Cartoon Network’s website has officially shut down.
As of Friday, visitors to CartoonNetwork.com are greeted with a popup encouraging them to sign up for Max, the flagship streaming service from Warner Bros. Discovery. The message informs users that they can find episodes of their favorite Cartoon Network shows on Max, though a subscription is required. It also mentions that those with cable subscriptions can still watch via the linear channel and connected apps.
Clicking away from the popup takes users to the Cartoon Network channel on Max, where they are once again prompted to subscribe.
At the time of this announcement, Cartoon Network seems to be the only Warner Bros. Discovery cable channel site affected; sites for TNT, TBS, HGTV, Discovery, and others, including Adult Swim, were still operational on Friday morning.
A representative from Cartoon Network stated, “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. While we have closed some digital products, fans can continue to interact with Cartoon Network via the Cartoon Network app as well as select TV provider apps on mobile and streaming devices. Fans can also stay connected through social media platforms like YouTube, Instagram, and Facebook, and enjoy Cartoon Network programming on the channel daily from 6 a.m. to 5 p.m.”
The closure of the Cartoon Network website comes on the heels of Warner Bros. Discovery reporting a $9.1 billion impairment charge related to its networks division that includes Cartoon Network and other cable channels, which the company attributed to a challenging advertising market.
In a similar cost-cutting move, Paramount shut down the websites for Comedy Central, TV Land, and other cable channels earlier this year.