Cartoon Network (CN), an American cable television channel owned by Warner Bros. Discovery, has been an integral part of every 90s kid’s childhood. From Scooby-Do to Tom and Jerry to Johnny Bravo, the kids’ channel has captivated the generation for years.
However, a new trend with hashtag #RIPCartoonNetwork on X suggests that the channel is shutting down.
The hashtag has sparked concerns among fans about the network’s future.
Given the entertainment industry’s constant flux, movie and TV enthusiasts are always on edge for potential bad news. But is there any truth in these news?
Social media users on Tuesday flocked to X with nostalgic posts on Cartoon Network as they assumed that the channel would no longer function. The trend began after an X handle Animation Workers Ignited posted a montage video with the message “Cartoon Network is dead?”. The video highlighted the challenges being faced in the amination fraternity amid layoffs in the industry.
In the message, the X handle urged its followers to post their favourite Cartoon Network shows with the #RIPCartoonNetwork. “Cartoon Network is dead?!?! Spread the word about what’s at stake for animation!!! Post about your favorite Cartoon Network shows using #RIPCartoonNetwork. Active members of TAG can help by filling out your survey! Today is the last day,” the message read.
The video showed a conversation between two animated characters discussing the possible threats to the animation industry. “Wow! so, this is where cartoons get made! Not anymore, Cartoon Network is essentially dead! And other big animation studios are not far behind. What the hell? What happened to all the animation workers?! A lot of them are unemployed. In record numbers, in fact. And many have been unemployed for years. But, they carried the industry during the pandemic! That’s right when COVID first hit, animation was able to operate completely remotely,” the video showed.
“Making it one of the only forms of entertainment that could continue production uninterrupted, but studios decided to pay them back by cancelling projects, outsourcing jobs and laying off artists en masse. But why would they do that?! why else? Greed! Big studios make their finances look better by reducing spending and cutting staff, CEOs and executives reaping the monetary benefits for themselves. So they wanna reap, huh? Ill show them reap! I don’t think you’ll be doing much with a plastic scythe, But you can help by spreading the word. Post about your favorite Cartoon Network shows you wish were still around using #RIPCartoonNetwork and #StayTuned for more ways to help TAG
(The Animation Guild) by following this account. Animation is under attack. Which side are you on?” the characters said in the video.
Watch here
https://x.com/AWorkersIgnited/status/1810440310838968397?t=zi3sUIbWTKAw3yIQX6xmbQ&s=19
In another thread, it also shared the survey link for its followers to respond.
After #RIPCartoonNetwork took over social media, a section of users made claims of the channel shutting down, creating a hullabaloo on the platform. “it’s the end of an era, Cartoon Network has officially shut down. here are all the shows that made our childhood,” a user wrote.
https://x.com/ReddCinema/status/1810479751691157861?t=-B4zbSW3XxNgUZ9PNyaE9w&s=19
Another user wrote, “It is really end of era on the iconic childhood memories in Cartoon Network.
https://x.com/BipolarGhosty/status/1810481336865759496?t=LzzkGr3H_62Ljr99Il6gcA&s=19
“Its sad to see the most iconic building in everybody’s childhood. Rest in peace cartoon network studios. So weird and painful to say goodbye to an iconic piece of history. Thanks for the memories,” another user posted.
https://x.com/SumitHansd/status/1810527138451485131?t=HVFnNtOB1NzR7J1eD7bYzQ&s=19
According to the company, Cartoon Network is not shutting down. The network remains operational, and there have been no recent layoffs to prompt the #RIPCartoonNetwork trend.
However the network does face challenges. Both Cartoon Network and Warner’s have experienced a slump since the merger with Discovery. Warner Bros Discovery Inc. stock has dropped significantly from an all-time high of $24.88 just after the merger to a current low of $7.11.
CEO David Zaslav has made several unpopular decisions, some of which seem counterproductive. The conglomerate’s reputation has suffered due to controversial moves like renaming HBO Max to Max, removing content from the streaming service, canceling shows for tax write-offs, and more.
Despite these issues, Cartoon Network isn’t going anywhere. New programming is also in the pipeline, including “The Amazing World of Gumball: The Series,” and spin-offs of “Adventure Time,” “Regular Show,” and “Foster’s Home for Imaginary Friends” are in process.
While Cartoon Network has faced setbacks from post-COVID and merger-related cutbacks, it’s not shutting down. Although there are valid criticisms of how the company is being managed, it will likely be a long time before we genuinely have to say #RIPCartoonNetwork.
Fans can rest assured that Cartoon Network is safe for now, continuing to operate and adapt amidst industry changes.
