History MediaNotes / BlockProgramming

Not to be confused with a type of visual UsefulNotes/{{programming language}} which uses blocks as script components, popularized by Website/{{Scratch}}.

** Creator/{{Toonami}}: Like ''WesternAnimation/CartoonPlanet'', this was originally a spinoff from ''WesternAnimation/SpaceGhostCoastToCoast'', with Moltar broadcasting action cartoons from the Ghost Planet, but later switched its mascot to TOM, a RobotBuddy broadcasting from the spaceship ''Absolution''. Toonami also did several shorts, promos, and tie-ins of its own, becoming a multimedia franchise in its own right. It became ''wildly'' popular and pretty much single-handedly launched UsefulNotes/TheJapaneseInvasion of the early 2000s, featuring a ton of anime now recognized as classics of the medium. Cancelled in 2008, but brought back in 2012 after the success of an AprilFoolsDay special.

** WesternAnimation/MarvelUniverse: Began in 2012, this block airs on Creator/DisneyXD and consists of animated programs produced by Creator/{{Marvel|Comics}} Animation. It runs on Sundays 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. Eastern Time.

*** As of 2020, Creator/{{FOX}} is the only major broadcast network not carrying a block by Hearst Media by default, instead opting for a STEM-focused block called ''Xploration Station''. However, some Creator/{{MyNetworkTV}} affiliates air the syndicated ''Go Time'' block. Creator/{{ABC}} also doesn't include their Litton block as part of their network schedule because it's syndicated to various ABC stations.

** Animation Domination: An animated-based block that aired on Creator/{{Fox}} from 2005 to 2014. It also aired on the Canadian channel [[Creator/GlobalTelevisionNetwork Global]] as "Animation Rules". The block aired on Sunday evenings. ''WesternAnimation/AmericanDad'' was the first show to originate on the block and the rest of the block was initially filled with ''WesternAnimation/FamilyGuy'', ''WesternAnimation/TheSimpsons'' and ''WesternAnimation/KingOfTheHill''. ''King'' was canceled in 2009 and was replaced by ''WesternAnimation/TheClevelandShow'', giving Creator/SethMacFarlane his third show on the block after ''Family Guy'' and ''American Dad!'', and lasted until 2013. ''WesternAnimation/BobsBurgers'' also originated on the block in 2011. A few other shows originated on the block but most were either canceled after one season or were moved to FXX. The block ended in 2014 and was replaced with Sunday Funday which airs most of the Animation Domination shows still airing at that time (minus ''American Dad!'', which moved to Creator/{{TBS}}) mixed with some live-action programming. It was announced that it would be discontinued in 2014 after not getting the demographics Fox wanted (though some stations continued to air it until 2016). A new animated domination block was created for FXX and contained some of the shows on ADHD. The "Animation Domination" brand returned in the fall of 2019 with new animated shows like ''WesternAnimation/BlessTheHarts'', ''WesternAnimation/{{Duncanville}}'', and ''WesternAnimation/TheGreatNorth'' after almost 5 years of bad luck airing live-action sitcoms on Sunday nights.
*** It had a sister block called Animation Domination High-Def (ADHD) that launched in 2013. It also focused on adult animation but aired on Saturday Nights to compete against Creator/AdultSwim and ''Series/SaturdayNightLive'' and aired for 90 minutes. The block ended in 2016.

** Creator/TeletoonAtNight: Formed in 2002 as The Detour, this was a late-night block that is rather similar to Adult Swim's format in terms of programming, mostly adult animated shows. It aired every night of the week. A French-language version of the block "Télétoon la Nuit" airs on Teletoon's French-language channel, and was also originally called "Le Détour". In 2019, Teletoon at Night was dropped due to the launch of a 24/7 Adult Swim channel, though Télétoon la Nuit continues to this day.

** Bionix: A late night Anime block that begin in 2004. While YTV tended to have a weird style that aimed at younger viewers, Bionix had a technology theme and was aimed at teenagers. While anime was the main focus (particularly ''Manga/{{Naruto}}'' and ''Manga/{{Bleach}}''), other animated programs and even a couple of live-action programs were added, particularly Canadian shows so as to meet Canadian content requirements. It originally ran 2 hours on Friday nights, but was later shortened to one hour on Saturdays in 2008 before being quietly cancelled in 2010. While YTV continued to air some Anime programming until 2014, they tend to be aimed at younger audiences compared to what this block aimed at.

