Kids

On road to the Cartoon ‘Always On’ Network

Published

12 years ago

March 15, 2014

MUMBAI: Cartoon Network is taking its promise to reach children whenever they want and wherever they want rather seriously.

The network has grandiose plans to be ‘Always On’ with customised new original and/or acquired programming for a range of platforms accessed by kids nowadays, including television, smart phones, computers, tablets, gaming devices and what have you.

Turner International Asia Pacific chief content officer, Mark Eyers rightly puts it as, “To Cartoon Network, ‘Network’ means a portfolio of different experiences across a network of devices for a network of fans.”

New programming

As part of its strategy, Turner Broadcasting announced in February that Cartoon Network would air between 6.00 am and 8.00 pm, starting 31 March. Complementing the change in timing is a slew of new shows, both original and acquired. Here’s looking at them:

Over The Garden Wall: Cartoon Network’s first animated mini-series, Over the Garden Wall is headlined by an all-star voice-cast including Elijah Wood (Lord of the Rings Trilogy), Collin Dean (The War at Home) and Melanie Lynskey (Two and a Half Men).

The ten-part fantasy about two brothers, Wirt and Greg, who find themselves trapped in a mysterious world, sees the duo travel through the strange land till they find their way home. Help comes from a wise old woodsman who provides directions and a bluebird named Beatrice. The series has a soundtrack full of Americana-influenced original songs. It is created by Pat McHale and produced by Cartoon Network Studios.

Clarence: Created by Skyler Page, this new, original animated series about an optimistic boy who wants to do everything premieres Monday, 14 April at 7:00 pm. Clarence was conceived as part of the prolific shorts development programme at Cartoon Network Studios, which resulted in six original series: Regular Show, Uncle Grandpa, Steven Universe, Clarence, Over the Garden Wall and We Bare Bears.

We Bare Bears: A comedy about three bear siblings, Grizzly, Panda and Ice Bear, each episode of We Bare Bears follows their awkward attempts at assimilating into human society. Whether they’re looking for food, trying to make human friends or scheming to become internet famous, it’s clear that it’s tough being a bear in a civilized world. Created by Annie Award-winner Daniel Chong (Toy Story of Terror!), the series is produced by Cartoon Network Studios.

The Tom and Jerry Show: The iconic cat and mouse are back in The Tom and Jerry Show, a fresh take on the ageless classic. While preserving the look, characters and sensibility of the original, the new series offers a fresh perspective on the madcap, slapstick and never-ending battle between two of the most beloved characters of all time. The Tom and Jerry Show is produced by Warner Bros. Animation and will premiere Wednesday, 9 April at 5.30 pm.

Be Cool Scooby-Doo!: Scooby and company are back but with a modern twist in this 22-minute animated comedy series from Warner Bros. Animation. With high school over and one last summer to live it up, the gang hits the road in the Mystery Machine, chasing fun and adventure. But monsters and mayhem keep getting in the way.

(Disclaimer: Some of the shows mentioned may be available only in the US and not in the APAC region)

Wabbit – A Looney Tunes Production: The hilarious, heroic and mischievous Bugs Bunny is back in this all-new series from Warner Bros. Animation. Comic shorts find the carrot-loving rabbit matching wits with (and getting the best of) classic characters like Yosemite Sam and Wile E. Coyote. There are brand new foes too… but Bugs gets a helping hand from new friends like Bigfoot and Squeaks the squirrel.

Lego Ninjago – Masters of Spinjitzu: Continuing its robust partnership with The Lego Group, Cartoon Network will re-introduce viewers to the world of Ninjago – Masters of Spinjitzu with six new half-an-hour animated specials this year, followed by all-new episodes of the highly popular series in 2015.

Sonic Boom: For over two decades, Sonic the Hedgehog has held his own as one of the world’s biggest gaming icons. This year, a new branch of the Sonic universe debuts titled Sonic Boom. With a new look for Sonic and friends, the franchise’s first-ever CG-animated television series will premiere on Cartoon Network, along with an extensive video game release of the same name. The Sonic Boom television series, co-produced by Sega and OuiDO! Productions, will debut on Cartoon Network in the 2014-15 season.

Total Drama – Pahkitew Island: New island, new cast, but the same old disregard for human safety! The Total Drama series returns as Chris and Chef put the newest generation of contestants through the craziest challenges yet – all for a chance to win one million dollars! Total Drama Island is produced by Fresh TV.

Numb Chucks: Woodchuck brothers Dilweed and Fungus didn’t always see themselves as mystical Kung Fu saviours till they stumbled upon an infomercial featuring the legend Woodchuck Morris’ mullet-fuelled motivational kung-fu video, The Way of the Chuck! With an endless supply of confidence but a limited supply of grey cells, and countless hours of watching the video, this dim-witted duo morph into The Numb Chucks!

