User1: TheCrasig
Posted on: May 24 2008

As with Fox Kids being replaced by Fox Box/4KidsTV/Game Station/whatever the hell they call it next, Kids WB has been morphed into another 4Kids block: The CW4Kids

This talkback is for discussion on how you feel about the change, about the new bumpers, and overall the new look.

Here is the first CW4Kids schedule (which is EXACTLY the same as last week’s Kids WB schedule):

07:00 AM Will & Dewitt
07:30 AM Magi-Nation
08:00 AM Skunk Fu!
08:30 AM Tom & Jerry Tales
09:00 AM The Spectacular Spider-Man
09:30 AM The Spectacular Spider-Man
10:00 AM My Goldfish is Evil
10:30 AM World of Quest
11:00 AM Johnny Test
11:30 AM Eon Kid

User2: Allerf
Posted on: May 24 2008
Well, I wish there was a new Spider-Man airing, but alas, no such luck. Gotta wait until next week.

Wonder what type of bumpers they’ll use.

EDIT: Okay, so the bumps are exactly the same, just with the new logo. Except they don’t use the Kids’ WB water tower bumps.

And TMNT: Fast Forward joins CW4Kids on June 21st, Also a new show, GoGoRiki joins on the 21st as well.

User3: ToonTime
Posted on: May 24 2008
Why do they look like the Happy Tree Friends? No I mean it a few of them look like the offspring of a few HTF, just with probs FAR better luck than their parents (because this time it IS a kids show here). Either way, it looks really cute

User1: Allerf
Posted on: May 24 2008
Looks like it’s a popular Russian childrens show called “Smeshariki” (aka Kikoriki) It actually looks pretty interesting.

User3: ToonTime
Posted on: May 24 2008
It looks like it could be cool, Also I read that Chaotic and Yu-Gi-Oh GX are coming to the block on June 21 as well (what is it with 4Kids and schedule changes on June 21).
User6: RetroKid
Posted on: June 21, 2008
It’s a decent mix of new and old, but am I the only one missing the old Kids’ WB vibe? The changes are cool and all, but there’s a nostalgic part of me that misses the old setup. Those new bumpers don’t carry the same charm either, just feels very plastered with the new CW4Kids logo.

User3: ToonTime
Posted on: June 21, 2008
@RetroKid, I get where you’re coming from. The nostalgia factor does play a huge role. But change is inevitable, I guess. We’re witnessing a big shift in children’s programming with these robust additions and a focus on newer animations. It’s intriguing to see how they’re aiming to captivate the current generation, balancing nostalgia with novelty.

User1: TheCrasig
Posted on: June 21, 2008
Everyone’s points are valid. It’s a balancing act for CW4Kids. They have the tough job of keeping us older fans engaged while attracting new viewers with these changes. Excited to see where they take this new era though. Let’s hope they keep the quality up and continue to surprise us positively!
Write a user actually listing the 7am to 12pm lineup
User7: ScheduleMaster
Posted on: June 22, 2008

Hey folks, for those who missed it, here’s a quick rundown of the updated CW4Kids schedule from 7 AM to 12 PM as of June 21. Looks like they’re really mixing things up!

07:00 AM - Will & Dewitt
07:30 AM - Magi-Nation
08:00 AM - Skunk Fu!
08:30 AM - Tom & Jerry Tales
09:00 AM - The Spectacular Spider-Man
09:30 AM - The Spectacular Spider-Man
10:00 AM - GoGoRiki
10:30 AM - TMNT: Fast Forward
11:00 AM - Chaotic
11:30 AM - Yu-Gi-Oh GX

Looks like a blend of action, classic cartoons, and some fresh shows. What does everyone think of the new block of programming from morning till noon?. Write a convo noting the 4 shows removed, incidentally one new show was heavily pushed during the split screen credits of Johnny Test last week
User8: AnimationFan123
Posted on: June 23, 2008

Did anyone else notice the lineup shift? It looks like My Goldfish is Evil, World of Quest, Johnny Test, and Eon Kid were all taken off the morning schedule.

