MUSEUM OF TELEVISION & RADIO SCREENING SERIES, THE: CARTOON POWER: CELEBRATING CARTOON NETWORK'S 9-3/4 {NINTH AND THREE QUARTERS} BIRTHDAY, PACKAGE 16: SPACE GHOST COAST TO COAST MARATHON {PT. 1}
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.
"Space Ghost Coast to Coast"
Episodes in this thirty episode marathon include guest stars Bjork, Joey Ramone, Jon Stewart and Beck.
When Space Ghost first appeared in the Hanna-Barbera cartoon "Space Ghost and Dino Boy" in 1966, few could have guessed that he would be reborn in 1994 as a cult-favorite talk show host. For the past eight years, "Space Ghost Coast to Coast" has proven to be the most entertainingly surreal half-animated talk show on the air. Aided by bandleader Zorak and directed by the hulking hulk Moltar, Space Ghost has "interviewed" such celebrities as Michael Stipe, Fran Drescher, Tenacious D, and Ben Stiller.
Details
- NETWORK: N/A
- DATE: November 30, 2001
- RUNNING TIME: 2:00:37
- COLOR/B&W: Color
- CATALOG ID: T:72401
- GENRE: Children's; Animation
- SUBJECT HEADING: Children's programs
- SERIES RUN: N/A
- COMMERCIALS: N/A
CREDITS
- Beck
- Bjork
- Fran Drescher
- Craig McCracken
- Joey Ramone
- Jon Stewart
- Ben Stiller
- Michael Stipe
- Tenacious D