Adult Swim

Adult Swim is the adult-oriented programming block of Cartoon Network, celebrated for its distinctive and experimental animated shows and series that cater to mature audiences.

CCI Score

23.59

-0.10% May 31

Latest Event

Union Recognition at Cartoon Network Studios

Warner Bros. Discovery's voluntary recognition of unionization efforts for production workers at Warner Bros. Animation and Cartoon Network Studios signals a significant step toward improved labor relations. As Adult Swim is part of the Cartoon Network family, this development reflects positively on its broader commitment to fair labor practices, countering authoritarian exploitation of workers.

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SABOTEUR

Adult Swim is currently rated as a Saboteur.

+10 to +24 CCI Score

Companies in this bracket take more subtle actions to undermine authoritarian practices. They might implement internal policies or support reforms that quietly weaken oppressive systems, contributing to change in less overt ways.

Latest Events

DEC

02

2023

Union Recognition at Cartoon Network Studios
68.87

Warner Bros. Discovery's voluntary recognition of unionization efforts for production workers at Warner Bros. Animation and Cartoon Network Studios signals a significant step toward improved labor relations. As Adult Swim is part of the Cartoon Network family, this development reflects positively on its broader commitment to fair labor practices, countering authoritarian exploitation of workers.
+80

Labor Relations and Human Rights Practices

March 27

The union recognition agreement marks a positive milestone in safeguarding workers' rights and fair labor practices. This proactive step against worker exploitation aligns with anti-fascist principles by promoting equitable treatment in traditionally hierarchical media companies. Although Adult Swim is not directly mentioned, its affiliation with Cartoon Network ties it to these improved labor standards.

WBD Recognizes Warner Bros. Animation, Cartoon Network Union Efforts
JAN

24

2023

Adult Swim Cuts Ties With Justin Roiland Following Domestic Abuse Charges
63.24

Adult Swim ended its relationship with Justin Roiland after he faced felony domestic abuse charges. This decision reflects the company’s commitment to ethical business practices and demonstrates a clear stance against tolerating abusive behavior, aligning with values that resist authoritarian impulses.
+80

Business Practices and Ethical Responsibility

March 27

By severing its ties with Justin Roiland after domestic abuse charges, Adult Swim showcased a commitment to ethical responsibility and accountability. Such a move underlines the company's rejection of abusive and harmful behavior, indirectly reinforcing broader anti-authoritarian values by refusing to associate with individuals who engage in misconduct. This act not only reflects ethical business practices but also aligns with anti-fascist ideals that demand corporate transparency and a strong human rights orientation.

Adult Swim Drops Justin Roiland Following Domestic Abuse Charges
FEB

23

2022

Adult Swim’s Labor Relations Under Scrutiny Amid Unionization Efforts
-54.08

Production workers behind Adult Swim’s Rick and Morty have filed a petition to unionize after the studio, along with its parent studio, reportedly refused to voluntarily recognize the bargaining unit, raising serious concerns over labor rights and ethical practices.
-75

Labor Relations and Human Rights Practices

March 27

Adult Swim's refusal to voluntarily recognize the unionized bargaining unit for its production staff reflects a disregard for fair labor practices and worker rights. This stalling tactic, particularly when compared to peers that promptly recognized unionization efforts, demonstrates a corporate stance adverse to the welfare of its workforce, thereby contributing to broader issues of corporate complicity in exploitative practices.

The workers behind Rick and Morty and Solar Opposites are unionizing
SEP

30

2020

Adult Swim pulls controversial episodes
18.81

Adult Swim quietly removed several episodes citing 'cultural sensitivities'. This decision reflects the network's approach to moderating content that might be deemed inflammatory or controversial, thereby avoiding the propagation of extremist narratives and maintaining responsible media practices.
+30

Media Influence and Propaganda

March 27

The decision by Adult Swim to pull certain controversial episodes due to cultural sensitivities can be interpreted as a proactive measure to prevent the dissemination of content that might fuel extremist narratives. While there is a risk of corporate censorship, in this instance the action appears to be aimed at upholding responsible media standards and avoiding unintentional support for authoritarian discourse. This aligns with anti-fascist priorities favoring ethical media practices.

