Cartoon Network: Difference between revisions

Revision as of 22:13, 1 October 2002

Latest revision as of 07:08, 12 August 2025

Line 1:

{{Short description|American cable television channel}}

The <b>Cartoon Network</b> is a [[cable TV]] channel created and dedicated to showing cartoons. It was created in the early [[1990s]] ''(exact creation date?)'' by [[Turner Networks]]. [[Ted Turner]]'s cable TV conglomerate had acquired the [[MGM]] film library, and its cable channel [[Turner Network Televison]] had gained an audience with its film library. Turner then acquired the older catalog of [[Warner Bros.]] cartoons, and shortly thereafter they purchased [[Hanna-Barbera Productions]]. The Cartoon Network channel was created as an outlet for Turner's considerable library of animation, and the initial programming on the channel consisted exclusively of reruns of classic Warner Bros. and MGM cartoons, with many Hanna-Barbera TV cartoons used as time fillers.

{{About|the original American TV channel|its namesake parent company|The Cartoon Network, Inc.|international feeds|Cartoon Network (disambiguation)}}

{{pp|small=yes}}

{{Use American English|date=February 2023}}

{{Use mdy dates|date=January 2025}}

{{Infobox television channel

| name = Cartoon Network

| logo_size = 250px

| logo = Cartoon Network 2010 logo.svg

| logo_caption = Logo used since May 29, 2010

| founder = [[Betty Cohen]]

| launch_date = {{Start date and age|1992|10|1}}

| picture_format = [[1080i]] ([[High-definition television|HDTV]])<br>{{small|(downscaled to [[letterboxing (filming)|letterbox]]ed [[480i]] for the [[standard-definition television|SDTV]] feed)}}

| country = United States

| owner = [[Warner Bros. Discovery Global Linear Networks]]

| parent = [[The Cartoon Network, Inc.]]

| language = {{Plainlist|

* English

* Spanish{{efn|via [[Second audio program|SAP]], a Spanish language simulcast of the channel is also available.}}

}}

| area = Nationwide

| headquarters = 1050 Techwood Drive NW<br>[[Atlanta]], Georgia, U.S.

| key_people = {{Plainlist|

* [[Michael Ouweleen]] ([[President (corporate title)|president]])

}}

| sister_channels = <!-- DO NOT add [[ACME NIGHT]] or [[Checkered Past]] as they are solely programming blocks to differentiate from Cartoon Network and not network production -->

{{collapsible list|

* [[Adult Swim]]

* [[Boomerang (TV network)|Boomerang]]

* [[Cartoonito (American programming block)|Cartoonito]]

* [[American Heroes Channel]]

* [[Animal Planet]]

* [[Cinemax]]

* [[CNN]]

* [[Cooking Channel]]

* [[The CW]] <!-- sale still pending -->

* [[Destination America]]

* [[Discovery Channel]]

* [[Discovery Familia]]

* [[Discovery Family]]

* [[Discovery Life]]

* [[Food Network]]

* [[HBO]]

* [[HGTV]]

* [[Investigation Discovery]]

* [[Magnolia Network]]

* [[Oprah Winfrey Network]]

* [[Science Channel]]

* [[TBS (American TV channel)|TBS]]

* [[TLC (TV network)|TLC]]

* [[TNT (American TV network)|TNT]]

* [[Travel Channel]]

* [[TruTV]]

* [[Turner Classic Movies]]

}}

| website = {{URL|https://www.cartoonnetwork.com/ | Cartoon Network}}{{dead link|date=August 2024}} (dead link, redirects to [[HBO Max]] or a [[The Cartoon Network, Inc.#International channels|local Cartoon Network site]] depending on the country)

| availability_note = <br>{{small|(channel space shared with nighttime programming block [[Adult Swim]])}}

| online_serv_1 = Affiliated Streaming Services

| online_chan_1 = [[HBO Max]]<br>

[[Hulu|Hulu]]

| online_serv_2 = [[Internet Protocol television]]

| online_chan_2 = [[YouTube TV]], [[Hulu + Live TV]], [[Sling TV]], [[DirecTV Stream]], [[Spectrum TV Stream|Spectrum]]

}}

'''Cartoon Network''' ('''CN''') is an American [[cable television]] [[television channel|channel]] and the flagship property of [[The Cartoon Network, Inc.]], a sub-division of the [[Warner Bros. Discovery Networks]] division of [[Warner Bros. Discovery]]. It launched on October 1, 1992.

In the mid [[1990s]], [[AOL Time Warner]] merged with Turner Networks, and the Cartoon Network came under their corporate umbrella. This provided still more material for the Cartoon Network, as the channel now had access to the Warner Bros. cartoon library from the [[1950s]] and [[1960s]].

Founded by [[Betty Cohen]] (who was also appointed by [[Ted Turner]] as the first president of the network),<ref name="paley">{{Cite web |title=Betty Cohen |url=http://www.shemadeit.org/meet/biography.aspx?m=133 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150924101212/http://www.shemadeit.org/meet/biography.aspx?m=133 |archive-date=September 24, 2015 |access-date=October 17, 2015 |website=SheMadeIt.com |publisher=[[Paley Center for Media]]}}</ref> the channel primarily broadcasts [[animated television series]], mostly [[children's television series|children's programming]], ranging from action to animated comedy. It currently runs from 6 a.m. to 5 p.m. [[Eastern Time Zone|ET]]/[[Pacific Time Zone|PT]] daily, though the sign-off time varies with holidays and special programming. Cartoon Network primarily targets children aged 6 to 12,<ref>{{Cite press release |title=About Cartoon Network |publisher=[[Warner Bros. Discovery]] |url=https://press.wbd.com/hu/brands/cartoon-network-1 |access-date=May 23, 2023 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240910033738/http://press.wbd.com/hu/brands/cartoon-network-1 |archive-date=September 10, 2024}}</ref> while its early morning block [[Cartoonito (American programming block)|Cartoonito]] is aimed at [[preschool]]-aged children,<ref>{{Cite web |last=Milligan |first=Mercedes |date=August 16, 2021 |title=Cartoonito Pre-K Block Debuts Sept. 13 on HBO Max & Cartoon Network |url=https://www.animationmagazine.net/tv/cartoonito-pre-k-block-debuts-sept-13-no-hbo-max-cartoon-network/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240223211153/https://www.animationmagazine.net/tv/cartoonito-pre-k-block-debuts-sept-13-no-hbo-max-cartoon-network/ |archive-date=February 23, 2024 |access-date=August 19, 2021 |website=[[Animation Magazine]]}}</ref> and evening block [[Adult Swim]] targets young adults aged 18 to 34.<ref name="as_split">{{Cite web |date=March 3, 2005 |title=Adult Swim/CN Split Cements Strategy |url=https://www.icv2.com/articles/news/6516.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121107105221/http://www.icv2.com/articles/news/6516.html |archive-date=November 7, 2012 |access-date=November 30, 2012 |website=ICv2 |publisher=GCO}}</ref>

AOL Time Warner changed the direction of Hanna Barbera Productions, and focused the studio exclusively on creating new material for the Cartoon Network channel. After experimenting with such shows as ''Cow and Chicken'' and ''Two Stupid Dogs,'' the new Hanna Barbera hit its stride and scored hits with such cartoons as ''[[Dexter's Laboratory]]'' and (especially) ''[[The Powerpuff Girls]]''.

