Warner Bros. Discovery scraps Cartoon Network site to move users over to Max
The site redirects users to Max to access programming.
More public-facing media archives are being downsized, lost, or locked away as Warner Bros. Discovery has shut down Cartoon Network's website and is redirecting visitors to Max.
The shuttering of cartoonnetwork.com comes a week after WBD told subscribers it will sunset the Boomerang classic 'toon streamer effective Sept. 30 — and migrate users (and the content catalog) over to Max.
As of Friday, a pop-up message appears on a new landing page directing users to sign up for Max.
"Looking for episodes of your favorite Cartoon Network shows? Check out what's available to stream on Max (subscription required)," the message reads. "Sign up for Max, where you can also create a Kids Profile with ratings 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!"
Cartoon Network seems to be the only site for WBD's cable channels affected at the time of publication; websites for TNT, TBS, HGTV, Discovery, smaller outlets like American Heroes and Science Channel, and Cartoon Network's grown-up sibling brand, Adult Swim, are all still active.
"We are focusing on the Cartoon Network shows and social media where we find consumers are the most engaged and there is a meaningful potential for growth," a Cartoon Network rep said in a statement. "While we have closed some digital products, fans can continue to interact with Cartoon Network via the Cartoon Network app as well as select TV providers apps on platforms including mobile and connected devices like Roku, Apple TV, and Amazon and via social platforms YouTube, Instagram, and Facebook. And of course, fans also can continue to tune in to the Cartoon Network channel to enjoy 11 hours of their favorite Cartoon Network series from 6 a.m.-5 p.m. daily."
The move to shut down the Cartoon Network site comes after reports of Warner Bros. Discovery taking a $9.1 billion impairment charge in its quarterly earnings related to its networks division, which includes Cartoon Network, among other cable channels.
The company cites a soft ad market and uncertainty around sports renewal rights after losing its lucrative NBA package as the reason for the losses.