A wave of speculation recently hit social media, leading many to believe that Cartoon Network, a beloved channel for generations, was closing down. This misunderstanding stemmed from a post on X (formerly known as Twitter), where the hashtag ‘#RIPCartoonNetwork‘ gained significant traction.
The confusion began when a user uploaded a video titled ‘Cartoon Network is dead?!’, which quickly went viral. The video, however, was not about the channel shutting down. Instead, it highlighted the current struggles faced by animators in 2024, including layoffs, financial instability, unemployment, and job terminations.
The video aimed to bring attention to the challenges within the animation industry, noting how it initially thrived during the pandemic but soon faced significant setbacks. Studios began canceling projects, outsourcing jobs, and laying off a large number of artists.
The original intent behind the hashtag ‘#RIPCartoonNetwork’ was to encourage people to share their favorite memories of Cartoon Network shows in support of animators, not to suggest that the channel itself was ending.
In response to the rumors, Cartoon Network issued a statement to clear up the confusion. “Cartoon Network would like to clarify that there is no truth to the speculation that the network or the studio is shutting down. With a number of recently announced greenlights, we remain committed to continually investing in innovative content that entertains and inspires our viewers across the globe,” the statement read.
