Cartoon Network

Cartoon Network
	File:Cartoon Network 2010 logo.svg Logo used since 2010
Company type	Subsidiary
Industry	Cable television network
Founded	March 12, 1992; 34 years ago
Founder	Betty Cohen
Headquarters	Atlanta, Georgia, United States
Area served	United States
Key people	Michael Ouweleen (president)
Parent	Warner Bros. Discovery Networks
Website	www.cartoonnetwork.com

Cartoon Network (abbreviated as CN) is a United States-based cable television channel and serves as the primary asset of The Cartoon Network, Inc., a subsidiary of Warner Bros. Discovery Networks under the umbrella of Warner Bros. Discovery. The channel began broadcasting on October 1, 1992.

The network was created by Betty Cohen, who was named its inaugural president by Ted Turner. Its main content consists of animated programs aimed at children between the ages of 6 and 12, featuring genres that span from action to animated comedy. The early morning segment known as Cartoonito caters to preschool viewers, while the nighttime block Adult Swim targets a demographic of young adults aged 18 to 34.

By November 2023, Cartoon Network was accessible in roughly 66 million pay-TV households across the United States, a decline from its peak distribution of 100 million in 2011. The channel operates nationally from its headquarters located at 1050 Techwood Drive NW in Atlanta, Georgia, with Michael Ouweleen holding the position of president.

History

On August 9, 1986, Turner Broadcasting System completed the acquisition of Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer/United Artists (MGM/UA), but subsequently sold MGM back on October 18 while retaining much of the film and television library produced before May 1986, including segments of the UA catalog. This collection became part of Turner Entertainment Co.. On October 8, 1988, Turner introduced its cable channel Turner Network Television (TNT), utilizing its vast film archive to attract viewers. In 1991, Turner further enhanced its holdings by purchasing the animation catalog of Hanna-Barbera, strategically bolstering its animation content.

Ted Turner appointed Betty Cohen—then Senior Vice President at TNT—to spearhead a dedicated channel focused on these animation assets. On February 18, 1992, Turner Broadcasting announced the creation of Cartoon Network, designed as a specialized platform for its animation library. The parent entity, The Cartoon Network, Inc., was officially established on March 12, 1992. The network launched on October 1, 1992, marking it as the first cable channel to offer round-the-clock programming exclusively devoted to animation.

In 1994, Cartoon Network Studios was founded as a production division to generate original programming, launching with What a Cartoon! in 1995—an anthology series showcasing original animated shorts that spurred the network’s creative development. By 1996, Cartoon Network had expanded into preschool content with Big Bag, a hybrid live-action and puppet series co-produced with Children's Television Workshop, alongside Small World, which presented international animated shows for younger audiences.

The merger in 1996 between Turner Broadcasting System and Time Warner unified Warner Bros.' extensive cartoon collection under one corporate structure. This consolidation enriched Cartoon Network’s content library and facilitated growth in original productions, strengthening its position within the animation sector.

Programming

Original series produced by Cartoon Network include titles such as The Amazing World of Gumball and We Baby Bears, primarily developed through Cartoon Network Studios. The channel also partners with or licenses programming from other studios like its affiliate Warner Bros. Animation. Historically, it has featured both purely animated shows and live-action/animation hybrids.

From its inception in 1992 until 2017, Cartoon Network regularly aired classic animated shorts including Looney Tunes, Merrie Melodies, Tom and Jerry, and Droopy. Early access to extensive archives from Warner Bros., Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer, Hanna-Barbera, and DC Comics provided a significant competitive edge. Ownership of Hanna-Barbera gave Turner an internal animation studio, distinguishing it from rival networks. By the year 2000, most legacy content had migrated to Boomerang.

Original series

A significant portion of Cartoon Network's proprietary programming originates from its internal division, Cartoon Network Studios, which began as a branch of Hanna-Barbera. This studio was responsible for early successes including Dexter's Laboratory, Cow and Chicken, I Am Weasel, Johnny Bravo, and The Powerpuff Girls. The label Cartoon Cartoons was used to denote the network's original animated productions, although this branding was discontinued by 2008. Certain original series like Ed, Edd n Eddy, Courage the Cowardly Dog, and Codename: Kids Next Door were created by external studios. In 2021, the Cartoon Cartoons brand was reintroduced through a fresh animated shorts initiative, marking a strategic move to expand content offerings.

