One day removed from the 13 year anniversary of [adult swim]‘s Stealth Pilots (ATHF, Birdman, etc.) as well as the 11 year anniversary of this site, I’d like to make my yearly predictions for [adult swim]‘s 2014 year:
*Keep in mind, these are just predictions on my behalf and may/may not necessarily happen. If they do, however, I hope that you’ll let Swim know that I called it before it was announced… and that I’d love a job with them.*
Of course, as I posted a couple of short weeks ago, 2013 was a record year for the network proper. Hitting highs with not only TV, but also online and in digital media, apps, etc.
The Swim Network is going to keep growing, that’s a no-brainer. As far as we’re aware, Cartoon Network’s going to return the 9pm block to Swim as the holiday season winds down. Obviously, they’re going to fill the 9pm – 10-ish time slots with the syndicated Fox stuff. Your usual Family Guy-American Dad-Cleveland-King of the Hill-Bob’s Burgers stuff. Plus the rest of Swim’s Emmy winning cartoon stuff (I mean Robot Chicken). Unless of course, they decide to go an alternate route. Clearly it was a good call throwing their newest show, “Rick and Morty” on a Monday night, 10:30p slot (save for the fact that it interferes with wrestling… if you’re into that). Is there anything else left for Swim to acquire from FOX? Would they go after Axe Cop and the rest of ADHD? Perhaps a PG-friendly syndicated version of Archer? I suppose the sky’s the limit.
As far as returning series are concerned. I can see 2014 being focused on the usual Williams Street originals (Aqua… with another new title, Squidbillies, etc.) as well as the Swim favorites: Superjail, Robot Chicken, China, IL, and of course… Venture Bros. Boondocks is coming in January, Black Dynamite’s due back as well (along with its own comic book.) Wouldn’t completely count out a new season for Metalocalypse either…If I had to guess, maybe end of the year or next. I should also point out, this coming April marks the big 20th for a certain superhero turned talk-show host that started the whole [adult swim] universe. Who knows?
Let’s be honest with each other. Live-Action’s not going away. It’s cheap to make, and while it’s not animated (folks, [adult swim] isn’t the same network as Cartoon Network. Get over it), there are definitely those who enjoy the live programs on the network. I would definitely expect emmy-award winning Childrens’ Hospital back. Spin-off, Newsreaders has a greenlight already, although I’m not certain NTSF:SD:SUV:: will make a return… the reason being, a lot of the principal cast (specifically June Diane Raphael and Karen Gillan), have other TV/Movie gigs and may not be able to film new NTSF episodes. Sure, they can just re-replace Gillan as they did her for Rebecca Romjin, but I’m feeling a Delocated-type scenario where they just end the series. I hope I’m wrong. On the other hand, I know Paul Scheer would like to get Filthy Sexy Teen$ as a series. Eric Andre was also a breakout show this year. Expect a lot of Tim & Eric-produced content (Andre, Check it Out, etc.) as well as more “Bedtime Stories” specials.
Toonami also blew up this past year. Last year’s revival was a spectacular one… they brought back some old favorites and some new and interesting programs like Deadman Wonderland and Naruto. They also revamped the Toonami crew (including the returning SARA), beefed up game reviews, and aired a couple of cool movie nights (including AKIRA a few weeks ago). So what’s next? New shows like Space Dandy mixed with old shows like Samurai Jack. Can’t wait. More KickHeart? Yes, please.
As far as new content proper. Look always for pilots EVERYWHERE. Online, during DVR Theater at 4am, on April Fools Night, etc. You never know who or what will end up on the network. Remember, Mike Tyson’s supposed to have his own cartoon. Moving away from the network, I can see more content surfacing on .com. This past year, the ThingX project (made up of folks who wrote for The Onion, etc.) folded into .com and churned out a bunch of original series. I can definitely see that expanding. Games, always… what other classic ASG could use a sequel? Perhaps another Super Monsters Ate My Condo or Super Mole Escape? An even more evolved TV App? The world will be waiting. The last piece of the puzzle is the mystery on many of our minds… Is [adult swim] shop coming back? Considering how the Carl Toilet Set sold out in a heartbeat, chances are pretty good.
At any rate, these are my predictions for 2014. Swim broke records all over the place in 2013, let’s see how much bigger they can get next year.
