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

“Steven Universe” creator Rebecca Sugar embraces the “dangerously personal” side of creative inspiration

The creator of the Cartoon Network’s groundbreaking animated series was scared to put parts of herself in her work. But not anymore.

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

“Steven Universe” creator Rebecca Sugar embraces the “dangerously personal” side of creative inspiration

The creator of the Cartoon Network’s groundbreaking animated series was scared to put parts of herself in her work. But not anymore.

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

How the Robin Hood Foundation is fighting a hunger emergency in New York caused by the shutdown

Watch the flu spread across the U.S. in real time

These microbes could be the secret to eliminating polluting fertilizer

Creativity

Brands are finally realizing they’ll never be 100% safe on YouTube

R. Kelly officially charged with 10 counts of criminal sexual abuse

Why “Black Panther” should absolutely win Best Picture at the Oscars

Co.Design

Ikea hit with new class action lawsuit alleging age discrimination

The Pope’s guards are 3D printing their helmets now

This startup is helping Barclays, Compass, and more close deals 90% faster

Work Life

Why older workers are the economy’s hidden asset

How working for someone else helped me be a better entrepreneur

Managers, here’s how you deal with negative employees