Press Release from Cartoon Network

Cartoon Network unveiled a substantial new line-up of content today at its annual Advertising Upfront presentation at New York’s Time Warner Center.  Delivering on its promise to launch a diverse slate of programming that young audiences cannot find anywhere else, new Cartoon Network shows will incorporate a number of genres and formats that include an unrivaled, one-hour scripted action-mystery series, matchless animated and live-action comedies and an entirely new way of programming primetime for a young audience.

The network also announced its first foray into the broadcast awards arena with Cartoon Network’s Hall of Game.  Premiering in early 2011, this high-energy, multi-platform experience will let viewers decide who’s got game from the world of sports.  Cartoon Network’s Hall of Game will feature professional and amateur athletes as well as top-notch entertainment.  This first-of-its-kind sports award event for kids is created and produced by global sports and entertainment company IMG Media.  The Sports Illustrated Group will serve as the official promotional partner and also will introduce the SI KIDS' “Sports Kid of the Year Award.”

Exclusive sneak peeks at two highly anticipated scripted, live-action one-hour series—Unnatural History (Warner Horizon Television), premiering Sunday, June 13 at 8 p.m. ET/PT; and Tower Prep—were revealed; as well as the upcoming CGI movie event Firebreather.  Positioned as part of a unique quarter-hour comedy programming block, new animated series will include MAD, Regular Show, Robotomy and Secret Mountain Fort Awesome.  The network also announced that coming later in the year would be an all-new re-imagined version of the Warner Bros animated classic shorts, Looney Tunes.

Among Cartoon Network’s Upfront celebrity guests—including a special appearance by Destroy Build Destroy host, musician Andrew W.K., and the “dudes” from Dude, What Would Happen—Atlanta Falcons tight-end Tony Gonzalez was on hand to announce the return of the successful short-form series My Dad’s A Pro which will star his nine-year-old son Nikko.

“Last spring we talked about how ‘our voice was changing’ and announced an ambitious slate of diverse and compelling content,” said Stuart Snyder, president and chief operating officer of Turner Broadcasting’s Animation, Young Adults and Kids Media division. “This year we’re delivering and adding great brands and beloved franchises that represent the breadth and scope of Cartoon Network’s ongoing evolution.”

“Today we announced some bold new content as we continue to provide advertisers with an extensive array of high profile opportunities,” said John O’Hara, executive vice president and general manager, Cartoon Network Ad Sales & Marketing.  “We’ll continue to develop innovative ideas for our partners that will extend the reach of their message across our linear and digital platforms and will deliver measurable returns for their investment.”

“We’re expanding beyond the boundaries of traditional kid’s content,” said Rob Sorcher, chief content officer for Cartoon Network. “This new programming lineup brings event-quality entertainment to our prime time.”
Highlights of Cartoon Network’s new content strategy to launch across the 2010-2011 season include the following:

New Series
*    MAD: Produced by Warner Bros. Animation and using the iconic MAD magazine, published by DC Comics, as inspiration, MAD is an animated sketch-comedy series utilizing a chaotic mix of animation styles and twisted humor to pull back the curtain and expose the truth behind movies, TV shows, games, pop culture and, of course, curtains! Classic MAD magazine characters and features such as Alfred E. Neuman and Spy vs. Spy pop up, and no subject matter or individual will be safe from MAD’s barrage of parodies and sketches.  In the end, viewers won’t get even, they’ll just get MAD!  Sam Register (Teen Titans, Ben 10, Batman: The Brave and the Bold) is the executive producer.  Kevin Shinick (Robot Chicken) and Mark Marek (KaBlam! The Andy Milonakis Show) are the producers.