Sunday, August 2, 2009

Looks like I won't be CN this

Stupid joke is stupid.

Anyway, Cartoon Network launched a number of live action programs earlier this summer, in an attempt to diversify their lineup. As anyone could tell, this announcement was at first met with extreme backlash, especially considering the previous live action project (Out of Jimmy's Head, which is strangely enough, the only live action program they aired that had something to do with animation) bombed hard and died due to outside circumstances (the Writers Guild of America went on strike prior to its second season).

As time went on, the reactions went from rage to disappointment to fear of a rebranding. Some people welcomed these shows, while others began a crusade to force them off the channel. In the end, the programs indeed performed below expectations, sending Atlanta the message that kids aren't tuning into the channel to watch what can be seen on other networks, and they need to refocus if they plan on ever leaving a mark in the ratings. Currently, the shows have been reduced to one block a week on Wed nights, with their previous rerun slots filled with older shows, including fan favorites Ed Edd n Eddy and Teen Titans.

As it stands, it looks like the experiment has failed for them, but they're not so quick to jump ship. Clearly, they want something to work, but they have no way of knowing how to go about doing it. This identity crisis so far seems to be hurting themselves, and until they find a solution, they'll only drive away viewers.