Bonzai Network/Early 2010s Version

Bonzai
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 Available on most cable systems

**Bonzai** is an American basic cable and satellite television network that is owned by the BritCan Cable Entertainment Group unit of BritCan Media. The channel primarily targets pre-teens and teenagers between the ages of 6 and 15, while its weekday morning program block "The Nook" is aimed at preschoolers aged 2 to 5.

## History

### Beginnings (1996–2002)

In January 1995, BritCan Media announced plans to launch a new youth- and family-oriented television network, with Jessica Jensen appointed as general manager for the service. Bonzai would launch nationally on May 25, 1996 at 12 p.m. ET with an episode of the original series *Bunched Up!*.

Shows aired during Bonzai’s first few years on the air included *Bryan Goes Bananas!*, *Donut Dash*, *The Mysterious Life of John Doe*, *St. Sawicki’s Typewriter*, *Studio Bonzai*, *Superhero Academy*, *Vanguard: Institute for the Gifted*, and *Wackyville Newshound*.

### A new direction (2002–present)

Though its reach had expanded significantly by the early 2000s, Bonzai struggled in ratings, with most programs leaving little to no impact on viewers. After firing the previous staff, BritCan Cable Networks president Andrew Colbert assembled a new creative and management team, concurrently appointing veteran television executive Samuel Cohen to revitalize Bonzai. These changes went into effect in April 2002, when the channel took on a revamped look and a new logo designed by Aszari+Cassuto.

From this point on, Bonzai explicitly targeted children and teenagers, a change reflected in the channel's new schedule and series. A new preschool programming block, Bonzai Playground, debuted on the day of the rebrand and became the home of popular shows like *Bubbles & Friends* and *Carrie Carrie Quite Contrary*. Bonzai4Teen, which debuted in 2005, hosted high-rated teen dramas and sitcoms.

## Programming

*Main article: List of programs broadcast by Bonzai Network*
Current programming seen on Bonzai includes *Aaron*, *Alive and Kickin'*, *Asterodia*, *This Cartoon Has 22 Minutes*, *Commander Clark*, *Detentionaire*, *Greek God on Campus*, *Hilariously Boring Karox*, *Levi's Magic Emporium*, *Mr. Bean: The Animated Series*, *Mudpit*, *The Next Star*, *NightOwls: Unleashed*, and *Phoenix Place*.

### Programming blocks

#### *The Nook*

"The Nook," formerly known as "Bonzai Playground" from 2002 to 2009, is a daytime programming block for preschoolers which airs Monday through Fridays from 9 a.m.–2 p.m. ET/PT. It exists on account of Bonzai's primary audience of school-age children usually attending school during that time period; as such, it does not air on the weekends, and a shorter version of the block airs from 7–10 a.m. ET/PT during holidays and the summer months. Programming in The Nook includes *The Adventures of Abney & Teal*, *Bubbles & Friends*, *Carrie Carrie Quite Contrary*, *Freddy and the Firehouse Crew*, and *Iris n' Daisy*.

## Related services

### Sister channels

#### Bonzai Retro

*Main article: Bonzai Toons/Early 2010s Version*
This channel launched on June 8, 2002, as a spin-off of the same-name programming block seen on Bonzai between October 2000 and August 2004. **Bonzai Retro** divides its lineup between two dayparts: a daytime and evening block of older Bonzai-produced original series, and an overnight and early morning block consisting of classic animated series and short films — many of which come from the libraries of Harvey Films, Filmation, and Screen Gems.

#### BonBon

*Main article: Bonzai Junior (TV channel)/Early 2010s Version*
Launched on October 18, 2004, **BonBon** is a digital cable and satellite television channel aimed at preschool-aged children. Its lineup includes current series airing in The Nook, several original and channel-exclusive series, and former programs from the defunct Bonzai Playground block.