#RIPCartoonNetwork: Why Is CN Trending On Social Media?

In the world of animation and cartoons, Cartoon Network holds a special place for millions of people around the world. Cartoon Network, owned by Warner Bros. Discovery has been a beloved part of every 90s kid's childhood. Some of their popular shows include ‘Tom and Jerry’, ‘Scooby-Doo’, ‘Dexter's Laboratory’, ‘Ben 10’, ‘The Powerpuff Girls’, ‘Johnny Bravo’, and more.

Recently, the hashtag #RIP Cartoon Network has been making waves across all the social media platforms, especially on Twitter sparking conversations and emotions among fans of the iconic channel. But what exactly is behind this trending topic? Let's take a look at how and why #RIP Cartoon Network has captured the attention of so many and started trending: 

#RIPCartoonNetwork 

Cartoon Network is dead?!?!

Spread the word about what’s at stake for animation!!! Post about your favorite Cartoon Network shows using #RIPCartoonNetwork

Active members of TAG can help by filling out your survey! Today (7/8) is the last day! pic.twitter.com/dHNMvA1q0A

— Animation Workers Ignited (@AWorkersIgnited) July 8, 2024

#RIPCartoonNetwork began trending on X (formerly known as Twitter) following rumours that the channel would shut down on July 9, 2024. The trend started with a post from Animation Workers Ignited with the caption, “Cartoon Network is essentially dead.”

The short animation stated that Cartoon Network is essentially dead and other big animation studios are not far behind. What happened to all the animation workers? Despite carrying the industry during the pandemic, many are now facing record levels of unemployment, with some jobless for over a year. When COVID-19 first struck, animation studios seamlessly transitioned to remote work, allowing production to continue uninterrupted. However, studios have repaid this dedication by cancelling projects, outsourcing jobs, and laying off artists in masses (this is the conversation between two characters shown in the video)

The video also stated that this is because of corporate greed, alleging that major studios boosted their finances by cutting spending and staff, allowing CEOs and executives to take all profit. It encouraged viewers to spread the word by posting about their favourite Cartoon Network shows with the hashtag #RIPCartoonNetwork. The video aimed to highlight struggles faced by other animation studios, particularly industry-wide layoffs.

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Fans Reaction 

As #RIPCartoonNetwork started trending, some users on X began claiming the channel was shutting down. Fans used the hashtag of the series and cartoons that aired on the channel.

#RIPCartoonNetwork

It was a good era❤️ pic.twitter.com/iDzuRp1EfB

— Lord Scummander rtd (@zhurg_) July 9, 2024

#RIPCartoonNetworkpic.twitter.com/42WGzJwuXh

— カーシック (@luftohin__) July 9, 2024

#RIPCartoonNetwork Started With This 👀🤔🎬
The video goes on to explain how animation demand has skyrocketed, yet the animators, lost their jobs…. 😨
Rumors that Cartoon Network is “shutdown” are false. 🙊
Although the studio does seem to be in decline 😢📉 pic.twitter.com/XgppDfvDMm

— Festival Goers (@FestivalGoers_) July 9, 2024

Never forget what endless, unchecked corporate greed via two back-to-back mergers took from you #RIPCartoonNetworkpic.twitter.com/CcylmiG0A4

— Grace Kraft (@GraceKraft) July 8, 2024

For clarity, the original Cartoon Network Studios is gone. Cartoon Network still exists as a brand and channel. Outsourcing and corporate mergers have led to less jobs for animation workers. #RIPCartoonNetwork

— Animation Workers Ignited (@AWorkersIgnited) July 9, 2024

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Is Cartoon Network Really Shutting Down?

Cartoon Network has yet to issue an official statement regarding this. As per a report by Yahoo Entertainment, a spokesperson from Cartoon Network told them, “There is no truth to the speculation that the network or the studio are shutting down.”

For more such stories, stay tuned to HerZindagi.

Image credit: Twitter