| Launched | 2005 (CBS), 2018 (Pluto TV), 2023 (Treehouse) |
|---|---|
| Closed | 2018 (CBS), 2023 (Pluto TV), Present (Treehouse) |
| Owned by | CBS (2005-2018) ViacomCBS (2018-2023) Corus Entertainment (2023-present) |
| Country | United States (2005-2023) Canada (2023-present) |
| Language | English |
Butch Hartman Central is a programming block dedicated to shows created by animator Butch Hartman. It has existed in three iterations: first as a programming block on CBS from 2005 to 2018, then as a channel on Pluto TV from 2018 to 2023, and currently as a programming block on Treehouse TV since 2023.
In 2005, CBS launched Butch Hartman Central as a programming block, airing shows created by Butch Hartman. This block brought popular Nickelodeon animated series to broadcast television. The block typically aired on weekend mornings and featured some of Hartman's most well-known creations.
In 2018, following the end of the CBS programming block, Butch Hartman Central was revived as a dedicated channel on Pluto TV, a free streaming service owned by ViacomCBS (now Paramount Global). This channel featured a more comprehensive collection of Hartman's work, including "The Fairly OddParents," "Danny Phantom," "T.U.F.F. Puppy," "Bunsen Is a Beast," and "HobbyKids Adventures." The channel was discontinued in 2023 due to licensing changes and shifts in Paramount's streaming strategy.
In 2023, Butch Hartman Central found a new home as a programming block on Treehouse TV, a Canadian children's television channel owned by Corus Entertainment. This transition came about due to Nelvana, a subsidiary of Corus Entertainment, owning the rights to Hartman's earlier shows.
The Treehouse TV block features a mix of Hartman's classic and newer creations, including:
Initially, there were plans to include Hartman's newer series "The Garden" in the Treehouse TV lineup. However, in a surprising turn of events, the show was instead picked up by Yippee TV, a family-friendly streaming platform. This decision was reportedly made to expand the reach of "The Garden" to a broader audience and to capitalize on the growing trend of digital-first content distribution for children's programming.
The move to Yippee TV for "The Garden" represents a significant shift in strategy for Hartman's newer content, potentially signaling a diversification of platforms for his future projects. While his classic shows remain a cornerstone of the Butch Hartman Central block on Treehouse TV, this development opens up new possibilities for reaching audiences through various streaming services.
Throughout its various iterations, Butch Hartman Central has played a significant role in keeping Hartman's creations accessible to fans long after their original runs. It has served as a platform for both his well-known series and newer projects, cementing Hartman's place as an influential figure in children's animation. The recent developments with "The Garden" on Yippee TV demonstrate the evolving nature of content distribution in the animation industry and Hartman's adaptability to new platforms and audiences.