It was announced by Cartoon Network on Thursday that its cult-hit cartoon Adventure Time will end in 2018. Running for eight years and having broadcast 71 hours of content, Adventure Time will continue to air on Cartoon Network until 2018; its programming will include specials, miniseries and the final, currently in-production ninth season, Deadline reports.
Adventure Time is about the adventures of Finn the Human (Jeremy Shada) and Jake the Dog (John DiMaggio), the best friend duo, in the magic Land of Ooo. The show has won six Emmys, two BAFTAs, and featured several celebrity guests including Andy Samberg, Matthew Broderick, Laura Silverman, George Takei, Rainn Wilson and Neil Patrick Harris.
“Adventure Time changed the definition of what a kids’ TV series could be, and it’s had a resounding impact upon popular culture around the world,” Rob Sorcher, chief content officer for Cartoon Network, said. “Cartoon Network Studios is proud to have brought together this group of brilliant artists and animators who helped make Adventure Time one of the most critically acclaimed TV series of a generation.”
The animated series, since its inception in 2010, has conjured a massive following of both adults and children. Adventure Time has also gotten its own apparel line, comic book series, toys, and video games.
Pendleton Ward, the series’ creator, shared his thoughts: “Adventure Time was a passion project for the people on the crew who poured their heart into the art and stories. We tried to put into every episode something genuine and telling from our lives, and make a show that was personal to us, and that had jokes too! I’m really happy that it connected with an audience for so long. It’s a special thing, I think.”