While streaming has made it easier to binge our favourite shows and movies all in one place, it also means that titles we’ve loved for years can become inaccessible at a moment’s notice. The corporations that own Netflix, Max, Hulu, and others now can truncate their catalogues in an attempt to present a leaner library and save costs, often at the expense of series and films that consumers love.
Cartoon Network became the latest victim of this phenomenon recently as fans of the iconic brand can no longer visit the cable channel’s website, which has been a fixture of the web since the late 1990s. The URL cartoonnetwork.com now redirects to Max’s website. It leaves the future of the shows from Cartoon Network in question, especially because there is no clarity on what will remain on Max and what will be lost to faint millennial memories.
Variety says a spokesperson for Cartoon Network told them, “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.” Leaving it up to Warner Bros. Discovery to gauge audience interest and consolidate Cartoon Network’s canon to their discretion could leave a lot of great shows on the outside looking in.
Some of the Cartoon Network series that are available right now on Max include The Amazing World of Gumball, Regular Show, Courage the Cowardly Dog, The Grim Adventures of Billy & Mandy, Ed, Edd, n Eddy, Total Drama Island, and Teen Titans. While this remains a good selection with plenty of variety, including new and old hits alike, the move signals an ominous tone for Cartoon Network’s worth as a singular entity. Anything can be taken down at any time on Max.
