Overview

Toonzai was a branded Saturday morning television block that aired on The CW beginning in August 2010. Programmed by 4Kids Entertainment, it presented a lineup of animated series with an emphasis on action and anime-style programming targeted primarily at children and young teenagers. The block replaced an earlier 4Kids-branded block and was carried by CW affiliates across the United States on weekend mornings.

Programming and characteristics

The Toonzai schedule favored serialized action shows, collectible-card and battle series, and English-dubbed Japanese animation. Many series ran in half-hour episodes and were scheduled to capture the traditional Saturday-morning audience, combining established franchises with newer imports. The block's identity leaned toward fast-paced, youth-oriented entertainment rather than general family or preschool fare.

Notable series and partnerships

  • Yu-Gi-Oh! — the long-running card-battle franchise remained a core part of the lineup.
  • Sonic X — the anime featuring the popular Sega character was retained for the block.
  • Dragon Ball Z Kai — a remastered and re-edited version of Dragon Ball Z from Funimation was added to the schedule and was also carried on other cable channels.

4Kids worked with licensors and localization partners to acquire, dub and schedule these series. For a sample programming list and episode guide, see the block's historical program guide.

History and development

Toonzai evolved from 4Kids' previous branded blocks and reflected the company's strategy of supplying syndicated Saturday-morning content to broadcast networks. 4Kids had previously programmed a block for the Fox network—commonly referred to as 4Kids TV—before that affiliation ended in 2008; background on that era can be found at 4Kids TV on Fox. During its run, Toonzai experienced lineup changes typical of children's broadcast blocks as shows rotated in and out and licensing deals were renegotiated.

Legacy and transition

Toonzai represented one phase in the long-running practice of network-branded Saturday morning blocks devoted to animated action series. After a period of operation on The CW, the block was succeeded by a different Saturday programming package, reflecting shifting partnerships and the evolving market for children's television on broadcast networks. Toonzai is remembered for bringing several well-known anime franchises to weekend broadcast TV in the United States and for being part of 4Kids' efforts to adapt international animation for American audiences.