Beyraiderz: Sho, Jin and Leon find themselves trapped in a strange world that was once defended by the six mythic beasts that have now all but disappeared, leaving the world in ruins. It’s now up to the trio to uncover the hidden BeyRaiderz stadiums, fight the tourneys and bring the beasts back…

According to Eyers, “The transformation is like with any other business model that works on a long-term perspective. All businesses must look at themselves every couple of years with respect to the current market environment.”

OTT content

Cartoon Network has always had unique content for the digital platform which compliments television content, be it shorts or games or extensions of the storytelling from the primary channel. “The viewer needs to have a compelling experience in the digital space that should leave him/her wanting to come back for more,” says Eyers.

Here’s looking at the new originals that the OTT service of Cartoon Network will be showcasing:

Angelo Rules (Season 2): For kids, life can be a daily battle, what with adults, siblings, teachers and rivals telling them what to do and what not to do et al. Well, it’s time for kids to take control and Angelo’s here to show the way! He observes and then comes up with elaborate strategies to wheedle, sweet-talk, con, and work around any adversary. Season two of this new series comes from TeamTo and Cake Entertainment.

Detentionaire: Framed for a prank he did not play and punished with a full year of detention, high schooler Lee Ping sneaks out of detention to try and expose who was really behind the prank while avoiding being caught by the principal Barrage. After clearing his name, Lee again attempts to sneak out of Barrage’s upgraded detention room, discovering that a strange pyramid under the school has something to do with Lee’s key, the parents’ council and the blue tazwurms. There is more to the school than meets the eye! Created by animators Daniel Bryan Franklin and Charles Johnston, Detentionaire is distributed by Nelvana.

Rocket Jo: Rocket Jo is an inventor-adventurer with the unique goal to get his jet-pack to send him flying in the air for good… without effect. But his valiant attempts are always a false dawn to the viewers’ great delight, as there are always failures, gags, explosions, falls, etc. Produced by Millimages and 2D3D, Rocket Jo works hard, drawing upon all his imagination, to make viewers, both children and parents, laugh.

These apart, there will be other returning series on the network including Adventure Time, The Amazing World of Gumball, Ben 10 Omniverse, Grojband, Johnny Test, Legends of Chima, Mixels, Pokémon the Series: XY, Regular Show, Steven Universe, Teen Titans GO!, Tenkai Knights and Uncle Grandpa.

The Future

Later this year, Cartoon Network will introduce a unique user experience to the mobile marketplace when it launches a new digital initiative called ‘Cartoon Network Anything’. A fast-paced micro-network, Cartoon Network Anything will serve as an ever-growing stream of fun and funny content for mobile phones and other small-screen mobile devices. Users will be able to enjoy games, activities, trivia and clips, each lasting an average of 10 to 15 seconds. These diverse pieces of content will be randomised, and fans will be able to move to the next piece by simply swiping their screens, resulting in entertainment that feels both immediate and infinite.

In addition to bringing a first-of-its-kind mobile offering to fans, Cartoon Network Anything will also provide unique sponsorship opportunities for Cartoon Network’s business partners. A perfect platform for native advertising, the platform will invite innovative advertising and sponsored content that suits the medium and feel organic to the overall micro-network.

“In today’s time and age, people will pay for the experience. One of the most powerful experiences that anyone could have is the gift of laughter or humour. And so for us, it’s more about being true to comedy and bring in that surprise that will continue to remain our secret and doubling up on unique, character-driven comedy on whichever platform we are,” ends Eyers.

Related Topics:Be Cool Scooby-Doo!Cartoon Network Clarence OTT Over The Garden Wall smartphones Tom And Jerry Turner Broadcasting We Bare Bears

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Om Nom bites into India as Warner Bros. Discovery picks up the series

Published

3 weeks ago

January 20, 2026

indiantelevision.com Team

MUMBAI: The little green hero is making a big leap east. Zeptolab has struck a major distribution deal with Warner Bros. Discovery, bringing its hit animated series Om Nom Stories to audiences across the Indian subcontinent.

Under the agreement, Warner Bros. Discovery has acquired the series for exclusive Pay TV broadcast and non-exclusive digital streaming in India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Nepal and Sri Lanka. The move marks a significant expansion for Zeptolab as it pushes one of its most successful original IPs into one of the world’s fastest-growing entertainment markets.

As part of the deal, all 26 seasons of Om Nom Stories will be rolled out across Cartoon Network, Pogo, Discovery Kids and Discovery+, offering both linear and digital access to the franchise’s slapstick humour and expressive, dialogue-free storytelling.

“We’re incredibly excited to partner with Warner Bros. Discovery to bring Om Nom Stories to the Indian subcontinent,” said Zeptolab executive producer Manaf Hassan, noting that the broadcaster’s reach and legacy make it a strong fit for the series’ growing global fanbase.

