Warner Bros. Discovery Shuts Down Cartoon Network Website Amid Cost-Cutting Efforts
Warner Bros. Discovery announced that they would be down The Cartoon Network’s website as part of yet another cost-cutting measure. The news followed WBD’s statement in their quarterly earnings report that they would be writing down $9.1 billion from their legacy television unit. Due to a decline in carriage fees from cord-cutting, which has resulted in a decrease in subscribers and ratings, cable networks have been experiencing financial difficulties over the past few years.
Looking for episodes of your favorite Cartoon Network shows? Check out the Cartoon Network website. Check out what’s available to stream on Max (membership required). Join Max to establish a kid-friendly profile with extra privacy safeguards and rating limitations to keep it entertaining for young users.”
The notification also mentioned that current cable customers could watch TV shows in addition to using the “linked apps.” In addition to their app, Cartoon Network content is available on connected TV devices like Roku, Apple TV, and Amazon, as well as on social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube.
Less than half of American TV homes currently have access to the Cartoon Network cable channel, down from 87% in 2011. Daily programming on the cable network airs from 6 a.m. to 5 p.m. Adult Swim on the WBD airs every day from 5 p.m. until 6 a.m.
Cartoon Network and Cable Channels Lose Ground to Streaming Services
The audience delivery of the Cartoon Network and other cable networks targeting children, including the Disney Channel and Nickelodeon, has been fast losing eyes as kids’ watching habits continue to shift away from linear television and toward on-demand streaming. Cartoon Network ranked 43rd overall in July 2024 with an average of 74,000 viewers over the broadcast day.
There has been no official declaration that the cable television network is going to shut down, despite speculations to the contrary. When the Cartoon Network debuted in October 1992, Turner Broadcasting provided a vast library of beloved cartoon shows. The network started airing original shows as well.
“We are focused on the Cartoon Network programming and social media where we find consumers are the most engaged and there is a meaningful possibility for development,” a network spokeswoman stated. The website for Cartoon Network was first published in July 1998; an earlier version was accessible through AOL in 1996. The websites for the other WBD cable networks are still up and running as of right now.
Popular Shows and Free Games Once Offered on CartoonNetwork.com
Cartoonnetwork.com used to provide free episodes and highlights from the cable network. Adventure Time, Craig of the Creek, The Amazing World of Gumball, Teen Titans GO!, Steven Universe, We Bare Bears, and Clarence were among the shows that were accessible, according to Variety. Free video games from a number of their programs were also available on the website.
Furthermore, WBD declared earlier in the month that Boomerang’s independent, subscription-based streaming channel would close on September 30. The monthly membership fee for Boomerang has been $5.99. The material can be found on Max. Boomerang featured iconic animated series like The Flintstones, Tom and Jerry, Looney Tunes, and Scooby-Doo. The streaming service from Boomerang was introduced seven years ago. The cable network, which is accessible in roughly 23 million TV homes, will keep running.
Another struggling media company, Paramount Global, closed the website MTV News in June due to budgetary constraints. The website contained thousands of Comedy Central video clips and more than 20 years of material. Recently, Paramount disclosed a $6 billion write-down on their cable networks.
