Warner Bros.’ recent management of Cartoon Network and its animated legacy has been less than optimal. This includes the closure of the iconic Cartoon Network Studios building last year, the cancellation of multiple series, and, most recently, the complete closure of Cartoon Network’s website and its archive of free streaming clips and episodes. Today, the situation became more tumultuous as several popular Cartoon Network series were unexpectedly removed from the streaming platform Max.
Users reported that a number of significant Cartoon Network shows, such as Ben 10, Steven Universe, Regular Show, the 2016 Powerpuff Girls revival, The Amazing World of Gumball, We Bare Bears, and Chowder, were no longer available on Max at the start of the month without any prior notice of their removal.
Interestingly, Max simultaneously updated the branding of its “Kids and Family” section, replacing images of Gumball and Steven Universe with characters from Care Bears and The Flintstones.
While most of the removed shows are still available to stream on other platforms, the move is seen as awkward in light of Warner Bros.’ recent decisions regarding its animated catalogue and efforts to streamline its financial operations. The company has recently announced the termination of its classic animation-focused streaming platform, Boomerang, with its library and subscribers being transitioned to Max. Additionally, the dedicated Cartoon Network website, which hosted numerous clips and free streaming episodes from various series, was recently taken down.
A message on the updated Cartoon Network website had encouraged fans to check out the available shows on Max, highlighting the availability of Kids Profiles with ratings restrictions and additional privacy protections.
Inquiries have been made to Max seeking clarification on whether the removal of these shows was an intentional update to its catalogue or an oversight similar to a recent incident involving Over the Garden Wall on Hulu. Updates will be provided as more information becomes available.
