack" in the Sam & Cat episode #BabysitterWar.  Another great song by our musical genius, Michael Corcoran (@BackHouseMike).

    ------> I gotta tell ya… we've screened this episode for a few people, and everyone gets emotional (in a good way) when we cut to the iCarly hallway to see FREDDIE ENTER.  iCarly was such a huge part of our lives… so just seeing that set again was kind of magical for us.  I hope it is for you, too.

    ------> I think Nathan is going to become a huge movie star or something… because it's very unusual to find a young actor who's that handsome AND that comedically talented.  Usually, guy actors either have "leading man good looks," OR they have great comedy skills and timing.  Nathan has it all.  I wish I could buy stock in Nathan Kress, Inc.

    ------> It's cute to see how Freddie gets kind of nervous when he thinks it's Sam calling him, and how he tries to act all cool when he says hello to her into his Pear Phone.  Hmmm… what does this tell us? ;)

    ------> And a SURPRISE APPEARANCE by MRS. BENSON!!!  It was so great to work with Mary Scheer again.  She was thrilled to step back into the role of Freddie's insanely over-protective mother.  We had a lot of fun filming her scene with Nathan.

    ------> I think this little scene between Freddie and his mom will make you laugh hard.  It's classic iCarly stuff.

    ------> The lines "I have an itch" and "That's not my responsibility!" weren't in the script.  I added those lines while we were filming this scene.  Nathan and Mary made them so funny!

    ------> I think it's interesting (and sweet) how Freddie, as soon as he hears that Sam was in an accident, is extremely concerned and willing to suddenly drop everything and take a trip to Los Angeles to make sure she's okay.  It shows that... despite how Sam and Freddie always bicker... deep down, he loves her.

    ••• Scene 8 •••
    Scene opens in the kitchen with Cat drinking some pale, orange drink.

    ------>  I have no idea what the pale orange drink is, in the pitcher and in Cat's glass.

    ------> When we break dishes and glasses on TV shows, we use special props called "break-aways".  They look just like real glass, but you can smash them without creating a dangerous situation.  They make break-away glasses and bottles in hundreds of shapes and sizes.

    ••• COMMERCIAL BREAK •••

    ••• Scene 9 •••
    Scene opens in Bots restaurant -- Sam entering with Jade.

    ------> Again… do you know who does the VOICE of Bungle, the blue robot?  If you think you know, tweet me on Twitter (@DanWarp), and tell me who YOU think it is.

    ------> It was not in the script for Sam to pull out a hammer and go after Bungle with it.  I added that bit while we were shooting the scene.  But Sam's (Jennette's) jeans did not have pockets (or the pockets were sewn up)… so she just shoved the hammer down inside the waistband of her jeans.  McCurdy gets it DONE, son.

    ------> It's such classic Jade, how she gets the boys at the table to leave.  I always loved scenes on Victorious where Jade could make guys extremely nervous, just by staring at them.  Liz Gillies can totally pull that off.

    ------> What Jade says is not just a joke… there actually is a company in L.A. that will take you on a tour, all around the city, showing you places where famous people died.  It used to be called the Graveline Tour.  Fun for the whole family!  

    ••• Scene 10 •••
    Scene opens just outside Sam and Cat's apartment, as Cat and Freddie walk along together, chatting.  Then they enter the apartment.

    ------> I like how we reference the fact that Cat "always forgets three"when she counts.  We first learned that in an episode of Victorious.  We (the other Sam & Cat writers and I) like making references to iCarly and Victorious, because we all worked on those shows and loved making them.

    ------> As he often does, in this scene, Freddie explains to Cat that when he starts the iCarly web show, he intentionally leaves out the "one" when he counts backwards from five ("In five, four, three, two…").  Do you know why he leaves out the one?   If you do, tweet me the answer at @DanWarp on Twitter.

    ------> If you're a Victorious fan, you'll QUICKLY recognize a song that's performed in this scene.

