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CARTOON NETWORK Turns 20, Announces Fall Lineup

Cartoon Network celebrated twenty years today with their upfront presentation, announcing the return of several shows and the debut of others that could be the next genre darlings of the 6-11 male crowd.

NEW YORK, March 28, 2011 (left to right)— Cartoon Network Sales, Marketing & Enterprises EVP John O’Hara, Cartoon Network Chief Content Officer Rob Sorcher, Cartoon Network President/COO Stuart Snyder and Turner Broadcasting Sales EVP (AYAKM/truTV) Joe Hogan welcomed clients, partners and guests at Cartoon Network’s advertising Upfront presentation at the Roseland Ballroom. Among presentation highlights including multiple returning hit series, the network announced a new sketch comedy from Nick Cannon, a sneak peek at the upcoming Dreamworks Dragons: The Series based on the animated feature How To Train Your Dragon, an original series based on web sensation Annoying Orange, a partnership with LEGO for a second new series (following current Ninjago), the next series from global franchise powerhouse Ben 10: Omniverse and a new DC Comics/Warner Bros. CG-animated series, Beware The Batman.

The presentation took place at New York’s Roseland Ballroom paid tribute to the past and present with a full orchestra playing classic Cartoon Network television theme songs and live performances from the creative talent behind the hit animated comedy series Adventure Time and Regular Show.

“We are executing a brand vision and content strategy that is fueling tremendous results for Cartoon Network,” said Stuart Snyder, president and chief operating officer, Turner Broadcasting’s Animation, Young Adults and Kids Media (AYAKM). “Today, with a re-invented and thriving prime time, along with overall double-digit growth in total day, we are building the kind of momentum that is making this a great 20th anniversary.”

New shows on Cartoon Network (from their press release):

DreamWorks Dragons: The Series – Picking up where the critically-acclaimed feature film, How to Train Your Dragon, left off, this weekly animated series follows the continuing adventures of Hiccup and his dragon Toothless on the island of Berk, along with the band of dragon trainers, all of whom now have dragons of their own!

Through their training, the kids are finding out the cool things dragons can do. Not only will they learn more about their dragons, they’ll also discover new ones and battle against enemies as they explore worlds they never dreamed existed. In addition, the talented cast from the feature film—Jay Baruchel (Hiccup), America Ferrera (Astrid), Christopher Mitz-Plasse (Fishlegs) and T.J. Miller (Tuffnut)—will lend their voices to the series, which is produced by DreamWorks Animation and premieres this fall.

New LEGO Project – Following the instant ratings success of the CG-animated Ninjago, LEGO and Cartoon Network plan to expand their partnership with an all-new series from LEGO for 2013.

Ben 10: Omniverse -: In the brand-new animated series, Ben 10: Omniverse, Ben will have a new character design that pays homage to his past, and he’ll have a whole new batch of aliens to battle. Beating the bad guys is just part of the superhero gig. With a little help from his new, by-the-book rookie partner, Ben explores the quirkier side of things in the alien underground and discovers enemies from his past looking for a re-match, all while a mysterious hunter is hot on his trail! With 10 new aliens at his disposal and a brand new lease on life, Ben 10 is back and more fun than ever! Matt Youngberg is supervising producer for the series, which will premiere on Cartoon Network this fall.

Ben 10 is Cartoon Network’s most successful original global franchise. Since the premiere of the original Ben 10 series, created by Man of Action Studios, in 2006, the franchise has spawned four animated series, one animated movie, two live-action movies, a CG movie, a feature film currently in development, a widely-popular consumer products line and has captured the imaginations of viewers on a worldwide scale.

Beware the Batman – A cool, new take on the classic Dark Knight franchise, Beware the Batman incorporates Batman’s core characters with a rogues gallery of new villains not previously seen in animated form. Along with backup from ex-secret agent Alfred and lethal swordstress Katana, the Dark Knight faces the twisted machinations of Gotham City’s criminal underworld led by the likes of Anarky, Professor Pyg, Mister Toad and Magpie. Produced by Warner Bros. Animation, this action-packed detective thriller deftly redefines what we have come to know as a “Batman show.” Featuring cutting-edge CGI visuals to match the intricate twists and turns of the narrative, Batman steps out of the shadows and into the spotlight for an entirely new generation of fans. With WBA’s Sam Register executive producing, and Batman Beyond’s Glen Murakami and Scooby-Doo! Mystery Incorporated’s Mitch Watson producing, Beware the Batman, based on characters from DC Comics, is coming soon to Cartoon Network!

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Returning shows include the fifth season of Star Wars: The Clone Wars and a sophomore year for Green Lantern and the gang at Level Up. Too early to tell yet, but it will be interesting to watch what happens, and to see how the shows distinguish themselves.

Jason P. Hunt

Jason P. Hunt (founder/EIC) is the author of the sci-fi novella "The Hero At the End Of His Rope". His short film "Species Felis Dominarus" was a finalist in the Sci Fi Channel's 2007 Exposure competition.

One thought on “CARTOON NETWORK Turns 20, Announces Fall Lineup

  • Is Thundercats returning this Fall

    Reply

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