{{As of|2023|11}}, Cartoon Network is available to approximately 66 million pay television households in the United States — down from its peak of 100 million households in 2011.<ref>{{Cite web |date=May 14, 2024 |title=U.S. Cable Network Households (Universe), 1990 – 2023 |url=https://wrestlenomics.com/u-s-cable-network-households-universe-1990-2023-nielsen-data/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240917055730/https://wrestlenomics.com/u-s-cable-network-households-universe-1990-2023-nielsen-data/ |archive-date=September 17, 2024 |access-date=May 15, 2024 |website=Wrestlenomics.com}}</ref>

The cable channel has recently made attempts to attract viewers outside its core audience (young children). Their mid-afternoon cartoon block ''[[Toonami]]'' consists of reruns of acceptable-for-young-teens ''[[anime]]'' from Japan, while a late-night cartoon block called ''[[Adult Swim]]'' shows more risque, teenage- and adult-oriented cartoons such as ''[[Aqua Teen Hunger Force]], [[The Brak Show]], [[Sealab 2021]], [[The Oblongs]],'' and ''[[Cowboy Bebop]].'' ''Anime'' plays an important role in many of the Adult Swim shows as well.

==History==

{{main|History of Cartoon Network}}

On August 9, 1986, [[Turner Broadcasting System]] acquired [[Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer]]/[[United Artists]] (MGM/UA). On October 18, Turner forcibly sold back MGM. However, Turner kept much of the film and television library made before May 1986 (including some of the UA library) and formed [[Turner Entertainment|Turner Entertainment Co.]]<ref>{{Cite web |last=Delugach |first=Al |date=March 4, 1986 |title=Way Cleared for Turner's MGM Deal |url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1986-03-04-fi-15193-story.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110511201300/http://articles.latimes.com/1986-03-04/business/fi-15193_1_ted-turner |archive-date=May 11, 2011 |access-date=August 30, 2010 |website=[[Los Angeles Times]]}}</ref> On October 8, 1988, its cable channel [[TNT (American TV network)|Turner Network Television]] (TNT) was launched and gained an audience with its extensive film library.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Hall |first=Jane |date=January 23, 1990 |title=Ted Turner's TNT Exploding Onto the Cable Scene |url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1990-01-23-ca-744-story.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100925064842/http://articles.latimes.com/1990-01-23/entertainment/ca-744_1_ted-turner-s-cable |archive-date=September 25, 2010 |access-date=August 30, 2010 |website=[[Los Angeles Times]]}}</ref> In 1991, Turner also purchased the library of animation studio [[Hanna-Barbera]].<ref>{{Cite news |date=October 29, 1991 |title=TBS Buys Animator Hanna-Barbera Library for $320 Million |url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1991-10-30-fi-565-story.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191214182507/https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1991-10-30-fi-565-story.html |archive-date=December 14, 2019 |access-date=December 14, 2019 |work=[[Los Angeles Times]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |date=October 30, 1991 |title=Turner Buying Hanna-Barbera |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1991/10/30/business/company-news-turner-buying-hanna-barbera.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130510125414/http://www.nytimes.com/1991/10/30/business/company-news-turner-buying-hanna-barbera.html |archive-date=May 10, 2013 |access-date=June 13, 2012 |work=[[The New York Times]]}}</ref> [[Ted Turner]] selected [[Betty Cohen]] (then-Senior Vice President of TNT) to devise a network to house these programs.<ref name="paley" /> On February 18, 1992, Turner Broadcasting announced its plans to launch Cartoon Network as an outlet for an animation library.<ref name="launch">{{Cite news |last=Carter |first=Bill |date=February 19, 1992 |title=The Media Business; Turner Broadcasting Plans to Start a Cartoon Channel |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1992/02/19/business/the-media-business-turner-broadcasting-plans-to-start-a-cartoon-channel.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131001120031/http://www.nytimes.com/1992/02/19/business/the-media-business-turner-broadcasting-plans-to-start-a-cartoon-channel.html |archive-date=October 1, 2013 |access-date=April 28, 2013 |work=[[The New York Times]]}}</ref> On March 12, 1992, its [[The Cartoon Network, Inc.|namesake parent company]] was founded one month after Turner's plan was announced.<ref>{{Cite web |title=The Cartoon Network, Inc. :: Georgia (US) :: OpenCorporates |url=https://opencorporates.com/companies/us_ga/K203884 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230810230311/https://opencorporates.com/companies/us_ga/K203884 |archive-date=August 10, 2023 |access-date=August 9, 2023 |website=[[OpenCorporates]] |language=en}}</ref> On October 1, 1992, the network officially launched as the first 24-hour single-genre [[cable channel]] with animation as its main theme.

In 1994, Hanna-Barbera's new division [[Cartoon Network Studios]] was founded and started production on ''[[What a Cartoon!]]''. This show debuted in 1995, offering original animated shorts. In 1996, Cartoon Network aired two preschool programs: ''[[Big Bag]]'', a live-action/puppet television program with animated short series produced by [[Sesame Workshop|Children's Television Workshop]], and [[Small World (American TV series)|''Small World'']], which featured animated series aimed at preschoolers imported from foreign countries. Turner Broadcasting System merged with [[Time Warner]],<ref>{{Cite news |last=Lander |first=Mark |date=September 23, 1995 |title=Turner to Merge into Time Warner, a $7.5 Billion Deal |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1995/09/23/us/turner-to-merge-into-time-warner-a-7.5-billion-deal.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110513030130/http://www.nytimes.com/1995/09/23/us/turner-to-merge-into-time-warner-a-7.5-billion-deal.html |archive-date=May 13, 2011 |access-date=July 30, 2010 |work=[[The New York Times]]}}</ref> which consolidated/reverted ownership of all the Warner Bros. cartoons. The network could then continue more original productions.

==Programming==

{{Main|List of programs broadcast by Cartoon Network}}

Cartoon Network's current original programming includes such shows as ''[[The Amazing World of Gumball]]'' and ''[[We Baby Bears]]''. The network's original programming is produced at Cartoon Network Studios, while other shows have either been co-produced with or acquired from other studios, including the affiliated [[Warner Bros. Animation]]. In the past, Cartoon Network has also produced and aired live-action and animated hybrid programming.

Over the years, Cartoon Network has aired various ''[[Looney Tunes]]'', ''[[Merrie Melodies]]'', ''[[Tom and Jerry]]'', and ''[[Droopy]]'' shorts in constant rotation, dating back to the network's launch in 1992 until 2017. In its early days, Cartoon Network benefited from having access to a large collection of animated programming, including the libraries of [[Warner Bros.]] (''Looney Tunes'' and ''Merrie Melodies''), [[Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer cartoon studio|Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer]] (''Tom and Jerry''), Hanna-Barbera (''[[The Flintstones]]'', ''[[Scooby-Doo]]'', ''[[Snorks]]''), and [[DC Comics]] (''[[Superman]]'', ''[[Batman]]'', ''[[Wonder Woman]]'', ''[[Justice League]]'' and ''[[Teen Titans]]''). Turner's ownership of Hanna-Barbera gave the network access to an established animation studio, something its rivals didn't have.<ref name="Prime Time">Stabile, Harrison (2003), p. 98</ref> Most of these series were removed by 1999 and moved to Boomerang in 2000.