    ------> Ladies and gentleman, he's back: ROBBIE SHAPIRO!  Of course, "Robbie" is played by the super-talented Matt Bennett.  We had so much fun having Matt back on the set.  He is fantastic in this Sam & Cat special.  

    ------> Rex does not make an appearance in the Sam & Cat special.  No real reason.  We just had a lot of story to tell, and didn't have time for Rex stuff.  But no worries:  I have the real Rex, safely tucked away somewhere in a secret location with lots of other cool props from my previous TV series.  
    SIDEBAR TRIVIA:  One of my most prized possessions in the green "Bottle Bot" from iCarly.  It means a lot to me, because it's the sculpture Spencer was working on when we first met him in the iCarly pilot -- and it was then seen in every episode of iCarly.  That green Bottle Bot is actually now on display in my living room.
    ------> I gotta say… it's pretty cute watching Sam and Cat get all jealous over Freddie and Robbie.  

    ------> "Fadoodling" is not a real word.  We made it up.

    ------> After Robbie punches Freddie in the stomach, he makes a joke about Freddie doing a lot of sit-ups.  After that, Robbie made another joke about Freddie being "yoked" -- which you might have seen in the on-air promos.  But that line isn't in the show anymore, because the special was long, and some cuts (edits) had to be made to get the show to proper time.

    ------> Robbie's reaction when he finds out he's being used is pretty freakin' hilarious.  Go Matt Bennett!

    ••• COMMERCIAL BREAK •••

    ••• Scene 11 •••
    Scene opens in Sam and Cat's kitchen.  Sam walks in from the bedroom while Cat slices pizza on the kitchen counter.

    ------> Cameron Ocasio ("Dice") is so great in this whole scene, and in this whole special.  That kid is such a great actor -- I predict big things for him!

    ------> This scene makes a person ask: Why the heck do Sam and Cat have an automatic nail gun lying around the apartment? 

    ••• Scene 12 •••
    Scene opens at Fisherman's Wharf at night, as an announcer urges everyone to take their seats.

    ------> FROBBIE!!!

    ------> I love characters like the "guy at the wharf who screams his lines from far away".  Stuff like that often isn't in our script outlines… we just think of it as we write the script.  And then it becomes a recurring bit in the episode.  That's what happened with this character.  And the actor who plays him made it really funny.

    ------> Regarding the "guy at the wharf who screams his lines from far away" -- please notice what his popcorn is named (on the side of the bucket).  

    ••• Scene 13 •••
    Scene opens back in Sam and Cat's apartment, with Cat coming out from the back wearing Sam's motorcycle jumping suit.

    ------> In this scene, Cat says "boozums." I had another character use that word in another TV show I made.  Do you know what other character used the term "boozums" -- and in what circumstance?  If you know, tweet me your answer @DanWarp on Twitter.

    ------> During this scene, you hear Sam's voice several times from the closet.  But when we filmed the scene, Sam (Jennette) was not in the closet -- nobody was.  Sam's voice was added later in post production, and it was tweaked to sound like she was inside the closet, behind that wooden door.

    ••• Scene 14 •••
    Scene opens at Fisherman's Wharf again, with Freddie and Robbie trying to buy tickets to watch the tunafish jump.

    ------>  I'm not sure why, but when Robbie says "Really?  How come fella?" -- it makes me crack up every time.  

    ------>  I think that people who are into Seddie will like something Freddie ALMOST says to Robbie in this scene.  He cuts himself off, but I think we all know what he was about to say. 

    ••• Scene 15 •••
    This very short scene opens back in Sam and Cat's apartment, with Sam banging on the door, trying to get out of the closet.

    ------>  That is not actually Jennette's fist coming through the door.  It's her stunt double's fist.  

    ------>  The closet door you see in this scene is not the usual door.  That's a special "break-away" door, made to match the usual door.

    ••• Scene 16 •••
    Scene opens at Fisherman's Wharf again, with Nona trying to get to her seat.

