Development Alert: Bugs Bunny Builders, Masha And The Bear And Various Other Preschool Content Starting To Exit International Cartoonito Feeds

Last month, Cartoonito had shuttered in parts of Asia for a second time as further content is on Cartoon Network and Max. Similar to the Disney Channels, it's likely that the viewership for the channel was very weak and Warner opted to put all their eggs in one basket.

A year ago, Boomerang was axed in most European countries in favour of Cartoonito as part of alignment strategy. Unlike some feeds, the one situated in Africa opted to retain shows like Looney Tunes Cartoons and Mr. Bean: The Animated Series despite some adult behaviour.

It was mentioned by Warner Bros. Discovery EMEA that while Cartoonito USA centers on preschoolers the one situated in Africa will also cater towards families. This would draw in more viewers and help give other content such as Batwheels more exposure which it did.

During the month, it was revealed by a viewer in the Nordic market Cartoonito will be removing various preschool content from the line-up with Boomerang shows like Mr. Bean: The Animated Series, Grizzy And The Lemmings and Tom And Jerry taking over Cartoonito.

It's likely a possible restructure could await the channel following the halt of original preschool programming. Warner Bros. Discovery still remains adamant on Cartoonito's dominance in Europe and is looking to commission more "comedic" animation in the region.

As for the Nordic market, it's likely that Warner Bros. Discovery is looking to prioritise on existing IPs for the channel which includes the already mentioned shows. This is something that has been seen throughout most of Hollywood and why I say this is simple.

Warner Bros. Discovery had renewed Mr. Bean: The Animated Series for a fourth season which is slated for 2025. Prior to this, Mattel Entertainment is rolling out Barney's World sometime in the year which serves as a reboot to the Barney And Friends franchise.

But then again the idea of Nordic and possible more regions joining parts of Asia wouldn't seem far fetched. Discovery Science and Discovery Turbo Xtra (DTX) had been terminated from these regions by the end of last year and it's possible more restructuring could take place.

Possible Termination??? As Cartoonito USA Is Being Reduced Into A 1 Hour Timeslot With Further Content Likely To Be Folded Under Cartoon Network And Max

With Craig Of The Creek set to be bowing out on Cartoon Network with a new movie, Craig Before The Creek. Jessica's Big Little World would serve as a follow-up to preschool audiences on Cartoonito and as seen in the last months things seem be going south for Cartoonito.

Last year, it was revealed by one of the crew members of Craig Of The Creek that Jessica's Big World had been cancelled after one season. This comes after Warner Bros. Discovery had opted not to move forward with Scooby-Doo And The Mystery Pups and Tom And Jerry Time.

Apparently the folks on the higher ups are not prioritising preschoolers as seen within parts of Europe as they have various upcoming shows like Spookies, Silly Sundays and Karters. They even aired Lu And The Bally Bunch after it failed to launch on Cartoon Network.

But now things seem to be changing for Cartoonito apparently the block viewed on Cartoon Network will be reverted to one hour block from February 19th with We Baby Bears taking up the 8am timeslot. Considering that the program is partially preschool this could go either way. 

Then again, the idea of this being a timeslot for Cartoon Network wouldn't seem far fetched as Cartoonito's airtime on the channel had been reduced several times. As mentioned, they've licensed various content part of which is only streaming on Max.

For a long time, it had been speculated Cartoonito would get axed on Cartoon Network following the channel's several attempts at sustaining a rival brand to Nick Jr. and Disney Junior. Before Cartoonito there was two other brands Tiny TV and Tickle U.

Another rumour pointed toward a possible restructure to Cartoon Network's line-up where shows like Batwheels would form part of the channel's line-up outside of Cartoonito. 

When WWE Will Start Streaming Exclusively On Netflix And Exit SuperSport, DStv And GOtv Across Africa?

Last month, it was reported US streaming giant Netflix that it had acquired the broadcasting rights for WWE shows and specials in the US, Canada, Latin America and other international markets. With growing fears looming around DStv, MultiChoice had issued a statement.

"WWE events, including RAW, Smackdown, NXT, Wrestlemania, SummerSlam and Royal Rumble will continue being available on SuperSport".  "As Africa's premium sports broadcaster, we're pleased to continue entertaining our viewers with the best in international wrestling".