===Original series===

{{see also|Cartoon Cartoons}}

Much of Cartoon Network's original programming originates from the network's in-house studio, Cartoon Network Studios. Beginning as a division of Hanna-Barbera, this studio would produce some of the network's earliest original series, including ''[[Dexter's Laboratory]]'', ''[[Cow and Chicken]]'', ''[[I Am Weasel]]'', ''[[Johnny Bravo]]'', and ''[[The Powerpuff Girls]]''. '''Cartoon Cartoons''' was once the branding for Cartoon Network's original [[animation|animated]] [[television show|television series]], but it was seldom used by the network by 2003. The name was eventually discontinued in 2008. Additionally, several of the Cartoon Network's original series have been produced by studios other than the network's own in-house studio. Notable examples are ''[[Ed, Edd n Eddy]]'', ''[[Courage the Cowardly Dog]]'', and ''[[Codename: Kids Next Door]]''. The name was resurrected by the network in 2021 for a new animated shorts program.<ref>{{Cite web |last=de Wit |first=Alex Dudok |date=April 15, 2021 |title=Cartoon Network Studios Launches First Dedicated Shorts Program in Over a Decade |url=https://www.cartoonbrew.com/shorts/cartoon-network-studios-launches-first-dedicated-shorts-program-in-over-a-decade-204320.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210415180433/https://www.cartoonbrew.com/shorts/cartoon-network-studios-launches-first-dedicated-shorts-program-in-over-a-decade-204320.html |archive-date=April 15, 2021 |access-date=April 16, 2021 |website=[[Cartoon Brew]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Low |first=Elaine |date=April 15, 2021 |title=Cartoon Network Studios Debuts New Animated Shorts Program |url=https://variety.com/2021/tv/news/cartoon-network-studios-new-animated-shorts-program-1234952382/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220124003928/https://variety.com/2021/tv/news/cartoon-network-studios-new-animated-shorts-program-1234952382/ |archive-date=January 24, 2022 |access-date=April 16, 2021 |website=[[Variety (magazine)|Variety]]}}</ref>

===Programming blocks===

From 1999 to 2003, Cartoon Cartoon Fridays served as the channel's flagship block, featuring premieres of Cartoon Network original series that fell under the Cartoon Cartoons branding; from 2003 to 2007, the block was renamed "Fridays" after Cartoon Network began to phase out the Cartoon Cartoons branding. The [[Toonami]] block, which originally ran from 1997 to 2008, primarily carried action-oriented series aimed towards an older youth and [[Teenager|teen]] audience, including imported [[anime]] series; it was later re-launched under the auspices of Adult Swim in 2012. 2009 saw the introduction of CN Real, a block that featured live-action [[reality television]] series aimed towards a youth audience.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Lloyd, Robert |date=June 17, 2009 |title=Reality Shows, Kid Style |url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2009-jun-17-et-cartoon-reality17-story.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220710230154/https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2009-jun-17-et-cartoon-reality17-story.html |archive-date=July 10, 2022 |access-date=July 10, 2022 |website=[[Los Angeles Times]] |language=en-US}}</ref> In 2011, the channel introduced DC Nation, a block that would be focused on series adapted from DC Comics properties.<ref>{{Cite web |last=DeMott |first=Rick |date=March 23, 2011 |title=Cartoon Network Builds on Brands, Launches DC Nation Block |url=https://www.awn.com/news/cartoon-network-builds-brands-launches-dc-nation-block |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220418170243/https://www.awn.com/news/cartoon-network-builds-brands-launches-dc-nation-block |archive-date=April 18, 2022 |access-date=July 10, 2022 |website=[[Animation World Network]] |language=en}}</ref>

In September 2021, Cartoon Network introduced two new blocks oriented towards preschool and family viewing respectively,<ref name=":2" /><ref name=":3">{{Cite web |last=Tapp |first=Tom |date=September 1, 2021 |title=WarnerMedia Kids & Family Launches Weekly 'ACME Night' Programming Block For Families On Cartoon Network |url=https://deadline.com/2021/09/warnermedia-kids-family-acme-night-block-for-families-cartoon-network-1234825320/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221210014506/https://deadline.com/2021/09/warnermedia-kids-family-acme-night-block-for-families-cartoon-network-1234825320/ |archive-date=December 10, 2022 |access-date=July 10, 2022 |website=[[Deadline Hollywood]] |language=en-US}}</ref> including the preschool block [[Cartoonito (American programming block)|Cartoonito]],<ref name=":3" /><ref name=":0">{{Cite web |last=Milligan |first=Mercedes |date=September 1, 2021 |title=WarnerMedia Kids & Family Launching 'ACME Night' Block Sept. 19 |url=https://www.animationmagazine.net/tv/warnermedia-kids-family-launching-acme-night-block-sept-19/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230320131221/https://www.animationmagazine.net/2021/09/warnermedia-kids-family-launching-acme-night-block-sept-19/ |archive-date=March 20, 2023 |access-date=September 20, 2021 |website=[[Animation Magazine]] |language=en-US}}</ref> and the new Sunday-evening block ACME Night–which primarily carries family films and library content, as well as other original series, specials, and [[television film]]s from Warner Bros. Animation, as well as some programming from Adult Swim.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Tapp |first=Tom |date=September 1, 2021 |title=WarnerMedia Kids & Family Launches Weekly 'ACME Night' Programming Block For Families On Cartoon Network |url=https://deadline.com/2021/09/warnermedia-kids-family-acme-night-block-for-families-cartoon-network-1234825320/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221210014506/https://deadline.com/2021/09/warnermedia-kids-family-acme-night-block-for-families-cartoon-network-1234825320/ |archive-date=December 10, 2022 |access-date=December 10, 2022 |website=[[Deadline Hollywood]] |language=en-US}}</ref> They were introduced as part of an effort by new head [[Tom Ascheim]] to broaden Cartoon Network's demographic reach.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Whyte |first=Alexandra |date=February 5, 2021 |title=WarnerMedia's Roadmap for World Domination |url=https://kidscreen.com/2021/02/05/warnermedias-roadmap-for-world-domination/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210205162521/https://kidscreen.com/2021/02/05/warnermedias-roadmap-for-world-domination/ |archive-date=February 5, 2021 |access-date=October 6, 2024 |website=[[Kidscreen]]}}</ref> ACME Night moved to Adult Swim on September 3, 2023, due to Adult Swim moving its daily sign-on time to 5 p.m. ET/PT.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Flook |first=Ray |date=August 28, 2023 |title=Adult Swim, Cartoon Network Roll Out "Checkered Past" Beginning Today |url=https://bleedingcool.com/tv/adult-swim-cartoon-network-roll-out-checkered-past-beginning-today/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240228132506/https://bleedingcool.com/tv/adult-swim-cartoon-network-roll-out-checkered-past-beginning-today/ |archive-date=February 28, 2024 |access-date=December 14, 2023 |website=[[Bleeding Cool]]}}</ref>

===Editing of theatrical cartoon shorts===

Cartoon Network has, during its history, broadcast most of the [[Looney Tunes and Merrie Melodies filmography|Warner Bros. animated shorts]] originally created between the 1920s and the 1960s, but the network edited out scenes depicting discharge of gunfire, alcohol ingestion, cowboys and Indians gags, tobacco, and politically incorrect humor. The unedited versions were kept from both broadcasting and wide release on the video market. ''[[Coal Black and de Sebben Dwarfs]]'' (1943), a politically incorrect but critically well-regarded short, was notably omitted entirely, while ''[[The Scarlet Pumpernickel]]'' (1950) and ''[[Feed the Kitty]]'' (1952), both well-regarded, had their finales heavily edited due to violence.<ref name="Prime Time6">Stabile, Harrison (2003), p. 105-107</ref>

There was media attention in June 2001 over a network decision concerning further omissions from broadcast. Cartoon Network formerly scheduled a 49-hour-long marathon annually known as ''June Bugs'', promising to broadcast every [[List of Bugs Bunny cartoons|Bugs Bunny animated short]] in chronological order.