    ------>  I love Jade and Nona together in this scene.  It makes me want to write more Jade/Nona scenes.  I only wish you could hear the funny stuff they talked about BETWEEN takes.  I'm not sure they remembered they were wearing microphones, and that we could hear them. :)

    ------>  In case any of you Victorious fans were curious…. this scene confirms that Jade and Beck ARE still dating.  Of course they are.  They're meant to be! :)

    ------> Nona's "Jazz!  Jazz!  Jazz!"moment is one of the weirder little pieces of comedy, for sure.  And you gotta love Maree Cheatham, the actress who plays Nona.  Maree is SOOOO TALENTED.  And such a sweet person.

    ------> When Cat arrives on the motorcycle, the man holding the buckets that she chases around is named Vince Deadrick.  Vince has been our stunt coordinator since I was producing All That.  He's hired almost all the stunt men who work on my shows, and he choreographs all the stunts you see.  And Vince is still a great stunt man himself.

    ------>  When we were shooting this scene, it was not scripted for Cat to ride in on the motorcycle and almost run over someone.  But I felt the scene needed some extra spice (as we were filming), so I ran up to Vince and asked him if he would do a stunt -- almost get run over by Cat.  He was game for it so, together, we came up with the idea of giving him two buckets, and then we had Cat (her motorcycle-riding stunt double) chase him around and make him fall down.  Vince did it like the pro he is… and he didn't even wear protective padding.

    ••• Scene 17 •••
    This very short scene opens back in Sam and Cat's apartment, as Sam breaks out of the closet.

    ------>  We had some technical problems while shooting this scene, and we ran out the break-away closet doors before we were able to get the scene shot.  So, we had to come back and shoot this scene one week later, when we had some new break-away doors ready.

    ------>  There was an ending to this scene that we had to cut.  Sam ran back in, opened the fridge, grabbed a turkey leg, ran back out, got on her motorcycle, then started her motorcycle.  We had to cut that part of the scene out for time (the show was too long, so we had to make some cuts).

    ••• Scene 18 •••
    Scene opens at Fisherman's Wharf, with Cat on the red and white motorcycle, revving the engine.

    ------>  Cat's fake Sam voice is hilarious… because it sounds nothing like Sam.

    ------>  The Ringo Star bit… I have no explanation.  It's just weird.  I love it, but I admit… WEIRD.  Haha.  Maybe I did it just because I love the Beatles so much.

    ------>  So… do you think Cat successfully jumps the tuna??  Do ya?  Watch tonight and see!

    ------>  The bit with the two oranges rolling in toward the motorcycle was not in the script.  I got the idea to do that while we were filming the scene.  Just a funny little moment.

    ------>  Can you believe that FALL that Freddie and Robbie take into the water tank?  Do you think it was really them?

    ------>  About the FISH… all I'll say is… getting them to jump in and out of the water like that… NOT easy to do.

    ------>  Notice that Sam is willing to risk her life to save the boy she loves.  And Cat is willing to save the life of the boy she loves.  This should make some fans very happy.  (Of course, it will make some other fans angry.  Oh well… some wise person once said, "If you try to please EVERYONE, you end up please NO ONE.  Just please know… I always try my best to make as many of you happy as I can. :)

    ------>  Notice that it's really Jennette McCurdy who leaps into the tank of vicious tuna… it was not a stunt double.  

    ------>  It makes me laugh every time I see Ariana ("Cat") run into the side of that tank and knock herself unconscious.  Or as Cat Valentine says: "NON-conscious."

    ------>  "I'm satisfied because someone got hurt."–Jade West.  Classic.

    ••• Scene 19 •••
    Scene opens at the hospital.

    ------>  I see that my post department called it St. Schneider's Hospital.  They're always adding in little things like that ("Easter eggs") to see if I'll notice them.  I didn't notice this one until just now, as I'm writing these fun facts.  I swear, our post team is the best in television.  They are why our shows look and sound so great on your TV at home.

    ------>  In this scene, we learn more about which guys Sam and Cat really like.  If you're interested in that, make sure you watch.

