Cartoon Network Announces New Saturday Morning Line-Up

[William C. Maune]

Toon Zone News has the story on CN's new Saturday morning schedule starting in January. Here's the story:

http://news.toonzone.net/article.php?ID=7556

Personally, I'm kind of surprised to see CN with an official Saturday morning line-up. It seems to have caused complaints from Kids WB when the network has tried to do that in the past. Perhaps those days are over.

The shows are an interesting mix from around the world. While both Juniper Lee and Ben 10 are CN originals, Zixx is Canadian and I believe Robotboy is British whild Dragon Hunters is French. In regards to Zixx, because I am sure there will be questions, it is a hybrid show out of Canada. Parts of each episode are live-action while other parts of each episode are CG (done by Mainframe). Things switch between live-action and CG multiple times an episode. If you want more information on this series, Toon Zone has been running reviews of the Season Two epiosdes. However, they may contain spoilers for Season One.

[Sketch]

An interesting gamble and one I think will actually be fairly successful for them. If this is successful I can see several prospective shows ending up there. Perhaps Fantastic Four, Gamera, PPGZ and other action properties. It seems to be a premiere block for Miguzi in a sense. Something they needed to establish for sure. I do imagine KWB will make a stink espeically since they are only on Saturday mornings now but maybe not...

CN typically does very well just with reruns on Saturday mornings so a premiere block should fare even better. It seems cable will be the death of Saturday morning cartoons on network television if not the FCC.

Mainframe animated Zixx? FINALLY another Mainframe show. But I'd rather have Spider-Man or Reboot again of course. Looks like CN is hoping to find their own Power Rangers.

[Wanted]

Good job, Cartoon Network. Hopefully, this Saturday morning endeavor turns out to be a successful one.

Robotboy - This is probably not going to end up being a staple for the block, as it is very plain. However, it could bridge the gap between little kids and teens (yes, some teens watch Cartoon Network) who watch.

The Life and Times of Juniper Lee - Allow me to speculate, but this is likely returning with new episodes. I doubt they'd want Atomic Betty to muck up this block, but seeing Totally Spies! replace Juniper Lee after a while wouldn't be out of the question. Unless the block was extended, that is.

Ben 10, Zixx, and Dragon Hunters - All shows I know nothing about.

[Duke]

Zixx...All shows I know nothing about.That means you haven't been reading Knux's reviews. Bad poster!

[Tak Mazé]

I'm not banned am I? The link you posted doesn't work because I don't have access or something.
Anyway, I'll be interested to see what you think of Robotboy. I'm still undecided.

[Duke]

I'm not banned am I? The link you posted doesn't work because I don't have access or something.
Anyway, I'll be interested to see what you think of Robotboy. I'm still undecided.No, it's just that the link lead to the News Forum Post (which only reporters and Mods can see) instead of the News Page (which everyone can see).

Link updated.

[William C. Maune]

Sorry about that. That's what happens when I post at about 4am.

[EscaflownePilot]

Wow. I've been dying to see Zixx (thanks, Knux), and Dragon Hunters definitely sounds cool. Outside of that, Ben 10 sounds like just another Juniper Lee, so I don't think I'll be watching either of those, and Robotboy I'm going to at least check out to see if it's worthwhile, although I have my doubts.

But, anyway, yay for Zixx and Dragon Hunters.

This is yet another move that furthers Toonami for teens - obviously, having three (assuming they don't get rid of Miguzi) action blocks, two of them being premieres, seems a little awkward, but I think it's in an attempt to establish that this is a premiere block for action cartoons for a more all-ages audience, while Toonami is the premiere block for pre-teen/teen audiences.

EDIT:
So, Zixx doesn't start until Jan. 21st? What's going to take that slot on the 14th, then?

[Draft]

probally another ben10 episode

this seems interesting, i bety it will fail thoguh

[EscaflownePilot]

How so? As Sketch said, CN typically comes close to or beats Kids' WB! with mere reruns on Saturday morning, so a block of premieres has the potential to absolutely obliterate them (while pushing them closer to Nickelodian's Saturday morning ratings - also comprised of reruns).

