“What’s so special about October 1st?”
It’s the 275th day of the year (except on leap year).
Former U.S. President Jimmy Carter, actress Julie Andrews, and Chief Justice of the Supreme Court William Rehnquist were all born on this day.
In 1962, Johnny Carson hosted his 1st Tonight Show.
In 1972, nothing really happened. It fell on a Sunday.
In 1982, EPCOT Center opened in Orlando, Florida.
In 1992, The Cartoon Network premiered on basic cable! (as if that weren’t the point of this post.)
If only Jimmy Carter, Julie Andrews, and William Rehnquist had formed a supergroup to combat the forces of evil, the world would be a better place today. Sadly, the three never crossed paths simultaneously.
Above is a picture of Ted Turner at the launch of the network 20 years ago today. I like how he wore sunglasses that were tinted the same color as Fred Flintstone’s garb. Coincidence? I wouldn’t put it past him.
So if we were to step into Mr. Peabody’s Wayback Machine, we would discover that the Cartoon Network first opened with an introduction by Droopy. After that, the very first cartoon that they played on-air was “Rhapsody Rabbit.”
This year, to mark the occasion, the network commissioned the London-based design shop, I Love Dust , to create “an epic 2 minute music video feature original music by Mad Decent and nearly 100 of our favourite Cartoon Network characters from over the years.” All I have to say is, “I heart it lots!”
It’s always fun seeing Johnny Bravo hanging out with other cartoon characters. Especially when they’re dancing!
So Happy Birthday Cartoon Network! I guess next year you can legally drink. Or adopt a child. Just try not to do both at the same time.