Programming blocks

Between 1999 and 2003, Cartoon Cartoon Fridays served as the premier programming block showcasing debut episodes of original series under the Cartoon Cartoons banner; this block was renamed "Fridays" from 2003 until 2007 as the branding phased out. The Toonami block, active from 1997 to 2008, catered to older children and teenagers by featuring action-packed shows and imported anime; it was revived within Adult Swim in 2012. In 2009, CN Real introduced live-action reality programming targeting young viewers. The DC Nation block, launched in 2011, centered on adaptations of DC Comics properties.

In September 2021, under the leadership of Tom Ascheim, Cartoon Network broadened its audience scope with two new blocks: the preschool-focused Cartoonito and ACME Night, a Sunday evening segment presenting family-friendly movies, Warner Bros. Animation content, and select Adult Swim shows. ACME Night transitioned to Adult Swim in September 2023 following scheduling adjustments. These developments demonstrate a strategic commitment to diversifying content and expanding market penetration across different age demographics.

Editing of theatrical cartoon shorts

Cartoon Network has aired the majority of the Warner Bros. animated shorts produced between the 1920s and 1960s; however, it edited out scenes depicting gun violence, alcohol consumption, cowboy and Native American stereotypes, tobacco use, and other politically sensitive material. Unaltered versions were not broadcast or widely released on video. For instance, Coal Black and de Sebben Dwarfs (1943), a short noted for both controversy and critical praise, was completely excluded. Meanwhile, The Scarlet Pumpernickel (1950) and Feed the Kitty (1952) had their endings significantly modified due to violent content.

In June 2001, Cartoon Network faced scrutiny over its decision to omit additional shorts from its annual 49-hour June Bugs marathon that showcased every Bugs Bunny short in chronological sequence. The network intended to air twelve contentious cartoons—some from the Censored Eleven—which contained ethnic stereotypes. These were scheduled to air after midnight with introductions providing historical context.

Cartoonito

Cartoonito is a preschool brand owned by Warner Bros., first launched in the United Kingdom in 2006 before expanding globally. In February 2021, Warner Bros. announced that Cartoonito would debut in the United States as both a programming block on Cartoon Network and a content brand on HBO Max, with its launch occurring on September 13, 2021.

Adult Swim

Adult Swim (often styled as [adult swim] or [as]) serves as Cartoon Network's programming segment aimed at an adult audience, distinct from the channel’s daytime content geared toward children. Nielsen classifies Adult Swim as a separate entity, acknowledging its unique viewer demographics. The block delivers a mix of original animated and live-action series, alongside reruns of animated sitcoms and anime, generally with minimal censorship.

As of September 2023, Adult Swim broadcasts daily from 5:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m. ET/PT. Originally launched as a late-night segment, it extended into prime time beginning at 10 p.m. in 2009, progressively shifting earlier to 8 p.m. by 2014. Occasionally, the 8 p.m. hour reverts to Cartoon Network programming for special events or premieres.

To better align with an evening audience primarily composed of teenagers and young adults, Adult Swim advanced its weekday and Saturday start time to 7 p.m. ET/PT on May 1, 2023. This adjustment elevated Cartoon Network’s standing among ad-supported networks in prime time, ranking sixth within the 18-34 age group. Building on this momentum, a subsequent expansion was announced for August 28, initially moving the start to 6 p.m., and later further advancing it to 5 p.m.

The weekday slots at 5 and 6 p.m. feature archival content from both Cartoon Network and Adult Swim libraries: Monday through Thursday airs Checkered Past, showcasing vintage Cartoon Network hits from the ’90s and early 2000s such as Dexter's Laboratory, Ed, Edd n Eddy, and The Grim Adventures of Billy & Mandy. Fridays are dedicated to classic Toonami programming under the "Toonami Rewind" banner. Additionally, Sunday evenings present films under the ACME Night label, introduced in September 2021 as part of Cartoon Network’s strategy to engage family audiences.

Toonami

Toonami—whose name combines "cartoon" and "tsunami"—represents a brand centered on action-packed programming blocks and dedicated channels worldwide. It premiered on Cartoon Network in the United States on March 17, 1997, featuring a mix of American animation and Japanese anime titles. The original block concluded on September 20, 2008, but was revived on May 26, 2012, as an Adult Swim Saturday night anime showcase. Its current format closely mirrors the earlier "Midnight Run" block style. Toonami is distinguished by its distinctive branding and its animated host, the robot TOM, voiced by Steve Blum.

