Cartoon Network’s Upfront Slate Includes ‘Powerpuff Girls’ Reboot, ‘Adventure Time’ Renewal

The animated cable network has three new projects in development and will renew 11 current series

Powerpuff Girls, Adventure Time
Cartoon Network

Cartoon Network will unveil a fan-friendly 2015-2016 programming slate during its Upfront presentation for advertisers this May in New York.

The animated cable network is launching three new series in 2015-16, including the highly anticipated reboot of “The Powerpuff Girls,” which ran originally from 1998 to 2005. Eleven returning series will also be announced, including cult favorite “Adventure Time.”

In addition to “Powerpuff Girls,” which aired originally from 1998 to 2005, Cartoon Network will introduce an animated comedy about bears trying to assimilate with human culture (“We Bare Bears”) and a digital series about warriors who collect magical swords (“Mighty Magiswords”).

Adventure Time, which follows a boy and his magically-powered dog, will be entering Season 7. A few of other 11 returning shows are “Pokemon the Series: XY,” “The Amazing World of Gumball,” and “Clarence,” which said goodbye to showrunner Skyler Page in July amid sexual harassment allegations.

Cartoon Network also detailed plans for a handful of special events slated for 2015-2016, including a “Steven Universe”/”Uncle Grandpa” crossover, a “Regular Show” movie and an “Adventure Time” miniseries. Additionally, the network has acquired three pre-existing shows for its new slate: “Total Drama Presents: The Ridonculous Race,” “Transformers: Robots in Disguise” and “Supernoobs.”

“We are seeing great results with our platform-inclusive strategy to expand the definition of programming across all screens,” Christina Miller, President and General Manager, Cartoon Network, said in a statement. “Whether in short or longform there are no walls for how Cartoon Network can be consumed.

“Digital, mobile and TV have all come together for this new generation of kids, who are very comfortable with the sheer volume of choice; and when you deliver compelling original content and innovative ways of experiencing it, they will find it, engage with it and share it on every platform,” she continued.

As part of its Upfronts presentation, the animated network is boasting double digit growth and a rankings increase in its key demographic (kids 6 to 11). For boys 6 to 11 the outlook is even better, with seven out of TV’s Top 10 shows for that demographic airing on the Cartoon Network.

See Cartoon Network’s full 2015-2016 programming slate below:

New Original Programming:

“We Bare Bears”: We Bare Bears is a comedy about three bear siblings, named Grizzly, Panda and Ice Bear. Each episode follows their awkward attempts at assimilating into human society, whether they’re looking for food, trying to make human friends, or scheming to become internet famous. Created by Annie Award-winner Daniel Chong (“Toy Story of Terror!”), “We Bare Bears” is produced by Cartoon Network Studios.

“The Powerpuff Girls”: Slated for a 2016 launch, “The Powerpuff Girls” reboot will include an all-new television series produced by Cartoon Network Studios and a full licensing program slated to roll out across all regions. One of the network’s most enduring original series, “The Powerpuff Girls,” which debuted on Cartoon Network in 1998, earned two Emmy Awards, five nominations and countless animation honors throughout its 78-episode run. “The Powerpuff Girls” centers on three sugar-coated superheroes — Blossom, Bubbles and Buttercup — whose mission in life alternates between going to school, fighting crime, winning at hopscotch and saving the world before bedtime. Emmy and BAFTA award winner Nick Jennings (“Adventure Time”) is on board as executive producer.

“Mighty Magiswords”: From Kyle Carrozza comes Cartoon Network Studios first original digital series about a brother and sister team of “Warriors for Hire,” who go on hilarious adventures and crazy quests to collect magical swords.

New Original Crossovers, Movies and Specials:

“Long Live the Royals Mini-Series”: Come join the royal family as they celebrate the yearly Yule Hare Festival. Parties and feasts will be a plenty as they struggle to balance ruling a kingdom and life as a typical family. A new mini-series from Emmy winner Sean Szeles (“Regular Show”).

“Steven Universe/Uncle Grandpa Crossover Special “Say Uncle:” Two of your favorite Cartoon Network series, “Steven Universe” and “Uncle Grandpa,” are joining forces for a special crossover episode. Watch as a long lost relative of Steven’s comes to town to aid him in unlocking the power of his mother’s gem!

“Regular Show: The Movie”: From the creators of the hit Cartoon Network series “Regular Show,” comes a time travelling long-form special. After accidentally creating a “Timenado,” slacker groundskeepers Mordecai and Rigby go back in time and battle an evil volleyball coach in order to save the universe … and their friendship.

“Adventure Time” Special Mini-Series: In this multi-part series, Finn and Jake face a new threat to Ooo when Princess Bubblegum’s experiment unleashes ghosts from Marceline’s past.

New Acquired Programming:

“Total Drama Presents”: The Ridonculous Race: In this action-filled, outrageous buddy comedy, 18 pairs of contestants are put to the mental, physical and emotional test in a frantic race around the world. They’ll push themselves and their partners to the limit, but only one team will arrive at the mat first and become the winners of one million dollars.

“Transformers”: Robots in Disguise: Summoned by Optimus Prime to save Earth from a new Decepticon threat, Bumblebee puts his light-hearted mettle to the test after assembling a rouge team of young Autobot action heroes.

“Supernoobs”: From creator Scott Fellows (“Johnny Test”) and DHX Media, Supernoobs chronicles the misadventures of four nerdy friends, who are mistakenly tasked with saving the world from an evil space virus.

Returning Series

“Adventure Time”
“The Amazing World of Gumball”
“Clarence”
“Regular Show”
“Teen Titans GO!”
“Uncle Grandpa”
“Steven Universe”
“Mixels”
“LEGO® NINJAGO: Masters of Spinjitzu”
“Pokémon the Series: XY”
“Sonic Boom”

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