In November 2022, MultiChoice and the WWE announced a major broadcast partnership and said in a statement that it will see Showmax becoming the new home of WWE Network in Africa. Only the streaming portion never to pass as seen with the linear offering on DStv.

Beginning in January 2025, Netflix will be the exclusive new home of Raw in the U.S., Canada, U.K. and Latin America, with more territories to be confirmed soon and others added overtime. Raw will be exiting linear television since it's inception 31 years ago.

Although Netflix won't get access to WWE's extensive line-up of shows when it streams in selected territories by 2025 due to an existing agreement with MultiChoice. They may be able to snatch the rights from the pay-tv company once it expires in 2027.

This means Netflix can only become the official home of the WWE Network in Africa two years after it launched elsewhere meaning by late 2027 or early 2028. Raw, SmackDown and various other content from WWE would have exited linear television after 26/7 years in Africa.

Recap To Last Month: Disney Junior Trademark To Be Shortened To DJr

Last month, it was revealed through United States Patent And Trademark Office (USPTO) that Disney had filed a new trademark for Disney Junior known simply as DJr. This would be brand's first official rebrand following its inception back in 2011 in place of Playhouse Disney.

For several years, companies had been simplifying their logos and now they look to expand this to a younger demographic. For starters, there's CBeebies and PBS Kids whose current logos had been aligned to match of existing brands operated by BBC Studios and PBS.

Disney Junior's first logo is currently being used across several platforms with some minor modifications in other countries. Now this one seems bland and lifeless but this is only what's currently seen on paper and may not be the future of the whole brand.

If anything the font and styling used on Junior (Jr) implies that they could some playful aspects. Now with Disney Junior (soon to be DJr) is getting a complete makeover one has to wonder whether some of these aspects could spread to their other channels.

I mean the idea wouldn't seem far fetched, Disney Channel could simply be the "D" while Disney XD is DXD. But then again, the current logo for Disney XD had been simplified from the start while Disney Channel has more of that in Europe than the main market so it's either way.

Interesting to note, DreamWorks Channel and the block DreamWorks Junior have the same initials as Disney Channel and Disney Junior - DC/D and DJR.

Below is an ident to the upcoming rebrand:

Recap To Last Year: Could The Crunchyroll Streaming Service Expand Its 24 Hour Service To DStv And StarSat Or Fold Under Openview's Ultraview?

Crunchyroll is an anime based streaming platform operated as part of a joint venture between Sony Pictures Television and Aniplex. Founded in 1994 as FUNimation, it is known for anime, films and TV series including Dragonball, My Hero Academia and Attack On Titan. 

Last year, Crunchyroll through one of their partners Sony Pictures Television expanded the streamer outside of its comfort zone with a 24 hour channel in Latin America. As some readers are aware, Crunchyroll is looking to duplicate this in key markets.

Although, they haven't specified which region would get access to the 24 hour service. It's likely that they're going to look into regions where they have no local presence whatsoever and others that do have some streaming presence but still recieve plenty of linear consumption.

The introduction of Crunchyroll Channel would come 13 years after Animax had exited Africa for also defunct brand Sony Max on DStv and other parts of the world. Since then, it has only been SABC 2, Toonami and Cartoon Network to ramp up a similar offering in Africa but not full-time.

The only problem pertaining to them is that the latter doesn't offer the full line-up of content. Take for instance Cartoon Network, it's current demographic only caters to shows like Pokémon followed by Toonami and SABC 2 whose slate has been repetitive in the last year.

As for Crunchyroll, I believe they're just looking to expand out of streaming and reach new audiences. It would prove to be very beneficial especially in regions which the brand lacks any type of local presence.

Similar to Disney+ and Britbox, even Crunchyroll has no presence in some of Europe and Africa. In some of these areas, there was an alternative offering Animax which too was managed by Sony battled a tough economic climate and struggled to sustain themselves in the regions.

If Crunchyroll were to debut in Africa it would help free up the responsibility from Cartoon Network and SABC 2 as they can prioritise on their other content. It would also serve as a replacement to the defunct Animax brand in Africa that is if DStv opts to carry the channel.

Other platforms in the market that could as well acquire Crunchyroll Channel include Openview Ultra, StarTimes, Azam TV, Canal+ and Zuku TV.