Summary
The fact that Warner Bros. is bringing back three ofCartoon Network’s biggest properties –Adventure Time,Regular Show, andThe Amazing World of Gumball– just goes to show that it hasn’t had a series that popular since. Often referred to as “The Big Three,”Adventure Time,Regular Show, andThe Amazing World of Gumballdefined Cartoon Network’s output in the 2010s. The recently announced development of revivals of all three franchises has just highlighted a major problem with the current state of Cartoon Network.
It was recently confirmed thatCartoon Network is bringing back all three showsin some form (with two of them getting movies).Adventure Timeis getting a movie adaptation and two new TV shows;Regular Showis getting a reboot; andThe Amazing World of Gumballis finally getting a seventh season as well as its own movie adaptation. Clearly, Cartoon Network is all-in on the Big Three – and it’s pointed out a huge downside with the current slate of Cartoon Network shows.
Cartoon Network’s “Big 3” Still Haven’t Been Topped Several Years Later
CN is still relying on established brands
Based on these announcements, it’s obvious that Warner Bros. is focusing on the big guns when it comes to its investment in Cartoon Network. But the fact thatAdventure Time,Regular Show, andThe Amazing World of Gumballare all returning in some form makes it clear that Cartoon Network hasn’t had a property that popular ever since they ended. Rather than telling a new story and building a new fan following, Cartoon Network is retreating and sticking to the franchises that already have a massive fan base.
What To Expect From Cartoon Network’s Adventure Time, Regular Show, & Gumball Returns
CN has some exciting stuff in store for the Big Three
Adventure Time’s two new shows promise to take the franchise into new pastures.Adventure Time: Side Questswill be a throwback to the original series’ classic episodic quests, whileAdventure Time: Heyo BMOlooks to be targeting a younger audience. Although it’s unconfirmed whethertheAdventure Timemoviewill get a theatrical release, it has been teased as Finn and Jake’s greatest adventure yet.Regular Showwill have a more traditional reboot, with a cast made up of some returning characters and some new characters.
Unlike the newAdventure TimeandRegular Showspin-offs, the new season ofThe Amazing World of Gumballwill pick up where the last one left off. The last season of the show aired way back in 2019 and it left a few mysteries hanging in the air. When season 7 finally arrives, it’ll be able to answer those unanswered questions and give fans closure on the series’ long-running storylines. Much like Disney,Cartoon Networkis leaning more into established brands than new stories.
