Does the Cartoon Network merchandise enough?

[The Irishman]

Is there enough Cartoon Network merchandise out there? Over the last couple of years the network has put out some great shows, but Ben 10, Powerpuff Girls and one or two others aside, there doesn't seem to be an awful lot out there.

It reminds me of a Futurama commentary where Matt Groening was complaining (hey, that rhymes) that FOX never took full advantage of the marketing possibilities of the show (toys, etc.). He felt that decision hurt the show's chances, at least during the series' production.

Does this sound familiar? Can a similar situation be attributed to any of the CN's shows? I can't really say as I just moved to the US but so far it seems possible.

And another thing.

Having been reading a couple of other threads, I noticed that a fair amount of people think that there exists a notion that cartoons aren't seen as an acceptable interest above age 16 (I'm talking about cartoons in the classic sense here, not animation in it's more serious forms).

There are adults out there who are into cartoons (like you) and are OK with it. So why isn't the Cartoon Network promoting their series' a bit more to adults in general or at least those old enough to drive?

Selling Foster's stuff in Hot Topic is a good start, but you're still aiming at a young, easily defined market. Why not broaden the appeal a bit more or start making shows that can appeal equally to both adults and children (if Pixar can do it brialliantly with films, TV can't be that hard).

I'm still thankful for what is out there though.

[Dr.Pepper]

I honestly don't think so. I remember back in the day wanting Ed Edd n Eddy merchandise and there being nothing of CN except PPG.

[Umandsf]

That was an example of good merchandising. It was easy to do for that show, since the show was a family show. The problem I saw with that the merchandising was heavily aimed toward young girls. That was their strongest audience, so I can see why they did that. Unfortunately, it also sent the message that the show was only for that audience. I have met many people who gave me a weird look or made the all-too-common comment "Isn't that for girls?" when they saw my passion for the show. So, one of the most popular shows was merchandised plenty (and I want most of it), but it caused people to have the incorrect image of the show.

I have seen other items of merchandising from other shows, but not to the extent of this show. I believe that it does help. Spongebob is popular and has a large amount of merchandise today, but its reputation hasn't been hurt. If anything, it's caused more adults to watch it. That's why I've always said that PPG was a very fragile show, and the true fans would not be phased by the ideas put into others' heads by the media.

I would say that merchandise would help a show, but you have to have an inventory that is for everyone. If you aim for just one group of people, people will think the show is also for that one group of people.

[The Irishman]

I would say that merchandise would help a show, but you have to have an inventory that is for everyone. If you aim for just one group of people, people will think the show is also for that one group of people.

Yup, you hit the nail bang on the head. But, I would think that even though you have a core audience or [ahem] 'key demographic' for a show, the expansion of the overall audience outside the intended targets was something of a beneficial side-effect that could be exploited commercially. The Simpsons have done it; with everything from kids toys to frosted beer glasses in the brand.

While the Cartoon Network has had successses with PPG and Ben 10, these are only two shows out of dozens broadcast over the last 10 years. Some missed opportunities (past, present and future) exist in there somewhere.