The network originally intended to include 12 shorts for its 2001 airing of the marathon (one of them part of the [[Censored Eleven]] list of ''Merrie Melodies'' and ''Looney Tunes'' cartoons effectively shelved from distribution) that had become controversial for using [[ethnic and national stereotypes]], albeit broadcasting them past midnight to ensure few children were watching, with introductions concerning their historic value as representatives of another time.

==Related brands and units==

===Cartoonito===

{{Main|Cartoonito|Cartoonito (American programming block)}}

Cartoonito is a Warner Bros.–owned preschool brand that first launched in 2006 for the United Kingdom before expanding to other international markets. In February 2021, it was announced that Cartoonito would make its U.S. debut as a programming block on Cartoon Network and content brand on [[HBO Max]]; the block launched on September 13, 2021.<ref name=":1">{{Cite web |last=Goldberg |first=Lesley |date=February 17, 2021 |title=Cartoon Network, HBO Max Double Down on Preschool Fare |url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/live-feed/cartoon-network-hbo-max-double-down-on-preschool-fare |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210217231532/https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/live-feed/cartoon-network-hbo-max-double-down-on-preschool-fare |archive-date=February 17, 2021 |access-date=February 18, 2021 |website=[[The Hollywood Reporter]]}}</ref><ref name=":2">{{Cite web |last=Milligan |first=Mercedes |date=August 16, 2021 |title=Cartoonito Pre-K Block Debuts Sept. 13 on HBO Max & Cartoon Network |url=https://www.animationmagazine.net/tv/cartoonito-pre-k-block-debuts-sept-13-no-hbo-max-cartoon-network/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240223211153/https://www.animationmagazine.net/tv/cartoonito-pre-k-block-debuts-sept-13-no-hbo-max-cartoon-network/ |archive-date=February 23, 2024 |access-date=August 19, 2021 |publisher=[[Animation Magazine]]}}</ref>

=== Adult Swim ===

{{Main|Adult Swim}}

Adult Swim (often stylized as [adult swim] or [as]) is the adult-oriented programming brand of Cartoon Network. The programs featured on Adult Swim are geared toward a mature audience, in contrast to the all-ages, preteen daytime programming of Cartoon Network. As a result, Adult Swim is treated by [[Nielsen ratings|Nielsen]] as a separate channel in its ratings reports (similar to [[Nickelodeon]]'s [[Nick at Nite]] block) and marketed as such because of its differing target demographics.<ref name="as_split" /> The block broadcasts both animated and live-action shows (including original programming, reruns of [[animated sitcom]]s, and other [[Action fiction|action]] and anime series) generally with minimal or no editing for content.

As of September 2023, Adult Swim broadcasts daily from 5:00&nbsp;p.m. to 6:00&nbsp;a.m. ET/PT. Initially airing in the late-night hours, it has since expanded into [[prime time]], moving its start time to 10 p.m. in 2009,<ref>{{Cite magazine |last=Thill |first=Scott |date=November 5, 2008 |title=Adult Swim Expands, Adds King of the Hill |url=https://www.wired.com/2008/11/adult-swim-expa/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180613234204/https://www.wired.com/2008/11/adult-swim-expa/ |archive-date=June 13, 2018 |access-date=October 25, 2017 |magazine=[[Wired (magazine)|Wired]] |language=en-US}}</ref> 9 p.m. in 2010, and 8 p.m. in March 2014. The 8 p.m. hour has frequently been returned to Cartoon Network for special programming events and premieres, typically during the fall-to-early-winter period.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Carter |first=Bill |date=February 4, 2014 |title=Adult Swim, No. 1 With Younger Adults, Is Expanding |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2014/02/04/business/media/adult-swim-no-1-with-younger-adults-is-expanding.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141021200815/http://www.nytimes.com/2014/02/04/business/media/adult-swim-no-1-with-younger-adults-is-expanding.html |archive-date=October 21, 2014 |access-date=July 12, 2014 |work=[[The New York Times]] |___location=[[New York, NY|New York]] |issn=0362-4331}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Crupi |first=Anthony |date=February 14, 2010 |title=Adult Swim Preps for Deeper Dive Into Prime |url=https://www.adweek.com/tv-video/adult-swim-preps-deeper-dive-prime-114737/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100217063000/http://www.mediaweek.com/mw/content_display/news/cable-tv/e3i82693d9fec5d7f3494e7df82fbe4c0b1 |archive-date=February 17, 2010 |access-date=July 13, 2011 |website=[[Adweek]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Bishop |first=Rollin |date=November 20, 2019 |title=Steven Universe Future Releases First Official Trailer |url=https://comicbook.com/tv-shows/2019/11/20/steven-universe-future-official-trailer |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191120211903/https://comicbook.com/tv-shows/2019/11/20/steven-universe-future-official-trailer/ |archive-date=November 20, 2019 |access-date=November 20, 2019 |website=[[ComicBook.com]]}}</ref>

Due to Cartoon Network's viewership shifting almost exclusively towards teenagers and young adults in the evening hours, Adult Swim's sign-on was moved to 7 p.m. ET/PT on weekdays and Saturdays on May 1, 2023. This expansion led to an increase in the 18-34 demographic, making Cartoon Network 6th place in ad-supported networks during prime time during the month after. Due to the immediate ratings boost, the network announced a second expansion on June 7 with the block sign-on initially scheduled for 6 p.m. ET/PT on August 28 (later expanded further to 5 p.m. as confirmed on August 8).<ref>{{Cite web |last=Hayes |first=Dade |date=June 7, 2023 |title=Adult Swim Sees Gains from May Expansion, Continues to Add Programming Real Estate with Launch of Nostalgia Block 'Checkered Past' |url=https://deadline.com/2023/06/adult-swim-expansion-nostalgia-block-checkered-past-cartoon-network-1235398446/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230607235230/https://deadline.com/2023/06/adult-swim-expansion-nostalgia-block-checkered-past-cartoon-network-1235398446/ |archive-date=June 7, 2023 |access-date=August 1, 2023 |website=[[Deadline Hollywood]] |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Valdez |first=Nick |date=August 8, 2023 |title=Adult Swim Confirms Cartoon Network Classics Returning for New Block |url=https://comicbook.com/anime/news/adult-swim-checkered-past-cartoon-network-shows/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230809152710/https://comicbook.com/anime/news/adult-swim-checkered-past-cartoon-network-shows/ |archive-date=August 9, 2023 |access-date=September 11, 2023 |website=[[ComicBook.com]] |language=en-US}}</ref>

