• by David Goetzl  @dgoetzl, February 11, 2010

NBC Universal said its Syfy network is making a move into the kids' programming arena with a multiplatform venture, top-lined by content under a "Dr. What" label.

The initiative is a partnership with production company Worldwide Biggies, which has placed a comedy on Nickelodeon and produces the "Video Game Awards" on Spike. "Dr. What" will fall under a new Syfy Kids label, which will target a 2- to-17-year-old demo.

"Dr. What" will debut with six animated shorts on Syfy that will also appear on the network's Web site. Syfy said "Dr. What" is a "mystery-adventure" series with a "thrill-seeking" J. Howard What character.

Worldwide Biggies is headed by former Nick executive Albie Hecht, who has helped launch some leading franchises, such as "SpongeBob" and "Dora the Explorer." He also headed Spike network in its early years.

Dave Howe, president of Syfy, stated: "The kids business is an important growth area for Syfy, enabling us to tap into a whole new generation of young consumers who are born with built-in digital DNA."

Separately under Syfy Kids, the network said it has a deal with THQ that involves taking video game properties such as "de Blob?" and placing them on TV and other platforms.