It’s official: 2012 has been a great year for Cartoon Network. Turner Research reports that CN has had its most-watched year in the cabler’s 20-year history. Cartoon Network is the only top three kids network to achieve growth across all kids demographics this year. Considering TV’s loss of viewers to various multi-plaform media, gaming and VOD, this is quite an accomplishment for the home of Adventure Time, Regular Show, Gumball and The Annoying Orange.
CN is on track to set new records this milestone year with its most-watched year in its history during Early Prime (7-9 p.m.) among kids 6-11/9-14 and boys 9-14, in the past seven years among kids 2-11 and boys 2-11, and the past eight years among boys 6-11. Additionally, the network will claim its most-watched year in Total Day (6 a.m.-9 p.m.) in the past six years among kids 9-14 and boys 9-14. All targeted kids and boys demo delivery in Early Prime grew mostly by double digits compared to 2011, ranging between 9% and 20%. Similarly, annual Total Day delivery grew across the board, ranging between 4% and 16%.
On the digital front, 2012-to-date, CartoonNetwork.com has been the #1 ranked website among kids 6-11 Unique Visitors in the Kids Entertainment category for seven of the past 10 months. Among overall Unique Visitors, CartoonNetwork.com beat DisneyChannel.com every month in 2012 to date.
“We’re extremely grateful to our audiences for helping to make 2012 one of the most successful in Cartoon Network’s 20 year history,” said Cartoon Network President and Chief Operating Officer Stuart Snyder. “It’s truly been a remarkable year to remember, one that we’re confident will fuel continued growth.”
Among the highlights:
- Cartoon Network recorded its highest average delivery in its history on Monday and Wednesday nights (7-9 p.m. ) among all key kids and boys (2-11, 6-11 & 9-14). Both nights increased delivery by double digits across nearly all key demos vs. 2011, ranging between 9% and 64%.
- Also the #1 destination on Monday Night (7-9 p.m.) with all key kids and boys (2-11, 6-11 & 9-14), Cartoon Network’s original animated comedies Adventure Time (7:30 p.m.) and Regular Show (8 p.m.) ranked #1 in their respective time periods among all key kids and boys-premiere episodes increased average delivery by double digits vs. the same time period in 2011.
- Animated action-adventure series Ninjago (Wednesday, 7:30 p.m./8 p.m.) ranked #1 in its time period among kids 2-11/6-11 and all boys, while increasing delivery by triple digits across the board vs. the 2011 time period.
* Rating period was 12/26/2011-12/09/2012
Source: Nielsen Media Research based on Live+7 blended with Live+ SD most current data. Rankers based on Live+SD.
Notes: All ratings based on Total U.S. Television Universe of 115,000,000 homes.