** Sprout's Wiggly Waffles: Early Morning block hosted by characters of Music/TheWiggles.
** ''Series/TheSunnySideUpShow'': Hosted by a random human host with Chica the Chicken. Airs in the late mornings. In 2012, the block received a successor called ''Series/TheChicaShow'', starring Chica, her parents, and one of the block's hosts.
** ''Series/TheSproutSharingShow'': Hosted by Patty the Pig, Ricky the Rabbit and Curtis E. Owl. Airs in late afternoons.
** ''Series/TheLetsGoShow'': Hosted by Miles and Banjo the Dog. Aired on Weekend mornings.
** ''Series/TheGoodNightShow'': Originally hosted by Melanie and Star with Lucy the firefly and Hush the Goldfish. Airs during primetime. On June 20, 2006, Melanie Martinez was fired from PBS because they found out she was in an NC-17 rated movie in 1999. The block was on hiatus until they hire a new host. She was replaced with Nina in November 2006. In 2015 (Sprout's 10th anniversary), the block received a successor called "Nina's World," about Nina's animated childhood.

** Camp Teletoon: This block airs annually on weekdays in July and August which is when most kids are out of school for summer vacation. The block airs in the morning until noon and typical features the most popular programs currently airing on the channel.
** Creator/TeletoonAtNight: Formed in 2002 as The Detour, this is a late-night block that is rather similar to Adult Swim's format in terms of programming, mostly adult animated shows. It aired every night of the week. A French-language version of the block "Télétoon la Nuit" airs on Teletoon's French-language channel, and was also originally called "Le Détour". In 2019, Teletoon at Night was dropped due to the launch of a 24/7 Adult Swim channel, though Télétoon la Nuit continues to this day.

** Creator/OneSaturdayMorning: Running from 1997 to 2011 (though its name was changed to ABC Kids in 2002), this Saturday morning block initially consisted of 5 hours of programming, most of which came from Disney. The first 3 hours were dedicated to cartoons while an additional 2 and a half hours were dedicated to a live-action show of the same name which featured skits and segments interpreted through 4 other cartoon series. The live show though ended in 2000. While it played some exclusive shows in its first few years, it spent its last 5 years as a block that mostly only played repeats of Disney Channel shows including ones that had ceased making new episodes. The block ended in 2011 and replaced with the educational based programming block Litton's Weekend Adventure (the first of a number Litton produced blocks).

** Radio/RadioDisney used to have the hour long blocks ''Playhouse Disney on Radio Disney'' and ''Radio Disney Junior''. Both focused on music and other content that were aimed at preschoolers.

** Animation Domination: An animated based block that aired on Creator/{{Fox}} from 2005 to 2014. It also aired on the Canadian channel [[Creator/GlobalTelevisionNetwork Global]] as "Animation Rules". The block aired on Sunday evenings. ''WesternAnimation/AmericanDad'' was the first show to originate on the block and the rest of the block was initially filled with ''WesternAnimation/FamilyGuy'', ''WesternAnimation/TheSimpsons'' and ''WesternAnimation/KingOfTheHill''. ''King'' was canceled in 2009 and was replaced by ''WesternAnimation/TheClevelandShow'', giving Creator/SethMacFarlane his third show on the block after ''Family Guy'' and ''American Dad!'', and lasted until 2013. ''WesternAnimation/BobsBurgers'' also originated on the block in 2011. A few other shows originated on the block but most were either canceled after one season or were moved to FXX. The block ended in 2014 and was replaced with Sunday Funday which airs most of the Animation Domination shows still airing at that time (minus ''American Dad!'', which moved to Creator/{{TBS}}) mixed with some live-action programming. It was announced that it would be discontinued in 2014 after not getting the demographics Fox wanted (though some stations continued to air it until 2016). A new animated domination block was created for FXX and contained some of the shows on ADHD. The "Animation Domination" brand returned in the fall of 2019 with new animated shows like ''WesternAnimation/BlessTheHarts'', ''WesternAnimation/{{Duncanville}}'', and ''WesternAnimation/TheGreatNorth'' after almost 5 years of bad luck airing live-action sitcoms on Sunday nights.

** Hearst Media Production Group (formerly Litton Entertainment) is a company that has produced blocks on Creator/{{ABC}} (since 2011), Creator/{{CBS}} (since 2013), Creator/TheCW (since 2014) and Creator/{{NBC}} (since 2016) along with a couple of other networks, having an almost-near monopoly on whatever's left of the Saturday morning children's programming market (it helps that its parent company is Hearst Television, [[ScrewTheRulesIHaveConnections who owns several of ABC and NBC's affiliates and two CBS affiliates]]). These tended to replace {{KidsBlock Kids Block}}s that used to air on those networks. The Litton blocks tend to be three hours long and primarily consist of [[EdutainmentShow educational programming]] like documentaries and lifestyle-type shows, often containing ProductPlacement (ironically going against the Children's Television Act's core values). The blocks provide the minimal number amount of educational programming that major American [=TV=] networks must air according to the Children's Television Act.

