Adult Swim is a programming block of the American cable network Cartoon Network that operates nightly from 8:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m., Eastern and Pacific Time. It is programmed by Williams Street Productions, a subsidiary of Turner, which also developed two prior television programming blocks seen on Cartoon Network: Toonami (Which later became a block on Adult Swim in 2012) and Miguzi. The name comes from a phrase used by public swimming pools in the United States to label designated times when children are restricted from using the facilities in favor of adults.
Debuting in 2001, Adult Swim serves as the nighttime identity of Cartoon Network and was established as alternative programming during the late night hours when Cartoon Network's primary target audience, children between the ages of 7 to 15, would normally be sleeping. Much of Adult Swim's general content is known for its risqué, unorthodox and often bizarre presentation. The network was granted its own Nielsen ratingsreport from Cartoon Network due to targeting a separate demographic. The network features stylistically varied animated and live-action shows including original programming, syndicated series mainly consisting of Foxanimated programming, short films, original video animation and anime, generally with minimal or no editing for content.
In the United States, Adult Swim has frequently aired adult animationfeatures, anime, mockumentaries, sketch comedy, live-action and pilots. Shows may have sexual themes, frank sexual discussion, nudity, strong language and graphic violence. While the network features comedies and dramas of all types, many of its programs are aesthetically experimental, transgressive, improvised and surrealist in nature. Adult Swim has contracted with various studios known for their productions in absurd and shock comedy.
Previously, there have been revamps of the original series of Samurai Jack which ran in this block on Toonami from 2011 till 2015. Despite the idea of a film being scrapped, Genndy Tartakovsky announced new episodes for a new season of Samurai Jack, which is currently broadcasting on Toonami, in March 2017.