Animation Leader Sam Register Departs Warner Bros.

Sam Register, a significant leader in animation, is set to depart from his role as President of Warner Bros. Animation, Cartoon Network Studios, and Hanna-Barbera Studios Europe. His exit is effective next week upon the expiration of his contract, a decision mutually agreed upon by Register and Warner Bros. Discovery.

Register's career began at Cartoon Network in 1994, and he played a crucial role in the evolution of animation. He is credited with introducing Japanese anime to Western audiences via the Toonami block, which began in 1997. He also championed funding for anime projects like "FLCL."

Furthermore, Register was instrumental in launching Adult Swim in 2001, a block that brought adult-oriented animation to mainstream cable television. This initiative fostered numerous creator-driven projects, including notable hits such as "Rick & Morty" and "Primal."

More recently, Register expanded Warner Bros. Animation's reach by selling shows to external streamers, deviating from the traditional model. Examples include an "Adventure Time" spinoff on Disney+ and "Batman: Caped Crusader" on Prime Video.

He provided support to prominent artists like Genndy Tartakovsky and Rebecca Sugar, inspiring many with his unique approach to animation. The series "Teen Titans Go!" also saw extensive success under his leadership, surpassing 450 episodes and spawning a feature film.

In the interim, Matt Matzkin will manage Business Operations, with current creative department heads continuing their roles. Register expressed gratitude for his time and the collaborations during his departure.