The Great Cartoon Purge: 5 Shocking Changes Coming To Cartoon Network And Max In January 2025
January 2025 is shaping up to be one of the most pivotal and bittersweet months in recent memory for Cartoon Network and its streaming counterpart, Max. This period marks not only a major series finale for a beloved modern cartoon but also a seismic shift in how fans can access the network’s historic library, confirming the ongoing industry pivot from linear television to streaming-first models. The change isn't just about new premieres; it's about a significant, and for many, heartbreaking, removal of classic content.
The programming landscape for the start of the year is a clear indicator of the network’s evolving strategy under Warner Bros. Discovery. While the linear channel prepares for a proper send-off to one of its most critically acclaimed shows, the Max streaming service is simultaneously initiating a shocking "purge" of foundational animated series, forcing fans to rethink where they can watch their favorite childhood staples. Here is the definitive guide to everything confirmed for Cartoon Network and Max in January 2025.
The Bittersweet Farewell: Craig of the Creek’s Series Finale
The biggest event on the linear Cartoon Network schedule for January 2025 is the conclusion of a modern classic: Craig of the Creek. After six seasons, the beloved series about the adventures of Craig Williams and his friends in the suburban wilderness will air its final episodes, bringing a close to one of the most diverse and heartwarming shows in the network’s history.
A Timeline for the Final Journey
The final four episodes of Craig of the Creek are scheduled to begin airing on Saturday, January 4, 2025. The grand finale of the entire series is set to air just a few weeks later, officially concluding the show's run on Saturday, January 25, 2025.
- January 4, 2025: The start of the final four episodes, leading into the series' conclusion.
- January 25, 2025: The official series finale, concluding the story of Craig, Kelsey, and J.P. in the Creek.
This finale marks the end of a significant era for Cartoon Network, as Craig of the Creek has been a staple of its programming since 2018, earning praise for its imaginative storytelling and representation. The show’s departure leaves a noticeable gap in the network’s original programming lineup, putting more focus on existing hits like Teen Titans Go! and We Baby Bears.
The Great Max Purge: Classic Cartoon Shows Removed
While the linear channel is celebrating a finale, the Max streaming service is making headlines for a far more controversial reason. To kick off 2025, Max is initiating a massive content removal, pulling several beloved and foundational Cartoon Network series from its platform. This move is part of a broader, ongoing strategy to cut licensing costs and consolidate content, but it has shocked and angered many longtime animation fans.
Starting January 1, 2025, a significant portion of the network's iconic library will vanish from the streaming platform, making it harder than ever to binge-watch these classics. For many of these titles, the only way to watch them online will be through purchasing or renting individual episodes on digital marketplaces like Prime Video.
Major Cartoon Network Shows Leaving Max in January 2025
The list of shows being removed in this January 2025 purge is extensive and includes some of the most requested and nostalgic titles in the network's history. This is a clear signal that the focus is shifting away from the classic "Cartoon Cartoons" era.
- Ed, Edd n' Eddy: The complete, iconic series is being removed. This removal is particularly painful for fans of the late 90s and early 2000s era.
- The Grim Adventures of Billy & Mandy: The dark, comedic, and highly popular series is also on the chopping block.
- Teen Titans (2003): The original, critically acclaimed series that launched a franchise is being pulled.
- Teen Titans Go! (Seasons 1-7): Even the network's current flagship show is not safe, with the first seven seasons being removed from the platform.
- Static Shock: A notable DC animated title that was a staple of the early 2000s programming.
- Green Lantern: The Animated Series: Another DC animated series that is being pulled from the service.
The removal of these animated titans highlights a growing trend of streaming services prioritizing new, exclusive content over maintaining deep back catalogs, forcing viewers to buy the content outright or seek other, less-official means to watch.
New Animated Worlds: Max Premieres to Watch
Despite the content removals, Max is still the destination for new, exclusive animated premieres tied to the Cartoon Network brand. January 2025 sees the debut of two new series, indicating where the network’s investment is being directed: high-quality, stream-first content that appeals to a global family audience.
Isadora Moon (January 2, 2025)
Kicking off the new year is the premiere of Isadora Moon on January 2, 2025. This series is based on the popular book series by Harriet Muncaster and centers on a young girl who is half vampire, half fairy. The show promises a whimsical blend of two magical worlds, focusing on themes of identity and belonging. The premiere on Max indicates a continued focus on properties with strong international appeal and existing literary fanbases.
Mermicorno: Starfall (January 30, 2025)
Closing out the month is the debut of Mermicorno: Starfall on January 30, 2025. This series is based on the popular collectible toy line from Tokidoki, which merges the mystical allure of unicorns with the ocean-dwelling grace of mermaids. The show is expected to be a visually stunning, fantastical adventure, targeting a younger demographic with its vibrant aesthetic and focus on friendship and exploration.
The Looming Threat: A Future Behind a Paywall
While January 2025 is packed with immediate changes, it also serves as a prelude to a much larger, structural shift coming later in the year. This context is crucial for understanding the long-term direction of Cartoon Network as a linear channel.
The Comcast/Xfinity Package Change
In a significant business move that will affect millions of cable subscribers, Comcast (Xfinity), one of the largest pay-TV operators in the U.S., is scheduled to remove Cartoon Network from its core television packages starting August 12, 2025. This means the channel will no longer be included in the standard Digital Preferred or Ultimate TV tiers.
Instead, Cartoon Network will be moved to a separate, more expensive add-on: the "More Sports & Entertainment Package." This move effectively puts a paywall in front of the channel for many subscribers, signaling a potential decrease in linear viewership and a further push toward the Max streaming platform as the primary, albeit curated, source for their content.
The Road Ahead for Cartoon Network Originals
Looking beyond January, the network’s future remains focused on a few key properties. While the new Gumball series, The Wonderfully Weird World of Gumball, is confirmed for 2025, it is slated for Hulu, not the linear Cartoon Network channel, further blurring the lines between linear and streaming content. Additionally, the highly anticipated animated series Iyanu is scheduled to premiere in April 2025.
Ultimately, January 2025 is a month of transition. It is the end of the road for the beloved Craig of the Creek, the painful loss of numerous classic shows from the Max library, and the introduction of new, stream-exclusive properties. For fans, it’s a clear call to action: catch the finale while you can, and be prepared to seek out your favorite animated classics elsewhere.
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