The 5 and 6 p.m. weekday hours feature vault programming from both Cartoon Network and Adult Swim: [[Checkered Past (TV programming block)|Checkered Past]] is showcased Monday through Thursday, consisting of Cartoon Network original series from the 1990s and 2000s (including [[Cartoon Cartoons]] such as ''Dexter's Laboratory'', ''Ed, Edd n Eddy'', ''Courage the Cowardly Dog'' and ''[[The Grim Adventures of Billy & Mandy]]''),<ref>{{Cite web |last=Hayes |first=Dade |date=March 29, 2023 |title=As Adult Swim Gets Set to Add an Hour of Daily Programming, President Michael Ouweleen Sees Warner Bros Discovery in a More Settled Post-Merger State: "We're All Feeling More Possibility" |url=https://deadline.com/2023/03/adult-swim-unicorn-warriors-eternal-animation-warner-bros-discovery-1235311351/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230919235859/https://deadline.com/2023/03/adult-swim-unicorn-warriors-eternal-animation-warner-bros-discovery-1235311351/ |archive-date=September 19, 2023 |access-date=May 29, 2023 |website=[[Deadline Hollywood]] |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Bouma |first=Luke |date=May 17, 2023 |title=Adult Swim is Moving to 6 PM As Kids Stop Watching Cable TV |url=https://cordcuttersnews.com/adult-swim-is-moving-to-6-pm-as-kids-stop-watching-cable-tv/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230519203940/https://cordcuttersnews.com/adult-swim-is-moving-to-6-pm-as-kids-stop-watching-cable-tv/ |archive-date=May 19, 2023 |access-date=May 29, 2023 |website=Cord Cutters News |language=en-US}}</ref> while Fridays showcase classic Toonami programming as part of "Toonami Rewind".<ref name="animenewsnetwork.com">{{Cite web |last=Mateo |first=Alex |date=May 17, 2024 |title=Adult Swim Announces Toonami Rewind Block with Sailor Moon, Dragon Ball Z Kai, Naruto Anime |url=https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2024-05-17/adult-swim-announces-toonami-rewind-block-with-sailor-moon-dragon-ball-z-kai-naruto-anime/.210925 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240530213555/https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2024-05-17/adult-swim-announces-toonami-rewind-block-with-sailor-moon-dragon-ball-z-kai-naruto-anime/.210925 |archive-date=May 30, 2024 |access-date=May 31, 2024 |website=[[Anime News Network]]}}</ref> Additionally, movies are aired every Sunday under the ''ACME Night'' banner, which was first introduced in September 2021 during Cartoon Network's pivot toward family audiences.

====Toonami====

{{Main|Toonami}}

Toonami (a portmanteau of "cartoon" and "[[tsunami]]", suggesting a "tidal wave" of animated cartoons) is a brand used for action-oriented programming blocks and television channels worldwide. The original program block launched on Cartoon Network in the United States on March 17, 1997, and primarily aired both American cartoons and Japanese anime. The block ended its original run on September 20, 2008, before being revived on May 26, 2012, as a relaunch of Adult Swim's Saturday night anime block. Toonami's current incarnation is similar to that of "Midnight Run", a special version of the block that originally ran on Saturday nights and was the forerunner for Adult Swim. The block is best known for its branding and aesthetic, including its animated host, a robot named TOM, that was later voiced by [[Steve Blum]].

The Toonami brand was also used internationally for dedicated networks in the [[Toonami (British and Irish TV channel)|United Kingdom]] (replacing [[CNX (TV channel)|CNX]]), [[Toonami (Southeast Asia)|Asia]] (in December 2012), [[Toonami (India)|India]] (in February 2015), and [[Toonami (France)|France]] (in February 2016).<ref>{{Cite web |last=Wanvari |first=Anil |date=November 23, 2012 |title=Toonami to Launch in Hong Kong on 1 December |url=https://www.indiantelevision.com/headlines/y2k12/nov/nov211.php |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170701085333/http://www.indiantelevision.com/headlines/y2k12/nov/nov211.php |archive-date=July 1, 2017 |access-date=July 21, 2018 |___location=[[Mumbai]] |website=IndianTelevision.com}}</ref>

===Boomerang===

{{Main|Boomerang (TV network)}}

Boomerang is a brand dedicated to classic and theatrical cartoons aimed towards children and families. It was originally a weekend programming block that aired on Cartoon Network from December 8, 1992, until October 3, 2004. On April 1, 2000, Boomerang received a new look and was spun off into its own cable channel.<ref>{{Cite web |last=King |first=Susan |date=April 1, 2000 |title=Hanna-Barbera Cartoons Return on New Boomerang |url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2000-apr-01-ca-14752-story.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101128082219/http://articles.latimes.com/2000/apr/01/entertainment/ca-14752 |archive-date=November 28, 2010 |access-date=August 31, 2010 |website=[[Los Angeles Times]]}}</ref> In 2017, an online Boomerang video-on-demand service was launched, which includes classic series along with new episodes of original series like ''[[Scooby-Doo and Guess Who?]]'', ''[[New Looney Tunes]]'', and ''[[The Tom and Jerry Show (2014 TV series)|The Tom and Jerry Show]]''.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Spangler |first=Todd |date=March 7, 2017 |title=Turner, Warner Bros. to Launch Boomerang Cartoon Streaming-Subscription Service for $5 Monthly |url=https://variety.com/2017/digital/news/boomerang-cartoon-streaming-subscription-time-warner-turner-wb-1202003660/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171114024411/http://variety.com/2017/digital/news/boomerang-cartoon-streaming-subscription-time-warner-turner-wb-1202003660/ |archive-date=November 14, 2017 |access-date=November 10, 2017 |work=[[Variety (magazine)|Variety]] |language=en-US}}</ref>

===Other services===

{| class="wikitable" style="width:100%; background:#fff;"

! style="background:yellow;" |Description

! style="background:yellow;" |Service

|-

| style="text-align:center; width:200pt;" |[[File:Cartoon Network HD logo.svg|center|135x135px]]'''{{vanchor|Cartoon Network HD}}{{anchor|Nickelodeon HD}}'''

| Cartoon Network HD is the [[High-definition television|high-definition]] simulcast of Cartoon Network that is available on nearly all providers, which launched on October 15, 2007. The high definition feed broadcasts in [[1080i]] [[High-definition television|high-definition]]. Like all Warner Bros. Discovery networks, [[Aspect ratio (image)#4:3 standard|4:3]] sourced content was [[Video scaler#Scaling by television channels|stretched]] on the high definition feed to fill the [[16:9 aspect ratio|16:9]] [[Aspect ratio (image)|aspect ratio]], but it changed to cropping unrestored 4:3 sourced content to [[14:9 aspect ratio|14:9]] from September 25 to October 17, 2023, before pillarboxing all 4:3 sourced content from October 18 onward. Starting September 26, 2009, all original shows were unstretched on the high definition feed in which were presented in their original 16:9 widescreen aspect ratio of [[16:9 aspect ratio|1.78:1]]. The network's HD content airs with letterboxing on the standard definition channel, and since May 2013, many subscription providers carry the high definition feed and downscale it for the standard definition feed, broadcasting in 16:9 letterboxed to fit the 4:3 ratio.

