Cartoon Network

Cartoon Network is an American cable television channel.

It is operated by the Global Linear Networks division of Warner Bros. Discovery. The network primarily broadcasts animated television series. These programs range from animated comedies to action-oriented shows. While it mostly targets children aged 6 to 12, it serves many different age groups. The channel operates daily from 6 a.m. to 5 p.m. ET/PT. It remains a major name in the world of animation.

The network functions through various programming blocks and specialized studios. Much of its original content comes from Cartoon Network Studios. This in-house studio began as a division of Hanna-Barbera. It produced early hits like Dexter's Laboratory and The Powerpuff Girls. Other shows are acquired from outside studios or co-produced with Warner Bros. Animation. The network also utilizes different blocks to organize its content. These blocks help target specific audiences at different times of the day.

Different blocks serve different viewers. The Cartoonito block focuses on preschool-aged children. Toonami is a brand for action-oriented programming, including Japanese anime. It originally launched in 1997 and was known for its host, a robot named TOM.

Adult Swim is a brand for a mature audience. It features both animated and live-action shows. Adult Swim is often treated as a separate channel in rating reports. In 2021, the network also introduced ACME Night. This block carries family films and library content from Warner Bros. Animation.

The history of the network began with the acquisition of major film libraries. In 1986, Turner Broadcasting System acquired Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer/United Artists. Although Turner later sold MGM back, he kept many films made before May 1986. This formed the Turner Entertainment Co. library. In 1991, Turner also purchased the animation studio Hanna-Barbera. Ted Turner chose Betty Cohen to create a network for these programs. On October 1, 1992, Cartoon Network officially launched. It was the first 24-hour cable channel dedicated to animation. Betty Cohen served as the network's first president.

Cartoon Network's reach has changed over time. In 2011, the channel reached a peak of 100 million households. Currently, it is available to approximately 66 million pay television households in the United States. The network's early success relied on its massive library. It had access to Looney Tunes, Tom and Jerry, and Scooby-Doo. It also held DC Comics properties like Superman and Batman. By 2000, many of these classic series moved to a different brand called Boomerang. Boomerang now focuses on classic and theatrical cartoons for families.

Historically, the network has also managed how old cartoons are shown. When broadcasting Warner Bros. shorts from the 1920s to the 1960s, the network edited certain scenes. They removed depictions of gunfire, tobacco, and alcohol. They also removed politically incorrect humor and certain stereotypes. For example, the short Coal Black and de Sebben Dwarfs was omitted entirely. Other shorts, like Feed the Kitty, had their finales edited due to violence. These decisions were made to suit the network's intended audience.

Today, Cartoon Network connects many different styles of media. It links classic animation history with modern original productions. Shows like The Amazing World of Gumball represent its current era. The network also maintains connections to broader media brands. It works alongside Adult Swim and the preschool brand Cartoonito. Through these various units, the network manages a wide range of storytelling. It continues to evolve its schedule to reach different demographics. This keeps the tradition of animation alive for many generations.