12 Canceled Saturday Morning Cartoon Blocks You Forgot About
Saturday mornings used to be a magical time for kids glued to the TV. Entire blocks of cartoons filled the airwaves, each with its own theme and lineup. Over the years, many of these blocks vanished, and most people don’t even remember them.
- Tricia Quitales
- 4 min read
Before streaming and 24/7 kids’ channels, Saturday morning cartoons were a huge deal. Networks created special programming blocks filled with colorful characters and catchy theme songs. However, changing times, tighter regulations, and competition slowly ended the golden era. Here are 12 canceled Saturday morning cartoon blocks that you probably forgot existed but once loved.
1. Fox Kids
The Walt Disney Company on Wikimedia
Launched in 1990, Fox Kids became a giant in children’s TV with shows like X-Men, Spider-Man, and Power Rangers. It blended action and humor in a way that drew in millions of viewers. After merging with other networks and losing ratings, it quietly disappeared by 2002.
2. Kids’ WB
LogoSubcheck on Wikimedia
Known for hits like Animaniacs, Pokémon, and Yu-Gi-Oh!, Kids’ WB was a powerhouse in the late ’90s and early 2000s. It had energy, humor, and a mix of anime and Western animation. The block ended in 2008 when The CW shifted focus to live-action.
3. ABC’s One Saturday Morning
American Broadcasting Company on Wikimedia
With a bright, school-themed setup, One Saturday Morning featured shows like Recess, Pepper Ann, and Doug. It stood out with its clever bumpers and educational tone. In 2002, it was replaced by a more commercial-focused block.
4. CBS Saturday Morning (Nick Jr. on CBS)
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When CBS teamed up with Nickelodeon, younger kids got to see shows like Blue’s Clues and Dora the Explorer on network TV. This block mixed preschool learning with colorful characters. It was replaced in 2006 when CBS switched partners again.
5. NBC’s TNBC
Universal Television on Wikimedia
While not all cartoons, TNBC in the ‘90s focused on teen-friendly shows like Saved by the Bell and City Guys. It shifted Saturday mornings from animation to live-action. It faded out as NBC turned to news and sports programming.
6. The Disney Afternoon (Weekends edition)
Disney Television Animation on Wikimedia
Though more famous on weekdays, The Disney Afternoon had weekend blocks that aired on local stations. With classics like Darkwing Duck, DuckTales, and Chip ‘n Dale Rescue Rangers, it filled weekend slots with fun. Over time, it lost airtime to newer Disney programming.
7. Toonzai (The CW)
Toei Animation on Wikimedia
Toonzai was The CW’s anime-heavy cartoon block that included Dragon Ball Z Kai, Sonic X, and Yu-Gi-Oh! 5D’s. It catered to fans of fast-paced action and dramatic stories. It ended in 2012, leaving a gap for anime lovers on Saturday mornings.
8. NBC’s “KTV”
NBCUniversal on Wikimedia
KTV was NBC’s early ‘90s attempt to reboot its Saturday lineup with shows like ProStars and Wish Kid. It had a mix of sports-themed cartoons and celebrity voices. The block didn’t last long and was soon replaced.
9. UPN’s Disney’s One Too
Viacom and CBS Corporation on Wikimedia
This was a companion to ABC’s One Saturday Morning but aired on UPN. It featured similar content like Recess, Sabrina: The Animated Series, and Buzz Lightyear of Star Command. It ended when Disney stopped syndicating shows to UPN.
10. The CW4Kids
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The CW4Kids aired action shows like TMNT: Fast Forward and Chaotic. It was a follow-up to 4Kids TV and kept the anime/action vibe going. It ended in 2010 and was replaced by Toonzai.
11. 4Kids TV (FoxBox)
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4Kids TV replaced Fox Kids and introduced shows like Kirby: Right Back at Ya! and Shaman King. The block tried to keep the Saturday morning tradition alive with fresh anime imports. It ended in 2008 due to low ratings and licensing issues.
12. Qubo on NBC
Fiat S.p.A. on Wikimedia
Qubo was aimed at younger viewers and focused on educational and moral-based cartoons like VeggieTales and Jacob Two-Two. It was part of a required push for more informative content. Qubo ended in 2012, and its shows were pulled off network TV.