Who Owns Cartoon Network?

Cartoon Network was launched on October 1, 1992, by Turner Broadcasting System as a dedicated channel for animated programming. The network was created to showcase Turner's extensive library of classic cartoons and to develop new animated content for children and young audiences. This founding vision demonstrated exceptional insight into the growing demand for dedicated children's programming while establishing a distinctive brand identity that would define children's entertainment for generations.

In its early years, Cartoon Network featured classic cartoons from the Warner Bros. and Hanna-Barbera archives, including The Flintstones, The Jetsons, and Scooby-Doo. The network gradually expanded into original programming, developing series like Dexter's Laboratory, The Powerpuff Girls, and Courage the Cowardly Dog that became cultural phenomena. This period of innovation demonstrated Cartoon Network's exceptional ability to create original animated content that could appeal to both children and adult audiences while establishing a competitive advantage in the children's entertainment market.

When Turner Broadcasting merged with Time Warner in 1996, Cartoon Network became part of the larger media conglomerate. This strategic merger provided Cartoon Network with access to extensive resources and distribution networks while maintaining its creative autonomy and brand identity. The integration demonstrated Cartoon Network's ability to operate within a larger corporate structure while preserving the creative vision that had defined its success.

Following the 2022 merger of WarnerMedia and Discovery, Inc., Cartoon Network became a division of Warner Bros. Discovery. In June 2025, Warner Bros. Discovery announced plans to split into two separate companies. Cartoon Network is assigned to the TV networks spinoff entity, which will include cable networks such as CNN, Discovery Channel, TNT, HGTV, Food Network, and TruTV. The streaming and studios company will retain Max, Warner Bros. Pictures, and HBO. The split is pending completion as of February 2026.