Warner Bros. Discovery has revamped Cartoon Network’s website, transforming it into a portal exclusively directing users to its Max streaming service. The overhaul, which appeared to take place on Thursday, has effectively erased the previous content offerings, including free episodes of popular shows like Adventure Time and Steven Universe. This change comes in the wake of Warner Bros. Discovery’s announcement last week regarding the shutdown of Boomerang, its streaming platform dedicated to classic Warner Bros. cartoons.
As of Friday, visitors to CartoonNetwork.com are greeted with a prominent popup urging them to sign up for Max, Warner Bros. Discovery’s flagship streaming service. The message reads, “Looking for episodes of your favorite Cartoon Network shows? Check out what’s available to stream on Max (subscription required).” The popup also informs users that cable subscribers can still access Cartoon Network content through the linear channel and connected apps.
Clicking through the popup redirects users to the Cartoon Network section on Max, which continues to prompt for subscription sign-up.
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“We are focusing on the Cartoon Network shows and social media where we find consumers are the most engaged and there is a meaningful potential for growth,” a Cartoon Network spokesperson told Variety. The spokesperson also noted that while some digital products have been closed, fans can still interact with Cartoon Network through the Cartoon Network app and select TV provider apps on various platforms, including mobile devices, Roku, Apple TV, and Amazon. Additionally, fans can continue to watch the Cartoon Network channel, which airs a curated selection of shows daily from 6 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Despite these changes, Warner Bros. Discovery’s move to consolidate its digital presence follows a substantial $9.1 billion impairment charge in its quarterly earnings report, attributed to challenges in the advertising market. This adjustment reflects broader industry trends, including similar actions taken by Paramount in June, which saw the consolidation or closure of websites for Comedy Central, TV Land, and other cable channels.
In 2022, Warner Bros. Discovery had already announced the merger of Warner Bros. Animation and Cartoon Network Studios. The recent changes to Cartoon Network’s website further dilute the brand’s digital footprint. Furthermore, Warner Bros. Discovery has been criticized for removing classic Warner Bros. cartoons from Max, including hundreds of Looney Tunes episodes and nearly 80 episodes of The Flintstones at the end of 2022. Although these titles were initially listed as leaving the service, the company later clarified that their removal was an error.
