Cartoon Network Unveils New Shows, Original Programming Franchise and Acquisitions at 2005 Kids Upfront Presentation

ATLANTA, GA -- Feb. 16, 2005 -- In 2005, Cartoon Network will telecast brand new series and acquisitions, launch an original programming franchise for young viewers and their parents and support a healthy lifestyle initiative, it was announced today at Cartoon Network’s Upfront presentation to advertising executives and the media in New York. Cartoon Network will air more than 400 new half-hours, including five new animated series, new episodes of returning original series and new acquisitions.


“We had success in 2004 with an emphasis on providing hundreds of hours of new programming and establishing new hit series, which, in conjunction with our dayparting strategy and a new on-air look, resulted in our best year ever with boys 6-11, kids and boys 2-11 and tweens. In 2005, we will increase the new programming on our air with five Cartoon Network series, new acquisitions, an original programming block for our youngest viewers and a pro-social campaign to increase kids physical activity,” said Jim Samples, executive vice president and general manager, Cartoon Network. “I’m confident that, with our exciting new programming, we will continue to grow in 2005.”

On Monday, Feb. 21, Cartoon Network will launch a national healthy lifestyles initiative targeted to kids 6-14 entitled GET ANIMATED, a comprehensive on-air, online, print and off-channel campaign. The branded program will tap the network’s roster of original cartoon characters and distinctive 3D on-air environment to communicate positive lifestyle messages through multiple PSAs to air in Cartoon Network’s morning, afternoon and prime time dayparts.

Cartoon Network also announced the development of the Untitled Andre 3000 Benjamin Primetime Series. Created by Andre 3000 and the master of cool kid TV, Tommy Lynch of “Lil Romeo” fame, this hotly-anticipated primetime half-hour comedy is the first animated series with a uniquely Southern sensibility. The central character takes on near-mythical status as he returns to his hometown of Atlanta and gets caught up by a diverse collection of kid outcasts who swirl in and out of his life. This is a world of colorful characters, vibrant neighborhoods and engaging storylines--layered, of course, with great music. A smartoon for humanity, the show uses the uncommon touches of common people to hold up a mirror to the world we all live in. The series is produced by the Tom Lynch Co., Andre Benjamin’s production company, Moxie Turtle, and Cartoon Network.

Highlights of Cartoon Network’s announcements are as follows:

New Original Programming Franchise:

-- Tickle U: This new programming franchise, Tickle U, will focus on developing, nurturing and valuing a child’s sense of humor, an essential aspect of a happy, well-adjusted child. The franchise’s newly developed and acquired series also will be packaged within a distinctive, cohesive on-air environment with a live host. Aimed at kids 2-5, Tickle U will air weekdays from 9-11 a.m. (ET, PT) with fun, funny and fearless animated programming presented by its host, Marty, an adult with a kid’s unlimited imagination and big heart. Marty will inspire kids to sing along, play and, most importantly, laugh with him and his characters. Tickle U will be set in Marty’s cool, bright and slightly askew workshop where he can build and fix anything. Throughout the block, Marty will engage kids with comedic skits and activities that will let kids be kids while developing a sense of humor and self-esteem.

New Shows:

-- Krypto the Superdog: Premiering on Cartoon Network on weekdays beginning Monday, April 4, at 9 a.m. (ET, PT), Krypto the Superdog chronicles the comedic canine adventures of Metropolis’ day-saving super dog from the planet Krypton. Krypto jettisons to Earth after orbiting countless years in space as a test-pilot puppy aboard a malfunctioning rocket ship built by Superman’s father. Landing astray on unfamiliar terrain, the fully-grown Krypto swiftly seeks out companionship on Earth and flips over Kevin Whitney, a young boy who also longs for friendship. Endowed with an amazing array of superhero powers, ranging from heat vision to super strength to flying, Krypto partners with best pal Kevin to fight threats to the safety and well-being of the people and animals of Metropolis. Krypto the Superdog will provide a lead-in to Tickle U when that franchise launches in August.