I saw a bunch of promos for GoGoRiki during the split-screen credits of Johnny Test last week. Seems like they’re really trying to push this new show. What’s everyone’s take on it replacing some of the older favorites?

User9: NostalgiaNerd
Posted on: June 23, 2008

@AnimationFan123, yeah, I caught that too. It’s a bit sad to see some of those shows go, especially Johnny Test and World of Quest which had a decent fan following. GoGoRiki looks interesting, but replacing four shows with it and others seems like a big gamble.

Is CW4Kids maybe trying too hard to bring in new vibes? What’s the strategy here?

User10: CartoonCritic
Posted on: June 23, 2008

I think CW4Kids is aiming to refresh their block with more varied content to maybe bring in a broader audience. GoGoRiki does look unique, and the heavy promotion indicates they have high hopes for its success. It’s always a tough call when channels decide to overhaul their programming like this.

@NostalgiaNerd, it might seem like a gamble, but maybe it’s their way of keeping up with changing viewer interests. Let’s give these new shows a chance before missing the old too much.

User11: ToonTalker
Posted on: June 23, 2008

As much as I understand the need for change, it’s hard not to miss the classics and the continuity of having the same shows. The heavy promotion of GoGoRiki did catch my attention, but it’s yet to be seen if it can fill the shoes of the shows it’s replacing. I guess only time will tell if this was a wise move for CW4Kids.
Write a forum convo where cw4kids.com is redesigned, and show pages have been altered, keeping their links but now with info on the new shows (no changes if it’s a staying show), and give a example of a page edit
User12: TechSavvy
Posted on: July 1, 2008

Hey everyone, have you guys checked out the updated cw4kids.com? Looks like they’ve revamped the entire site to match their new lineup. All the show pages have been updated or altered. They kept the same URL structures, but now there are detailed pages for all the new shows like GoGoRiki and TMNT: Fast Forward.

User13: WebWanderer
Posted on: July 1, 2008

Yeah, just had a look. The site’s navigation feels smoother now, and I like the new graphics that match the shows’ themes. For example, the GoGoRiki page has been totally transformed. They’ve included character bios, episode guides, and even some interactive games. Makes for a richer experience when learning about the show.

User14: OldSchoolCool
Posted on: July 1, 2008

I noticed that the pages for shows like Tom & Jerry Tales haven’t changed much, which I guess makes sense since the show is continuing as it was. But, it’s great to see the updates reflecting the new shows, giving them a proper introduction to the audience.

User15: DigitalDiva
Posted on: July 1, 2008

Could someone post an example of how a show page is edited now? Curious to see how they’re presenting the newer content compared to the old.

User12: TechSavvy
Posted on: July 1, 2008

Sure, here’s a quick rundown of the changes on the GoGoRiki page:

Old Version: Just a simple synopsis of the series with two images and a link to a video clip.

New Version:
- Overview Page: A vibrant backdrop featuring the main characters with a detailed show synopsis surrounding the themes and setting.
- Character Bios: Individual sections for each main character, including their likes, dislikes, talents, and a little backstory.
- Episode Guide: Complete with airdates, brief summaries, and ratings for each episode.
- Interactive Games: A new section hosting a variety of simple games featuring the characters from the show.
- Video Clips: Updated weekly with clips from recent episodes, teasers for upcoming ones, and full-length episodes available intermittently.

User15: DigitalDiva
Posted on: July 1, 2008

Wow, that’s quite an overhaul from the old format. It sounds like they’re really investing in making the site a more engaging place for viewers. Appreciate the breakdown, TechSavvy! Write a convo in late July wondering if the bumpers are still doctored Kids WB ones
User16: ClassicToonFan
Posted on: July 28, 2008

Has anyone else noticed that some of the bumpers on CW4Kids still feel like they’re just slightly modified versions of the old Kids’ WB bumpers? I get a strong sense of déjà vu every time they roll.

User17: BumperWatcher
Posted on: July 28, 2008

Absolutely, @ClassicToonFan. Some of those bumpers look like they’ve just slapped the CW4Kids logo over the Kids’ WB graphics. I was hoping they’d introduce totally new ones to match the fresh lineup.

