Boomerang (Australian TV channel)

Boomerang was an Australian children's pay television channel owned by Warner Bros. Discovery International and a sister service of Cartoon Network.

History and branding

Prior to becoming a standalone channel, Boomerang was its own block dedicated to older Hanna-Barbera cartoons launched in 1995 on the U.S. television network.

The Australian feed of the Boomerang Asia service was launched on 14 March 2004, as a part of the Foxtel Digital launch with a line-up very similar to that of the American and British version. Originally devoted to classic animation from studios such as Warner Bros., Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer and Hanna-Barbera, the channel has since expanded to include more contemporary programming including Poochini. This channel is available as a free trial in a subscription entertainment package on Fetch TV by some ISPs and was added 26 January 2017.[1]

On 1 December 2012, Boomerang launched a refreshed look, using the logo used by Boomerang UK and other European countries, and converted to 16:9 aspect ratio.[2]

On 3 November 2014, Boomerang received a new logo and branding as part of a global rebranding effort.[3] In late 2014, Boomerang had launched Art&Graft redesign which by 2015 came to Asian and Oceanian territories, the United States, and later to Europe, the Middle East and Africa.[4]

On 22 April 2021, the channel was discontinued on Fetch TV, alongside its sister channel Cartoon Network.[5] After that date, the channels became exclusive to Foxtel.

A Cartoonito block launched on 4 July 2022, alongside its Asia counterpart.[6][7]

The channel, along with Cartoon Network, were shut down on 13 May 2025 after the removal from Foxtel.[8] Regarding the closure of the channel, a Warner Bros. Discovery spokesperson stated "The Cartoon Network and Boomerang channels have now closed. This much-loved content is now available on our streaming service HBO Max, which Foxtel subscribers have included in their subscription".[9]

Programming

Final programming

  • Bunnicula
  • Roger
  • Mini Beat Power Rockers
  • Tom & Jerry Kids

Cartoonito programming

  • Alice & Lewis
  • Baby Looney Tunes
  • Batwheels
  • Bugs Bunny Builders
  • Esme & Roy
  • Lucas the Spider
  • Mecha Builders
  • Mittens and Pants
  • Petronix Defenders
  • Tangranimals
  • Toad & Friends
  • Vida the Vet

Cartoonito programming

  • Alice & Lewis
  • Baby Looney Tunes
  • Batwheels
  • Bugs Bunny Builders
  • Esme & Roy
  • Lucas the Spider
  • Mecha Builders
  • Mittens and Pants
  • Petronix Defenders
  • Tangranimals
  • Toad & Friends
  • Vida the Vet

Former programming

Logos

See also

References

  1. Mercedes Milligan. Cartoon Network & Boomerang Launch on Fetch TV Animation Magazine, 30 January 2017, retrieved 13 December 2022^
  2. David Knox. Boomerang Channel to Refresh TV Tonight, 23 November 2012, retrieved 29 January 2013^
  3. Littleton, Cynthia. Turner Sets Global Relaunch of Boomerang to Focus on Family Viewing Variety, 14 October 2014, retrieved 13 December 2022^
  4. Kanazir, Marija. Cartoon Network's Boomerang Gets a New Colorful Design Branding Magazine, 16 February 2015, retrieved 5 March 2019^
  5. David Knox. Fetch TV losing CNN, Cartoon Network, Boomerang TV Tonight, 19 March 2021, retrieved 22 April 2021^
  6. Preschool Brand 'Cartoonito' Launches on Cartoon Network in Asia Google Docs, retrieved 2022-03-28^
  7. Kevin Perry. Brand new block of dedicated kids preschool programming CARTOONITO launches this week on FOXTEL TV Blackbox, 2022-07-04, retrieved 2022-07-04^
  8. Warner Bros. Discovery kids' channels to leave FOXTEL in May TV Blackbox, 15 April 2025, retrieved 17 April 2025^
  9. David Knox. Cartoon Network and Boomerang channels close TV Tonight, 14 May 2025, retrieved 14 May 2025^
  10. Chdr. Cartoon Network Schedules: Boomerang AU Schedule: 11/17/08 – 11/23/08 Cartoon Network Schedules, 2008-11-12, retrieved 2023-02-06^
  11. BOOMERANG – TV Listings Guide 2021-05-22, retrieved 2023-03-09^
  12. TV Guide 2015-09-06, retrieved 2023-02-06^
  13. Boomerang TV 2004-04-08, retrieved 2023-02-07^
  14. RegularCapital. Cartoon Network Australia And Boomerang Australia September 2018 Highlights RegularCapital, 2018-07-03, retrieved 2023-02-12^
  15. TV Guide 2017-03-11, retrieved 2023-02-06^
  16. BOOMERANG – TV Listings Guide 2023-01-01, retrieved 2023-03-09^
  17. AUSTAR Television - TV Guide Search^
  18. TV Guide 2015-09-29, retrieved 2023-02-06^
  19. TV Guide 2015-10-18, retrieved 2023-02-06^
  20. - YouTube YouTube^
  21. AUSTAR Television - TV Guide Search^
  22. AUSTAR Television - TV Guide Search^
  23. Matt's Monsters Boomerang Australia, retrieved 2023-02-12^
  24. Neighbourhood Cable Program Guide Neighbourhood Cable, retrieved 2025-11-14^
  25. RegularCapital. Cartoon Network Australia And Boomerang Australia June 2017 Highlights RegularCapital, 2017-04-04, retrieved 2023-02-12^
  26. TotalGirl Online Magazines : Read TotalGirl eMagazines from Australia in English onlineemagazines.com, retrieved 2023-03-09^
  27. AUSTAR Television - TV Guide Search^
  28. Strawberry Shortcake Boomerang Australia, retrieved 2023-03-04^