I'm not so sure how Zixx will fare in the US, since it definitely sounds like it has a certain Canadian flare to it that I don't see working in the US, but I expect everything else to do quite well.

[Sketch]

Just thought of something... When 4kidsTV inevitably tanks this could be the dumping ground if it pulls through this season. At least for Chaotic or whatever... GI-Joe. Maybe they could put Transformers there if it doens't stay on KWB. It's intereting to have a 6-11 targeted premiere block (yes I'd say that's what it is) but as said by Pilot, this could be good news for Toonami.

I wonder if it will be a block. It could just be a bunch of premieres in a row and not be blocked. It doesn't really matter I suppose. Honestly I always thought a Saturday morning Miguzi was a decent idea (get rid of 5-7PM Saturday and Sunday Miguzi in the process). But it seems they wont be using Sunday night for as premieres in the future.

[Ishtar]

Just thought of something... When 4kidsTV inevitably tanks this could be the dumping ground if it pulls through this season. At least for Chaotic or whatever... GI-Joe. Maybe they could put Transformers there if it doens't stay on KWB. It's intereting to have a 6-11 targeted premiere block (yes I'd say that's what it is) but as said by Pilot, this could be good news for Toonami.

I wonder if it will be a block. It could just be a bunch of premieres in a row and not be blocked. It doesn't really matter I suppose. Honestly I always thought a Saturday morning Miguzi was a decent idea (get rid of 5-7PM Saturday and Sunday Miguzi in the process). But it seems they wont be using Sunday night for as premieres in the future.Actually from the looks of it, it looks kinda more like a return of SVES, than a Saturday Morning Miguzi. I don't think they'll give these timeslots a block name though.

[Mr Cat Dog]

Just thought of something... When 4kidsTV inevitably tanks this could be the dumping ground if it pulls through this season. At least for Chaotic or whatever... GI-Joe. Maybe they could put Transformers there if it doens't stay on KWB. It's intereting to have a 6-11 targeted premiere block (yes I'd say that's what it is) but as said by Pilot, this could be good news for Toonami.

I wonder if it will be a block. It could just be a bunch of premieres in a row and not be blocked. It doesn't really matter I suppose. Honestly I always thought a Saturday morning Miguzi was a decent idea (get rid of 5-7PM Saturday and Sunday Miguzi in the process). But it seems they wont be using Sunday night for as premieres in the future.There's no real need for a block, as CN will have to pour money into giving the block an identity, which takes time and money. Whilst the ratings might be good enough to warrant a block, there really is no need, it's not as if it's placing them in a block and naming it is going to change the quality of the shows and stuff.

Interesting about Robotboy... you're gonna hate it, that's for sure! The others are all o.o in my opinion anyway.

[jarjar23]

If they want this to succeed, they are going to need to promote the hell out of it. With "NEW" being the main theme of the commercial. I'd love to see premiere back on Saturday mornings (on cable I mean). Maybe Nick will follow CN if it turns out to be a sucess.:)

[Sketch]

If it's not Miguzi then it probably wont be a "block" for that very reason but it may be advertised in a block format like "Totally Atomic" was so they can save on advertising the shows by not making seperate ads for them.

[Snailbait]

This is good news. I know nothing about Dragon Hunters, so I dunno about that one. But the others are OK. Sounds like Robotboy's not too good, but Juniper Lee is great and Zixx sounds pretty cool. I still don't know about Ben 10.

[James Bester]

Glad to see CN actually competing with Kids' WB. It's a good chance that this will be an expansion of Miguzi. And a slight chance that it might end up being a rebirth of Toonami Rising Sun, but judging by the shows, I'd say Miguzi most likely. I guess KWB's changes already have CN taking advantage. Now to see if Miguzi ends up getting the 4PM hour on weekdays next year.

[Mr. Manager]

I'm not sure what I think about Zixx. If it is more CGI than live-action, than it is fine on CN, but if it is mainly live-action, than I will be very disappointed. I don't understand why CN wants to experiment with live-action. Some say ratings, but it's not like kids are begging to see live-action. If CN wants to experiment, they should show more experimental animated shows such as Toonheads, Samurai Jack, and Sunday Pants.

