Legendary Animation Studio Shuts Down Production After 50 Years

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For over half a century, a renowned animation studio that’s well-loved by many Canadians has stopped producing new shows. The entertainment landscape in Canada may seem quite different to animation enthusiasts lately, as Corus Entertainment has been grappling with financial difficulties and industry transformations. With fewer income streams coming in, the company has had to adapt to a changing broadcast environment, which has resulted in the closure of channels like Disney XD, Nickelodeon, and others. This broader shift has ultimately led Corus Entertainment to cease operations at one of its legendary studios entirely.

This week, whispers started circulating that the iconic animation studio Nelvana might be closing its doors after 54 years. Initially, rumors were confirmed by insider sources within the company. However, Corus Entertainment has since clarified (as reported by The Globe and Mail) that while production on new projects will cease, the brand won’t be disappearing entirely. Instead, it seems Nelvana is shifting its focus to distribution, merchandising, and managing existing properties as part of a strategic plan aimed at winding down operations.

Nelvana Shuts Down Production After 54 Years

Corus Entertainment announced that Nelvana has temporarily halted production on new shows and will adjust its approach moving forward. Although the Nelvana brand remains under Corus Entertainment, it will now primarily focus on distributing content, creating merchandise, and managing existing properties. Corus hasn’t specified how many positions have been affected by this decision, stating that they are continuously assessing opportunities and priorities within their operations. Former employees on social media suggest that this could mark the end of a significant chapter in the company’s history.

In the early 1970s, Nelvana was established by Michael Hirsh, Patrick Loubert, and Clive A. Smith. However, Corus Entertainment acquired Nelvana in 2000. Recently, Corus disclosed some concerning financial circumstances, which prompted them to initiate changes during the summer. Fans have noticed these alterations particularly in children’s media due to certain channels ceasing operations or no longer being available under Corus. For animation enthusiasts, however, this appears to be the most significant transformation given Nelvana’s long-standing reputation for providing engaging content for children throughout the years.

Why Is Nelvana Special?

The Canadian studio, well-known for creating multiple generations of popular successes, has been responsible for a variety of adaptations from famous books such as “The Magic School Bus,” “Franklin,” “Rupert,” “Redwall,” “The Adventures of Tintin,” “The Berenstain Bears,” “Babar,” and “Little Bear,” among others. They’ve also produced original content appealing to various age groups, including the adult-oriented animated series “Clone High” during its initial broadcast. Although you might not recognize the company by name, you’ll probably be familiar with their numerous works spanning various franchises, such as the renowned “Star Wars Holiday Special.

As an observer, it’s evident that Nelvana, a renowned name in the anime world, has been responsible for bringing to life timeless franchises such as Beyblade and Medabots. This company’s influence, stretching across various generations and diverse animation enthusiasts, is truly extensive. Therefore, the announcement of Nelvana ceasing production of new works leaves a significant void in the modern animation landscape, potentially marking one of its most substantial losses to date.

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HT – The Globe and Mail

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2025-09-03 18:33