29 Years Ago, Cartoon Network Changed Forever by Delivering Its Best Programming Block of All-Time

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I remember exactly where I was 29 years ago – watching Cartoon Network change completely. It was the start of what I consider their best era, and honestly, it really shifted things for anime fans. Cartoon Network was the place to be in the 90s and early 2000s. They’d already started moving beyond just old classics, showing some really different and cool shows. But one of the smartest things they did was bring in anime from Japan. It exposed a whole generation of kids to a completely different kind of storytelling and a whole new world.

Today marks the 29th anniversary of Toonami’s premiere on Cartoon Network, back on March 17, 1997. The name, a blend of “Cartoon” and “Tsunami,” signaled the exciting wave of anime and action shows it brought to fans. Despite changes and even a cancellation, Toonami continues to thrive nearly three decades later.

Toonami Debuted on Cartoon Network 29 Years Ago Today

Toonami was first created by Sean Akins and Jason DeMarco, who later became a key executive at Warner Bros. It began on Cartoon Network in a very different format than what viewers see today. Similar to how Space Ghost Coast to Coast started on Adult Swim using classic Hanna-Barbera characters, early Toonami was hosted by the character Moltar, who introduced each show. Even back then, the unique feel of Toonami was clear, and it originally aired every day.

Toonami began as a fun after-school TV block with shows like Thundercats and Voltron. However, it really found its identity a couple of years later in 1999 with the introduction of the T.O.M. character. As the year 2000 approached, Toonami increasingly focused on anime. With T.O.M. as its host, carefully selecting the shows, it made both the programs and anime itself feel special and appealing.

Toonami was clever in how it presented its shows. While anime had been on American television for years, Toonami made it feel like a special, exclusive experience for viewers. Later, the block evolved with a late-night version, ‘Midnight Run,’ which featured more mature anime like Outlaw Star and The Big O, and it all just felt incredibly cool.

Toonami Survived Cancellation & Got Even Bigger

Looking back, I think Toonami’s biggest impact will be how it shaped anime and Cartoon Network itself. It was originally cancelled in 2008 because ratings weren’t high enough, and Cartoon Network tried a few different things to replace it, like Miguzi, but nothing really caught on like Toonami did. Despite the cancellation, fans kept hoping it would come back, and it actually did in 2012 as part of a big April Fool’s Day event on Adult Swim. Since then, it’s been doing really well.

The current version of Toonami has been far more successful than the original. Even though people watch TV differently now, and the shows it features are more up-to-date, it’s still a popular part of Saturday nights on Adult Swim and Cartoon Network. In fact, it’s lasted much longer than the first Toonami, surpassing its original run in 2023 and continuing to thrive. Its enduring popularity simply comes down to it still being a really cool block of programming.

With the rise of streaming, Toonami still stands out. It’s more than just a collection of shows; its unique personality and the way it connects with viewers make it special. Before virtual personalities were common, Toonami, with its character T.O.M., acted as a guide for fans, creating a real connection. That genuine approach is especially appealing now, as viewers crave more heart and personality in their entertainment.

Honestly, with everything going on, my weekly anime nights with T.O.M. and Sara are seriously the best part of my week – and that’s saying something after 29 years! I’m always excited to share what I think, so what about you? Let me know your thoughts and come chat with us in the ComicBook Forum!

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2026-03-17 20:10