Cartoon Network Launch First Mini-Series, New

Time Warner’s Cartoon Network unveiled an ambitious new programming slate that includes the cable outlet’s first-ever miniseries as well as revivals of classic characters such as adversarial cat-and-mouse team Tom & Jerry and rascally rabbit Bugs Bunny.

The kiddie cable network also said it planned to expand its offerings for viewers using non-traditional viewing devices, such as smartphones and tablets, to find its content.  Cartoon Network said it would focus on making both original programming and digital content available to viewers as they wanted it. Later this year, Cartoon Network is expected to unveil content specifically designed for distribution on mobile devices, as well as special ads that can accompany it. The network will make move from one clip to the next by swiping their viewing screen.

The moves come as parent unit Turner decided to expand by an hour “Adult Swim,” the young-adult skewing animation block that shares Cartoon Network’s roost. Starting March 31, Adult Swim is to run from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m., extending its start time. 

Among the more interesting elements set for the network’s coming slate of programming is “Over The Garden Wall,” which the outlet bills as its “first event mini-series.” The animated comedy  is a ten-part fantasy story about two brothers trapped in a mysterious world. Elijah Wood, Collin Dean and Melanie Lynskey will be among the cast members furnishing voices, and the series will rely heavily on Americana-influenced original songs. The show is created by Pat McHale and produced by Cartoon Network Studios.

Cartoon Network will also try to refresh some long-running kiddie characters, offering revamped takes on Tom & Jerry, Bugs Bunny and the animated cast of “Scooby Doo”  - all from Warner Bros. Animation. The network said “The Tom & Jerry Show” will preserve the look and sensibility of the veteran characters, but will place “a brightly colored, high-definition lens on the madcap slapstick and never-ending battle that has made Tom and Jerry two of the most beloved characters of all time.” Show will debut Wednesday, April 9, at 5:30 p.m. “Wabbit – A Looney Tunes Production,” will place Bugs Bunny in comedic shorts that show the mischievous rodent squaring of against characters like Yosemite Sam and Wile. E. Coyote, along with new foes. Help will come from new characters like Bigfoot and Squeaks, a squirrel. “Be Cool, Scooby Doo” is billed is an all-new 22-minute animated comedy series that shows the “Scooby gang” living it up for one last summer after high-school graduation.

Other new programming includes:

Clarence: From creator Skyler Page and premiering Monday, April 14 at 7 p.m., Clarence is a new, original animated series about an optimistic boy who wants to do everything. Show  was conceived as part of the  shorts development program at Cartoon Network Studios, which has resulted in six original series for the network.

We Bare Bears: A a comedy about three bear siblings, named Grizzly, Panda and Ice Bear. Each episode follows their awkward attempts at assimilating into human society, whether they’re looking for food, trying to make human friends, or scheming to become internet famous. Created by Annie Award-winner Daniel Chong. “We Bare Bears” is produced by Cartoon Network Studios.

LEGO NINJAGO: Masters of Spinjitzu: As part of an already-established alliance with Lego, Cartoon Network will re-introduce viewers to the world of NINJAGO: Masters of Spinjitzu with six new half-hour animated specials in 2014, followed by all-new episodes of the highly popular series slated for 2015.

Sonic Boom: Show will provide a new look for Sonic the Hedgehog and friends –   an action-packed comedy adventure, which will have support from a videogame release with the same title.  The series, , coproduced by SEGA® of America, Inc. and OuiDO! Productions, will debut on Cartoon Network in the 2014/2015 season.

 Total Drama: Pahkitew Island:  The “Total Drama” series returns with a new generation of contestants running through crazy challenges for a chance to win one million dollars. Total Drama Island is produced by Fresh TV Inc.

Numb Chucks: Woodchuck brothers Dilweed and Fungus didn’t always see themselves as mystical Kung Fu saviors until they stumbled upon an infomercial featuring mega legend Woodchuck Morris’ mullet-fueled motivational kung-fu video “The Way of the Chuck!” The dimwitted duo use  their new find to transform themselves into  the title characters.

Beyraiderz: Sho, Jin and Leon find themselves trapped on a strange world once defended by the Six Mythic Beasts who upheld justice and brought prosperity for all. now the trio must bring these creatures back.

Cartoon Network unveiled three of the programs it will use for digital and mobile distribution:

Season 2 of “Angelo Rules: Angelo Rules:  Young protagonist Angelo devises strategies to take control  of the world from adults, teachers, siblings and rivals. Produced by TeamTo and Cake Entertainment.

Detentionaire: Framed for a major prank and punished with a full year of detention, high schooler Lee Ping sneaks out of detention to try to expose who was really behind the prank and avoid being caught by the school’s principal Barrage. Lee discovers  a strange pyramid under the school has something to do with the school’s parents council and “blue tazwurms.”  Created by animators Daniel Bryan Franklin & Charles Johnston, series is distributed by Nelvana.

Rocket Jo: Rocket Jo is an inventor-adventurer: His dream  to get his jet-pack to function without mishap. But his reward often comes in the form of  gags, explosions, and falls. Produced by Millimages and 2D3D.

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