You may have seen the #RIPCartoonNetwork trend sweeping X recently. I’m here to tell you that at this point, your childhood is still intact to some degree. Cartoon Network is alive and well (for now). However, there is an important message hidden behind our collective lament over the “death” of this television animation icon.
As the anime industry takes a hit in the wake of the pandemic with canceled projects and mass staff layoffs, leading to a surge in unemployment among talented creators, watching Cartoon Network fans share their favorite shows from the studio’s golden age is a nostalgic trip, but it also highlights deeper concerns about the studio’s future and the anime industry as a whole.
To raise awareness of the industry’s troubled state, the #RipCartoonNetwork hashtag was created by Animation Workers Ignited. The community-driven X account shared a short animated clip by Adam Conover that highlights the industry’s current issues and states, “Animation is under attack. Which side are you on? ” The conversation around Cartoon Network’s decline has sparked heated debate as industry CEOs prioritize financial gain over traditional artwork.
“It sucks that we got into anime to be happy, not to make a ton of money… and now the people who are already making the most money are going to fire us to make more?? What a way to end it,” wrote artist @ANN3THRAX. “AI will never make beautiful anime like real animators!” another user added.
Spread the word at r/CartoonNetwork
The discussion continued on the official r/CartoonNetwork subreddit, with many questioning whether CN’s decline was due to changing viewing habits among younger generations due to the rise of TikTok and YouTube content. Many countered this argument, highlighting the unfair treatment of artists in the industry, with one Redditor writing, “As someone who nearly pursued a career as an animator, this sadly justifies my decision not to pursue it, in addition to the woefully low wages the industry pays.” Another user commented, “Production and distribution should not be related.”
To be clear, Cartoon Network isn’t being shut down, but this bold hashtag served its purpose in highlighting just how important classic animation was to so many people’s lives. In an industry that no longer seems to prioritize talent over financial gain, a provocative viral campaign might be just what we need to take notice and take a stand.
For more animation news, check out this book of concept art from Disney, Pixar, and DreamWorks films that never saw the light of day, and for even more insight into the industry, check out the incredible Disney animation secrets that helped create the classic films we know and love.