Warner Bros. Discovery, meanwhile, sees the acquisition as a natural addition to its children’s portfolio. Warner Bros. Discovery head of factual entertainment, lifestyle and kids for South Asia Sai Abishek, said the series aligns with the network’s focus on cheerful, imaginative and universally appealing content for families across the region.

The timing adds an extra layer of significance. The expansion coincides with Om Nom’s 15th anniversary, underlining the franchise’s staying power and its evolution from a mobile game character into a global animation brand. With this latest bite at the Indian subcontinent, Om Nom’s adventures look set to find a whole new generation of fans.

Kids

Colour outside the lines Chhota Bheem sketches a new play with Faber Castell

Published

1 month ago

January 9, 2026

indiantelevision.com Team

MUMBAI: If childhood memories had a colour palette, Chhota Bheem would likely be right in the middle of it and now, quite literally, in children’s pencil boxes too. Green Gold Animation has announced a landmark licensing partnership with Faber-Castell India, marking the global stationery major’s first-ever licensed character collaboration. The association brings Chhota Bheem to a specially curated range of student art and creative products, blending everyday learning tools with one of India’s most recognisable homegrown characters.

The move is a notable expansion of Chhota Bheem’s footprint beyond screens, reinforcing the character’s status as a multi-generational IP that has steadily grown from a television favourite into a cultural constant. For Green Gold Animation, the partnership signals a sharpened focus on extending its intellectual property into daily touchpoints, where entertainment meets education and habit.

In its first phase, the collaboration will roll out Chhota Bheem-themed products across key student art categories, including watercolour cakes, wax crayons, poster colours, sketch pens, oil pastels and creative bundling kits. The range is aimed squarely at school-going children, tapping into Bheem’s strong emotional connect while encouraging imagination, creativity and hands-on expression.

Green Gold Animation founder and CEO Rajiv Chilaka noted that Chhota Bheem’s journey has long moved beyond episodic storytelling. He said the partnership reflects a deliberate attempt to embed the character into moments of learning and creativity, while building a more purpose-led licensing ecosystem around Indian IP through collaboration with a globally established brand.

From Faber-Castell India’s perspective, the tie-up marks a strategic first. Faber-Castell India director marketing Sonali Shah said the collaboration opens a new chapter by pairing the brand’s long-standing reputation for quality and safety with a character that already commands trust and affection among Indian children. The aim, she added, is to make creativity more engaging and relatable without diluting product standards.

The launch will be backed by a 360-degree promotional push, spanning digital campaigns, social media storytelling, creative usage content and on-ground retail activations across select markets. Both companies have confirmed that this is only the starting point, with additional Chhota Bheem-themed products across new categories planned in the months ahead.

Headquartered in Hyderabad, Green Gold Animation continues to scale its ambition of building globally competitive Indian IPs, with Chhota Bheem leading the charge. This latest collaboration suggests that the brand’s next phase of growth may be less about what children watch and more about what they create.

Kids

Sony tightens grip on Peanuts with $457 million stake buy

Published

2 months ago

December 22, 2025

indiantelevision.com Team

JAPAN: Sony has doubled down on the power of legacy brands, snapping up a majority stake in the Peanuts intellectual property in a late-year deal valued at about $457 million.

Sony Pictures Entertainment and Sony Music Entertainment Japan have acquired the roughly 41 per cent holding in Peanuts Holdings LLC previously owned by Canadian children’s entertainment company WildBrain. The move lifts Sony’s ownership to 80 per cent, with the Schulz family retaining the remaining 20 per cent.

The deal brings one of pop culture’s most durable franchises, home to Charlie Brown, Snoopy and the rest of the Peanuts gang, firmly under the Sony umbrella. The characters were created by Charles M Schulz, whose daily comic strip ran for half a century before ending in 2000.

Sony had already been a long-time partner in the business. The latest transaction consolidates control and sharpens the group’s hand as it looks to keep the characters front and centre across film, television, music and consumer products.

President and group ceo of Sony Music Entertainment Japan, Shunsuke Muramatsu, said the additional stake would allow Sony to further elevate the Peanuts brand by drawing on the group’s global reach and creative expertise, while preserving the legacy of Schulz and his family.

President and ceo of Sony Pictures, Ravi Ahuja, said the combined ownership gives Sony the ability to protect and shape the future of the characters for new generations, expanding their relevance without diluting their charm.

Peanuts long ago escaped the confines of the comic strip, cementing its place in popular culture through perennial television specials such as A Charlie Brown Christmas and It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown. More recently, WildBrain kept the franchise active with animated series including Snoopy in Space and The Snoopy Show.

Now, with Sony firmly in control, the message is unmistakable. In an industry obsessed with the next big thing, nostalgia still sells and Sony is betting big on a doghouse that refuses to age.