NARUTO, made its U.S. and English-languae debut on Sept. 10, 2005, at 9:00 pm during Toonami, Cartoon Networks high-rated action block. The series, which first aired in Japan in 2002, has already acquired a huge fan base in the U.S. through DVD sales and bootleg tapes.
NARUTO is an adaptation of the popular manga series, NARUTO, created by Masahi Kishimoto. Cartoon Network will air 52 episodes of the anime series during Toonami, Cartoon Networks Saturday primetime action block.
The global hit anime series centering around Uzumaki Naruto, a rebellious ninja in training. The story of Naruto begins 12 years ago, when the evil Nine Tailed Fox demon terrorized The Hidden Leaf Village. The Fourth Lord Hokage sacrificed himself to seal the demon inside the body of a baby, Naruto. Fearing that Naruto, would abuse the powers inside him and release the demon within, everyone in the village was forbidden to tell him that he possessed the spirit of the Nine Tailed Fox. He was raised as an orphan with no one believing in him, and he was unaware of the reason that the villagers shunned him.
As a teenager, Naruto tries to earn the respect of the villagers by training to become the Village Hokage, the top ninja in the village. Earnest and hardworking, he is clumsy and impatient. But Naruto must learn to control his special powers to become the respected master ninja.
NARUTO has reached a level of underground fandom comparable to the DRAGONBALL phenomenon in both the U.S. and abroad, said Bob Higgins, svp of programming for Cartoon Network. We are excited and honored to present Toonami fans with the compelling characters, story arcs and incredible action that have made Naruto an international sensation.
Cartoon Network (CartoonNetwork.com), currently seen in 88.3 million U.S. homes and 160 countries around the world, is Turner Broadcasting System Inc.s ad-supported cable service offering original, acquired and classic animated entertainment for kids and families. Cartoon Network shares its channel space with Adult Swim, a late-night destination from 11:00 pm to 6:00 am showcasing original and acquired animation for young adults 18-34.
