Turner Broadcasting’s EMEA arm has announced details of their 2014 programming slate for their UK Kids channels (Cartoon Network, Boomerang etc) which includes, amongst others, 4 new animated series for Cartoon Network (Uncle Grandpa, Steven Universe, Clarence, and Teen Titans Go!), a new Tom and Jerry series for Boomerang, as well as the new season The Amazing World of Gumball and a special episode of The Powerpuff Girls.
The announcement of Turner UK’s programming slate was made on Friday at an event held in London. At said event, Turner UK’s Managing Director Anthony Lukom revealed that 2013 was the most successful year for their Kids channels in more than a decade; with Cartoon Network beating its closest competitor and posting impressive ratings gains of 80% year-on-year, making it the #1 commercial kids channel for Boys. In addition, Boomerang enjoyed year-on-year ratings growth of 9% and is the #2 kids pay TV channel for Kids 4-9.
“Turner’s childrens channels have performed outstandingly in the last year, and we are in better shape than ever”, said Anthony Lukom, Managing Director of Turner Broadcasting System UK & Ireland. “We are extremely excited about 2014 – with lots of brilliant new content we are building on our hugely successful comedy slate and representing a place where kids can laugh, be themselves and enjoy quality programming.”
While Patricia Hidalgo, Chief Content Officer for Turner Broadcasting, EMEA, added: “With a mixture of new IP and old favourites, our offer has never been stronger. Our shows are truly creator driven and thus made with passion. We look for unique and surprising stories that have great characters which feel authentic for kids; and this is more apparent than ever with the slate we have coming up. Cartoon Network is in great shape and Boomerang is now firmly established as our second flagship channel; continuing to bring new iterations of timeless classics for all the family.”
Full details of Turner UK’s programming slate for Cartoon Network and Boomerang – including, where available, premiere dates – follows.
Uncle Grandpa is a new animated series which follows everyone’s favourite ‘magical’ uncle and grandpa who travels the world in a mystical RV. The series, which launched on Cartoon Network in the US in September 2013, is created and voiced by Pete Browngardt. The Cartoon Network Studios produced series gets its UK premiere on Monday April 14th.
Steven Universe follows the misadventures of a boy named Steven, the ultimate ‘little brother’ to a team of magical guardians of humanity: the Crystal Gems. Produced by Cartoon Network Studios, the series was created by Rebecca Sugar – marking the first time a woman has created a Cartoon Network series. Steven Universe premieres on Cartoon Network UK on Monday May 12th.
Created by 24 year old Skyler Page, Clarence follows a regular kid who turns every day into a thrilling adventure – truly encapsulating the triumphs and tragedies of childhood. The series, which is again produced by Cartoon Network Studios, is set to premiere on Cartoon Network UK later this year.
Inspired by Teen Titans, Teen Titans Go! focuses on the funny and misbehaving antics that happen in between saving the world and living without adult supervision. The Warner Bros. Animation Studios produced comedy premieres on Cartoon Network UK in April.
In addition, the rebooted The Tom and Jerry Show hits Boomerang UK on Saturday April 12th. That is followed by a special episode of The Powepuff Girls featuring Ringo Starr, which premieres on Cartoon Network UK in June. The third season of The Amazing World of Gumball launches on Cartoon Network UK in September. Meanwhile, amongst the many other series that Turner Broadcasting has returning later this year areAdventure Time, Regular Show, Ben 10 Omniverse and Dreamworks Dragons: Defenders of Berk.