-- The Life and Times of Juniper Lee: From Judd Winick, comic book auteur and former The Real World: San Francisco cast member, this animated comedy-adventure packed with an array of characters from both the real and fantastical world, will premiere Sunday, June 5, on Cartoon Network. The star of the series, Juniper Lee, has afterschool activities and hobbies like any other 11-year-old, but on top of yearbook staff and guitar lessons, Juniper is responsible for maintaining the equilibrium between the world of magic and humanity. In addition to her everyday pre-teen escapades, Juniper is the Te-zuan-ze, the Protector. For generations, a member of her family has had both the honor and burden of keeping the balance between the real and magical world. Now it’s Juniper’s turn, and it’s not easy. But Juniper is equipped with the strength of 10 people and highly skilled in magic, so a little monster butt-kicking is no match for her.

-- Camp Lazlo: This 30-minute animated comedy is scheduled to debut in July during Fridays, Cartoon Network’s signature weekend franchise. Lazlo, star of the upcoming series, is a monkey who wreaks good-natured havoc on his highly structured summer home, Camp Kidney. It has everything a camper could want: rustic cabins named after all the famous beans (like soy, garbanzo, jumping and cocoa); a beac for aquatic fun; a campfire pit; a loudspeaker for blasting music to all the campers; and a mess hall. On top of that, there’s one uptight moose, Scoutmaster Lumpus, running the whole thing. Lazlo’s friendly mischief-making, wacky camp shenanigans and a budding, confusing relationship with a very cute mongoose named Patsy Smiles, drive the action in the new series from Joe Murray, creator of Rocko’s Modern Life.

-- IGPX: IGPX (The Immortal Grand Prix) is set to debut in November and takes viewers inside the world of the “Immortal Grand Prix” with a team on their way to the championship race. For the new series, Cartoon Network partnered with Production I.G., the famed Japanese animation studio responsible for Ghost in the Shell and animation sequences in Kill Bill. The year is 2048 and the “IGPX” has become the world’s most-popular sport. It’s so big that an entire city was built for the racing industry and competitions are held on a huge, 60-mile track called “The Big Eye.” Two teams of three robots, each with a human pilot, race at speeds greater than 350 mph for the checkered flag. Team Satomi, a crew of amateur pilots, has just won a minor-league championship and now find themselves vaulted into the sport’s highest level- the IG-1. Now, the untested rookies of Team Satomi must overcome impossible odds and beat the world’s most skilled pilots (and ruthless opponents) in the planet’s biggest event, the “Immortal Grand Prix.”

-- My Gym Partner is a Monkey: In Cartoon Network’s new animated series My Gym Partner is a Monkey, going to school almost literally becomes a trip to the jungle. Through an administrative mix-up (a typo changing “Lyon” to “Lion”), 12-year-old Adam Lyon becomes the only human student at Charles Darwin Middle School, where the animal inhabitants of the local zoo and aquarium send their kids. With signs that warn, “Do Not Eat the Other Students,” Adam has his hands full just making it through middle school alive. Fortunately, Adam meets Jake Spider Monkey, and the two become fast friends. However, Adam is quick to discover that having a monkey as a best buddy is as crazy as it is fun. The half-hour series, from creators Julie McNally Cahill and Tim Cahill, will debut in early 2006.

Cartoon Network, currently seen in 87.3 million U.S. homes and 160 countries around the world, is Turner Broadcasting System, Inc.’s 24-hour, ad-supported cable service offering the best in animated entertainment. Drawing from the world’s largest cartoon library, Cartoon Network showcases unique original ventures such as Foster’s Home for Imaginary Friends, Codename: Kids Next Door, Teen Titans, The Grim Adventures of Billy & Mandy, The Powerpuff Girls, Samurai Jack, Ed, Edd n Eddy and other Cartoon Cartoons. Cartoon Network also features Adult Swim, its signature late-night block of animation for grown-ups. Since its launch in 1992, Cartoon Network has remained one of ad-supported cable’s highest-rated networks. Cartoon Network’s Web site is located at www.CartoonNetwork.com.

Turner Broadcasting System, Inc., a Time Warner company, is a major producer of news and entertainment product around the world and the leading provider of programming for the basic cable industry.

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