Cartoon Network added an extra hour to Adult Swim’s fall lineup by airing a nightly nod to classic CN cartoons.
Yesterday, Cartoon Network began airing Checkered Past, an hour-long tribute to classic cartoons such as Courage The Cowardly Dog, Ed, Edd n Eddy, Dexter’s Laboratory, and The Grim Adventures of Billy & Mandy.
In June, the block was scheduled to begin at 6:00 p.m. ET. However, yesterday, the network said Adult Swim programs will air starting at 5:00 p.m. ET instead. Adult Swim has been moved earlier and earlier throughout the year as its programs outperform CN content. Adult Swim was initially slated to begin an extended block at 7:00 p.m.
“We’ve somehow gained 5 p.m. and a new block: Checkered Past, full of classic CN content,” said Cartoon Network in a post that includes the schedule from August 28 to September 3.
The programming move highlights the expansion of more mature content in a channel that was originally intended for children. Or, in the case of Checkered Past, the kind of shows that kids originally grew up with.
The new time kicks off with Dexter’s Laboratory at 5:00 p.m. and Ed, Edd n Eddy at 5:30. The 6:00 block starts with The Grim Adventures of Billy & Mandy, followed by Courage the Cowardly Dog at 6:30.
Adult Swim has a long history of successfully launching hit shows, from Rick & Morty to bringing anime such as Naruto into the mainstream.
American Dad is still the top show among CN audiences, totaling 25% of viewers, according to CN’s tweet. King of the Hill is the network’s second highest-performing show, with 16.5% of audiences tuning in, followed by Rick & Morty with 12.5%. Bob’s Burgers (11.4%) and The Venture Bros. (5.7%) round out the top 5 series.