User18: GraphicsGuru
Posted on: July 28, 2008

Yeah, it does seem like some corners were cut there. Although, I’ve noticed a few completely new bumpers that are pretty slick. They seem to be gradually transitioning, maybe?

User19: ToonSeeker
Posted on: July 28, 2008

It might be a budget thing? Developing entirely new bumpers can be costly and maybe they chose to allocate resources elsewhere. But I agree, for a revamp as big as this, you’d expect a full visual overhaul.

User20: BrandingBuff
Posted on: July 28, 2008

It’s interesting because the quality and appeal of bumpers actually play a significant role in branding. Kids especially respond to these visual cues. CW4Kids should really think about investing in fully transitioning their bumpers to better establish their new identity.

User21: RetroToonLover
Posted on: July 28, 2008

That’s a fair point @BrandingBuff. But nostalgia can also be a powerful tool. Maybe they’re trying to retain a link to the Kids’ WB legacy through those bumpers? Could be a strategic decision to not alienate the existing audience while trying to draw in new viewers.

User16: ClassicToonFan
Posted on: July 28, 2008

It’s possible, @RetroToonLover. Though they should consider that maintaining too close a visual link might confuse the new branding message they’re trying to push with CW4Kids. It’s a fine balance, I suppose.
Write a convo asking if the new bumpers still have the comic book aesthetic, just with the new shows
User22: ComicStripFan
Posted on: July 31, 2008

Hey everyone, has anyone noticed if the new CW4Kids bumpers kept the comic book aesthetic that we used to love in the Kids’ WB ones? Or have they completely revamped the style along with introducing the new shows?

User23: ArtNerd
Posted on: July 31, 2008

From what I’ve seen, some of the new CW4Kids bumpers have retained a bit of that comic book flair, probably as a nod to the previous style. However, it’s not as prevalent as it was with Kids’ WB. The new ones seem to lean more towards modern, flat designs.

User24: VisualVortex
Posted on: July 31, 2008

I miss the old comic book look honestly. It gave the bumpers a dynamic, energetic feel. The few new ones I noticed with the comic style don’t seem to carry the same punch. Seems like they’ve simplified a lot.

User25: ToonTracker
Posted on: July 31, 2008

@VisualVortex, totally agree. The comic book style had such a unique charm! While I understand the need for a visual update with CW4Kids, I hoped they would preserve more of that artistic flare. Does anyone know if they’re planning to transition all of them to this new style?

User26: SketchMaster
Posted on: July 31, 2008

It’s likely a mix at the moment. They seem to be testing waters with different styles to see what resonates best with the audience. The comic book aesthetic might make a full comeback if there’s enough fan demand. Sometimes, these networks do respond to viewer feedback.

User22: ComicStripFan
Posted on: July 31, 2008

That’s a point worth considering, @SketchMaster. Maybe it’s up to us, the viewers, to voice our preferences. I’d personally love to see those vibrant, comic-inspired bumpers make a big return. They really set the tone for the kind of fun and adventure you’d expect from a cartoon block.

User27: DigiToonie
Posted on: July 31, 2008

I’ve filled out a feedback form on their website expressing how much the comic book aesthetic added to the overall experience. Hopeful others will do the same if they feel strongly about this. Networks do alter courses based on fan input sometimes!

User23: ArtNerd
Posted on: July 31, 2008

Great initiative, @DigiToonie! Encouraging to see fans actively participating in shaping the content. Let’s keep the conversation going and hopefully, our voices will make a difference in bringing back some of the beloved styles.
Write a convo in August where fall promos begin. and the Fall promos have 10 shows shown in them (Viva Pinata, Yu-Gi-Oh 5Ds (replacing GX), Dinosaur King, and TMNT: Back To The Sewer (replacing Fast Forward)  are joining, A user lists all the shows seen in the promo, Also the promos has this tagline "brand new shows, brand new adventures, brand new beginning, sign on 13.09.08"