|-

| style="text-align: center; width:200pt;" |'''Spanish-language feed'''

|Cartoon Network offers an alternate Spanish-language audio feed, either via a separate channel with the English audio track removed as part of a package of Spanish-language television networks sold by subscription providers, or a separate audio track accessible through the [[second audio program|SAP]] option, depending on the provider.

|-

| style="text-align: center; width:200pt;" |'''Cartoon Network on Demand'''

|Cartoon Network on Demand is a [[video on demand]] service on cable and satellite providers which launched in 2002.

|-

| style="text-align:center; width:200pt;" |'''Move It Movement'''

|Move It Movement (formerly '''Get Animated''' until 2010) was an initiative that encouraged children to get active, and more importantly, in outdoor areas.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Move It Movement |url=https://www.cartoonnetwork.com/promos/mim/index.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130106142415/http://www.cartoonnetwork.com/promos/mim/index.html |archive-date=January 6, 2013 |access-date=December 27, 2012 |publisher=Cartoon Network}}</ref> The program was designed "to provide support and encouragement in the ongoing battle against childhood obesity."<ref>{{Cite web |title=Cartoon Network Launches Third Annual MOVE IT MOVEMENT TOUR |url=https://news.turner.com/article_display.cfm?article_id=6104 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130205054926/http://news.turner.com/article_display.cfm?article_id=6104 |archive-date=February 5, 2013 |access-date=December 27, 2012 |publisher=Turner Newsroom}}</ref> The ''Get Animated'' campaign was launched on February 28, 2005.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Bynum |first=Aaron H. |date=February 16, 2005 |title=CN Upfront: Healthy Lifestyles Initiative |url=https://www.animationinsider.net/article.php?articleID=593 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130514103812/https://www.animationinsider.net/article.php?articleID=593 |archive-date=May 14, 2013 |access-date=January 22, 2013 |website=[[Animation Insider]]}}</ref> As of 2014, Move It Movement is currently inactive and has since been replaced by the ''Stop Bullying Speak Up'' initiative.

|-

| style="text-align:center; width:200pt;" |'''[[HBO Max]]'''

|HBO Max, formerly Max from 2023 to 2025, is [[Warner Bros. Discovery]]'s official [[Video on demand|subscription video-on-demand]] service. Cartoon Network content initially constituted a significant amount of the service's catalog, though much of it has been pulled starting in August 2022.

|}

===Production studios===

====Cartoon Network Studios====

{{Main|Cartoon Network Studios}}

Cartoon Network Studios originated as a division of Hanna-Barbera in 1994 to produce original programs for the network; it eventually became its own entity in 1999. While the studio has produced many Cartoon Network series, shows such as ''Big Bag'', ''Ed, Edd n Eddy'', ''[[Mike, Lu & Og]]'', ''Courage the Cowardly Dog'', ''[[Sheep in the Big City]]'', ''Codename: Kids Next Door'', ''[[The Secret Saturdays]]'', and ''Sunday Pants'' were all produced without its involvement. Cartoon Network Studios has also produced shows for Adult Swim (alongside sister company [[Williams Street]]), Max, and Cartoonito. Live-action programming, initially for Cartoon Network but now exclusively for Adult Swim, is produced under the pseudonyms Alive and Kicking, Inc.; Rent Now Productions; and Factual Productions.

====Williams Street====

{{Main|Williams Street}}

Williams Street Productions (formerly Ghost Planet Industries) serves as the headquarters and production arm for [[Adult Swim]], located at 1065 Williams Street NW in [[Atlanta]], [[Georgia (U.S. state)|Georgia]]. It produces original animated and live-action programs, and is also responsible for programming Toonami as well as former Cartoon Network blocks such as ''[[Cartoon Planet]]'', ''Miguzi'', and the ''Saturday Video Entertainment System''. Prior to Adult Swim, the company produced ''[[Space Ghost Coast to Coast]]''.

====Hanna-Barbera Studios Europe====

{{Main|Hanna-Barbera Studios Europe}}

Hanna-Barbera Studios Europe (formerly Cartoon Network Development Studio Europe until 2012 and Cartoon Network Studios Europe until 2021) is the network's European production arm located in [[London]], England.

====Cartoon Network Productions====

Cartoon Network Productions is the network's global television production and distribution arm, established on December 5, 1993. It distributes shows, pilots, and movies through various international Cartoon Network channels.

====Cartoon Network Latin America Original Productions====

Cartoon Network Latin America Original Productions (abbreviated as CN LA), formerly known as Cartoon Network Producciones, is the production arm of [[Cartoon Network (Latin American TV channel)|the network's Latin American station]], founded in 2004.

==Media==

===Cartoon Network Games===

{{Infobox company

| name = Cartoon Network Games

| logo = Cartoon Network Games (2016) logo.svg

| former_names = Cartoon Network Interactive (2000–2014)

| type = [[Subsidiary]]

| foundation = {{Start date and age|2000}}

| industry = [[Video game industry|Video games]]

}}

Cartoon Network Games (formerly Cartoon Network Interactive) is the [[video game developer]] and [[video game publisher|publisher]] of video games based on Cartoon Network shows since 2000.

====Video games====

{{Main|List of Cartoon Network video games}}

In 2011, Cartoon Network characters were featured in a four-player mascot brawler fighting game similar to [[Nintendo]]'s ''[[Super Smash Bros. (series)|Super Smash Bros.]]'' video game series called ''[[Cartoon Network: Punch Time Explosion]]'' for the [[Nintendo 3DS]]. The game was later released for the [[Xbox 360]], [[PlayStation 3]] and the [[Wii]] as ''Cartoon Network Punch Time Explosion XL''. Several video games based on the cartoon series ''[[Ben 10]]'' were released by Cartoon Network as well. The Cartoon Network website also featured various browser games incorporating characters from various Cartoon Network franchises. One such game was [[Cartoon Network Universe: FusionFall|''FusionFall'']], a massive multiplayer game released on January 14, 2009, and shut down on August 29, 2013.

===Cartoon Network Enterprises===

Cartoon Network Enterprises is the network's global licensing and merchandising arm established in 2001. It distributes [[merchandising|merchandise]]s of various Cartoon Network brands.

===Mobile app===

Cartoon Network has a mobile app that provides the latest full episodes, a live stream from the East and West coast, games, and the network's schedule.

===Book licensing===

Cartoon Network Books is the book licensor established in 2015. It licenses books based on various Cartoon Network franchises.

===Movies===

{{Main|List of Cartoon Network films}}

Cartoon Network has produced various films, most of them being television films; the only films from Cartoon Network that had a theatrical release are ''[[The Powerpuff Girls Movie]]'' (Cartoon Network Studios), ''[[Aqua Teen Hunger Force Colon Movie Film for Theaters]]'' (Williams Street), ''[[Regular Show: The Movie]]'' (Cartoon Network Studios) and [[Teen Titans Go! To the Movies|''Teen Titans Go! To The Movies'']] (Warner Bros. Animation and [[DC Entertainment]]).

