Cartoon Network has been a staple of childhood for 90s kids. Known for classic shows like 'Scooby-Doo,' 'Tom and Jerry,' and 'Johnny Bravo,' the channel has left a lasting impact on kids across generations. Recently, however, the trend #RIPCartoonNetwork on social media platform X has led many to believe the channel might be shutting down.
#RIPCartoonNetwork trends on X
On Tuesday, social media was abuzz with nostalgic posts as users assumed the channel would cease to exist. This speculation started after the X account Animation Workers Ignited shared a montage video titled "Cartoon Network is dead?". The video highlighted the difficulties faced by the animation industry, particularly amid widespread layoffs.
The video featured a conversation between two animated characters discussing the potential demise of Cartoon Network and the broader challenges within the animation industry. The dialogue went, “Wow! so, this is where cartoons get made! Not anymore, Cartoon Network is essentially dead! And other big animation studios are not far behind. What the hell? What happened to all the animation workers?! A lot of them are unemployed. In record numbers, in fact. And many have been unemployed for years. But, they carried the industry during the pandemic! That’s right when COVID first hit, animation was able to operate completely remotely.”
The characters continued, “Making it one of the only forms of entertainment that could continue production uninterrupted, but studios decided to pay them back by cancelling projects, outsourcing jobs and laying off artists en masse. But why would they do that?! why else? Greed! Big studios make their finances look better by reducing spending and cutting staff, CEOs and executives reaping the monetary benefits for themselves. So they wanna reap, huh? I’ll show them reap! I don’t think you’ll be doing much with a plastic scythe, But you can help by spreading the word. Post about your favorite Cartoon Network shows you wish were still around using #RIPCartoonNetwork and #StayTuned for more ways to help TAG (The Animation Guild) by following this account. Animation is under attack. Which side are you on?”
Alongside the video, the account shared a survey link for followers to participate.
Netizens reaction
As #RIPCartoonNetwork trended, some users on X began claiming the channel was shutting down, causing widespread confusion and nostalgia.
One user wrote, “It’s sad to see the most iconic building in everybody’s childhood. Rest in peace, Cartoon Network Studios. So weird and painful to say goodbye to an iconic piece of history. Thanks for the memories.”
Another user commented, “it’s the end of an era, Cartoon Network has officially shut down here are all the shows that made our childhood #RIPCartoonNetwork” #RIPCartoonNetwork this era was generational,” wrote another user.
“It is really the end of an era on the iconic childhood memories in Cartoon Network #RIPCartoonNetwork,” another tweet read.
Cartoon Network denies shutting down rumours
The network denied the shutting down rumours in a statement that read, "Cartoon Network would like to clarify that there is no truth to the speculation that the network or the studio is shutting down. With a number of recently announced greenlights, we remain committed to continually investing in innovative content that entertains and inspires our viewers across the globe."