    ------>  This scene clearly demonstrates that Kansas Razorback Tuna can do a lot of damage to a person.  Be careful if you're swimming near some.

    ------>  One character says this to another character in this scene: "When your face heals up, and you can chew again, let's you and me go grab some dinner… and have some fun." Can you guess WHO says that to WHO?  
    ------>  There is a GREAT Victorious reference in this scene -- a reference to a past episode.  Hardcore Victorious fans will catch it, for sure. :)

    ------>  We all LOVE the ending to this one-hour special.  For now I'll just say… it ends with a lovely song.  Can you guess WHO sings it to WHO?  If you can guess it, tweet me your answer: @DanWarp on Twitter.  

    ----------------------------------------

    And that's all the Fun Facts for the Sam & Cat special: #TheKillerTunaJump #Freddie #Jade #Robbie  

    Special thanks to JOE CATANIA and his post production team who worked INSANELY HARD to get this Sam & Cat special ready to air on time.  I have a feeling they're all exhausted right now.

    I hope you have fun watching the show tonight (Saturday) at 8:00 PM on Nickelodeon (7:00 PM central).  After you watch it, TWEET ME and let me know your favorite parts!  I'm @DanWarp on Twitter.  Have I mentioned that enough?

    Finally, thank you all for your support.  I appreciate it more than you know, and I look forward for sending lots more fun entertainment your way.

    Be nice to each other.

    Best,
    Dan Schneider:)

    P.S.  About a week ago, my wife Lisa and I got the sweetest, best new dog ever.  Her nickname is Lolly.  Here's a pic of me with her...




































































    Sam & Cat Ratings Soar! :)

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    Hey guys.  I was just sent this information and I wanted to share it with you, and THANK YOU for your support.  
    Entertainment is all about the FANS, and that's you guys.  Everyone at Sam & Cat loves making our show, and more importantly, we love that YOU love watching it.
    So, CHEERS and THANKS to the the FANS of Sam & Cat :)







    NEW YORK – Jan. 28, 2014 – Nickelodeon closed the month of January as the top basic cable net in total day with Kids 2-11 and total viewers. Nick’s January performance also marks 12 consecutive months of year-over-year gains.
    These numbers were further propelled by the January 18th premiere of the special one-hour Sam & Cat episode #TheKillerTunaJump which drew nearly 5 million total viewers and ranked as Nick’s highest-rated telecast with Kids 6-11 since 2012. 
    Nickelodeon also won the fourth week of January with kids and total viewers.  Sam & Cat was the top live-action series with total viewers.
    And from the Wall Street Journal...





    Original series "Sam & Cat," starring Jennette McCurdy and Ariana Grande, helped drive Nickelodeon to its 12th consecutive month of year-over-year ratings growth in January. 
    Exciting stuff, guys!!!  
    More great Sam & Cat episodes coming your way!!!
    Best,



    All That! Happy 20th Anniversary!

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    All That's 20th Anniversary 
    April 16, 2014


    It's hard to believe that today – April 16th, 2014 – marks the 20th anniversary of the premiere of All That – the first TV show I ever wrote and produced.  

    We filmed the All That pilot (the first episode) back in early 
    1994.  In some ways it seems like yesterday.  I​n other ways it seems like a lifetime ago.  It was such a wonderful experience, and little did I know that it would change the course of my life, all in great ways.  

    Since people have been asking me how it all got started, here's how it happened...

    Back in the late 1980's and early 1990's, I was one of the stars of a popular TV show called Head of the Class (ABC) – I played a high school student named Dennis.  One of the other stars of the show was Brian Robbins – he and I became great friends while we worked on the show.

    Brian and I even wrote an episode of Head of the Class together, just to see if we could do it.  To our surprise, the executive producers liked our script and bought it.  Next thing I knew, we were filming the episode we had written together.  It was a great feeling.  I loved creating a story, writing it, and then seeing it come to life on television.