===Online===

{{See also|Cartoon Orbit}}

Cartoon Network registered its official website, CartoonNetwork.com, on January 9, 1996. It officially launched on July 27, 1998.<ref>{{Cite news |date=July 27, 1998 |title=The Toons Are Taking Over the Web with Launch of CartoonNetwork.com |url=https://www.timewarner.com/newsroom/press-releases/1998/07/The_Toons_Are_Taking_Over_Web_with_Launch_CartoonNetworkcom_07-27-1998 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140202211329/http://www.timewarner.com/newsroom/press-releases/1998/07/The_Toons_Are_Taking_Over_Web_with_Launch_CartoonNetworkcom_07-27-1998 |archive-date=February 2, 2014 |access-date=June 5, 2013 |publisher=[[Time Warner]]}}</ref> [[Sam Register]] served as Cartoon Network Online's senior vice president and creative director from 1997 to 2001,<ref>{{Cite web |last=DeMott |first=Rick |date=November 27, 2007 |title=Register Inks Deal with Warners |url=https://www.awn.com/news/people/register-inks-deal-warners |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220124003921/https://www.awn.com/news/register-inks-deal-warners |archive-date=January 24, 2022 |access-date=January 19, 2013 |publisher=[[Animation World Network]]}}</ref> and [[Rob Sorcher]] served as executive vice president and head of Cartoon Network Online.<ref>{{Cite magazine |last=Janczewski |first=William |date=March 1999 |title=CartoonNetwork.com: The Cartooning of the Net |magazine=[[Animation Magazine]] |page=21 |volume=13 |issue=3 |issn=1041-617X}}</ref> In its early years, small studios partnered with the network to produce exclusive "Web Premiere Toons", short cartoons made specifically for CartoonNetwork.com.<ref>{{Cite magazine |last=Burr |first=Ty |date=April 9, 1999 |title=Now Playing on a PC Near You |url=https://ew.com/article/1999/04/09/now-playing-pc-near-you/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130522204257/http://www.ew.com/ew/article/0,,20179351,00.html |archive-date=May 22, 2013 |access-date=January 19, 2013 |magazine=[[Entertainment Weekly]]}}</ref> More about animation was included in the "Department of Cartoons", which featured storyboards, episode guides, backgrounds, sound and video files, model sheets, production notes, and other information about shows on the network. In January 1999, the Department of Cartoons showcased the "MGM Golden Age Collection", most of which had not been published or even seen in more than 50 years.<ref>{{Cite news |date=January 19, 1999 |title=CartoonNetwork.com to Showcase Never-Before-Published Animation from MGM's Golden Age Beginning January 18 |url=https://www.thefreelibrary.com/CartoonNetwork.com+To+Showcase+Never-Before-Published+Animation+from...-a053594563 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140201153344/http://www.thefreelibrary.com/CartoonNetwork.com+To+Showcase+Never-Before-Published+Animation+from...-a053594563 |archive-date=February 1, 2014 |access-date=November 15, 2013 |publisher=[[Business Wire]] |via=[[The Free Library]]}}</ref> Cartoon Network launched [[Cartoon Orbit]], an [[online game|online gaming network]] characterized by digital trading cards called "cToons", in October 2000.<ref>{{Cite web |date=September 12, 2000 |title=CartoonNetwork.com to Launch Cartoon Orbit |url=https://www.timewarner.com/newsroom/press-releases/2000/09/CartoonNetworkcom_to_Launch_Cartoon_Orbit_09-12-2000 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140202211343/http://www.timewarner.com/newsroom/press-releases/2000/09/CartoonNetworkcom_to_Launch_Cartoon_Orbit_09-12-2000 |archive-date=February 2, 2014 |access-date=March 16, 2009 |publisher=[[Time Warner]]}}</ref> The game officially ended on October 16, 2006.

In October 2000, CartoonNetwork.com outdid its rival Nickelodeon's website in terms of unique users, scoring 2.12&nbsp;million compared to Nick.com's 1.95&nbsp;million.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Kempner |first=Matt |date=December 15, 2000 |title=Cartoon Network Is Adding Punch to Its Online Presence |work=[[The Atlanta Journal-Constitution]]<!-- |page=8H |section=Business-->}}</ref> In July 2007, Nielsen ratings data showed visitors spent an average of 77 minutes on the site, surpassing the previous record of 71 minutes set in 2004, and the site ranked 26th in terms of time spent for all US domains.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Ball |first=Ryan |date=August 23, 2007 |title=CartoonNetwork.com Hits Visitor High |url=https://www.animationmagazine.net/internet/cartoonnetwork-com-hits-visitor-high/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121023171559/http://www.animationmagazine.net/internet/cartoonnetwork-com-hits-visitor-high/ |archive-date=October 23, 2012 |access-date=December 28, 2012 |website=[[Animation Magazine]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=DeMott |first=Rick |date=August 24, 2007 |title=CartoonNetwork.com Sets Sticky Record |url=https://www.awn.com/news/internet-and-interactive/cartoonnetworkcom-sets-sticky-record |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220124003922/https://www.awn.com/news/cartoonnetworkcom-sets-sticky-record |archive-date=January 24, 2022 |access-date=December 28, 2012 |publisher=[[Animation World Network]]}}</ref>

On August 8, 2024, CartoonNetwork.com was closed down and was redirected to the Cartoon Network channel hub of the streaming service [[Max (streaming service)|Max]]. Regarding the closure of the network's website, a Cartoon Network spokesperson stated "we are focusing on the Cartoon Network shows and social media where we find consumers are the most engaged and there is a meaningful potential for growth".<ref>{{Cite web |last=Spangler |first=Todd |date=August 9, 2024 |title=Cartoon Network Website Shuts Down, Warner Bros. Discovery Kicks Visitors Over to Max |url=https://variety.com/2024/digital/news/cartoon-network-shuts-down-warner-bros-discovery-max-signup-1236101422/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240809142338/https://variety.com/2024/digital/news/cartoon-network-shuts-down-warner-bros-discovery-max-signup-1236101422/ |archive-date=August 9, 2024 |access-date=August 9, 2024 |website=[[Variety (magazine)|Variety]] |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Porter |first=Rick |date=August 9, 2024 |title=Cartoon Network Website Shut Down by Warner Bros. Discovery |url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/business/business-news/cartoon-network-website-shut-down-warner-bros-discovery-1235970594/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240922125640/https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/business/business-news/cartoon-network-website-shut-down-warner-bros-discovery-1235970594/ |archive-date=September 22, 2024 |access-date=August 9, 2024 |website=[[The Hollywood Reporter]] |language=en-US}}</ref> ''[[Gizmodo]]'' reported that this shutdown not only removes "an archive of clips" and "free access to series" but also the website "hosted years of beloved flash games relating to its shows. While many have been erased over the years through various site redesigns–and archived elsewhere for nostalgic fans–at least some of the current archives are still accessible via international versions of the Cartoon Network website in regions where Max is currently unavailable".<ref>{{Cite web |last=Whitbrook |first=James |date=August 9, 2024 |title=Warner Bros. Scrubs Cartoon Network Website, Erasing Years of History |url=https://gizmodo.com/warner-bros-cartoon-network-website-erased-max-streaming-2000485128 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240809153155/https://gizmodo.com/warner-bros-cartoon-network-website-erased-max-streaming-2000485128 |archive-date=August 9, 2024 |access-date=August 9, 2024 |website=[[Gizmodo]] |language=en-US}}</ref>