Internationally, Toonami expanded with dedicated channels in regions including the United Kingdom, Asia, India, and France, supporting the brand’s global reach and growth in market share.

Boomerang

Boomerang is designed for children and family audiences by featuring classic and theatrical cartoons. Initially a weekend programming block on Cartoon Network from 1992 until 2004, it was launched as an independent cable channel on April 1, 2000. In 2017, Boomerang extended its presence into streaming through a video-on-demand platform offering both timeless series and new episodes of original shows such as Scooby-Doo and Guess Who?, New Looney Tunes, and The Tom and Jerry Show. This digital expansion has supported Boomerang’s continued growth within the animation sector.

Other services

Description	Service
Cartoon Network HD	Since October 15, 2007, Cartoon Network HD has been available as a high-definition simulcast on nearly all providers, delivering content in 1080i resolution. Initially, programs originally in 4:3 format were stretched to fit a 16:9 screen, but starting October 18, 2023, these are presented with pillarboxing to maintain the original aspect ratio. From September 26, 2009, original series have been broadcast unstretched in 16:9. Many providers offer a downscaled, letterboxed version of the HD feed for standard definition viewers.
Spanish-language feed	Provides an alternative Spanish audio option through separate channels or SAP features, included within subscription packages tailored for Spanish-speaking audiences.
Cartoon Network on Demand	This video-on-demand platform, launched in 2002, allows subscribers via cable and satellite to access Cartoon Network shows at their convenience.
Move It Movement	Originally called Get Animated until 2010, this program was introduced in 2005 to encourage children’s physical activity as a measure against childhood obesity. It has since been succeeded by the Stop Bullying Speak Up initiative.
HBO Max	HBO Max—rebranded as Max between 2023 and 2025—is Warner Bros. Discovery’s SVOD service. While Cartoon Network content was once prominently featured, much of it has been removed since August 2022.

Cartoon Network Studios

Originating as a Hanna-Barbera division in 1994 dedicated to producing original programming for Cartoon Network, Cartoon Network Studios became an independent entity in 1999. Although it produced numerous series for the network, some titles such as Big Bag, Ed, Edd n Eddy, Mike, Lu & Og, and Courage the Cowardly Dog were created without its involvement. The studio also develops content for Adult Swim, Max, and Cartoonito. Its live-action productions—initially for Cartoon Network but now solely for Adult Swim—are produced under various aliases including Alive and Kicking, Inc., Rent Now Productions, and Factual Productions.

Williams Street

Based in Atlanta, Georgia, Williams Street Productions (previously Ghost Planet Industries) serves as the production arm of Adult Swim. It is responsible for creating both animated and live-action original programming and oversees blocks like Toonami. The studio also developed early Adult Swim shows such as Space Ghost Coast to Coast.

Hanna-Barbera Studios Europe

Situated in London, Hanna-Barbera Studios Europe functions as the European production division of the network. It was known as Cartoon Network Development Studio Europe until 2012 and then as Cartoon Network Studios Europe until its rebranding in 2021.

Cartoon Network Productions

Founded in 1993, Cartoon Network Productions manages the worldwide production and distribution of television content, overseeing series, pilots, and films across Cartoon Network’s international channels.

Cartoon Network Latin America Original Productions

Originating in 2004 under the name Cartoon Network Producciones, Cartoon Network Latin America Original Productions (CN LA) functions as the production arm dedicated to the Latin American audience.

Cartoon Network Games

Since 2000, Cartoon Network Games—formerly known as Cartoon Network Interactive—has been responsible for creating and publishing video games inspired by Cartoon Network franchises.

Video games

Among its prominent releases is the 2011 mascot fighting game Cartoon Network: Punch Time Explosion for Nintendo 3DS, which was subsequently expanded to platforms such as Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, and Wii under the title Punch Time Explosion XL. The division also developed numerous titles based on the Ben 10 series. Furthermore, the network's website featured browser-based games including FusionFall, a large-scale multiplayer game launched in 2009 and discontinued in 2013.

Cartoon Network Enterprises

Launched in 2001, Cartoon Network Enterprises serves as the worldwide licensing and merchandising branch of the network, overseeing product distribution across various Cartoon Network properties.