Adult Swim quietly pulls a number of controversial episodes due to ‘cultural sensitivities’
SEP

29

2020

Adult Swim Retires Controversial Episodes for Cultural Sensitivity
43.87

Adult Swim has permanently retired select episodes of Aqua Teen Hunger Force and The Boondocks due to cultural sensitivities, a decision aimed at avoiding the promotion of culturally insensitive and potentially racist narratives. This move reflects a proactive approach in moderating content that could otherwise reinforce harmful stereotypes and extremist views.
+70

Media Influence and Propaganda

March 27

The decision to permanently retire episodes that contain culturally insensitive content demonstrates Adult Swim's commitment to ethical media practices and responsible content curation. By removing episodes with potentially racist or harmful narratives, the company mitigates the risk of propagating extremist views and contributes to a media environment that resists authoritarian and fascist ideologies. This proactive stance supports anti-fascist values and underscores a commitment to social responsibility.

Adult Swim Episodes Pulled — Aqua Teen, Boondocks Controversy
DEC

07

2016

Cancellation of Alt-Right TV Series 'Million Dollar Extreme'
30.35

Adult Swim canceled 'Million Dollar Extreme Presents: World Peace', distancing itself from alt-right extremist content following internal and public pressure. This decision highlights a commitment to rejecting extremist and authoritarian narratives.
+60

Business Practices and Ethical Responsibility

March 27

The cancellation decision reflects sound business practices and ethical responsibility. By distancing itself from a series associated with alt-right views, Adult Swim demonstrates a commitment to ethical programming and counters narratives that can fuel authoritarian ideologies.

Adult Swim cancels 'alt-right' TV series 'Million Dollar Extreme'
+80

Public and Political Behavior

March 27

Adult Swim's decision to cancel the controversial series demonstrates a strong stance in rejecting content that could normalize far-right and authoritarian narratives. By removing the alt-right show, the network aligns with anti-fascist values and promotes responsible public discourse.

Adult Swim cancels 'alt-right' TV series 'Million Dollar Extreme'
DEC

06

2016

Adult Swim Cuts Ties With Alt-Right-Affiliated Show
32.29

Amid mounting internal and external pressure, Adult Swim has severed ties with Million Dollar Extreme, a show widely associated with alt-right and hate-filled rhetoric. This decisive move distances the network from extremist content and presents a proactive stance against the normalization of far-right ideologies.
+80

Public and Political Behavior

March 27

Adult Swim's decision to cut ties with Million Dollar Extreme is a strong demonstration of Public and Political Behavior. By distancing itself from a program linked to alt-right extremism, the network sends a clear message that it will not tolerate hate speech and extremist viewpoints. This move not only responds to internal debates and external pressure but also aligns with resisting the normalization of oppressive ideologies.

Adult Swim Cuts Ties With Controversial 'Alt-Right'-Affiliated Show
+70

Business Practices and Ethical Responsibility

March 27

Separating from a show known for promoting racist, homophobic, and extremist narratives underscores Adult Swim’s commitment to ethical business practices. By distancing itself from hate-based content, the network demonstrates responsibility in its programming choices, which contributes to a broader societal stance against authoritarian and fascistic ideologies.

Adult Swim Cuts Ties With Controversial 'Alt-Right'-Affiliated Show
NOV

01

2016

Controversy over Adult Swim's Alt-Right Programming
-14.64

Internal conflict has erupted at Adult Swim as talent and staffers demand the cancellation of the alt-right affiliated show 'Million Dollar Extreme Presents: World Peace.' Critics argue that airing a program tied to extremist ideologies not only endorses hateful narratives but also undermines progressive, anti-authoritarian values.
-30

Public and Political Behavior

March 27

Adult Swim's decision to air a show with clear ties to the alt-right, despite internal protests from its creative talent and staffers, illustrates concerning public and political behavior. By providing a platform for extremist views, the network contributes to the normalization of hate speech and authoritarian ideologies.

Adult Swim is in the middle of a civil war over its alt-right TV show
-40

Media Influence and Propaganda

March 27

By broadcasting 'Million Dollar Extreme Presents: World Peace', a show widely associated with alt-right extremism and hate speech, Adult Swim is effectively leveraging its media influence to amplify dangerous ideologies. This use of its programming platform raises significant concerns about the propagation of authoritarian narratives.

Adult Swim is in the middle of a civil war over its alt-right TV show