Ted Turner's acquisition of Hanna-Barbera in 1991 provided Cartoon Network with a rich animation library and a production studio, a foundation for original content.

Before launching Cartoon Network, Ted Turner bought Hanna-Barbera Productions, a studio with an extensive catalog of popular cartoons like The Flintstones and Scooby-Doo. This acquisition not only stocked Cartoon Network's early programming but also gave the channel ownership of a studio capable of producing new shows. This vertical integration was rare at the time and allowed Cartoon Network to transition smoothly from airing reruns to creating original series, setting the stage for its distinctive creative identity in the 1990s.