Cartoon Network Merging with Warner Bros. Animation

Television

Yesterday, news broke from Cartoon Brew that Cartoon Network is merging with Warner Bros. Animation under Warner Discovery’s new strategy. This came following company-wide layoffs and the barrage of changes since Warner Bros. was acquired. Check out some qualifying statements from Cartoon Network art director David DePasquale here:

https://twitter.com/wolfinsheeps/status/1580264799018983424

https://twitter.com/wolfinsheeps/status/1580268555752259585

And here’s a tweet from Cartoon Network’s official Twitter clarifying the issue:

Y’all we're not dead, we're just turning 30 😂

To our fans: We're not going anywhere. We have been and will always be your home for beloved, innovative cartoons ⬛️⬜️ More to come soon!#CartoonNetwork #CN30 #30andthriving #CartoonNetworkStudios #FridayFeeling #FridayVibes

— Cartoon Network (@cartoonnetwork) October 14, 2022

It’s encouraging to hear that some workers are hopeful about the transition and that the “same type” of content will still be produced. I still feel uneasy about these changes and the removal of animated shows from HBO Max. Of course, this is the worst for those who were laid off and content creators whose shows have been pulled and/or canceled. As long as Cartoon Network is still willing to take risks like greenlighting Adventure Time (Pendleton Ward’s pitch having been shot down at Nickelodeon), there will be hope. I don’t have a great feeling about all of this, but I’m trying to keep an open mind. 

But what do you think? Are the layoffs the latest casualty of a war between the creative and business sides? Or is this all being blown out of proportion? Drop a comment below!