Warner Bros. Discovery has announced the merging of Cartoon Network Studios with sister studio Warner Bros. Animation.

McKenna Morgan, Content Editor

October 14, 2022

2 Min Read
Warner Bros. Discovery logo.
Warner Bros. Discovery logo.Warner Bros. Discovery

David Zaslav, chief executive officer and president, Warner Bros. Discovery announced additional corporate restructuring. The latest move for the company is merging Cartoon Network Studios with Warner Bros. Animation. 

Warner Bros. Discovery made a move to let go of 82 employees and eliminate 43 open positions from its Television division. According to The Verge, Channing Dungey, chief executive officer, Warner Bros. Television, released an internal memo to employees stating that Hanna-Barbera Studios Europe, Warner Bros. Animation and Cartoon Network Studios will all continue to exist and be run by Sam Register, president, Warner Bros. Animation, Hanna-Barbera Studios Europe and Cartoon Network Studios, as part of the company’s “new streamlined structure.” Warner Bros. Animation and Cartoon Network Studios will now share “development and main production teams.” 

This comes after multiple cost-cutting moves for the company, including canceling shows like “Raised by Wolves” and pulling the “Batgirl” movie. Back in August, HBO Max removed more than 30 animated series from its catalog. Additional shows are being produced in lower volume or have been axed from initial production altogether.  

While Warner Bros. Discovery seems to be cutting costs with content, it has continued to pour funds into established IP. This October, for example, Warner Bros. Discovery leaned into the “Scooby Doo” IP to announce “Scoobtober,” a merchandise plan for Halloween. Additionally, merchandise for “House of the Dragon” (a “Game of Thrones” spinoff) and an expansion of the “Friends” experience have recently been revealed from the brand. Leaning on evergreen IP properties is nothing new, but this latest move gives Warner Bros. Discovery the chance to save money while raking in more guaranteed revenue, rather than investing in properties that may or may not turn a profit. 

Related:Warner Bros. Discovery Announces Plans for Scoobtober

According to Variety, Warner Bros. Animation, Cartoon Network Animation and Hanna-Barbera Studios will remain distinct brands after their merge.

About the Author(s)

McKenna Morgan

Content Editor, License Global

McKenna Morgan is Content Editor for License Global. Based in the Santa Monica office, McKenna specializes in coverage involving non-profits, beauty and cosmetics, health and wellness, new and social media and entertainment licensing.

When McKenna isn’t covering the latest licensing news, she spends her time attending live music shows and finding her next travel destination.

Subscribe and receive the latest news from the industry Article
Join 62,000+ members. Yes, it's completely free.

You May Also Like