SB-06: Cartoon Network 2.0 | Step Three: Create Checkerboard

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In the first Cartoon Network Scratchbuilding article, I introduced the concept of Checkerboard, a Pogo-like network that would have replaced Cartoon Network on major cable systems. That was a mistake because that would have meant the current agenda would have taken control of the network forever altering. In this incarnation, Checkerboard doesn't replace Cartoon Network. Instead, it provides a family-friendly outlet suitable for every member of the household, from preschoolers to tweens and teens to family audiences. In essence, Checkerboard would be considered the Cartoon Network equivalent of Disney's ABC Family Channel.

Mornings begin with preschool-oriented programming and shows aimed towards the elementary school set without being tied to some faddish brand. Afternoons brings teens and tweens together with humor, adventure, and fun. Evenings bring the entire family together with familiar friends like The Flintstones, Teen Titans, and The Batman, the birth of a hero with a Checkerboard-exclusive series Smallville, the mysteries of Tower Prep, the globe-hopping adventures of The Secret Saturdays, and the mystical journeys of Juniper Lee. Late nights will be relaxing yet entertaining with Foster's, The What A Cartoon Show, Gilligan's Island, My Favorite Martian, and every Friday night, another Checkerboard-exclusive series, Pushing Daisies.

Weekends will have movies, specials, and classic library series from Warner Bros. and Cartoon Network. Initially, the first couple of years will be first-and-second-party library programming with a few third-party acquisitions as the network gains traction. Eventually, the network will produce original titles as time progresses and more households are added. It's not just going to be a rerun-heavy network, but a network that parents and families will feel safe to watch shows together without any puritanical or overtly educational interference.

Here's a glimpse at a Checkerboard Weekday Lineup:

6 AM - The Smurfs
7 AM - Tiny Toons Adventures
7:30 AM - Sylvester and Tweety Mysteries
8 AM - The Flintstones
8:30 AM - The Jetsons
9 AM - Big Bag
10 AM - Small World
11 AM - Baby Looney Tunes
11:30 AM - Firehouse Tales
12 PM - Krypto the Superdog
12:30 PM - Tom and Jerry Kids
1 PM - A Pup Named Scooby-Doo
1:30 PM - The Flintstone Kids
2 PM - Fantastic Max
2:30 PM - Dink, The Little Dinosaur
3 PM - The Smurfs
3:30 PM - The Comic Strip
4 PM - Dude, What Would Happen?
4:30 PM - Destroy Build Destroy
5 PM - Xiaolin Showdown
5:30 PM - Mucha Lucha
6 PM - Tiny Toons Adventures (M, W)/Animaniacs (T, Th)/Hole in the Wall (F)
6:30 PM - The Sylvester and Tweety Mysteries (M, W)/Taz Mania (T, Th)/Hole in the Wall (F)
7 PM -The Flintstones (M-Th)/Movie (F)
7:30 PM - The Jetsons (M-Th)
8 PM - Teen Titans (M-Th)
8:30 PM - The Batman (M-Th)
9 PM - Smallville (M - Th)/Tower Prep (F)
10 PM - The Life and Times of Juniper Lee (M-Th)/Unnatural History (F)
10:30 PM - The Secret Saturdays (M-Th)
11 PM - Foster's Home For Imaginary Friends (M-Th)/Pushing Daisies (F)
11:30 PM - What A Cartoon Show (M-Th)
12 AM -Gilligan's Island
12:30 AM - My Favorite Martian
1 AM - Smallville (T - F)/Tower Prep (Sat)
2 AM - The Life and Times of Juniper Lee (M-Th)/Unnatural History (F)
2:30 AM - The Secret Saturdays (M-Th)
3 AM - Foster's Home For Imaginary Friends (M-Th)/Pushing Daisies (F)
3:30 AM - What A Cartoon Show (M-Th)
4 AM - Gilligan's Island
4:30 AM -My Favorite Martian
5 PM - Tom and Jerry Kids
5:30 PM - A Pup Named Scooby-Doo

I could see this network launching within a year or two after the reconstruction of Cartoon Network and C2 on the ever-expanding digital domain of cable television. A year-long campaign before it launches begins a year to the day of its launch.

Introducing the more mature side of Cartoon Network, and no, it's not Adult Swim.