Janice Burgess: American television writer, producer & executive dies aged 72

Janice Burgess was an American television executive, screenwriter, and producer for Nickelodeon. She created the Nick Jr. series The Backyardigans and worked as a writer and story editor for Nickelodeon’s revival of Winx Club. Both shows were produced at the Nickelodeon Animation Studio.

According to an interview with Investor’s Business Daily, Burgess did not enjoy traveling “in art circles with collectors and high society,” so she sought out a different career after college.

Janice Burgess served as executive producer for The Backyardigans throughout its run of four seasons. Burgess drew inspiration from action films when writing episodes of the show, as she wanted to adapt high-stakes stories for a young audience.

Janice Burgess: American television writer, producer & executive dies aged 72

American TV screenwriter and producer Janice Burgess passed away at the age of 72. Burgess was known for the creation of Nickelodian’s iconic children’s TV show, The Backyardigans, which ran from 2004 to 2013.

Burgess died on March 4, 2024, three days after her 72nd birthday.