For children across America, Saturday mornings once meant breakfast and cartoons in pajamas, a tradition that has steadily faded. Over recent years, low low ratings and shifting viewer interests have contributed to a decline in the popularity of kids’ cartoons. 

The decline hasn’t gone unnoticed, with social media abuzz about the lackluster reception of new cartoons. 

Kids cartoons still exist but they aren’t anywhere near the same as before. Popular kids television networks such as Nickelodeon, Cartoon Network and Disney Channel have been replaced with more teen-oriented series. 

These new shows have gained more popularity than cartoons, resulting in a shift away from traditional animations. 

Newly released cartoons aren’t as entertaining or enjoyable as they used to be. Some viewers have not been impressed with the new cartoons or new changes made to older releases. In 2021, “Rugrats” changed their animation style, causing fans of the old version to be displeased. 

A few developers have made new modern versions of older shows to try and recreate the popularity it once had but instead these new versions turn out to be dissatisfying, as was the case with the new “PowerPuff Girls.”

Allegra Fran, a fan of Cartoon Network said,  

“Without the original talent onboard, it seemed like Cartoon Network intended to revive the show in name, not in spirit,” senior Allegra Fran, a fan of Cartoon Network said. “That’s a crucial difference for something that seems so traditional on the surface.” 

There are also those who believe the modern cartoons really lose the true meaning of what a cartoon is. Many fans of Cartoon Network have spoken and said that they miss old cartoon shows.

Cartoon Network’s recent integration into Warner Bros., sparking a move from its iconic headquarters, marks the end of an era in the world of cartoons.