May 2, 2024

MeTV Announces Toons Network, a Free Channel Dedicated to Classic Animation

In what may be the most exciting news for fans of classic American animation in years, Chicago-based Weigel Broadcasting Co. has announced the launch of a year-round, free animation network dedicated to classic animation, from animated theatrical shorts to television series. The company announced the launch of a free animation network of [MeTV Toons, which is launching in conjunction with Warner Bros. Discovery, includes Bugs Bunny, Daffy Duck, Scooby-Doo, Tom and Jerry, Josie and the Pussycats, George Jetson, Top Cat, Popeye, Freakazoid, Yogi Bear, Jonny Quest, Fred Flintstone, and other characters will be featured in WBD's entire library of cartoons. Warner Bros. calls Weigel "a longtime and innovative licensing partner."

The network will also license animation from other companies, whose lineup includes Rocky and Bullwinkle, Woody Woodpecker, Casper, Inspector Gadget, Mr. Magoo, Betty Boop, and Speed Racer. [Warner Bros, MGM, Paramount Pictures, Fleischer Studios, Walter Lantz Productions, Terrytoons, United Productions of America, Jay Ward Productions, Hanna-Barbera Studios, Universal Studios, and Columbia Pictures.

MeTV Toons will benefit from the expertise of legendary animation historian and Cartoon Brew co-founder Jerry Beck to help create original content that expands the viewing experience and adds context to broadcast animation. Veteran voice actor Bob Bergen, who has often voiced WB characters such as Porky Pig, Tweety, and Marvin from Mars, is another key resource for the network. Bergen will be the station's signature voice actor.

In a presentation yesterday, Weigel Broadcasting's Vice Chairman Neil Sabin explained why he launched this new network: in the fourth quarter of 2023, he expects MeTV's animated block to be the first network in the 25-54 demographic to have a presence on Comedy Central's " He reported that it surpassed "My Neighbor Seinfeld," "The Office," USA's "Law & Order," and Nick at Nite's "Friends.

Beck added during his presentation: [Not only are there classic cartoons and classic characters, but also shows, series and shorts that are re-launching on this channel after 25, 30, 40, 50 years. For a cartoon aficionado like myself, this will be a revelation!

Some of the shows that will air on this network include:

MeTV Toons will launch on June 25, 2024. The network will be available on multiple platforms: terrestrial broadcast television, traditional MVPDs (multichannel video program distributors), and virtual MVPDs, as well as free to ad-supported streaming services.

Weigel Broadcasting's other broadcast networks include MeTV, Heroes & Icons, Start TV, Catchy Comedy, MOVIES!