Cartoon Network launches anime block in LatAm

Crunchyroll will curate an hour of programming under the relaunched Toonami banner.
August 18, 2020

WarnerMedia’s Cartoon Network is teaming up with SVOD Crunchyroll to relaunch the anime-focused programming block Toonami on Cartoon Network in Latin America.

Curated by the anime-focused streamer, the new programming block launches August 31 and will run Monday to Friday from midnight to one a.m., and feature Dragon Ball Super (pictured) and Mob Psycho 100. All of the content will be dubbed in Spanish and Portuguese.

Crunchyroll has previously curated Toonami programming for CN in the US as well. Cartoon Network is the number-one kids channel in LatAm, and adding anime is a way to grow its reach, according to a statement from the network. Cartoon Network LatAm originally ran the block from 2002 to 2007, but was replaced by late-night block Adult Swim.

Cartoon Network has been growing its offerings for LatAm, developing original local content such as Monica’s Gang from Brazillian prodco Mauricio de Sousa Productions. During the recent lockdowns, LatAm kids gravitated towards local content, according to Parrot Analytics.

The new partnership comes as WarnerMedia looks to sell off Crunchyroll for around US$1 billion, so parent company AT&T can pay down debt, according to Variety. Sony, which owns rival anime SVOD Funimation, has expressed interest in buying Crunchyroll, The Information reports.

About The Author
Senior reporter for Kidscreen. Ryan covers tech, talent and general kids entertainment news, with a passion for kids rap content and video games. Have a story that's of interest to Kidscreen readers? Contact Ryan at rtuchow@brunico.com

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