Many trends from audiences have emerged online to express their grief over shows canceled during peak viewership. Fans have sparked conversations across social media platforms, sharing their theories, love and core memories of their favorite series. With some luck, these conversations have fueled the revival and reboot of beloved cartoons, opening up possibilities for future projects.
“Phineas and Ferb” returns
In 2023, Disney announced “Phineas and Ferb” would return to Disney+ with two new seasons, totaling 40 episodes for die-hard fans. The show's creator, Dan Povenmire, was the first alum to rejoin the project, followed by fellow creator Jeff "Swampy" Marsh, who returned as executive producer and voice director.
While there is no set release date, season five will pick up season four left off, with the pre-teen adventurers embarking on a new summer vacation. Fans can expect updates from Povenmire’s TikTok account, episodes featuring the protagonists in their teenage years and the return of the fan-favorite character, Meep.
When a TikTok user asked if fans would "finally meet Meep in Seattle," Povenmire replied, “Do you mean ‘Meep Me in St. Louis?’ Yeah, we’re definitely gonna do that.”
According to Comicbook, early concerns from Povenmire and Marsh about new content quickly faded as ideas from both new and returning writers emerged. Excitement now builds among creators and fans alike, many of whom grew up with the original 2008 series.
Cartoon Network revives classics
Warner Bros. Animation, Cartoon Network and Hanna-Barbera Studios Europe have announced the return of several beloved shows. Fans can expect new twists on J.G. Quintel’s “Regular Show,” a spin-off of Craig McCracken’s “Foster’s Home for Imaginary Friends” and an “Adventure Time” spin-off titled “Side Quests.”
Additionally, two more “Adventure Time” spin-offs are in development along with a new “Scooby-Doo” project.
Although these shows are still in the planning stages, the new “Foster’s Home” series, “Foster’s Funtime for Imaginary Friends,” is aimed at children ages 6-11 and will be set in a preschool. The two “Adventure Time” projects include the preschool show “Heyo BMO” and a family feature film, “Adventure Time Movie.”
Fans of Cartoon Network’s “The Amazing World of Gumball” have been awaiting updates on the movie announced in 2021. With few recent developments, concerns have grown about whether the project will continue.
At Annecy 2024, X user MidouMir asked “Gumball” creator Ben Bocquelet about the film’s status. MidouMir posted Bocquelet’s response on X.
“It is not dead…we still have a script I’m working on,” Bocquelet said. “We still kind of want to do it. But obviously, with time, I’m now looking at the movie we were trying to make back then differently.”
“So it’s kind of a good thing, in a sense, but also bad, that I get to revise the story and take a fresh approach. So it is not dead,” he added.
Spies and fairies take the spotlight
Generation Z’s favorite spies are back with season seven of “Totally Spies!,” which premiered in France on May 12. It Is expected to air in the U.S. soon, returning to Warner Bros. and available for streaming on Cartoon Network and Max.
In the trailer, viewers are introduced to the new setting of WOOHP World, the headquarters for the now adult and full-time agent heroines. With new friends, allies, villains and a new boss, Zerlina, the spies are no longer answering to Jerry.
Along with the excitement surrounding these fashionable secret agents, fans can also look forward to the return of the fairies from “Winx Club.” The official YouTube channel shared an exclusive preview of the upcoming reboot, showcasing the new designs and voice actors.
The preview includes a first-look clip of Bloom, the main protagonist, struggling to control her powers and uncover her fairy heritage. The “Winx Club” reboot is set to premiere on Netflix in late 2025.
Fans hope for a “Gravity Falls” return
Following the success of “The Proud Family: Louder and Prouder” and “Raven’s Home,” Disney fans are buzzing with excitement about the potential return of other beloved shows.
“Gravity Falls” fans have fueled much of this conversation, especially after the release of the ninth book and fourth journal, “The Book of Bill.” With new riddles and a possible release date, the darker tone of the book has sparked speculation about a more mature storyline if the show returns.
This excitement grew when the book addressed a long-standing fan question regarding Bill’s status after the series finale. The book revealed, “Bill refuses to vanish, or be vanquished, completely.”
As of now, there are no official plans for a third season. In an interview with The Direct, Disney Executive Vice President Meredith Roberts confirmed that Disney has discussed the possibility of a season three with “Gravity Falls” creator Alex Hirsch.
“You know, we're in conversations with Alex,” Roberts said. “He's about to publish a book with Disney on his project. And we also do some shorts. So, never say never.”
While there is no definitive news for “Gravity Falls” fans, the future of the franchise remains promising.
