Warner Bros. Discovery has pulled the plug on Cartoon Network‘s website, redirecting visitors to its Max streaming service in a move that forgoes free access to popular animated shows.
Users attempting to visit CartoonNetwork.com are greeted with a popup message stating: “Looking for episodes of your favourite Cartoon Network shows? Check out what’s available to stream on Max (subscription required).”
The closure means fans can no longer access free episodes and video clips of beloved series like “Adventure Time,” “The Amazing World of Gumball,” “Teen Titans GO!,” and “Steven Universe” through the Cartoon Network site.Interactive games featuring characters from these shows have also been removed.
A Cartoon Network spokesperson told Variety the company is “focusing on the Cartoon Network shows and social media where we find consumers are the most engaged and there is meaningful potential for growth.”
While the website is gone, viewers still have options to watch Cartoon Network content through the Max streaming service (subscription required), Cartoon Network app, select TV provider apps on platforms like Roku, Apple TV, and Amazon, and cable TV, where the Cartoon Network channel still airs shows daily.
The website shutdown follows Warner Bros. Discovery’s recent announcement that it will close its Boomerang classic cartoon streaming service on September 30. The company plans to move Boomerang subscribers and content to Max. These moves come amid broader cost-cutting measures at Warner Bros. Discovery, which reported a $9.7 billion net loss in its latest quarterly earnings. The media giant slashed nearly 1,000 jobs last month as it faces pressure to improve its financial performance.