Warner Bros.’ management of Cartoon Network and its animated legacy has been less than ideal in recent months. This includes the closure of the iconic Cartoon Network Studios building last year, the cancellation of multiple series, and more recently, the unexpected complete shutdown of Cartoon Network’s website along with its archive of free streaming clips and episodes. The situation has now deteriorated further, as several popular Cartoon Network series have disappeared from Max, despite Warner Bros. previously directing fans to watch those shows on this platform.
Several users have reported that significant Cartoon Network titles—including Ben 10, Steven Universe, Regular Show, the 2016 Powerpuff Girls revival, The Amazing World of Gumball, We Bare Bears, and Chowder—are no longer available on Max since the beginning of the month, with no prior warning of their removal.
Interestingly, with the removal of these shows, Max has updated its “Kids and Family” section branding, replacing images of Gumball and Steven Universe with those of a Care Bear and Fred Flintstone.
Although most of the removed shows are accessible for streaming elsewhere, the situation is awkward given Warner Bros.’ recent decisions regarding its animated catalog and efforts to streamline its finances. Recent weeks have seen Warner Bros. announce plans to terminate its classic animation-focused streaming platform, Boomerang, with its services and library transitioning to Max. This follows the controversial removal of Cartoon Network’s dedicated website, which previously hosted clips and free streaming episodes from various series, including the now-removed shows on Max.
A message on the updated Cartoon Network website directed viewers to Max, stating, “Looking for episodes of your favorite Cartoon Network shows? Check out what’s available to stream on Max (subscription required). Sign up for Max, where you can also create a Kids Profile with ratings restrictions and additional privacy protections to keep it fun and kid-friendly!”
Communication has been sought from Max for comment and clarification on whether the removal of these shows was an intentional update to their catalogue or an oversight similar to the recent situation with Over the Garden Wall on Hulu, which was eventually corrected. Updates will follow as more information is received.
For additional news, updates can be checked on the expected release dates for upcoming Marvel, Star Wars, and Star Trek projects, developments in the DC Universe on film and TV, and the future of Doctor Who.
