One of Cartoon Network’s nostalgic programming blocks,Toonami Rewindhas been officially canceled, marking the end of its Friday evening showcase of classicToonamihitsSailor Moon,Naruto, andDragon Ball Z. Running from 5 to 7 p.m. ET/PT,Toonami Rewindwas beloved for reintroducing viewers to iconic anime series that helped define the originalToonamiera. However, the Friday block will now be replaced byCheckered Past, a new lineup focusing on vintage Cartoon Network originals that will run during the same time slot Monday through Thursday, with an additional segment taking over Friday evenings.
Toonami Rewindgave fans of the late 90s and early 2000s anime a rare opportunity to revisit formative series that brought Japanese animation into mainstream Western pop culture. Its cancelation leaves a void for those who cherished reliving the golden age ofToonami, and newcomers experiencing the classics for the first time. Still,Checkered Pastseeks to tap into similar nostalgia, offering reruns of Cartoon Network classics likeDexter’s Laboratory,The Powerpuff Girls, andJohnny Bravo. The new block aims to celebrate Cartoon Network’s legacy with a mix of popular titles and hidden gems that once dominated television screens.
Toonami Rewind Was A Huge Missed Opportunity
Cartoon Network Lost Sight of What Made the Original so Special
The cancelation ofToonami Rewindis no big loss for anime lovers or longtime fans of TOM’s programming block anyway. Its lineup is extremely limited and lacks theprovocative niche series likeHamtaro,The Big O,andRonin Warriorsthat made the originalToonamiso special in the first place. Since the network will not commit to more than repeats of three well-known series one night a week,Rewindfails to offer anything new or noteworthy. Its cancelation is a reminder of the ever-shifting landscape of television programming and the ways networks adapt to balance nostalgia with new and evolving content.
WhileToonami Rewindshowcases beloved anime,Checkered Pastoffers a chance to revisit a different kind of cultural legacy. For many viewers, shows likeEd, Edd n Eddy,andCourage the Cowardly Dogevoke just as much nostalgia as the anime that definedToonami. Cartoon Network’s pivot underscoresthe channel’s strategy of relying on its original intellectual property, like the upcoming revivals and spin-offs ofAdventure TimeandThe Regular Show. Whether this change will resonate as deeply withToonami’s audience, or alienate them altogether, remains to be seen.
Classic Toonami Is Still Going Strong
The Lineup Is as Cutting-edge as Ever, but Still Makes Room for Old Favorites
Toonamiitself remains secure and continues to air as part of Adult Swim’s Saturday night programming. The flagship block maintains its focus on premiering new anime episodes and curated series, but sometimes suffers from the same missteps asRewind. WhileToonamicontinues to introduce new series likeLazarusand the disappointingRick and Morty: The Anime, TOM still devotes too much time to reruns of ubiquitous series, like a full hour ofDragon Ball Z Kaireruns. Adult Swim has assured viewers thatthe coreToonamiis in no danger of disappearing, even thoughRewindfailed to catch on.
10 Iconic Toonami Promos Every ‘00 Kids Will Remember
Toonami’s commercials were a core part of that experience, blending sleek visuals, music, and powerful voiceovers to craft mini-masterpieces.
The decision to transition fromToonami RewindtoCheckered Pastis a curious one.WithToonamiRewindless than a year into its run, the network has seemingly decided to scrap the concept altogether rather than expand past the bare minimum of nostalgia bait. This move also reflects a broader trend of networks increasingly repackaging archival content and becoming stale as a consequence.Toonami Rewindbet it all on its foundational series likeDragon Ball Zand lost, marking a huge missed opportunity to recapture the magic of a time when anime was shiny and new to Western audiences.
