The Inception with ‘Crusader Rabbit’
The tradition of Saturday morning cartoons began in 1950 with Crusader Rabbit, the first television animation.
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However, it was the innovation by William Hanna and Joseph Barbera after their departure from MGM that catalyzed the proliferation of animated series. Their techniques allowed for more efficient production, leading to the creation of iconic shows such as The Flintstones and The Jetsons.
Transitioning to a Child-Centric Time Slot
In the mid-1960s, animated shows transitioned to become primarily children’s entertainment, with major networks dedicating Saturday morning slots to these programs.
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This shift marked a significant change in television culture, positioning shows like The Flintstones as weekend morning fare for kids, rather than family prime-time viewing.
Rising Parental Concerns Over Content
Towards the end of the ‘60s, parental advocacy groups raised concerns about the impact of cartoon violence and stereotypes, as well as the blurred lines between entertainment and advertising.
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These concerns ultimately led to increased scrutiny and the imposition of regulations aimed at balancing commercial content with educational and informative programming.
NBC's Pivotal Programming Change
On September 12, 1992, NBC made a decisive move away from the tradition of animated programming by replacing cartoons with live-action shows aimed at adult audiences.
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This marked a significant shift in the landscape of Saturday morning television and the beginning of the end for the cartoon block as it was known.
The Rise of TNBC
In the wake of the shift from animated to live-action programming, NBC launched Teen NBC (TNBC), featuring shows like Saved by the Bell.
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This new lineup was designed to attract a teenage audience, marking a departure from the network’s previous focus on cartoons for younger children.
Educational Programming on NBC
Following a decline in ratings for TNBC, NBC partnered with Discovery Kids to offer educational content on Saturday mornings.
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Aligning with federal standards for children’s educational television, this marked a further move away from traditional entertainment programming.
CBS Adopts Educational Programming
CBS followed in NBC’s footsteps by introducing an educational lineup in its Saturday morning block.
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This change came in response to stricter regulations and a shift in programming strategy, moving away from cartoons like Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles to shows like The New Ghostwriter Mysteries.
ABC's Delayed Shift from Animation
ABC, in partnership with Disney, maintained animated programming longer than its counterparts.
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However, even this network eventually transitioned to educational programming, with “One Saturday Morning” giving way to a lineup that met educational standards set forth by federal regulations.
The Transformation of Fox Kids
Fox Kids, which launched in 1990 and was known for shows like The Tick and Batman: The Animated Series, eventually transitioned to an educational block.
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The network’s shift mirrored the broader industry move towards content that fulfilled educational mandates.
The CW's Final Cartoon Offering
The CW was the last of the networks to offer a traditional cartoon block with Kids’ WB.
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Over time, this too was replaced by educationally-focused programming, ending the long-standing tradition of animated Saturday morning blocks.
Cartoons in the Modern Age
The end of “Vortexx” in 2014 marked the official conclusion of traditional Saturday morning cartoons. With the advent of digital streaming services, the availability of cartoons has become constant, allowing for on-demand viewing.
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This change reflects a significant shift in how and when cartoons are consumed in the contemporary media landscape.