Nickandmore!

Nope – it’s not April. Cartoon Network has ordered new episodes of The Powerpuff Girls, expected to arrive in 2016.

No casting or crew has been announced. Craig McCracken, creator of the series, was involved in the series 78 episodes, theatrical movie and the 2009 anniversary special, but was not involved in the recent “Dance Pantsed” CGI special that aired in January.

McCracken is currently working at Disney on his newest animated series Wander Over Yonder.

The return will include a full licensing program – i.e. toys and other merchandise.

A full press release from Cartoon Network follows:

POWERPUFF GIRLS SOAR AGAIN!

Cartoon Network Announces the Return of the International Phenomenon

Worldwide Debut in 2016 with All-New Television Series and Licensing Program

After the successful airing of the re-imagined special in January, Cartoon Network today announced the global return of one of its most beloved franchises, the Emmy®-winning, The Powerpuff Girls. Slated for a 2016 launch, this reboot will include an all-new television series produced by Cartoon Network Studios and a full licensing program that will roll out across all regions. The announcement was made today by Rob Sorcher, to kick off the 2014 Licensing Expo in Las Vegas.

“The original Powerpuff Girls was a franchise phenomenon for Cartoon Network, paving the way for a new generation of innovative storytellers and enthusiastic fans worldwide,” said Rob Sorcher, chief content officer, Cartoon Network.  “We are calling these girls back into action based upon an overwhelming demand for sugar, spice and Chemical X.”

One of Cartoon Network’s most enduring original series, The Powerpuff Girls has earned two Emmy® Awards along with five nominations, as well as countless animation honors throughout its 78-episode run. The series also inspired a feature film in 2003, a tenth anniversary special, and a re-imagined CG special, “The Powerpuff Girls: Dance Pantsed” which aired on Cartoon Network in January 2014 and featured Ringo Starr. The Powerpuff Girls is one of the top-grossing Cartoon Network brands of all time, with more than $2.5 billion in retail sales generated since its debut, and has endured as a global fashion brand with a range of apparel partners and fashion collections around the world.

“As the original ambassador of ‘girl power,’ The Powerpuff Girls brand continues to resonate with people of all ages and there is tremendous excitement around introducing Blossom, Bubbles and Buttercup to a new generation,” said Pete Yoder, vice president of consumer products for North America, Cartoon Network Enterprises. “With proven success and great content plans in place, there’s so much potential that we’re looking forward to explore with our licensing partners in the coming weeks.”

The Powerpuff Girls, which debuted on Cartoon Network in 1998, was created by Craig McCracken and centers on three sugar-coated superheroes whose mission in life alternates between going to school, fighting crime and winning at hopscotch.

Cartoon Network Enterprises:

Cartoon Network Enterprises (CNE) is responsible for building consumer products and merchandising programs for a wide range of brands by securing and supporting long-term licensing partnerships across all categories. As the global branding and merchandising arm of Cartoon Network and Adult Swim, the division manages the consumer product programs for the networks’ award-winning original programming, brands and characters including Ben 10, Adventure Time, Regular Show, The Amazing World of Gumball, The Powerpuff Girls, Adult Swim and more. CNE also serves as the exclusive global licensing agent for LazyTown Entertainment and the PGA of America for the youth marketplace.

Cartoon Network (CartoonNetwork.com) is regularly the #1 U.S. television network in primetime among boys 6-11 & 9-14. Currently seen in 99 million U.S. homes and 194 countries around the world, Cartoon Network is Turner Broadcasting System, Inc.’s ad-supported cable service now available in HD offering the best in original, acquired and classic entertainment for kids and families. In addition to Emmy-winning original programming and industry-leading digital apps and online games, Cartoon Network embraces key social issues affecting families with solution-oriented initiatives such as Stop Bullying: Speak Up and the Move It Movement.

Turner Broadcasting System, Inc., a Time Warner company, creates and programs branded news, entertainment, animation and young adult media environments on television and other platforms for consumers around the world.