Cartoon Network scrubbed from the internet

Closure of the website sparked an outpouring of emotion

Were you a '90s kid hooked onto Cartoon Network like an astronaut to an oxygen tank? And then grew up into an adult soaking up the nostalgia online? Then you are now officially at the end of an era as the Cartoon Network website said its final goodbye to the internet.

As per Variety, Warner Bros Discovery this week pulled the entire contents of cartoonnetwork.com offline. In what appears to be a cost-cutting move, as of August 8, anyone visiting the website is now being redirected to a landing page on Max, its subscription streaming service.

"Looking for episodes of your favourite Cartoon Network shows? Check out what's available to stream on Max (subscription required)," a pop-up message says on the new Max landing page. "Sign up for Max, where you can also create a Kids Profile with ratings, restrictions and additional privacy protections to keep it fun and kid-friendly! Cable subscribers, continue to enjoy your favourite CN programming on your TV and connected apps as well!"

Prior to shutting down, the Cartoon Network website offered full episodes and video clips of its shows, including Adventure Time, Craig of the Creek, The Amazing World of Gumball, and Teen Titans GO! In a statement, a Cartoon Network spokesperson told Variety: "We are focusing on the Cartoon Network shows and social media where we find consumers are the most engaged and there is a meaningful potential for growth."

To hardcore adult fans of Cartoon Network - the fans who were children in the '90s, in particular - the shutdown of the website is a stark reminder of the days of their youth that will never return.

"My childhood, my happiness as a kid, my heroes also got shut," captioned one emotional user, and went on to bid a final farewell to their favourite shows from the network. "Bye bye Beyblade, Pokemon, Dragonball Z, Ben 10, Penelope Pitstop, Richie Rich, Dexter's Laboratory."

However, whilst the closure of the website remains a blow, to another user, the slide to the end of an era began long ago.

"Well, it was already an end for the '90s kid when they changed the cartoon network logo," penned the commenter. Reminiscing the years that have gone past, the fan continued, "Anyway, the shows on Cartoon Network will always be the Papa shows that these Gen Z won't understand."

Another fan wrote a simple tribute to the website with the words, "I'm a '90s kid and have grown up watching Cartoon Network. CN will forever be cherished."