New Delhi: For many fans who grew up with Cartoon Network, a familiar corner of the internet has gone dark. Warner Bros. Discovery has officially shut down Cartoon Network’s website, cartoonnetwork.com, redirecting users to its Max streaming service. This move marks the end of an era for free access to classic and current Cartoon Network shows online.
Gone are the days of catching up on your favorite episodes of “Adventure Time,” “The Amazing World of Gumball,” “Teen Titans GO!,” or “Steven Universe” directly on the Cartoon Network website. Interactive games featuring these beloved characters have also been swept away in the digital dust.
However, fear not, cartoon aficionados! While the website may be retired, Cartoon Network content isn’t going anywhere. Fans can still access their favorite shows through several channels:
- Max Streaming Service (subscription required): This is Cartoon Network’s official landing spot for online viewing. However, a subscription is necessary to access content.
- Cartoon Network App: Download the Cartoon Network app on your preferred device for on-the-go access to shows.
- TV Provider Apps: Select TV provider apps on platforms like Roku, Apple TV, and Amazon may offer Cartoon Network content within their subscriptions.
- Cable TV: The good news for traditional television viewers is that the Cartoon Network channel itself is still very much alive and kicking, broadcasting shows daily.
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A spokesperson for Cartoon Network explained to Variety that the company is focusing its efforts on “Cartoon Network shows and social media where we find consumers are the most engaged and there is meaningful potential for growth.” This shift reflects the evolving media landscape, where streaming services and social media platforms are increasingly dominant.
The website closure is part of a larger strategic move by Warner Bros. Discovery. The company is consolidating its streaming offerings by shutting down its classic cartoon streaming service, Boomerang, on September 30th, and migrating both subscribers and content to Max. These decisions come amidst broader cost-cutting measures at Warner Bros. Discovery, which aims to improve its financial performance.
For some fans, the website shutdown may feel like the end of an era. After all, the Cartoon Network website was a haven for many, offering a space to play games, watch clips, and connect with the characters they loved. However, the shows themselves remain accessible, albeit through different platforms. With the ever-evolving media landscape, it remains to be seen how Cartoon Network will continue to engage its audience in the future, but one thing is certain: the legacy of these beloved shows lives on.
