Is Cartoon Network shutting down? #RIPCartoonNetwork trends raise concerns

Television fans have voiced concerns that Cartoon Network might be shutting down after the hashtag #RIPCartoonNetwork started trending on social media.

Animation Workers Ignited, an organization seemingly linked with the animators’ union, took to X to highlight issues within the animation industry. They urged cartoon enthusiasts to ‘spread the word about what’s at stake’ and share posts about their favorite Cartoon Network shows using the hashtag.

The call to action spiked fears that Cartoon Network might soon announce studio closures. These rumors escalated as fans circulated a photo of the network’s old headquarters, which was reportedly taken last year after the company had moved offices.

Despite the growing speculation, no solid evidence suggests that Cartoon Network or Cartoon Network Studios is shutting down. The studios did cancel some programs following the pandemic, but the closure rumors are unsubstantiated.

Animation Workers Ignited’s post intended to shed light on broader industry struggles, including layoffs and project cancellations. However, the language used in the viral post, along with an animated short, fueled rumors that Cartoon Network was on the brink of closure.

‘Cartoon Network is essentially dead,’ claimed the animated video, cautioning that ‘other big animation studios are not far behind.’ The video highlighted industry-wide layoffs and alleged that many animators have been unemployed for over a year.

The union stated that animators had to keep the industry afloat during the pandemic, but were let go by studio executives despite their hard work. According to the union, when COVID-19 first hit, animation was one of the few entertainment forms that could continue production remotely without interruption. Nevertheless, studios repaid this dedication by canceling projects, outsourcing jobs, and implementing mass layoffs.

The union condemned studios for prioritizing profit, asserting that executives made financial figures appear better by cutting spending and staff. ‘CEOs and executives reaping the monetary benefits for themselves. So they want to reap, huh? I’ll show them. Reap,’ the union posted before calling for action.

The post encouraged supporters to ‘spread the word’ by sharing their favorite Cartoon Network shows using the hashtag #RIPCartoonNetwork. It stressed that animation is ‘under attack’ and prompted followers to choose a side.

Cartoon Network fans responded to the union’s call, posting clips from their favorite shows and using the hashtag. However, some fans misinterpreted the call to action, spreading the narrative that the network would cease producing content altogether.

‘It’s the end of an era; Cartoon Network has officially shut down,’ one fan tweeted, along with a list of shows that defined their childhood. ‘Cartoon Network must be saved at all costs!!!,’ insisted another user. ‘It is really end of an era on the iconic childhood memories in Cartoon Network,’ echoed another fan.

Some even re-shared a photograph of Cartoon Network’s Burbank headquarters, which showed the CN logo being removed. They lamented that it was ‘sad to see the most iconic building in everybody’s childhood’ being closed.

The photo, however, was taken last year after Cartoon Network’s long-term lease at the Hollywood Production Center building ended, as reported by 80LV. The company then relocated its team and operations to the Warner Bros. buildings.

DailyMail.com has contacted Warner Bros. for comment.