End of an era: ’90s kids say goodbye to Cartoon Network as it joins Max streaming
Hyderabad: The iconic Cartoon Network, which has been a cornerstone of childhood entertainment for over two decades, has officially shut down its website and redirected users to the Max streaming platform. This marks the end of an era that has left many nostalgic fans devastated.
While speaking with the Hyderabad Mail, Aditya, an IT employee who grew up in the ‘90s, reminisced about his cherished memories with the channel. “Cartoon Network was more than just a channel; it was an integral part of my childhood routine. In the early days, getting a cable connection to watch CN felt like a luxury. My friends and I would gather at one of our homes to catch our favorite shows, carefully planning our days around the TV schedule published in the newspaper,” Aditya shared.
He continued, “As we grew older, so did the shows. It was a wonderful experience to witness this evolution, and now that CN is becoming a part of history, it brings a sense of nostalgia and joy. Shows like Ben 10, Naruto, Tom and Jerry, Scooby-Doo, Courage the Cowardly Dog, Samurai Jack, Dexter’s Laboratory, and The Looney Tunes are among my favorites.”
Siddhartha, a civil service aspirant and Cartoon Network fan, also shared his thoughts on the channel’s closure. “The lively hustle and bustle of TV animation made my childhood joyful and engaging. I would rush home from school, eagerly not to miss a single second of my favorite shows. Dragon Ball Z, Codename: Kids Next Door, and Courage the Cowardly Dog were some of my favorites. These cartoons taught me valuable lessons and helped me grow. For instance, Dexter’s Laboratory made me learn the importance of a strong sibling bond and sparked my interest in science, while Samurai Jack highlighted the challenges of life and the importance of resilience. I long for the days I eagerly awaited each new episode of my favorite shows.”
Doctor Vamsi Krishna, another devoted fan, shared how cartoons shaped his personality. “My favorite cartoon as a kid was Popeye. I admired the sailor’s unique style and his efforts to save Olive from Bluto. Cartoons taught me to think creatively and be spontaneous when facing challenges. They also instilled in me the importance of helping those in need. Although I may not help everyone, I naturally gravitate towards those who are right but lack the strength to fight against injustice. Besides Popeye, I enjoyed Dexter’s Laboratory, The Flintstones, and Richie Rich.”
According to recent reports, Warner Brothers Discovery (WBD) has decided to shut down the Cartoon Network website as part of a broader cost-cutting initiative. The company has redirected Cartoon Network’s viewers to its subscription streaming service, Max. A WBD official explained, “We are focusing on Cartoon Network shows and social media where we find the most engagement and potential for growth.”
The move comes as Warner Brothers Discovery reported a 6 percent decline in earnings for the second quarter, totaling approximately ₹8,152 crore ($9.71 billion) as of August 7, 2024. The company also reported a substantial loss of ₹8,359 crore ($10 billion). Redirecting users to the Max streaming service is part of WBD’s strategy to boost subscriber numbers and leverage the platform’s kid-friendly features, including a restricted kids’ profile section.
