‘Sad Day For History’: Cartoon Network Website Shutdown, Redirects to Subscribe Max

In a significant shift, Cartoon Network's official website has been shut down, as of Friday. Visitors to CartoonNetwork.com are now greeted with a popup message urging them to sign up for Warner Bros. Discovery’s flagship streaming service, Max.

“Looking for episodes of your favorite Cartoon Network shows? Check out what’s available to stream on Max (subscription required),” the message reads in part. The popup also informs users that those with cable subscriptions can continue watching via the linear channel and connected apps.

After closing the popup, users are redirected to the Cartoon Network channel on Max, with additional prompts to subscribe to the service.

Interestingly, Cartoon Network seems to be the only Warner Bros. Discovery cable channel affected by this change so far. As of Friday morning, websites for other channels like TNT, TBS, HGTV, Discovery, and Adult Swim were still active.

In a statement, a Cartoon Network representative explained, “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 providers' apps on platforms including mobile and connected devices like Roku, Apple TV, and Amazon and via social platforms YouTube, Instagram, and Facebook. And of course, fans also can continue to tune in to the Cartoon Network channel to enjoy 11 hours of their favorite Cartoon Network series from 6 a.m.-5 p.m. daily.”

After the news went out the social media went crazy and flooded it with old videos. Here are some of the viral reactions. 

The decision to close the website comes on the heels of Warner Bros. Discovery's recent $9.1 billion impairment charge related to its networks division, including Cartoon Network. The company cited a weak advertising market as one of the reasons for the financial hit.

This move mirrors a similar strategy by Paramount in June, which saw the closure of websites for Comedy Central, TV Land, and other cable channels, all driven by cost-cutting measures.