==Marketing==

Cartoon Network shows with established fan followings, such as ''Dexter's Laboratory'', allowed the network to pursue licensing agreements with companies interested in selling series-related merchandise. For example, agreements with [[Kraft Foods]] led to widespread in-store advertising for Cartoon Network-related products. The network also worked on cross-promotion campaigns with both Kraft and [[Tower Records]]. In product development and marketing, the network has benefited from its relation to corporate parent Time Warner (later WarnerMedia, now [[Warner Bros. Discovery]]), allowing for mutually beneficial relationships with various subsidiary companies.<ref name="Prime Time5">Stabile, Harrison (2003), p. 101-102</ref>

[[Time Warner Cable]], the former cable television subsidiary of the corporate parent (which was [[corporate spin-off|spun off]] from Time Warner in 2009), distributes Cartoon Network as part of its packages. Turner Broadcasting System, the subsidiary overseeing various Warner Bros. Discovery-owned networks, helped cross-promote Cartoon Network shows and at times arranged for swapping certain shows between the networks. For example, ''[[Foster's Home for Imaginary Friends]]'', one of CN's original shows, was at times seen at [[Kids' WB]] (which was discontinued on May 24, 2008), while ''[[Xiaolin Showdown]]'' and ''[[¡Mucha Lucha!]]'', two of Kids' WB's original shows, were seen at Cartoon Network. In each case, the swap intended to cultivate a shared audience for the two networks. [[Time Inc.]], the former subsidiary overseeing the magazines of the corporate parent, ensured favorable coverage of Cartoon Network and advertising space across its publications. Printed advertisements for CN shows could appear in magazines such as ''[[Time (magazine)|Time]]'', ''[[Entertainment Weekly]]'' and ''[[Sports Illustrated Kids]]'' until Time Inc. was spun off from Time Warner on June 9, 2014. [[AOL]], a now-former sibling company to Time Warner covering Internet services, helped promote Cartoon Network shows online by offering exclusive content for certain animated series, online [[sweepstake]]s and [[display advertising]] for CN.<ref name="Prime Time5" />

[[Warner Bros. Home Entertainment]], the home video subsidiary, distributes VHS tapes, DVDs and [[Blu-ray]] discs featuring Cartoon Network shows. Select [[Warner Bros. Family Entertainment]] VHS releases came with bonus cartoons from Cartoon Network. [[Rhino Entertainment]], the former record label subsidiary of the corporate parent (which was spun off from Time Warner in 2004), distributed cassette tapes and CDs with Cartoon Network-related music. These products were also available through the [[Warner Bros. Studio Store]]. DC Comics, the comic book subsidiary, published a series featuring the Powerpuff Girls, indicating it could handle other CN-related characters. Warner Bros., the film studio subsidiary, released ''The Powerpuff Girls Movie'' in 2002. Kevin Sandler considered it likely that this film would find its way to [[HBO]] or [[Cinemax]], two television network subsidiaries which regularly broadcast feature films. Sandler also viewed book [[tie-in]]s through [[Warner Books]] as likely, since it was the only area of marketing not covered yet by 2001.<ref name="Prime Time5" />

Cartoon Network also licensed its original series out for food promotions. [[Nestlé]] was granted a licensing agreement that resulted in a [[Wonder Ball]] chocolate candy tie-in with Cartoon Network characters and logos beginning in 2003.<ref>{{Cite magazine |date=March 5, 2003 |title=Nestlé USA |url=https://www.gomc.com/firstpage/200303052.pdf |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230523011538/https://www.gomc.com/firstpage/200303052.pdf |archive-date=May 23, 2023 |access-date=May 22, 2023 |magazine=The Manufacturing Confectioner |page=52}}</ref> A new Wonder Ball promotion began in 2004 with characters from ''Ed, Edd n Eddy'' and exclusive Wonderball prizes and cToons on the Cartoon Orbit website.<ref>{{Cite magazine |last=Beirne |first=Mike |date=April 14, 2003 |title=Nestlé Wonderball Rolls with Cartoon Net |magazine=[[Brandweek]] |volume=44 |issue=15}}</ref>

==International==

{{further|Warner Bros. Discovery International#Cartoon Network}}

Since its inception, Cartoon Network and its sister channels have set up various national and regional feeds. Since the early 1990s and 2000s, the network has expanded to countries including Canada, Mexico, Latin America, the United Kingdom, Ireland, Africa, and several Asia-Pacific regions.<ref>{{Cite book |last=Newcomb |first=Horace |author-link=Horace Newcomb |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=NUXIAgAAQBAJ&pg=PA469 |title=Encyclopedia of Television |date=2014 |publisher=[[Routledge]] |isbn=978-1135194727 |page=469 |access-date=October 3, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160501084043/https://books.google.com/books?id=NUXIAgAAQBAJ&pg=PA469 |archive-date=May 1, 2016 |url-status=live |via=[[Google Books]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Cartoon Network&nbsp;– International Sites |url=https://www.cartoonnetwork.com/legal/international.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151004084507/http://www.cartoonnetwork.com/legal/international.html |archive-date=October 4, 2015 |access-date=October 3, 2015 |website=CartoonNetwork.com |publisher=[[Turner Broadcasting System]]}}</ref>

==See also==

{{Portal|Television|Georgia (U.S. state)|Companies}}

* [[Adult Swim]]

* [[Boomerang (TV network)|Boomerang]]

* [[Cartoon Network and LGBTQ representation]]

* [[Cartoonito]]

* [[Discovery Family]]

* [[MeTV Toons]]

==Notes==

{{Notelist}}

==References==

{{Reflist}}

==Bibliography==

* {{Cite book |last1=Stabile |first1=Carol A. |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=wVWS-ukTSg0C&q=Prime+time+animation:+television+animation+and+American+culture |title=Prime Time Animation: Television Animation and American Culture |last2=Harrison |first2=Mark |publisher=Routledge |year=2003 |isbn=978-0-415-28326-7 |access-date=October 15, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220124003921/https://books.google.com/books?id=wVWS-ukTSg0C&q=Prime+time+animation%3A+television+animation+and+American+culture |archive-date=January 24, 2022 |url-status=live |via=[[Google Books]]}}

==External links==

{{Commons category|Cartoon Network}}

* {{Official website|https://www.cartoonnetwork.com/}} ({{Webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240807001152/https://www.cartoonnetwork.com/ |date=2024-08-07}})

{{Cartoon Network}}

{{Navboxes|list=

{{Cartoon Network original programming}}

{{Former Cartoon Network original programming}}

{{Cartoon Network co-productions}}

{{Cartoonito}}

{{Boomerang}}

{{Adult Swim original programming}}

{{Warner Bros. Discovery Networks}}

{{Warner Bros. Discovery}}

{{U.S. family-oriented television channels}}

{{Atlanta companies}}

}}

{{Authority control}}

[[Category:Cartoon Network| ]]

[[Category:Children's television networks in the United States]]

[[Category:Television channels and stations established in 1992]]

[[Category:English-language television stations in the United States]]

[[Category:Companies based in Atlanta]]

[[Category:Mass media companies based in New York City]]

[[Category:Warner Bros. Discovery networks]]

[[Category:Television networks in the United States]]

[[Category:American companies established in 1992]]

[[Category:1996 mergers and acquisitions]]