The Wonderfully Weird World of Gumball is Streaming on a Disney Platform, Not Cartoon Network.
The Wonderfully Weird World of Gumball marks a new era on Hulu and Disney+ in the U.S., amid Cartoon Network’s declining prominence.
The TL;DR...
New Release: Series premiered on July 28, 2025, on Hulu and Disney+ (via Hulu add-on) in the U.S., with an international rollout on October 6, 2025.
Creative Shift: Delivers 40 new episodes with surreal humor and mixed-media animation, produced by Hanna-Barbera Studios Europe.
Distribution Change: Shifts from Cartoon Network to Hulu due to Warner Bros. Discovery’s (WBD) strategic licensing amid Max challenges.
Network Decline: Cartoon Network’s reduced output and programming cuts drive the platform pivot.
Fan Buzz: Early praise for its anarchic charm meets mixed reactions over the move from Cartoon Network.
The Wonderfully Weird World of Gumball is set to hit Hulu and Disney+ in the U.S., marking a bold shift from its roots on Cartoon Network. This spin-off of The Amazing World of Gumball (2011–2019) launches 40 new episodes, set seven years after the original’s cliffhanger finale.
It is set to make its international debut on Cartoon Network and Max on October 6, 2025. The move sparks excitement and debate, blending surreal humor with innovative animation, while WBD’s strategy reshapes its distribution. Fans are abuzz, with X posts like “My childhood is back!” contrasting with jabs at WBD’s leadership.
This revival marks a turning point for animation, as it navigates streaming challenges and shifts in legacy networks. The show’s new home reflects the industry's evolution, with fan reactions ranging from joy to frustration over Cartoon Network’s fading role.
What is the history of The Amazing World of Gumball?
The Amazing World of Gumball debuted on Cartoon Network on May 3, 2011, created by Ben Bocquelet with a pioneering mix of 2D, 3D, CGI, puppetry, and live-action animation. Spanning six seasons and 240 episodes until June 24, 2019, it followed 12-year-old blue cat Gumball Watterson, his goldfish brother Darwin, and their Elmore family, earning nine Annie Awards nominations and a BAFTA Children’s Award for its meta-humor and absurdity.
The 2019 finale, “The Inquisition,” ended on a cliffhanger, fueling demand for more and setting the stage for the 2025 revival. A 2021-announced movie remains in limbo, with its global reach to 190+ countries cementing its cult status.
How has Cartoon Network’s decline influenced this shift?
Cartoon Network’s prominence has waned since WBD’s 2022 merger, with budget cuts and layoffs slashing original animation, as noted in a 2022 Variety report. The removal of dozens of titles from Max to cut costs and a schedule often limited to daytime hours (e.g., 6 a.m.–5 p.m. ET/PT, varying by region) reflect this decline, though evening Adult Swim crossovers persist.
WBD’s licensing to Hulu, where Adventure Time specials thrive per Deadline (July 10, 2025), mirrors a broader trend. X posts like “Cartoon Network is a shell of itself, thanks Zaslav” underscore fan discontent, pushing Gumball to a new platform.
What does The Wonderfully Weird World of Gumball bring to the table?
The series launched today with 20 of its 40 episodes, keeping Gumball, Darwin, and Anais the same age despite a seven-year gap. Produced by Hanna-Barbera Studios Europe, it blends mixed-media animation with new themes—AI, corporate satire—kicked off by “The Burger,” a food industry critique, and includes modern tech nods like smartphone parodies.
New voices Alkaio Thiele (Gumball), Hero Hunter (Darwin), and Kinza Syed Khan (Anais) join Teresa Gallagher and Dan Russell, with Jack Sachs crafting a new opening sequence. Accessibility features like subtitles and Easter eggs teased by @HannaBarberaEU (July 20, 2025) delight fans.
Why did the series move to Hulu and Disney+ in the U.S.?
The shift to Hulu stems from Max’s struggle to attract kids, per USA Today (July 25, 2025), with WBD licensing Gumball to leverage Hulu’s family catalog. Disney+ access via the Hulu bundle offers broader reach, though Disney holds no rights—WBD retains control, with a possible 2026 Cartoon Network airing unconfirmed.
Fans are divided, with X posts like “Brilliant, Zaslav” (sarcastic) reflecting frustration, while others cheer the revival. The move aligns with streaming trends, maximizing Gumball’s audience.
Is The Wonderfully Weird World of Gumball worth the hype?
Early reviews call it “gloriously anarchic,” with TV Guide (July 28, 2025) praising its flair and Animation Magazine noting Bocquelet’s vision. X posts like “THIS TRAILER GIVES ME HOPE” and @ToonHive’s (July 28, 2025) viewership boost signal strong fan support, despite minor animation tweaks.
Rated TV-Y7, it appeals to kids and adults with layered humor on consumerism and tech. The 2021 movie’s limbo adds uncertainty, but early streaming success keeps the buzz alive.
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Sources:
Wikipedia: “The Wonderfully Weird World of Gumball,” accessed July 2025
The Amazing World of Gumball Wiki: “The Wonderfully Weird World of Gumball,” accessed July 2025
What’s On Disney Plus: “‘The Wonderfully Weird World Of Gumball’ Coming Soon To Hulu & Hulu On Disney+,” July 14, 2025
TV Guide: “The Wonderfully Weird World of Gumball Review,” July 28, 2025
USA Today: “‘Amazing World of Gumball’ Season 7 coming to Hulu with a new name,” July 25, 2025
Reddit: r/television, “The Wonderfully Weird World of Gumball Teaser,” July 14, 2025
Variety: “Cartoon Network Boss Details Warner Bros. Discovery Animation Strategy,” December 7, 2022
Deadline: “Hulu Secures U.S. Rights to Gumball Revival,” July 10, 2025
Animation Magazine: “Gumball’s Weird World Returns with New Flair,” July 27, 2025
X Post by @cartoonnetwork: “Gumball Teaser,” May 19, 2025
X Post by @DisneyBeat101: “Gumball Premiere,” July 25, 2025
X Post by @ToonHive: “Gumball International Rollout and Viewership,” July 28, 2025
X Post by @HannaBarberaEU: “Gumball Easter Eggs Tease,” July 20, 2025