[livingfruitvirus]

I don't understand why CN wants to experiment with live-action. Some say ratings, but it's not like kids are begging to see live-action.
Theyre not begging, but CN is reacting with shows like "Drake and Josh," "Ned Declassified," "Zoey 101," and "That's So Raven" on their rival networks being immensely popular.

[Freedom Fighter]

That's an intriguing line-up, and dare I say, CN is thinking out of the box once again. Yes, even though there's a hybrid show in 'Zixx' (which, according to Knux Five, might actually be worth watching), all of these shows don't seem to have anything in common. So this will either be very good for them or very bad. Too early to tell which, though.

My thoughts and likelihood of watching them:
Robotboy - Not too keen from what I've heard.
Juniper Lee - With a whole season under its belt, hopefully now it can ascend to greatness. A big problem for me may be viewing real-estate, with 'Winx Club' already at 9:30 and the possibility of 'W.I.T.C.H.' going back there too when Season Two starts. Juniper may be tossed aside, especially if there's an encore in a decent timeslot.
Ben 10 - The concept's alright, but it'll definitely be on my 'needs to impress me immediately' listing.
Zixx - From what I've read in Knux Five's reviews, bite my tongue, this sounds like I wouldn't mind this show on CN. Don't know if I like it as an alternative to 'TMNT' at 10:30, but we'll see.
Dragon Hunters - I'm tired of dragons. 'Dragon Booster,' 'American Dragon,' and now 'Dragon Hunters.' Someone tell me why I should be interested?

I think this is CN's chance at closing the gap on Nick and pretty much putting away Saturday morning TV as we know it (on the broadcast networks).

[hobbyfan]

Toon Zone News has the story on CN's new Saturday morning schedule starting in January. Here's the story:

http://news.toonzone.net/article.php?ID=7556

Personally, I'm kind of surprised to see CN with an official Saturday morning line-up. It seems to have caused complaints from Kids WB when the network has tried to do that in the past. Perhaps those days are over.

The shows are an interesting mix from around the world. While both Juniper Lee and Ben 10 are CN originals, Zixx is Canadian and I believe Robotboy is British whild Dragon Hunters is French. In regards to Zixx, because I am sure there will be questions, it is a hybrid show out of Canada. Parts of each episode are live-action while other parts of each episode are CG (done by Mainframe). Things switch between live-action and CG multiple times an episode. If you want more information on this series, Toon Zone has been running reviews of the Season Two epiosdes. However, they may contain spoilers for Season One.
The only question I have is how long will this remain in effect before the programming nerds get itchy trigger fingers and make changes that aren't necessary. Why not start this schedule at 8, like everyone else?

Dragon Hunters is French, eh? Maybe from the same people behind Code Lyoko?

[Wanted]

Why not start this schedule at 8, like everyone else?Why italicize and bold your statements, unlike everyone else? After all, doing so doesn't give your words more power. Though, the most logical answer is, they're not trying to taint the successes of Kids' WB!'s The Batman, Xiaolin Showdown, and Yu-Gi-Oh!. After all, Kids' WB! just started advertising for Cartoon Network.

Dragon Hunters is French, eh? Maybe from the same people behind Code Lyoko?I doubt it. Upon completing some research, I found that Dragon Hunters has been confirmed for Cartoon Network broadcast for a while. I also dug up this information about the show from Futurikon's website (http://www.futurikon.com/accueil.php).

Centuries have gone by… our beloved, former civilization, swept away by the tides of chaos, is but a murky memory. Human history has painfully continued its course, along the rocky trail of a brutal, contrasted, unstable, toiling, ignorant and medieval world, inclined towards the most foolish of beliefs. This babbling universe is mainly peopled with ruthless rogues, surly peasants and illiterate, petty lords, with their basic motto being "EAT and DON’T GET EATEN."

