Kids shows have often had a slightly dark undercurrent.
"Scooby Doo," for example, had Shaggy, who perpetually had the munchies and could talk to his dog. The word "stoner" or "pothead" was never used, but it was always a clear implication.
Other shows, like "Spongebob Squarepants," might also not have an explicit drug connection, but their weirdness has drawn an audience that may be partaking of some questionable substances.
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There's also a long tradition of marijuana enthusiasts watching shows designed for toddlers. That could be simply because the storylines are simple and the colors are vibrant, giving people in an altered state something to look at.
This tradition has made certain children's shows good targets for adult spinoffs. Warner Bros. Discovery (WBD) had some success with "Velma," an R-rated take on "Scooby Doo."
Now, another children's program that always seemed a bit psychedelic, but was aimed at toddlers, has returned in a very adult format.
Area15 welcomes a Teletubbies rave
Area15 may be Las Vegas's most overlooked gem. It's a collection of rides, attractions, experiences, restaurants and bars. It also has space for concerts and describes itself as a "wondrous mashup of experiences."
The wild collection of things to do and places to eat and drink sits just a few minutes off the Las Vegas Strip, but it's still a bit of a secret. It often holds unique events that you can't find on the Strip, where Caesars Entertainment, MGM Resorts International, and the other big players generally stick to the mainstream.
Area15, however, does not do that and it's holding a rave that's a tribute to the Teletubbies.
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"Step into the surreal world of Teletubbies at the House of Teletubbies: Tubbyland Rave inside The Portal at Area15 on June 21st!" the company says on its website. "Experience a nostalgic blast from the past as Tinky Winky, Dipsy, Laa-Laa and Po take you on a vibrant journey filled with hypnotic beats and dazzling visuals."
Tickets for the event, which runs from 9 p.m. June 21 to 1 a.m. June 22, start at $17.95. It's open to people ages 18 and up, but anyone 21 and over will need identification if they want to purchase alcohol.
"Whether you’re reliving childhood memories or diving into the whimsical realm for the first time, this rave promises to be a unique blend of fun and nostalgia," Area15 added. "Don’t miss out on this one-of-a-kind event that celebrates the timeless charm and quirky allure of the Teletubbies."
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Halloween Horror Night coming to Area15
If Area15 isn't the premiere off-Strip entertainment destination in Las Vegas, it most certainly will be when the company completes a major expansion. Comcast's (CMCSA) Universal Studios will bring its Halloween Horror Nights experience to the site as a permanent fixture.
"With a variety of unique, immersive, fantastic horror-centric experiences that surround high energy food and beverage spaces by day turned haunting bars and eateries by night, the new concept marks the first time Universal has created a permanent horror experience beyond its theme parks," Comcast says.
"It will deliver on the thrills and frights its horror fans have come to love and excite anyone looking for a new level of experiential entertainment."
The original Halloween Horror Nights is a seasonal experience. This permanent installation will not be static.
"The space will also feature a continuously updated experience, must-see seasonal events, and one-of-a-kind merchandise," the company added.
Universal’s new horror experience will be the anchor tenant in a new 20-acre expansion of the Area15 entertainment district.
“Area15 curates a constellation of best-in-class experiences. Universal’s never-been-done-before concept will be a perfect fit because our guests know they can expect fresh, exciting entertainment at Area15,” said Area15 Chief Executive Winston Fisher.
No opening date has been set for the Universal Studios attraction.
