The Cartoon Network website closes after 26 years

On August 8, the Cartoon Network website—which had been up since 1998—was taken down. Now, users are led to the Warner Bros. Discovery Max platform, where they may watch series like Adventure Time and Teen Titans Go! The network will continue to stream 11 hours of content a day, from 6 am to 5 pm, with an emphasis on social media.

A pop-up message welcoming visitors to the Max website said, "Looking for episodes of your favourite Cartoon Network shows? Check out what's available to stream on Max (subscription required)." The welcome message also encouraged current cable subscribers to use "Connected apps" in addition to watching shows on their televisions. "Sign up for Max, where you can also create a Kids Profile with rating restrictions and additional privacy protections to keep it fun and kid-friendly! Cable subscribers, continue to enjoy your favourite CN programming on your TV and connected apps as well!" it added.

A Cartoon Network spokesperson said, "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." CartoonNetwork.com is the victim of the ongoing streaming war among online portals. It also seems like a cost-cutting measure meant to entice viewers to pay for Max. The parent firm Paramount Global removed the websites for Comedy Central, MTV News, and CMT in June. In February, Paramount also cancelled the preschool-focused channel Noggin.

Meanwhile, the Cartoon Network website went live in July 1998, which was roughly six years after the cable network's October 1992 launch. It also existed as an AOL channel as early as 1996. Last month, a rumour that Cartoon Network was shutting down sent shockwaves on social media and #RIPCartoonNetwork became the top trend. The rumour started with a video posted on X (formerly Twitter) by the account "Animation Workers Ignited", which claimed that the channel was "dead". However, it was clarified that the channel was not shutting down.

The channel is adapting to changes in the media landscape and has new programming in development, including spin-offs of popular shows.