Sunday, March 1, 2009

Rant Mode: Cartoon Network Goes Live-Action

Cartoon Network has made lots of bonehead decisions. They played Outlaw Star during their Toonami block. (great show, but it wasn't really for kids.) They make schedule changes, often without telling the viewers first, especially during Adult Swim. They recently cancelled Toonami after 11 years! And now, they have added live-action programming.
Why is this so bad? If you must ask, you must work for Cartoon Network. Cartoon Network was originally founded as a 24-hour cartoon channel. That means NO live-action. Now Cartoon Network loses its identity.
I guess the blame really falls on MTV. When they added reality shows and cartoons back in the 90's,they showed cable networks you don't have to play to the niche. VH-1 has also followed suit. Sci-fi plays three shows that aren't sci-fi: ECW, Scare Tactics, and The Chase. The only video game-related programs on G4, a so-called video game network, is X-play. Toon Disney has added live-action programming as well, but at least now they call themselves "Disney XD" (a reference to the recent HD change?). But come on, does every network have to do this? Does every network have to lose their identity for the sake of ratings? NO! This is a terribly boneheaded decision. Cartoon Network, wise up!