Mobile app

The Cartoon Network mobile application provides users with access to full episodes, live streaming from both East and West Coast feeds, interactive games, and scheduling information.

Book licensing

Established in 2015, Cartoon Network Books manages licensing for publications derived from the network’s intellectual properties.

Movies

Cartoon Network has produced several feature-length projects, primarily television films. Its theatrical releases include The Powerpuff Girls Movie (produced by Cartoon Network Studios), Aqua Teen Hunger Force Colon Movie Film for Theaters (from Williams Street), Regular Show: The Movie (by Cartoon Network Studios), and Teen Titans Go! To The Movies (a collaboration between Warner Bros. Animation and DC Entertainment).

Online

The official website, CartoonNetwork.com, debuted in 1998 as a digital hub for the network, offering exclusive "Web Premiere Toons" and extensive animation content through its "Department of Cartoons." Early leadership featured Sam Register as senior vice president and creative director alongside Rob Sorcher as executive vice president of Cartoon Network Online.

In 2000, CartoonNetwork.com introduced Cartoon Orbit, an online platform featuring digital trading cards known as "cToons," which operated until 2006. That same year, the site surpassed Nickelodeon.com in unique visitor numbers, highlighting its strong digital presence.

By 2007, Nielsen reported that average visit durations reached approximately 77 minutes, ranking the site 26th among U.S. domains for user engagement.

On August 8, 2024, CartoonNetwork.com ceased operations and redirected traffic to Cartoon Network’s section on the Max streaming service. A company spokesperson explained this move as part of a strategic realignment focusing on social media and streaming platforms to better align with audience trends and growth opportunities. This shutdown resulted in the loss of archives containing clips, free series access, and Flash games that were key components of the brand’s online identity. However, some content remains available through international versions where Max is not accessible.

Marketing

Cartoon Network capitalized on popular series such as Dexter's Laboratory to establish licensing deals that enhanced brand exposure through merchandise sales. Collaborations with corporations like Kraft Foods facilitated widespread in-store promotions and joint marketing campaigns that expanded consumer reach. The network’s affiliation with its parent company Time Warner (later WarnerMedia, now Warner Bros. Discovery) enabled strategic partnerships across corporate subsidiaries, reinforcing its commercial framework.

Time Warner Cable, formerly part of the corporate family until its spinoff in 2009, distributed Cartoon Network within its cable offerings. Turner Broadcasting System—overseeing Warner Bros. Discovery networks—coordinated cross-promotional efforts and programming exchanges such as airing Foster's Home for Imaginary Friends on Kids' WB while introducing shows like Xiaolin Showdown and ¡Mucha Lucha! to Cartoon Network’s lineup to broaden audience demographics. Time Inc. contributed advertising space and editorial support through magazines including Time, Entertainment Weekly, and Sports Illustrated Kids until its separation in 2014. Additionally, AOL promoted online marketing via exclusive content offerings, contests, and digital advertisements.

Home video releases managed by Warner Bros. Home Entertainment encompassed VHS tapes, DVDs, and Blu-ray discs featuring Cartoon Network programs often supplemented with bonus materials. Former affiliates like Rhino Entertainment issued music albums related to the brand available through the Warner Bros. Studio Store. DC Comics published comic book series starring characters from Cartoon Network shows such as the Powerpuff Girls. Meanwhile, Warner Bros. distributed The Powerpuff Girls Movie (2002), strengthening the network’s multimedia footprint. Further tie-ins through Warner Books alongside broadcasts on HBO or Cinemax diversified revenue channels.

Food-related promotions also formed part of Cartoon Network’s marketing initiatives. A licensing deal with Nestlé resulted in a Wonder Ball chocolate candy campaign featuring Cartoon Network characters beginning in 2003. This effort extended into 2004 with branding from Ed, Edd n Eddy and exclusive prizes linked to the Cartoon Orbit website, broadening consumer interaction beyond conventional media outlets.

International

Since its launch, Cartoon Network along with its affiliated channels has developed numerous national and regional versions. Beginning in the early 1990s, the network broadened its presence into significant territories such as Canada, Mexico, Latin America, the United Kingdom, Ireland, Africa, and the Asia-Pacific area, thereby strengthening its international footprint and market influence.

Bibliography

External links

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