ATLANTA, June 17, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Cartoon Network Enterprises today announced its strong, diversified portfolio, which includes this year's global launch of the re-imaged franchise, The Powerpuff Girls, the relaunch of Ben 10 in Europe and Asia in Fall 2016 and the Americas in Spring 2017, and new licensing partners for many of its popular brands including Adventure Time, Steven Universe and Rick and Morty. The announcement comes at the beginning of the Licensing Expo held in Las Vegas, where the network will display this expanded portfolio at the Cartoon Network booth, #D170.
"We're delighted to reveal our broadest and most varied portfolio to date, providing fans an opportunity to connect with each of our brands through diverse and well curated consumer products programs," said Pete Yoder, vice president, Cartoon Network Enterprises for North America. "We're thrilled to be working with a great roster of partners, and fans can expect unique offerings ranging from toys and games to apparel and accessories that will help bring their favorite characters to life."
Anchoring the portfolio is The Powerpuff Girls, one of Cartoon Network's most popular and enduring brands. Since their debut in 1998, Blossom, Bubbles and Buttercup have charmed girls and women of all ages as the original ambassadors of girl power, juggling school work, fighting bad guys, and always saving the world before bedtime. The Powerpuff Girls are taking the world by storm this year with a new animated series from Cartoon Network Studios that premiered globally in April 2016 -- and a full worldwide licensing program with a roster of more than 30 licensing partners in the U.S. alone. In addition to the previously announced global master toy partner, Spin Master, The Powerpuff Girls has a wide range of new licensing partners in various categories including:
Cartoon Network will debut a fresh take on the beloved Ben 10 animated series by re-introducing an energetic, fun-loving, 10-year-old Ben Tennyson with international premieres this fall in Europe, the Middle East and Africa (EMEA), and the Asia-Pacific region (APAC), and will continue into 2017 with the U.S. and Latin America (LATAM). The series will feature many new and fan-favorite aliens and center around a healthy serving of action, excitement, and all-around fun.
A hit since its debut in 2010, Adventure Time is currently in its seventh season and has been greenlit for an eighth season. In addition to a massive and highly-engaged social media following, the show has received significant critical acclaim and awards. The series follows the adventures of Finn, his best friend Jake, and a dog with magical powers. Adventure Time has more than 100 licensees globally, with products in all categories and all channels of distribution. New Adventure Time licensing partners include the following:
On the heels of being named one of WIRED's 15 Best Shows of 2015, Cartoon Network Studios' original series Steven Universe was recently greenlit for a fifth season. Created by Emmy® and Annie Award-nominated writer and storyboard artist Rebecca Sugar (Adventure Time) and featuring a stellar voice cast including Grammy-Award winner Estelle and BTVA Voice Acting Award-winner Zach Callison, Steven Universe, tells the story of three magical defenders of the planet and Steven, the proverbial "little brother" to the Crystal Gems – a team of magical guardians of humanity. New Steven Universe licensing partners include:
An Adult Swim brand, the popular Rick and Morty animated comedy series follows a sociopathic genius scientist who drags his inherently timid grandson on insanely dangerous adventures across the universe. The series has been picked up for a third season following its immensely successful season two premiere in July 2015 in which it ranked #1 in its time period among all key adult demographics. New Rick and Morty licensing partners include:
About Cartoon Network Enterprises
Cartoon Network Enterprises (CNE) is responsible for building consumer products and merchandising programs for a wide range of brands by securing and supporting long-term licensing partnerships across all categories. As the global branding and merchandising arm of Cartoon Network and Adult Swim, the division manages the consumer product programs for the networks' award-winning original programming, brands and characters including Ben 10, Adventure Time, Regular Show, The Amazing World of Gumball, The Powerpuff Girls, Adult Swim and more. CNE also serves as the exclusive global licensing agent for LazyTown Entertainment and the PGA of America for the youth marketplace.
Cartoon Network (CartoonNetwork.com) is Turner's #1 ad-supported cable network with kids 6-11 in the U.S., with a global offering of the best in award-winning animated entertainment for kids and families across multiple platforms. Available in 192 countries and over 370 million homes, Cartoon Network takes its responsibilities to its audience seriously by embracing key social issues affecting families with initiatives such as Stop Bullying: Speak Up.
Cartoon Network is a part of Turner, a Time Warner company. Turner creates and programs branded news, entertainment, animation and young adult media environments on television and other platforms for consumers around the world.
SOURCE Cartoon Network Enterprises