2008 killing off cartoon blocks with a passion

Exactly. So while we've had some decent discussion come out of this, at the end of the day this is really just another "kvetch and moan" thread. And we have tons of those around here.

And speaking of annoying trends in network programming blacks: what the heck is up with FOX Sunday nights? Two weeks ago everything was new except Family Guy. Last week only Simpsons was new. And today although everything is airing, none of it is new. That I don't get.
 
I personaly understand it's only a programming block we are talking about, but I can still miss it non the less. I can live without the blocks but I still miss watching shows within the said blocks...
 
True. But overall, action sells more material items than comedy. Look at the recent Cartoon Network originals, for example. Shows like Ben 10 and Transformers: Animated get huge toy lines and multiple video games. Shows like Chowder and Flapjack get nothing except maybe a few DVD releases.



I agree, but I think you can still find a good balance between a quality show and merchandising appeal, at least for an action-oriented series.

As for the general consensus that broadcast networks are focusing solely on action...I don't agree. I do agree that they focus more on action than comedy, but there's still plenty of comedy shows out there. On NBC and CBS you have shows like Sushi Pack, The Zula Patrol, 3-2-1 Penguins and Turbo Dogs. In this season alone, 4Kids has ordered 105 episodes of GoGoRiki and 26 episodes of Rocket Monkeys, in addition to picking up HTDT. They also feature a total of 362 Pat & Stan shorts all throughout the block on the CW4Kids. Saying that networks are neglecting animated comedy altogether is rather ignorant.
 
Eh, I don't really care all that much. Saturday morning blocks on major networks were bound to die, due to:

1. Competition from cable channels like Nickelodeon and Cartoon Network.
2. Shows that just don't appeal that much to kids.

When I was younger, I would watch the network blocks, since they had shows I liked. They don't anymore, which is why I don't watch them anymore. So I don't feel sad for the death of KidsWB and 4Kids, since they were don't downhill in their final years. Toonami had 11 years, which makes it one of the longest lasting programming blocks on television ever. And it's lineup started to fail towards the end also.
 
ITdd Truly Sad to see these all die...THats like...Most of My choldhood...Well Except 4kids...THat wouldbe my...Teenhood I guess. BUt still IT sucks...But with the Internet & DVDs...Kids don't need Saturday morning/Night Cartoon Blocks any more....It stinks How Technology evolving Makes TV Suck...Oh well Equivlent Exchange & all that...ALl things Considered...I Still Have Dr.Who and Saturday night AS anime...and thats OK!:p ...For now!:evil: :evil: :evil:
 
Wait... so tonight's (and last week's) American Dad! is a rerun?! I taped it (haven't seen it yet), because I read it in the guide and it didn't sound familiar... maybe I just missed it/forgot about it. (Same with last week, it didn't look familiar at all.)

Anyway, I can explain this. A lot of networks do this, live action and animated alike. They go on "winter hiatus" for the winter holidays.
 
Total Drama Island and Chowder seem to be doing well. Besides, didn't you mention in the Nicktoons forum that you like Chowder and Flapjack?
 
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