The Cartoon Network

CHICAGO – As a parent, I can tell you that a lot of what connects with young viewers and becomes a smash hit is pretty creatively stale. Which is why it’s so awesome to see a show as smart, inventive, and downright hilarious as Cartoon Network’s “Adventure Time” build one of the largest followings in television animation. The adventures of Finn & Jake, “two of the coolest heroes to hero-ize,” are that increasingly rare thing in children’s animation — totally original.

CHICAGO – Cartoon Network’s Adult Swim, most known for subversive, random, and often times down right disgusting television programming such as “Children’s Hospital,” “Tim & Eric’s Awesome Show,” “Aqua Teen Hunger Force,” and “Robot Chicken,” has announced a whole slate of new programming after coming off it’s highest ratings in the block’s 11-year history.

CHICAGO – Just a few years ago, it felt like TV animation for adults was in a golden age with the return of “Family Guy,” “The Simpsons” and “South Park” still going relatively strong, and Adult Swim truly breaking new ground in what could be done in animated form. It feels now like it’s plateaued a bit with many of the shows that were at the top of their game a few years back sliding down a bit in terms of quality. One such program is Adult Swim’s “The Venture Bros.,” a show that is still incredibly creative but doesn’t click like it used to do every week.