Cartoon Network Shutdown Rumors Debunked Amid #RIPCartoonNetwork Trend
3 min readDebunking the #RIPCartoonNetwork Trend: Cartoon Network is Here to Stay
No, Cartoon Network is not shutting down. The network is still operational, and there have been no recent layoffs to cause the #RIPCartoonNetwork trend.
Cartoon Network fans were thrown into a frenzy when #RIPCartoonNetwork began trending on X, formerly known as Twitter. With the entertainment industry frequently undergoing upheavals, it’s no surprise that rumors spread quickly. But is Cartoon Network actually shutting down? Let’s dive into the details and set the record straight.
Cartoon Network is dead?!?!
— Animation Workers Ignited (@AWorkersIgnited) July 8, 2024
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 (7/8) is the last day! pic.twitter.com/dHNMvA1q0A
The hashtag #RIPCartoonNetwork started gaining traction after the Twitter account ‘Animation Workers Ignited’ posted a video claiming that “Cartoon Network is essentially dead.” The video addressed widespread layoffs in the animation industry and lamented the treatment of animation workers who played a crucial role during the COVID-19 pandemic. It asserted that many animation workers have been unemployed for extended periods despite their significant contributions to keeping the industry afloat during the pandemic.
The viral video, which amassed over three million views in less than four hours, painted a grim picture of the current state of the animation industry. It criticized large studios for cutting costs and laying off employees to improve their financial statements, benefiting CEOs and executives at the expense of the workers. The video urged viewers to use the hashtag #RIPCartoonNetwork to raise awareness about these issues and to share their favorite Cartoon Network shows.
Social media users responded by reminiscing about beloved shows like “Courage The Cowardly Dog” and “The Grim Adventures of Billy and Mandy,” expressing their sadness over the animators’ plight. As the hashtag gained momentum, rumors began to circulate that Cartoon Network was shutting down permanently.
However, these rumors are false. The account ‘Animation Workers Ignited,’ associated with the animators’ union, used the hashtag #RIPCartoonNetwork not to announce the network’s closure but to highlight the challenges faced by industry workers. Cartoon Network is not shutting down.
These 2 shows carried Cartoon Network ngl #RIPCartoonNetwork pic.twitter.com/qbkCrBCxKJ
— ᴄʀᴏᴡ (@crowbrss) July 9, 2024
While Cartoon Network is not closing its doors, it is true that the network, along with other properties owned by Warner Bros. Discovery, has faced challenges since the merger with Discovery. Warner Bros. Discovery Inc. has experienced significant stock declines, falling from an all-time high of $24.88 post-merger to a recent low of $7.11. CEO David Zaslav’s decisions, such as renaming HBO Max to Max and removing content from the streaming service, have been controversial and unpopular with consumers.
Despite these setbacks, Cartoon Network remains operational and is making adjustments to stay relevant. For instance, the network’s decision to start Adult Swim two hours earlier each night has been successful. Additionally, new programming is in the pipeline, including “The Amazing World of Gumball: The Series” and spin-offs of popular shows like “Adventure Time,” “Regular Show,” and “Foster’s Home for Imaginary Friends.”
Its sad to see the most iconic building in everybody's childhood
— Sumit (@SumitHansd) July 9, 2024
Rest in peace cartoon network studios.
So weird and painful to say goodbye to an iconic piece of history
Thanks for the memories ❤️🙏
#RIPCartoonNetwork pic.twitter.com/ssKWT0ZpJw
In summary, while Cartoon Network has faced its share of challenges in the post-COVID era and following the Warner Bros. Discovery merger, the network is not shutting down. The rumors sparked by the #RIPCartoonNetwork trend are unfounded. Fans can rest assured that Cartoon Network will continue to entertain and adapt amidst the evolving landscape of the animation industry.
it’s the end of an era, Cartoon Network has officially shut down 😢 here are all the shows that made our childhood #RIPCartoonNetwork pic.twitter.com/jKnz5tL24X
— Redd (@ReddCinema) July 9, 2024