Cartoon Network’s website, which had been online since 1998, was taken down from the Internet on August 8, according to a report. DiversityEarlier, the portal had a video-heavy homepage of shows like ‘Teen Titans Go’, ‘The Powerpuff Girls’, ‘Adventure Time’ and ‘Steven Universe’, now users are redirected to Max, another Warner Bros. Discovery streaming platform, where they can watch their favourite cartoons.
A pop-up message welcoming visitors to the Max website said, “Do you want to watch episodes of your favorite Cartoon Network shows? Check out what’s available to stream on Max (subscription required).” The welcome message also encouraged existing cable customers to use the “connected apps” in addition to watching shows on their TVs. “Sign up for Max, where you can also create a Kids Profile with rating restrictions and extra privacy protections to make it fun and kid-friendly! Cable customers, continue to enjoy your favorite CN programming on your TV and connected apps, too!” it said.
A Cartoon Network spokesperson told the outlet in a statement, “We are focusing on Cartoon Network shows and social media, where we find consumers are most engaged and there is meaningful potential for growth.” They also said the network will continue to provide 11 hours of television content every day from 6 a.m. to 5 p.m.
CartoonNetwork.com is a victim of the ongoing streaming war between online portals. It appears to be a cost-cutting measure aimed at enticing viewers to pay for Max. Parent company Paramount Global removed the websites of Comedy Central, MTV News and CMT in June. In February, Paramount also shut down preschool-focused channel Noggin.
Meanwhile, Cartoon Network’s website went live in July 1998, which is almost six years after the cable network launched in October 1992. It also existed as an AOL channel in early 1996. Last month, a rumor that Cartoon Network was shutting down created a buzz on social media with #RIPCartoonNetwork becoming a top trend. The rumor started with a video posted by the “Animation Workers Ignited” account on X (formerly Twitter), which claimed the channel was “dead.” However, it was clarified that the channel was not shutting down.
The channel is adapting to changes in the media landscape and is also developing new programs including spin-offs of popular shows.