    During our run on Head of the Class, Brian and I were asked to co-host the 2nd Annual Kids' Choice Awards.  I didn't know much about Nickelodeon at the time, but we thought it sounded fun, so we said sure.  

    The awards show was produced by a very talented guy named Albie Hecht.  Brian and I got along well with Albie, and we struck up a friendship that continued after the Kids' Choice Awards.  We even talked about creating a project together, but we couldn't (at that time) because Brian and I were under contract with Warner Bros. and ABC for Head of the Class.

    By 1993, our friend Albie had become a high-level executive at Nickelodeon, and he had been talking with Brian about possibly making a new show.  Brian suggested bringing me in, and Albie agreed.  Brian then called me and we met at Art's Deli, one of our favorite lunch places in Los Angeles.

    At that time, I had a solid acting career going, but I was between gigs.  So, when Brian talked to me about the idea of us creating a new TV show for Nickelodeon, I thought it sounded like a fun "side job"– just something to keep me busy for a while.

    We started talking about creating a sketch comedy show.  I always loved sketch comedy, 
    so the idea of creating that type of show was exciting for me.  The fact that it was going to be for a young audience just made it a bit more challenging, because we'd have to keep all the comedy kid-appropriate.

    Once we had a basic concept for the show, the next logical step was for me to write the pilot script (for the first episode).  But we decided to proceed a different way.  

    We knew that, for a sketch comedy show, casting was extremely important.  In fact, we felt casting was so crucial that we decided I would not write the pilot script until we had our whole cast in place.  That's unusual in television.  Almost always, you write the first show (the pilot), and then you hire the cast.

    But for All That, our plan was to search the country for the best kid comedy actors we could find.  Then, once we had our cast, I would write the script, tailoring the sketches to the specific actors' comedy strengths.  We wanted to create characters and sketches that would be perfectly suited for the kid actors we hired.

    We did a nation-wide talent search and got very lucky.  We didn't just find "good" kid comedy actors – we found incredible ones.  Every kid we ended up hiring for the original All That cast turned out to be fantastic: Josh Server, Kenan Thompson, Kel Mitchell, Katrina Johnson, Lori Beth Denberg, Angelique Bates, and Alisa Reyes.  We couldn't believe how confident and hilarious they all were, as performers.  And every one of them was hard-working, professional, nice, and fun.

    With the cast in place, I started working with a few other talented writers, and soon we had a script.  As head writer, I did my best to create great characters and make everything as funny as I could.  By January of 1994, we were all at Nickelodeon Studios in Orlando, Florida, filming the pilot for All That.  We had a blast!

    After we made the All That pilot, some time went by and I didn't hear much of anything.  I was hoping the show would be picked up, meaning that the network would like the pilot and order more episodes.   

    But then I heard that the show "hadn't tested great." Whenever you make a new TV pilot, the network tests the show with focus groups.  So, for All That, they got a bunch of kids – boys, girls, different age groups – and let them watch the pilot.  Then, moderators asked them questions – sort of like a "group review" of the show.

    I actually still have the results from those tests.  Basically, the company who ran the testing wrote a report that wasn't too great.  Their opinion was: Kids probably wouldn't like this new sketch comedy show for kids.  But luckily, the people at network decided to give us a chance, anyway.  They picked up the show, and we all flew back to Orlando to write and produce the first season.

    All That premiered on television on April 16th, 1994.  The show was an instant hit, thanks to the fans who tuned in every Saturday night to watch the insane adventures of Superdude, Coach Kreeton, Ear Boy, Ross Perot, Ishboo, the Island Girls, Randy & Mandy, the Loud Librarian, Pierre Escargot, Repairman-man-man-man... and much more.

    I figured we'd maybe make 30 or 40 episodes of All That and then that would be it.  Never in a million years did I think the show would run for TEN SEASONS, and spawn many more new TV series.  I don't think any of us thought All That would become part of kids' and teens' pop
     culture the way it did.

