MUSEUM OF TELEVISION & RADIO SCREENING SERIES, THE:
CARTOON POWER: CELEBRATING CARTOON NETWORK
9-3/4 {NINTH AND THREE QUARTERS} BIRTHDAY, PACKAGE
2: POWERPUFF GIRLS
Summary
Cartoon Network, the first global all-animation
television network, launched in October 1992 with a
modest ambition: to serve as a showcase for classic
Hanna-Barbera, Warner Bros., MGM, and Paramount
cartoons. With programs such as "The Flintstones,"
"Bugs Bunny," "The Yogi Bear Show," and "Scooby-Doo,
Where Are You!," it would appeal to the nostalgic
cravings of the baby-boom generation while also
introducing a new generation of viewers to its library
of animated classics. The network quickly expanded
beyond its original parameters, however. It transformed
itself from a vintage-cartoon archive into a veritable
universe of original cartoons, filled with charismatic
cartoon heroes and anti-heroes who have played key
roles in shaping the face of contemporary animation.
With the innovation of its "World Premiere Toons"
program in 1995 and the subsequent production of "What
a Cartoon!" (later called "Cartoon Cartoons"), Cartoon
Network began tapping into a sea of young, talented
animators. It commissioned hundreds of shorts and then
full-length programs from creators such as Genndy
Tartakovsky ("Dexter's Laboratory"), Craig McCracken
("The Powerpuff Girls"), and Dave Wasson ("Time Squad"),
whose shows now exemplify the kind of witty writing
and stylized animation that characterize the network.
Rather than relying on programs with conventional
animation styles or character clichŽs, the network
attracted and recruited creators with distinctive
visions and the desire to take creative risks; according
to McCracken, "That's like Cartoon Network's whole
philosophy. . . . If you have a passion, they want you
to be in charge of the project."
Cartoon Network's roster of programming now includes a
wealth of original shows such as "Space Ghost Coast to
Coast," "Courage the Cowardly Dog," "Johnny Bravo," and
"Samurai Jack." Its "Toonami" block -- a showcase for
Japanese animation (anime) and American animation
influenced by the Japanese style -- has earned critical
acclaim with shows with dark edges that reflect a
dedication to experimentation. "Adult Swim," a
programming block targeted at older viewers, has
cemented Cartoon Network's reputation as a network
unafraid to take chances, with its often-caustic,
satirical programs and off-the-wall humor.
"Powerpuff Girls"
Since the series premiered on the Cartoon Network in
November 1998, Craig McCracken's "Powerpuff Girls" has
infused crime-fighting with unprecendented enthusiasm
and -- no less importantly -- pink! Like conventional
superheroes, Blossom, Bubbles, and Buttercup stand
united in their mission to rid humanity of menacing
villains -- yet, unlike their muscular and lycra-clad
comrades, they also enjoy the lives of normal little
girls, playing hopscotch and doodling with crayons.
Details
- NETWORK: N/A
- DATE: November 30, 2001
- RUNNING TIME: 1:29:02
- COLOR/B&W: Color
- CATALOG ID: T:71379
- GENRE: Animation; Children's
- SUBJECT HEADING: Children's programs
- SERIES RUN: N/A
- COMMERCIALS: N/A
CREDITS
- Craig McCracken