Cartoon Network was launched by Turner Broadcasting on February 18, 1992. Because Turner owned MGM and Hana-Barbera classics like the Looney Tunes, Cartoon Network was used as an outlet for them. While not being the first channel with cartoons, Cartoon Network was the first to be dedicated to them and air them for 24 hours a day. By 1994, Catroon Network had become the fifth most watched television outlet in the United States. 1994 brought the first show specifically created for the network, even then it found an audience with young adults. Space Ghost to Coast is thought by many to be the beginning of Cartoon Network's appeal to older audiences. What a Cartoon! took prospective pilots and tested them, the best performers becoming full-fledged series. Popularity skyrocketed.
The early 2000's brought more classics to Cartoon Network. Many classics were also released during this time, too many to list. The most notable, however, are Codename: Kids Next Door, Samurai Jack, Grim Adventures, and more. A programming block for preschoolers was also announced, but did not succeed. 2007 saw the release of yet more cartoons. The Dark Ages were about to begin. CN released a new series of shows called CN Real, live-action shows. The reaction to them was negative, both due to poor writing and the fact it was not animation. Popular blocks like What a Cartoon! and the anime block Toonami were cancelled. Many fans, especially older ones, disliked the changes. The decade would finish leaving disgruntled fans with lvie action shows. Suddenly, a light appeared. At the dawn of the 10's that didn't involve Austria-Hungary, a saving grace appeared, like an eagle. This show began the Cartoon Renaissance. This show, was Adventure Time
Adventure Time was a critical and political success. This began a revolution for the network. More shows focused on the quality of the film rather than the ratings. This boosted Cartoon Network from a live-action poor channel to its roots: new animated classics. We now reach today, a network recovering from the dark age Currently, trends are being observed, and the network is at a turning point. It may fall back into old habits or continue on.