Cartoon Network and Adult Swim have announced that Cartoon Network is developing a five-part documentary series to celebrate its 35th anniversary.
Scheduled for release in 2027, the series explores the network and its idiosyncratic artists across multiple eras, from Checkerboard to Dimensional and beyond, from the company’s foundation as a custodian of classic comics to its ability to develop original work by artists who have had a profound impact on the medium of animation as a whole.
The documentary series will blend rich archival footage with newly filmed interviews with legendary artists who will share their work and perspectives on Cartoon Network.
“Most sane people don’t write a memoir at the age of 35, but Cartoon Network was never sane,” said Michael O’Welleen, president of Cartoon Network and Adult Swim.
“For 30 years, viewers have had their childhoods shaped by Cartoon Network’s iconoclastic series and on-air audio, and now creators across all mediums are drawing on that influence.” The network started with a library of comics, but it quickly became something much bigger: a cultural force and an object lesson in what it means to be courageous and original.The only question this documentary doesn’t answer is the one that helped define the brand from the beginning: Are you with us?
Documentaries aren’t the only programming planned for the 35th anniversary. Also in the works is a Cartoon Network special of “Robot Chicken,” the stop-motion comedy series created by Stoopid Buddy Stoodios for Adult Swim. Known for its spicy pop culture parodies and rapid-fire style, “Robot Chicken” itself has been around for 20 years, and now we’re taking a look at the Cartoon Network character. First look images show a table featuring Courage the Cowardly Dog and Johnny Bravo alongside Scooby-Doo characters. A special edition is scheduled for release in 2027.
Additionally, co-creators Seth Green and Matthew Senreich’s famous stop-motion series is also in the works for the second installment of their own network Adult Swim’s 25th anniversary special.
“Robot Chicken Adult Swim Special” features all the iconic characters from Adult Swim history, including Assie McGee and Brock Sampson from “The Venture Brothers.” Join characters from “Aqua Teen Hunger Force,” “Metalocalypse,” and “Black Jesus” on a cruise ship celebrating the network’s 25th anniversary.
The cruise turns into a disaster, perhaps inevitable with all these special people on board, but potentially watery ruin for everyone on the journey. The special will premiere on Sunday, August 30th on Adult Swim and will be available to stream on HBO Max on August 31st.
