Following the announcement that it is shutting down the classic cartoon platform Boomerang, Warner Bros. Discovery has apparently stripped free video content from CartoonNetwork.com. Where fans could once click over to stream CN shows like Teen Titans GO!, Steven Universe, The Powerpuff Girls and The Amazing World of Gumball, visitors are now greeted by a pop-up referring them to Max.
The alert reads:
Stream Cartoon Network on Max
Looking for episodes of your favorite Cartoon Network shows? Check out what’s available to stream on Max (subscription required). Sign up for Max, where you can also create a Kids Profile with rating restrictions and additional privacy protections to keep it fun and kid-friendly! Cable subscribers, continue to enjoy your favorite CN programming on your TV and connected apps as well!
Selecting from the menu of shows listed on the website, users are again prompted to sign up for Max and redirected to the streamer’s subscription page.
The website had previously offered access to full episodes and video clips for Cartoon Network programs, as well as video games inspired by its popular shows.
As previously announced, Boomerang will shut down on September 30, with current subscriptions being automatically transferred to Max.
Moves to “streamline” WBD’s streaming offerings come in line with the company reporting huge losses in Q2. The numbers reported Wednesday showed a $9.1 billion impairment charge to account for decreased advertising and worries about the impact of losing its NBA package.
Unfortunately, animation fans have seen before how the category is used as a shock absorber for bumpy financial times, such as in the massive and controversial 2022 cull of animated content from then-HBO Max to help pay for the Warner Bros. Discovery merger with write-downs.
