End of an era: Cartoon Network shuts down, sparking concerns for animation industry

For millennials and the children of the 2000s, the closure of Cartoon Network marks the end of an era. Known for iconic shows like "Courage the Cowardly Dog," "Looney Tunes," and "The Powerpuff Girls," the beloved network's shutdown has left many mourning the loss of a cherished part of their childhood. 

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The hashtag #RIPCartoonNetwork has been trending on X, as people express their sorrow over this significant cultural loss.

The closure of the iconic Cartoon Network Studios has also raised alarm within the animation community. A user on X, ‘Animation Workers ignited’, posted a video highlighting the situation faced by the studio's employees. The video details the potential widespread impact on the animation industry, predicting that other studios may follow suit, leading to unprecedented unemployment rates among animation workers. It reveals that many workers have already been unemployed for over a year.

it’s the end of an era, Cartoon Network has officially shut down 😢 here are all the shows that made our childhood #RIPCartoonNetworkpic.twitter.com/jKnz5tL24X

— Redd (@ReddCinema) July 9, 2024

The video recalls how, when the COVID-19 pandemic first hit, the animation industry was positioned to continue production remotely. However, instead of supporting the workers who kept the industry alive during the pandemic, studios responded by canceling projects, outsourcing jobs, and laying off artists, collectively. The user criticizes these actions as driven by greed, with studios reducing spending to make their finances appear better, while CEOs and executives reap the monetary benefits.

The video calls for action, urging viewers to spread the word and advocate for the future of animation. It emphasizes the need to support animation workers and prevent further shutdowns of nostalgic shows and their productions. The fate of the animation industry, it argues, depends on collective efforts to ensure better working conditions and job security for its creators.

As fans bid farewell to Cartoon Network, the broader implications for the animation industry remain a pressing concern, highlighting the urgent need for change and support for those who bring beloved animated characters to life.