    And now you're probably thinking, "But Dan!  What ever happened to the Big Ear of Corn?" You'll be happy to know I saw him just a few days ago (no kidding – I really did).  He's retired now, enjoying his life in a nice, air-conditioned storage facility, not too far from my home.  He sends his best, and thanks you all, THE FANS, for watching and liking All That for so many years.

    So do I.

    ​Happy 20th Anniversary!!!

    Love,
    Dan Schneider

    P.S.  To see some of my personal photos that I took myself during the first season of All That, CLICK HERE :)


    HENRY DANGER - SNEAK PEEK!

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    HUGE NEWS!

    The NEW TV MOVIE Henry Danger PREMIERES THIS SATURDAY, JULY 26 @ 8PM on Nick!

    Check out this TEASER TRAILER below, and be sure to tune in this weekend! :)


    Chew gum, blow bubble, fight crime!

    Henry Danger! TONIGHT!!!

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    Okay guys, Henry Dangerpremieres TONIGHT!  It starts at 8:00 PM (7 central).  If you’re on Twitter, you can ask me any question you want. I’ll be answering 100 questions from fans!  I'll start taking questions right as the movie begins tonight.

    Please try to make your questions about Henry Danger, as you watch the show.  But if you have questions about other stuff, I’ll try to answer some of those, too.

    Here’s how it will work…

    Our web team is going to be on my Twitter (@DanWarp), scanning the questions.  When they see an interesting or fun question, they’ll send it along to me.  I’ll answer it, and they’ll post it right away.

    You must put #HenryDangerin your question for it to be considered.

    We’re all really psyched about tonight!  The Danger Beginsat 8:00 PM tonight!

    Peace & Love,




    Fun Moments with Russell Westbrook!

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    In honor of our friend Russell Westbrook's Birthday yesterday (November 12th), we've put together 7 fun moments from the NBA star's Henry Danger episode titled "Too Much Game".  The episode airs this Saturday, November 15th at 8 PM (7c), only on Nickelodeon! 

    1.  Russell teaches Jace (Henry) the proper way to sit on a bench in front of a concrete wall.
















    2.   Fierce competitors, or best friends? Who can tell anymore?
      

















    3.  Puppy love: the only force in the universe as strong as Captain Man... well, almost.

















    4.  Jace contemplates whether it's a better play to jump over Russell's head, or go through his legs.

















    5.  These  guys have the most insane Best Friends Forever necklaces, you don't even KNOW! There's like a strobe light, and a padlock, and a rack of ribs, and a moon rock, and a dinosaur bone.


















    6.  Yes, I am interested in changing my long distance service provider.


















    7.  It's always hard to be the new kid in middle school. Especially when you're 26. 
















    You CANNOT miss the Russell Westbrook madness on Henry Danger: Too Much Game! Saturday, November 15th at 8 PM (7c), on Nickelodeon! 

    Henry Danger Guide: How to Tell if You’re Turning Into a Man-Beast

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    Have you or a friend been hit by the rays of a Manly Machine in the past 24 hours? Unsure? Look for the symptoms!

    Are you trying to fight strangers at Italian restaurants?


    Are you averaging 90 pull ups a minute?


    Are you letting your chest hair out to breathe during nice dinners?


    Do people find it off-putting when you eat your raw steak with your bare hands?


    Are you constantly being told to "tone it down"?


    Do you spend up to 4 hours a day admiring your body hair?


    Are people terrified of taking selfies with you?


    Are  you upping your rep game significantly?


    Do people ask you if you're your date's father?


    Does your date think you're trying to wrestle her when you go in for a hug?


    Do you consider your mouth to be a reasonable alternative to scissors?


    Do you sometimes get so out of control that your friends have to contain you with full body restraints?


    If you, or a friend, are exhibiting any of these beastly symptoms, please call your local zookeeper, and tune in to the ALL NEW Henry Danger Episode" Henry the Man-Beast" this Saturday, November 22nd at 8PM (7c), only on Nickelodeon! 


    SPOTLIGHT ON RIELE DOWNS! "Charlotte" on Henry Danger

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