** Litton Entertainment is a company that has produced blocks on Creator/{{ABC}} (since 2011), Creator/{{CBS}} (since 2013), Creator/TheCW (since 2014) and Creator/{{NBC}} (since 2016) along with a couple of other networks, having an almost-near monopoly on whatever's left of the Saturday morning children's programming market (it helps that Litton's parent company is Hearst Television, [[ScrewTheRulesIHaveConnections who owns several of ABC and NBC's affiliates and two CBS affiliates]]). These tended to replace [[KidsBlock Kids Blocks]] that use to air on those networks. The Litton blocks tend to be 3 hours long and primarily consist of [[EdutainmentShow educational programming]] like documentaries and lifestyle type shows, often containing ProductPlacement (ironically going against the Children's Television Act's core values). The blocks provide the minimal number amount of educational programming that major American [=TV=] networks must air according to the Children's Television Act.
*** As of 2020, Creator/{{FOX}} is the only major broadcast network to not carry a block by Litton Entertainment by default instead opting for a STEM-focused block called ''Xploration Station''. However, some Creator/{{MyNetworkTV}} affiliates air the syndicated ''Go Time'' block. Creator/{{ABC}} also doesn't include their Litton block as part of their network schedule because it's syndicated to various ABC stations.

** Creator/AdultSwim: Beginning in September 2, 2001, this late-night block airs on Cartoon Network. It has been primarily dedicated to adult animation shows (some produced in house by William Street Productions, others syndicated from Creator/{{Fox}}), though some live-action programs have aired on this block as well. The brand has been licensed to a channel in Canada which began in 2019.
** WesternAnimation/CartoonPlanet: Essentially, it was an hour long variety show hosted by Space Ghost, Zorak and Brak who are characters from ''WesternAnimation/SpaceGhostCoastToCoast'' who provided skits and music as well as introducing clips from older cartoons in the Turner Library. That format ran from 1995 to 1997. When it was revived in 2012 though, it changed in format. Space Ghost no longer appeared and instead of old cartoons, the block consisted of segments from more recent Cartoon Network programming from the mid 90s to late 2000s. The block ended in 2014.
** Creator/{{Boomerang}}: Began as a programming block in December 1992 and focused on classic animated programs such as ''WesternAnimation/LooneyTunes'', ''WesternAnimation/TomAndJerry'' and ''WesternAnimation/ScoobyDoo''. It started as a 4 hour block but later reduced to 3 hours. It consistently aired on weekends though the specific time kept changing. It ultimately got its own TV channel in April 2000 while the block itself ended in 2004. The channel itself has had numerous blocks, often being holiday based or based on particular program. It would often air the block for a few months, remove it and sometimes bring it back a few months later. The only current one though is the Boomerang Theater which airs movies.

** Creator/{{Miguzi}}: A LighterAndSofter successor to Toonami, put in its place after Toonami moved to Saturday nights and made to draw in younger viewers instead of the primarily teenage audience of Toonami. It starred a girl who hung out with a bunch of robots UnderTheSea, and lacked Toonami's production values and tie-ins in favor of a more traditional programming block. Originally had a reputation as a ReplacementScrappy, but viewers warmed up to it and many of its shows attracted a strong PeripheryDemographic. Lasted from 2004 to 2007.

** NBC All Night: This block aired seven nights a week at 2:00am from September 1998 to December 2006. It focused on reruns of Series/TheTonightShow, Series/SaturdayNightLive episodes from past seasons (the 90 minute versions) under the title ''Classic SNL'', and Series/MeetThePress, which still airs Monday mornings at 2:00am; in September 2014, the Classic SNL episodes were rebroadcast into 60 minute versions titled ''SNL Vintage'' Saturdays at 10:00pm ET.

** NBC All Night: This block aired seven nights a week at 2:00am from September 1998 to December 2006. It focused on reruns of Series/TheTonightShow, Series/SaturdayNightLive episodes from throughout the show's history (the 90 minute versions) under the title ''Classic SNL'', and Series/MeetThePress, which still airs Monday mornings at 2:00am; in September 2014, the Classic SNL episodes were rebroadcast into 60 minute versions titled ''SNL Vintage'' Saturdays at 10:00pm ET.