For this new world has become infested with a terrible plague: omnipresent, monstrously famished, mutant creatures, are wreaking havoc known as "The DRAGONS."

The dragons have infested every nook and cranny of the world. They are a multitude of infinitely reproducing species, each of them terribly dangerous. They devour sheep and children, ravage the harvest, blow their noses in trees, kick villages down, defecate on the roads and wipe their humongous butts along peaceful country lanes (those lanes with grass growing on them!).

According to the good old law of supply and demand, the dragon-hunting trade has become a skill essential to the survival of the human species. But noble knights perfected in the art of the sabre are rare indeed, and given the inherent danger in this job, men are not knocking down the door for useful employment.

Our series will follow the wild adventures of LIAN-CHU and GWIZDO, two inseparable dragon hunting friends who do not practice their trade for reasons of beauty or posterity, but rather for prosperity.

A Futurikon, France 3, Super RTL, RTV Family Entertainment AG coproduction in association with Canal J, VRT and RTL-Tvi. Developed with the support of the CNC, the PROCIREP and the Media Programme of the European Community, in association with Carrimages.

The theme song “The Dragon Hunters Song” has been written and performed by the internationally famous group, THE CURE.

Created by Arthur Qwak
Graphic character design: Valerie Hadida and Arthur Qwak
Graphic design and coloring for setting and scenery: Guillaume Ivernel and Arthur Qwak
Directed by Norman J. LeBlanc

© MMIV Futurikon – France 3

26X24

[EscaflownePilot]

Nice find, Toonmaster.

I checked out the trailer of the show on Futurikon's site, and I definitely have mixed feelings about the show, now.

I love the character designs and scenery, and I'll definitely check it out for that alone, but the content of the trailer seemed like a cross between Dave the Barbarian and Xiaolin Showdown, with very little action outside of some standard slapstick comedy. It's hard to get that much from the trailer, since there's no dialogue or real substance other than random (and seemingly poorly chose) clips.

I'm still interested in this, though. Again, the character designs alone are worth checking out the first episode for at the very least.

[Snailbait]

Wow. Dragon Hunters sounds reeeeeally stupid. If they want to take it seriously enough, it could be good, but, come on! "Dragon hunting buddies"? We're supposed to like that? I'll give it a chance, but I'm not counting on it being any good.

[Wanted]

"Dragon hunting buddies"? We're supposed to like that?No, kids are supposed to like that... though, it'd likely beat the pants off of anything on ABC Kids.

[Snailbait]

No, kids are supposed to like that... though, it'd likely beat the pants off of anything on ABC Kids.
Well...yeah, I see what you're saying. I don't think I'll be watching that.
Oh, and what exactly does the CGI-animation in Zixx look like?

[William C. Maune]

The only question I have is how long will this remain in effect before the programming nerds get itchy trigger fingers and make changes that aren't necessary. Why not start this schedule at 8, like everyone else?

It all depends on the ratings and such. Changes generally aren't made with out some sort of reason. As for not starting it at 8, I don't think it really matters when they start it. Plus, it keeps them out of direct competition with the other blocks a little. And a friendly tip, your post is easier to read with out the bold and italics.

Oh, and what exactly does the CGI-animation in Zixx look like?

I'm not exactly sure how to describe it. I don't want to say it looks like Reboot, because I don't want to give the wrong impression. However, it looks closer to Reboot than it does to Code Lyoko.

[Chad Bonin]

