Introduction
Cartoon Network (CN), Atlanta, Georgia-based is an American cable TV network owned by Warner Bros. Discovery. It debuted in 1992 and broadcasts humor and action-packed children's animated shows. Every day, CN is open from 6 a.m. to 5 p.m. ET/PT, with few exceptions for holidays. It features channels geared toward a range of age groups, from young adults to preschoolers, such as Adult Swim and Boomerang. From its peak of 100 million in 2011, CN now covers roughly 66 million households in the United States as of November 2023.
History
Turner Broadcasting System bought MGM/UA in 1986. It eventually sold MGM back in 1988 but kept most of its pre-1986 TV and film collection, creating Turner Entertainment Co. In 1988, Turner debuted Turner Network Television (TNT), and the animation library of Hanna-Barbera was purchased by the company in 1991. When Cartoon Network debuted on October 1, 1992, it was the first animation-focused 24-hour cable channel. In 1994, Hanna-Barbera's Cartoon Network Studios started releasing original programming, such as “What a Cartoon!” Cartoon Network increased the amount of original content it produced after combining with Time Warner in 1996.
Programming
Cartoon Network (CN) now airs original series that are produced by Cartoon Network Studios, with occasional acquisitions or co-productions from Warner Bros. Animation and The Amazing World of Gumball, Craig of the Creek, and We Baby Bears. Throughout its illustrious past, the network has aired beloved cartoons like Tom and Jerry and Looney Tunes in addition to innovative original programming since its 1992 debut. Over the years, Cartoon Network has also added a variety of programming blocks that appeal to different age groups and interests.
Related brands and units
Warner Bros.'s Cartoonito first appeared in 2006 for foreign markets. In September 2021, it made its American premiere as a Cartoon Network block and as a brand on HBO Max. Preschool programming is its main emphasis.
Cartoon Network's adult-oriented brand Adult Swim airs live-action and animated series for mature audiences every day from 5:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m. ET/PT. Action-focused television network Toonami first aired on Adult Swim in 1997 and was resurrected in 2012 on the network. In 2000, Boomerang, a channel dedicated to vintage cartoons, separated from Cartoon Network.
Together with Williams Street Productions, which is in charge of Adult Swim's programming, and Toonami, Cartoon Network Studios creates original material for both Adult Swim and Cartoon Network.
Media
Since 2000, Cartoon Network Games—previously known as Cartoon Network Interactive—has created and released video games based on Cartoon Network programming. Since 2001, Cartoon Network Enterprises has managed worldwide license and merchandise distribution for a number of Cartoon Network properties. The network has a mobile app with schedules, games, live streaming, and entire episodes. Founded in 2015, Cartoon Network Books grants licensing for books based on its properties. When CartoonNetwork.com was first created in 1998, it offered unique programming and games, such as the massively multiplayer online game FusionFall. In 2000, it topped Nickelodeon's website in terms of unique users.
Marketing
Popular Cartoon Network programs like Dexter's Laboratory facilitated merchandise license agreements and marketing with companies like Kraft Foods and Tower Records. WarnerMedia, the company's corporate parent and current Warner Bros. Discovery, supported these collaborations by encouraging cross-promotions and marketing synergies. Cartoon Network was distributed by Time Warner Cable as part of its bundles, and Turner Broadcasting System made show swaps possible with other networks, such as Kids' WB, in order to reach a wider audience. Cartoon Network was backed by Warner Bros. businesses, such as Warner Bros. Home Entertainment and DC Comics, through home video releases and comic book tie-ins. In addition, Cartoon Network began promoting food in 2003 with Nestlé's Wonder Ball candies, which featured characters from Cartoon Network.