Singapore – Global media and entertainment group Warner Bros. Discovery (WBD) has announced that it is rebranding its kids’ television channel Boomerang to Cartoonito in Southeast Asia. The rebrand officially takes effect on July 28. Cartoonito is previously the preschool brand of Cartoon Network.

As a full regional channel offering, Cartoonito will introduce a new generation to a diverse slate of original series and welcome them into the world of WBD’s iconic franchises. Modern preschool adaptations that support each child’s unique potential include fan-favourite franchises such as ‘Batwheels’ and ‘Bugs Bunny Builders’.

Channel favourites including ‘Tom & Jerry’, ‘Baby Looney Tunes’, ‘Alice & Lewis’, ‘Pat the Dog’, and ‘Grizzy and the Lemmings’ will remain on the channel, alongside other friends such as ‘Dino Ranch’, and ‘Mumfie and Tangranimals’. 

Cartoonito brings together all of these characters on one channel – while adding brand-new shows like ‘Mittens & Pants’ and ‘Vida the Vet’ – offering a wider variety of programmes for users.

The channel’s modern approach to preschool programming is supported by an educational framework called ‘Humancentric Learning’. All Cartoonito shows follow a curriculum – designed by early childhood education expert Dr. Laura Brown – to form the four pillars of: Creativity, Caring, Curiosity and Courage. The brand aims to inspire kids aged 2-6 to use their imagination, to learn from their mistakes and to treat others with empathy and respect. 

Christopher Ho, head of kids networks for Southeast Asia at Warner Bros. Discovery, said, “In a year when Warner Bros. celebrates 100 years of entertaining fans, Cartoonito is set to ignite the imaginations of our region’s youngest audience. Our new-look preschool channel celebrates individuality and originality, offering a safe space where kids and their families can laugh and learn alongside beloved characters.”

Singapore – Cartoonito, the preschool brand of Cartoon Network, has been launched across Southeast Asia, as well as in Japan and Korea. The Japan launch of the brand was made on 1 March, while the Korean and SEA launch was made on 28 March. ‘Cartoonito’ offers a modern approach to preschool programming, built to support each child’s unique potential with its educational framework called ‘Humancentric Learning’.

Tentpole shows in Southeast Asia and Korea include Lucas the Spider, Dino Ranch, Monchhichi and Esme & Roy. These sit alongside a growing slate of new and library series in a line-up that celebrates individuality and originality, while championing creativity, compassion and inclusion. These shows will also sit in a dedicated Cartoonito programming rail on the regional streaming service HBO GO in Southeast Asia, Hong Kong and Taiwan. A launch event is scheduled in Singapore in April.

Meanwhile in Japan, the line-up includes Thomas and Friends, Pingu, and Dorothy and the Wizard of Oz. Celebrity singer Kaela Kimura sings the theme song during the daily block. Cartoonito will launch in Australia and New Zealand in early July, and in South Asia later in the year.

All ‘Cartoonito’ shows follow a curriculum designed by early childhood education expert Dr. Laura Brown to support the four pillars of ‘Humancentric Learning’: creativity, caring, curiosity and courage. The brand aims to inspire kids to use their imagination, to learn from their mistakes and to treat others with empathy and respect.

Leslie Lee, head of kids for WarnerMedia in Asia Pacific, said, “When we introduced Cartoon Network’s new brand promise ‘Redraw Your World’ earlier this year, the channel shifted to become more inclusive to boys and girls. Now with Cartoonito, our demos are even wider – creating a safe environment for even younger children to enjoy every morning with their parents and caregivers. While the content and on-air packaging are extremely appealing to youngsters, it is how the block is carefully curated and programmed which makes it stand out.”