Oh, so, Zixx on CN is finally announced. Behold The Power Of Toon Zone.
Ben 10, Zixx, and Dragon Hunters - All shows I know nothing about.READ MY REVIEWS.
Mainframe animated Zixx? FINALLY another Mainframe show. But I'd rather have Spider-Man or Reboot again of course. Looks like CN is hoping to find their own Power Rangers.Yes, Mainframe animated Zixx. My reviews constantly state how weak the CG is in comparison to their past works. And no, it's nothing like Power Rangers. Well... I dunno, I joke about it being like it, but it's much more in tune with, say, a sci-fi WITCH or something... or actually, Superhuman Samurai Syber-Squad in plot.
I'm not so sure how Zixx will fare in the US, since it definitely sounds like it has a certain Canadian flare to it that I don't see working in the US, but I expect everything else to do quite well.It's about Canadian as Smallville. In fact, the only thing that I think gave it away as being in Canada was a biscuits/cookie thing... and the fact that it's a bleak, bleak world.
I'm not sure what I think about Zixx. If it is more CGI than live-action, than it is fine on CN, but if it is mainly live-action, than I will be very disappointed. I don't understand why CN wants to experiment with live-action. Some say ratings, but it's not like kids are begging to see live-action. If CN wants to experiment, they should show more experimental animated shows such as Toonheads, Samurai Jack, and Sunday Pants.Honestly, I'd wager it's 60% Live-Action, 40% CG.
Oh, and what exactly does the CGI-animation in Zixx look like?Imagine there was a video game called "Zixx: Level One". And then imagine that the Red VS Blue guys made a series out of it.

[rksexy2finger]

schedule s*cks it's bad enough cn gets invaded with crap now this omg and all these shows god what the hell are they but some will probabily only be on sat morn so maybe they wont get much of a lineup.

[Discloner]

Mainframe didn't do this version of Zixx, atleast according to all my researching and memory of Mainframe PRs.

Zixx: Level 1 (which I'm assuming is the first season), was animated by Elliott Animation (http://www.elliottanimation.com/), who apparently also animated Sitting Ducks. It wasn't until Zixx: Level 2 that Mainframe was hired to do animation work.

I'm not 100% sure of my facts, as I've never seen the show and the credits in the end are far more telling then me piecing together the puzzle pieces of information that I've accumulated over time, but I'm pretty sure Mainframe didn't do the first season.

[jarjar23]

I wonder if they are going to make an on-air package with this block. It'd be cool if they did.

[William C. Maune]

I did some digging in response to yours and it looks like you are right. I had just assumed that Mainframe did the whole thing, but it looks like I was wrong. Sorry about that folks. Once Cartoon Network gets to season two (episodes 14 through 26) the animation you'll be seeing will be from Mainframe.

[Discloner]

Good to see the random cache of CGI information in my mind is good for something. ;)

[Mackaybear]

Looks like CN's programming department finally did something I'm going to like. All of these shows sound good, and at the minimum worth checking out.

Thanks to Toonmaster for the info on "Dragon Hunters" by the way.

Nice to see Juniper Lee isn't being cancelled as I thought a week or so ago. Since I like it that's usually the "kiss of death" for a series on CN. Lots of potential to Juniper Lee and it's already pretty good.

Ben 10 sounds good from what I've read and now Zixx sound definately worth a look.

Looks like CN has finally decided to bust free from it's previous "not going to compete with Kids WB" attitude?

[Chad Bonin]

Wow, yeah, I just assumed Mainframe did the animation for Level One. But Level Two is definitely Mainframe.

[Wanted]

READ MY REVIEWS.And spoil the fun for myself? No way!

[Carolina Red]

Part of the strategy probably involves how over the years networks have begun to see that morning news shows are more profitable nowadays than animated shows on a Saturday morning. When I was a kid the networks had cartoons all morning long, but now with all of these cable and satellite channels - and a desire for a good number of people to just want to stay in bed - it would be easier to just run a extended Saturday edition of the Today show or whatever morning show there is. This is CN's attempt to at least capitalize off of it, although I am surprised it would not premiere in the primetime hours.

[RayChuang]

Part of the strategy probably involves how over the years networks have begun to see that morning news shows are more profitable nowadays than animated shows on a Saturday morning.Actually, the major turning point was the legalization of 30-minute infomercials in the early 1980's. People forget that the local station that runs the informercials get a cut of the revenue from informercial sales, some of which can be quite profitable for the local station. That explains a lot why we don't see much cartoons on over-air channels anymore--and it's iffy that the Kids WB weekday block can survive in the long term because running infomercials are more profitable for the station.

This also does explain why we don't see movies on local stations run in the wee hours of the morning anymore--they've all been replaced by infomericals.