It’s a rough time to be in any facet of the entertainment industry besides CEO or “Minion.” Massive unemployment as the result of poor business decisions at the top, along with the flirtations with AI, means that following your talent and getting a job in the medium you love is much less of an option for the public at large. (Miss me with your “gEt a reAll jobbb” takes.)
Nowhere is that struggle more prevalent as of late than in the animation industry.
Cartoon Network shutters its Burbank studios
Folks across social media are mourning the shuttering of the Cartoon Network building in Burbank, CA.
Its sad to see the most iconic building in everybody's childhood
— Sumit (@SumitHansd) July 9, 2024
Rest in peace cartoon network studios.
So weird and painful to say goodbye to an iconic piece of history
Thanks for the memories ❤️?
#RIPCartoonNetwork pic.twitter.com/ssKWT0ZpJw
As you drove down N. 3rd street, that giant logo was impossible to miss, reminding all passing drivers of classic shows like Dexter’s Laboratory, Johnny Bravo, Powerpuff Girls, and countless others.
Social media pays tribute to Cartoon Network
While the network is not technically dead—it’s just very sick, having been severely downsized and moved into a single building on the Warner Brothers lot down the road—it still signifies the end of an era.
It also marks another sign of the times for the industry.
#RIPCartoonNetwork this era was generational pic.twitter.com/DUhHixRxnT
— kira ? (@kirawontmiss) July 9, 2024
#RIPCartoonNetwork Started With This ???
— Festival Goers (@FestivalGoers_) July 9, 2024
The video goes on to explain how animation demand has skyrocketed, yet the animators, lost their jobs…. ?
Rumors that Cartoon Network is “shutdown” are false. ?
Although the studio does seem to be in decline ?? pic.twitter.com/XgppDfvDMm
Cartoon Network must be saved at all costs ‼️ #RIPCartoonNetwork pic.twitter.com/dtZNy65GEV
— Redd (@ReddCinema) July 9, 2024
Cartoon Network gave us the Greatest Intro Ever and we will forever be thankful for that #RipCartoonNetwork pic.twitter.com/ch4ri97GsV
— sea (@neverlie) July 9, 2024
Y’all telling me CN is dead?? #RIPCartoonNetwork pic.twitter.com/ekm7kYH0GA
— A.B (@CookedbyAB) July 8, 2024
me trying to understand why a network of cartoons would get canceled #RipCartoonNetwork pic.twitter.com/UWdzDdn1Qh
— Pizza Dad (@Pizza__Dad) July 8, 2024
#RIPCartoonNetwork
— Found Jay (@JayagFound) July 8, 2024
Gumball made me laugh harder than anything I’ve ever seen on a television, I am not kidding. https://t.co/tSV1YwMnbP pic.twitter.com/T8LRT9W6CQ
The current state of the animation industry
The tributes come as negotiations are heating up for the next TAG (The Animation Guild) contract with the studios, which could lead to a potentially imminent strike. Twitter/X account Animation Workers Ignited shared a video tweet captioned: "Cartoon Network is dead?!?! Spread the word about what's at stake for animation!!! Post about your favorite Cartoon Network shows using #RIPCartoonNetwork."
The video lays out the sorry state of things for animation workers. (Full disclosure: former animation worker and TAG member here!)
Cartoon Network is dead?!?!
— Animation Workers Ignited (@AWorkersIgnited) July 8, 2024
Spread the word about what’s at stake for animation!!! Post about your favorite Cartoon Network shows using #RIPCartoonNetwork
Active members of TAG can help by filling out your survey! Today (7/8) is the last day! pic.twitter.com/dHNMvA1q0A
So while the industry is in a sorry state, it’s not too late for things to turn around. If Cartoon Network still has life in it, there is hope. Stay tooned…
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