Cartoon Network

The World's Most Innovative Companies 2016Cartoon Network has been a kids cable staple for years, but in 2015 the network reinvented itself. First it revamped the old Cartoon Network app. The new app combines the best of both television and streaming, offering personalized and exclusive content in linear and video-on-demand forms. Mighty Magiswords, for example, aired 15-second episodes on the old, top-ranked Cartoon Network Anything app. But in the new app, the show changed formats to 2- to 3-minute segments, and it could feasibly become its own show on the broadcast channel; the app serves as a testing ground. This fluidity of content allows for limitless options as Cartoon Network continues to learn how children want to watch and engage with television.

Cartoon Network has always been known for edgy, boundary-pushing children's programming. In 2015, that took the form of Steven Universe, a coming-of-age fantasy story that features many queer and LGBT themes, as well as commentary on gender roles and sexuality. With such innovative creation and presentation, Cartoon Network is setting itself up to be relevant to a whole new generation of viewers.

Lists

2016: Media

Stories about Cartoon Network

Creativity

Dove Partners With Cartoon Network To Boost Young Girls’ Self-Esteem

The Dove Self-Esteem project is aiming to make a deeper impact through Cartoon Network’s hit show “Steven Universe.”

Creativity

Inside Cartoon Network’s Racially Groundbreaking Show “Craig Of The Creek”

The writers of Cartoon Network’s LGBTQ darling “Steven Universe” have created their own show–and it’s just as refreshingly progressive.

Most Creative People

How The Cartoon Network Grew Up

The network has proven that cartoons aren’t just for kids. CN vet Michael Ouweleen explains how it’s evolved its shows for new generations.

Tech

CNN, Cartoon Network, And More Go Dark For DIsh Network Subscribers

Creativity

Lego And Cartoon Network Partner On Mixels, A New Cross-Platform Franchise About “Unlimited Combinations”

Creativity

Pendleton Ward On Keeping “Adventure Time” Weird

Pendleton Ward, the creator of Adventure Time, explains what inspired the weird world of Finn and Jake, the real risks of making cartoons, and a possible “Card Wars” game.

Cartoon Network

Stories about Cartoon Network

Dove Partners With Cartoon Network To Boost Young Girls’ Self-Esteem

The Dove Self-Esteem project is aiming to make a deeper impact through Cartoon Network’s hit show “Steven Universe.”

Inside Cartoon Network’s Racially Groundbreaking Show “Craig Of The Creek”

The writers of Cartoon Network’s LGBTQ darling “Steven Universe” have created their own show–and it’s just as refreshingly progressive.

How The Cartoon Network Grew Up

The network has proven that cartoons aren’t just for kids. CN vet Michael Ouweleen explains how it’s evolved its shows for new generations.

CNN, Cartoon Network, And More Go Dark For DIsh Network Subscribers

Lego And Cartoon Network Partner On Mixels, A New Cross-Platform Franchise About “Unlimited Combinations”

Pendleton Ward On Keeping “Adventure Time” Weird

Pendleton Ward, the creator of Adventure Time, explains what inspired the weird world of Finn and Jake, the real risks of making cartoons, and a possible “Card Wars” game.

Impact

3 tips to make the best of your end-of-year giving

Saving this Swedish town from falling into a mine has big lessons about a post-climate change world

This new service gives domestic workers a way to get benefits and paid time off

Creativity

This new deep fake video is both advertising and a piece of art

Study: Female-led movies make more money at the box office

Stephen Colbert makes a smart point by nominating himself for chief of staff

Co.Design

These are the cheapest cities to escape to right now

The future of art preservation is bacteria warfare

Scholastic’s new HQ is unlike any corporate office you’ve ever seen

Work Life

5 surprising traits of great leaders

Women CEOs on how they smashed the glass ceiling

7 ways to position yourself to get on a board