Corus Entertainment announced today that it is launching the world’s first ever 24-hour Adult Swim channel in Canada on April 1, 2019. Engaging viewers around-the-clock through its bold and irreverent voice and diverse slate of new and returning animated comedies and live action programming, the new channel features iconic Adult Swim series including original series Rick and Morty, Robot Chicken, Tim & Eric’s Bedtime Stories, and The Eric Andre Show, plus popular acquisitions Family Guy, Bob’s Burgers, American Dad, and more.
“We’re thrilled to bring the unique Adult Swim experience to viewers in Canada,” said Daniel Eves, SVP of TV Networks, Corus Entertainment. “Building on the existing popularity of Adult Swim content, a 24/7 Adult Swim channel underscores Corus’ dedication to delivering content that audiences crave. Adult Swim rounds out our specialty portfolio with its one-of-a-kind programming, and strengthens Corus’ presence as the leader in specialty entertainment in Canada.”
The launch of Adult Swim in Canada also demonstrates an extension of Corus’ long-term partnership with Turner. Since Turner’s launch of Adult Swim in the United States in 2001, Adult Swim has become the #1 network with adults 18-34 and they have held this spot for the past 14 years. Adult Swim in Canada will mirror the programming and brand voice of the acclaimed channel in the U.S., delivering audiences new series day and date with the U.S. year-round.
“Adult Swim is that rare brand, like no other, that connects with its fans on multiple levels,” said Erik Resnick, Senior Vice President of Business Development and Commercial Strategy for Adult Swim. “A 24/7 channel in Canada is the perfect fit as we continue to expand into global markets.”
Beginning April 1, ACTION will undergo a complete rebrand to become Adult Swim. Adult Swim programming previously airing on the Cartoon Network, and Adult Swim programming currently airing under the TELETOON at Night programming block, will shift to the newly minted Adult Swim channel. Both Cartoon Network and TELETOON’s schedules will shift their focus to feature best-in-class, family-friendly content appropriate for all ages 24/7.
A few of the fan-favourite original series confirmed for the launch of the channel include:
Rick and Morty
Rick and Morty is the critically acclaimed and award-winning half-hour animated hit comedy series that follows a sociopathic genius scientist who drags his inherently timid grandson on insanely dangerous adventures across the universe. Rick Sanchez is living with his daughter Beth’s family and constantly bringing her, his son-in-law Jerry, granddaughter Summer, and grandson Morty into intergalactic escapades. Rick and Morty stars Justin Roiland (Adventure Time), Sarah Chalke (Scrubs), Chris Parnell (Saturday Night Live), and Spencer Grammer (Greek). The series is created by Dan Harmon (Community) and Roiland, who also serve as executive producers.
Robot Chicken
Robot Chicken uses stop-motion animation to bring pop-culture parodies to life in a modern take on the variety/sketch show format. The Emmy Award®-winning series began airing in February 2005 and remains among the top-rated original series on Adult Swim. Robot Chicken is executive produced by the creators Seth Green and Matthew Senreich and their Stoopid Buddy Stoodios partners, John Harvatine IV and Eric Towner. Green and Senreich also write, voice, and with Tom Sheppard, direct the multiple Annie Award-winning series.
Tim & Eric’s Bedtime Stories
Tim & Eric’s Bedtime Stories is an anthology series in the tradition of The Twilight Zone. Each episode offers a unique tale: dark, horrifying, perverse, insane… hilarious – featuring a wide array of comedic and dramatic guest stars. High production value replaces “awesome show”-era cable access low-fi – but there is no question whose minds are behind Bedtime Stories. This live-action half-hour series is created by and stars Tim Heidecker and Eric Wareheim and is produced by Abso Lutely Productions.
The Eric Andre Show
The Eric Andre Show, the late night anti-late-night talk show breaking the “talk show” mold by deconstructing and redefining the late-night interview. Quickly devolving into chaos as its inept and bipolar host Eric Andre, along with his apathetic co-host Hannibal Buress, subvert all late-night conventions. Taking place on a dingy public-access TV channel within an alternate reality, The Eric Andre Show creates its own distorted pop culture universe by conducting interviews with an unpredictable mix of actual celebrities, “fake” celebrities and extreme real-life weirdos. These interviews are broken up with deranged man-on-the-street segments, surreal flashes of inexplicable studio chaos, talk show desk-pieces and the general deconstruction of late night’s most beloved tropes.
A highly anticipated series debuting day and date with the U.S. for launch:
Lazor Wulf
Lazor Wulf is a quarter-hour animated series that follows a wolf who carries a laser on his back and believes that love has no limit, that wearing do-rags gives you power and that Gawd is a lie. The series is created by Henry Bonsu and written/executive-produced by Bonsu and Daniel Weidenfeld (China, IL).
Want even more Adult Swim? Keep an eye on adultswim.ca as more information rolls out in the coming months.
Adult Swim will be available for a two-month free preview from April 1 to May 31, 2019. Viewers will also be able to watch full episodes On Demand free until January 2020.
