“Over the last year, the most notable growth at Cartoon Network has been driven by prime-time comedy programs,” said Rob Sorcher, chief content officer for Cartoon Network. “This season, we’ll build upon that momentum by amping up the funny across all formats and debuting an array of wonderfully unique animated and live-action series.”

Debuting in 2012 as a multi-platform franchise, DC Nation will be the exclusive home for original DC animation properties. Backed by the production, publishing and marketing resources of Warner Bros., DC Entertainment and Cartoon Network, DC Nation will be an on-air and online programming block populated with event programming, interstitials, exclusive behind-the-scenes of theatrical production and an insider look into the world of all things DC.

“DC Nation on Cartoon Network will be the first-ever dedicated broadcast destination to showcase the depth and breadth of the DC Universe,” said Diane Nelson, President of DC Entertainment. “We and our partners at WBTV are thrilled that fans will be able to immerse themselves in DC’s phenomenal stories, experience a wide spectrum of amazing characters and stay up-to-date on the latest happenings of the world’s greatest superheroes and their creators, both on-air and online.”

Underscoring the point of great franchises was Jeffrey Katzenberg, CEO and Co-Founder of DreamWorks Animation SKG, who discussed how his team was planning to bring the global smash hit How to Train Your Dragon, which grossed $500+ million at the worldwide box-office, to Cartoon Network via an all-new weekly CG-animated series.

“DreamWorks Animation recognizes the importance of building brands around great franchises, so you can imagine how thrilled we are to be joining forces with Cartoon Network to bring our newest franchise – How to Train Your Dragon – to television audiences around the world,” said Katzenberg. “Today’s presentation marks an exciting new beginning for our company and reaffirms our goal to ensure that How to Train Your Dragon has the ideal home, which we have found in Cartoon Network.”

Additional programming announcements from the network included a fourth season renewal for the LucasFilm Animation Ltd. CG-animated juggernaut, Star Wars: The Clone Wars, which continued to significantly grow key kids and boys demos throughout its third season. Also coming next year is a fourth season of the animated comedy reality show franchise, Total Drama. In this new iteration, the competition returns to its roots with Total Drama: Revenge of the Island.

Further highlights of Cartoon Network’s newly announced content slated for launch across the 2011-2012 season include the following:

NEW SERIES
• The Problem Solverz: Created by celebrated artist Ben Jones, The Problem Solverz presents a fresh, distinctive visual style and tone in a new series that follows three crazy young dudes, Horace, Roba and Alfe, the proprietors of an unorthodox detective agency dedicated to solving the mysteries of the universe, one case at a time. Slated to premiere Monday, April 4, at 8:45 p.m. (ET/PT).

• Secret Mountain Fort Awesome: From Pete Browngardt (Chowder), Cartoon Network Studios presents a hilarious new comedy about a mega-rad group of monsters that live underground and do crazy awesome stuff like steal the sun, fight CGI-sharks, and get their butts kicked by a velociraptor. Plus they wrestle! See, it’s awesome, right? But remember, it’s a secret. Shh!...premiering this summer.

• The Amazing World of Gumball: Dad is a 6’4" pink rabbit who stays home while Mom works in the rainbow factory. Their children include Gumball, a blue cat with a giant head; Anais, a 4-year-old genius bunny; and Darwin, a pet goldfish who became part of the family when he sprouted legs. The eye-catching animated series combines 2D and 3D animation techniques in a live-action setting and originates from Cartoon Network UK. The Amazing World of Gumball premieres Monday, May 9 at 7:30 p.m. (ET/PT).