** Creator/{{Boomerang}}: Began as a programming block in 1992 and focused on classic animated programs such as ''WesternAnimation/LooneyTunes'', ''WesternAnimation/TomAndJerry'' and ''WesternAnimation/ScoobyDoo''. It started as a 4 hour block but later reduced to 3 hours. It consistently aired on weekends though the specific time kept changing. It ultimately got its own TV channel in 2000 while the block itself ended in 2004. The channel itself has had numerous blocks, often being holiday based or based on particular program. It would often air the block for a few months, remove it and sometimes bring it back a few months later. The only current one though is the Boomerang Theater which airs movies.

** NBC All Night: This block aired seven nights a week from September 1998 to December 2006. It focused on reruns of Series/TheTonightShow (Tuesday through Saturday mornings at 2:00am), Series/SaturdayNightLive episodes from throughout the show's run (the 90 minute versions) under the title ''Classic SNL'' (Sunday mornings at 2:00am), and Series/MeetThePress, which still airs Monday mornings at 2:00am; in September 2014, the Classic SNL episodes were rebroadcast into 60 minute versions titled ''SNL Vintage'' Saturdays at 10:00pm ET.

** [[Creator/FourKidsEntertainment The CW4Kids, later Toonzai]]: Began in 2008, taking over from Kids' WB. It changed its named to Toonzai in 2010 after entering a joint venture with Saban Brands. The Block originally carried programs from Kids' WB and 4Kids TV, which ended near the end of 2008, but dropped most of the WB programming once Saban was got involved. From that point on, the block aired similar programming that 4Kids TV aired. Saban bought out the block in 2012 after 4Kids Entertainment faced bankruptcy due to a ''Yu-Gi-Oh''–related lawsuit which also terminated their rights to the show. Saban than replaced the block shorty after with Vortexx.

The KidsBlock is a common example of TV blocks with the focus being on child-friendly programming. Many blocks in the past were dedicated to [[SaturdayMorningCartoon Saturday Morning Cartoons]] though they have largely been set aside in TheNewTens and replaced with EdutainmentShow blocks (many of which are produced by Litton Entertainment). OtakuOClock refers to the late-night/early morning programming block, where programming such as {{Anime}} that might might be more suitable for teens or young adults than children, can air.

** Creator/{{Miguzi}}: A LighterAndSofter successor to Toonami, put in its place after Toonami moved to the SaturdayNightDeathSlot and made to draw in younger viewers instead of the primarily teenage audience of Toonami. It starred a girl who hung out with a bunch of robots UnderTheSea, and lacked Toonami's production values and tie-ins in favor of a more traditional programming block. Originally had a reputation as a ReplacementScrappy, but viewers warmed up to it and many of its shows attracted a strong PeripheryDemographic. Lasted from 2004 to 2007.

** Creator/{{Toonami}}: Like ''WesternAnimation/CartoonPlanet'', this was originally a spinoff from ''WesternAnimation/SpaceGhostCoastToCoast'', with Moltar broadcasting action cartoons from the Ghost Planet, but later switched its mascot to TOM, a RobotBuddy broadcasting from the spaceship ''Absolution''. It became ''wildly'' popular and pretty much single-handedly launched UsefulNotes/TheJapaneseInvasion of the early 2000s, featuring a ton of anime now recognized as classics of the medium. Cancelled in 2008, but brought back in 2012 after the success of an AprilFoolsDay special.

** [[Creator/FourKidsEntertainment 4Kids TV]]: Aired on Saturday mornings on Fox which began as Fox Box in 2002 and changed its name in 2005. Its programming consisted of imported shows like dubbed anime (''Anime/PokemonTheSeries Pokémon]]'', ''Anime/YuGiOh'' and ''Anime/OnePiece'') and non-Japanese shows (''Winx Club'' from Italy, ''Cubix'' from South Korea and ''The Adrenaline Project'' from Canada), as well as more original animated programming like ''Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles'' and ''Chaotic''. The changes made with the anime dubs have been quite controversial with anime fans. Conflicts between 4Kids Entertainment and Fox caused the block to end in 2008, though much of its programming moved to the [=CW4Kids=] block.

** [[Creator/FourKidsEntertainment 4Kids TV]]: Aired on Saturday mornings on Fox which began as Fox Box in 2002 and changed its name in 2005. Its programming consisted of imported shows like dubbed anime (''Anime/{{Pokemon}}'', ''Anime/YuGiOh'' and ''Anime/OnePiece'') and non-Japanese shows (''Winx Club'' from Italy, ''Cubix'' from South Korea and ''The Adrenaline Project'' from Canada), as well as more original animated programming like ''Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles'' and ''Chaotic''. The changes made with the anime dubs have been quite controversial with anime fans. Conflicts between 4Kids Entertainment and Fox caused the block to end in 2008, though much of its programming moved to the [=CW4Kids=] block.