In collaboration with Warner Bros. Discovery, the new national TV network will feature classic animated cartoon franchises, including ‘Bugs Bunny,’ ‘Daffy Duck,’ ‘Scooby Doo’ and ‘Tom & Jerry;’ coming in June 2024.
Chicago-based family media company Weigel Broadcasting Co., in collaboration with Warner Bros. Discovery, announced the launch of a new national television network, MeTV Toons, dedicated to the best of classic animation. The network programming will range from Hollywood-era shorts to made-for-television favorites with dozens of classic cartoons, including Warner Bros.’ most famous animated characters Bugs Bunny, Daffy Duck, Scooby-Doo, Tom & Jerry, George Jetson, Top Cat, Yogi Bear, Popeye, Johnny Quest, Fred Flintstone, and others. MeTV Toons launches June 25, 2024.
Alongside Warner Bros. properties, other cartoon characters joining MeTV Toons include Rocky and Bullwinkle, Woody Woodpecker, Casper, Betty Boop, and Speed Racer. The network will be available for multi-platform distribution on over-the-air broadcast television, traditional MVPD’s, and virtual MVPD’s, along with a complimentary offering for ad-supported streaming services.
“We are honored to work with the amazing team at Warner Bros. Discovery and others on this network and bring together a truly incredible collection of the world’s best-known and most loved classic cartoons, creating a new destination for everyone to discover or rediscover the sheer joy of watching cartoons on TV,” said Weigel Broadcasting Co. vice-chairman Neal Sabin. “MeTV Toons will be dedicated 24/7 to showcasing the biggest names and most beloved classic cartoons and animated characters. Everyone has a favorite cartoon; it is a universally loved art form. We are thrilled to bring those smiles and memories back to TV with MeTV Toons.”
“Neal and the team at Weigel have been long-standing and innovative licensing partners of Warner Bros. content for decades,” said David Decker, President of Content Sales for Warner Bros. Discovery. “Having some of the studio’s most iconic animated characters all available in one place is not only great for fans of classic animation, but also just super fun!”
Joining the network are animation author, historian, and executive Jerry Beck and Emmy-nominated character voice actor Bob Bergen. Beck, known as a leading authority on American animation and classic cartoon characters, will help produce original content for the network with Bergen, known for voicing Warner Bros. characters Porky Pig, Tweety, Marvin the Martian, and others. Bergen will also prvoide the signature voice of the network, bringing the MeTV Toons brand to life with his announcing and acting prowess.
The MeTV Toons network joins MeTV, Heroes & Icons, Start TV, Catchy Comedy, MOVIES!, Story Television, Dabl, and MeTV+ in the Weigel family of national broadcast TV networks.
Source: Weigel Broadcasting Co.
Debbie Diamond Sarto is news editor at Animation World Network.
