After more than 25 years, Teletoon will no longer air as a linear TV channel in Canada.
Corus is rebranding the network, using the brand exclusively for its recently launched streaming service. Teletoon+ launched on Sept. 1 as a streamer focused on animated content from across different networks.
The Teletoon linear channel will be rebranded as Cartoon Network, and continue to air flagship animation from Cartoon Network Studios, Warner Bros. Animation and Corus’ own Nelvana Studios. The channel that was already airing as Cartoon Network will become Boomerang, an established brand in the U.S. built around classic animation and children’s programming.
Launched stateside in 1992, the Boomerang networks has, in recent years, also produced more original programming in the form of reboots and re-imaginings of classic cartoon series; this seems to be the case in Canada as well, with Looney Tunes Cartoons and Jellystone! both being promoted on the network’s website.
“Staying true to our loyal fans across generations has been our top priority as we re-imagine the future of our kids’ networks,” said Jennifer Abrams, SVP of programming and multiplatform at Corus Entertainment. “We will usher Cartoon Network into a new stage of hilarious comedy and edge-of-your-seat action, all while keeping the Teletoon legacy alive in the digital space.”
The changes are effective March 27.
Cartoon Network first began airing in Canada in 2012. For much of its existence, it has largely featured same-day programming from the U.S. network of the same name, though higher-profile and marquee series have typically aired on Teletoon instead. It also aired a Canadian version of the nighttime Adult Swim programming block, though that was discontinued in 2019 when Corus rebranded its Action network to an Adult Swim channel.
Teletoon began airing in 1997, jointly owned by Western International Communications, Astral Media, Shaw, Cinar and Nelvana. After a series of mergers, acquisitions and divestitures through the years, Corus became the sole owner in 2013 when it acquired the remaining stake from Astral, ahead of its acquisition by Bell Media (the same deal also gave Corus sole ownership of Cartoon Network Canada).
Other brands in Corus’ kids portfolio include YTV, Treehouse, Disney Channel and Disney Junior.
Photo courtesy Warner Bros. Animation
