Numerous animated series have been launched on networks such as Cartoon Network, only to be abruptly discontinued for seemingly arbitrary reasons. Even with well-crafted narratives, impressive production quality, and solid viewership, programs like Young Justice, Generator Rex, ThunderCats, and Green Lantern: The Animated Series struggled to maintain their presence on air.
While these shows boasted engaging storylines and a dedicated audience, they relied heavily on one critical factor to thrive: merchandise. The prosperity of these series often depended on toy sales, which directly influenced whether the financial backing allocated for the shows was justified.
The merchandising strategy for these programs frequently involved introducing numerous toy figures. Successful shows like Ben 10 showcased a vast array of characters, each with unique appearances. For instance, Ben 10’s rotating cast of aliens and reinvented designs each season, along with the distinctive superhero outfits in Young Justice, or Rex Salazar’s transformations in Generator Rex, provided ample merchandising opportunities and visual appeal, adding to their narratives.
If a series failed to generate sufficient toy sales, it faced the grim possibility of cancellation, regardless of its quality or fan appreciation. This was the unfortunate outcome for Young Justice and Generator Rex, which despite their engaging stories and characters, could not muster the necessary merchandise revenue.
The survival of similar animated shows on streaming platforms can be attributed to a different financial model. Services like Netflix, Amazon Prime, and Disney+ have produced successful animated series such as Castlevania, Invincible, and X-Men '97. Unlike their television counterparts, these offerings do not rely on toy sales for revenue. Instead, they are fully financed by the streaming services, aiming to attract new subscriptions that help support the production of their shows.
Furthermore, streaming platforms have shifted towards advertisements, capturing an audience that was once loyal to cable television. This strategy also supports funding for high-viewership programs. Viewers have the option to pay extra to eliminate ads, which contributes further to the financing of their favorite shows. As a result of this model, fans are advocating for the revival and continuation of series like ThunderCats on streaming, hoping to either resume existing storylines or enjoy new content and perspectives.