What is Adult Swim?
Adult Swim is a groundbreaking late-night programming block on Cartoon Network, known for its edgy, experimental, and often surreal animated and live-action series aimed at adult audiences[6]. Since its launch in 2001, Adult Swim has become a cultural phenomenon, celebrated for its original comedies, anime, cult classics, and a unique blend of absurd, irreverent, and boundary-pushing entertainment[6].
Programmed by Williams Street, a Warner Bros. Television Studios subsidiary, Adult Swim features a mix of original series, syndicated shows, short films, music, games, and special events, making it a hub for animation, comedy, and pop culture fans worldwide[6][5].
Key Features of Adult Swim
- Original Animated Series: Critically acclaimed and cult-favorite shows like Rick and Morty, The Venture Bros., Aqua Teen Hunger Force, and more[6][2][5].
- Live-Action & Experimental Content: Surreal comedies, mockumentaries, and late-night specials that push creative boundaries[6][5].
- Toonami Anime Block: Saturday night anime block featuring hits like Naruto, Dragon Ball Z, Sailor Moon, and more[6][3].
- Classic Cartoons: "Checkered Past" block airs throwback Cartoon Network favorites like Dexter’s Laboratory, Courage the Cowardly Dog, Ed, Edd n Eddy, and more[3][6].
- Marathons & Special Events: Themed programming, all-night marathons, and event nights such as Acme Night and Rick and Morty marathons[1][2][3].
- Games & Interactive: Indie and Adult Swim Games, browser and mobile games, and fan engagement activities[5].
- Music & Smalls: Exclusive music videos, performances, and the Adult Swim Smalls collection of animated shorts[1][2].
- Community & Fandom: Forums, meme generators, fan art, and interactive features like "Rick Yourself"[1][2].
- Global Streaming: Access Adult Swim shows and marathons online, on the app, and through partner platforms[5][6].
- Multi-Platform Access: Watch on TV, web, mobile, smart TVs, and streaming devices[5][6].
Popular Adult Swim Shows (2025)
- Rick and Morty – Sci-fi comedy, global phenomenon, new episodes and marathons[1][2][5].
- Lazarus – Dystopian action thriller, airing Sundays at midnight[1][2].
- The Venture Bros. – Cult classic, action-comedy, beloved by fans[6].
- Aqua Teen Hunger Force – Surreal animated comedy, long-running favorite[6].
- Smalls – Animated shorts, experimental and indie animation showcase[1][2].
- Robot Chicken – Stop-motion sketch comedy, pop culture parodies[6].
- Harvey Birdman, Attorney at Law – Legal satire with classic cartoon characters[6].
- Metalocalypse – Heavy metal parody, animated musical comedy[6].
- Unicorn: Warriors Eternal – TV-PG original, fantasy adventure[3].
- My Adventures With Superman – Family-friendly superhero series[3].
Toonami: Anime & Action on Adult Swim
- Toonami Block: Saturday night anime programming, a staple for anime fans since 2012[6].
- Classic & Modern Anime: Sailor Moon, Dragon Ball Z Kai, Naruto, One Piece, Attack on Titan, and more[6].
- Toonami Rewind: 2024 block featuring classic anime with throwback branding (ended December 2024)[6].
- Exclusive Premieres: U.S. premieres of new anime seasons and movies.
- Action Animation: American action cartoons and anime-inspired originals.
Classic Cartoons & Checkered Past
- Checkered Past Block: Weeknight block (6–7 p.m. EST) airing throwback Cartoon Network classics[3][6].
- Featured Shows: Dexter’s Laboratory, Courage the Cowardly Dog, Ed, Edd n Eddy, The Grim Adventures of Billy & Mandy, and more[3].
- Acme Night: Sunday movie block with family-friendly films (5–9 p.m. EST)[3][6].
- Weekend Programming: Reruns of TV-PG originals and curated favorites[3].
Adult Swim Games & Interactive
- Adult Swim Games: Indie game publishing, browser games, and mobile games since 2011[6][5].
- Fan Activities: Meme generators, "Rick Yourself," fan art contests, and interactive polls[1][2].
- Music & Smalls: Animated shorts, music videos, and exclusive performances[1][2].
- Events: Live events, fan screenings, and pop culture conventions[5].
Schedule, Marathons & Programming Blocks
- Expanded Hours: Adult Swim now runs 13 hours daily (5 p.m.–6 a.m. EST), with more classic and new content than ever[3][6].
- Marathons: All-night Rick and Morty, Smalls, and themed show marathons[1][2][3].
- Special Blocks: Checkered Past, Toonami, Acme Night, and Toonami Rewind[3][6].
- Real-Time Schedule: Up-to-date listings on the Adult Swim website and app[1][2].
Streaming Adult Swim: How to Watch
- Live Stream: Watch Adult Swim live on cable, satellite, or online with a TV provider login[5].
- On Demand: Stream full episodes and marathons on AdultSwim.com, the Adult Swim app, and select partner platforms[1][2][5].
- Global Access: Adult Swim is available in the U.S., Canada, and select regions worldwide[5].
- Smart Devices: Compatible with smart TVs, Roku, Apple TV, Fire TV, and mobile devices[5].
- YouTube Channel: Watch Adult Swim Smalls and highlights on YouTube[1][2].
Best Adult Swim Alternatives in 2025
- Cartoon Network: For younger audiences and daytime animation classics.
- Toonami.com: Dedicated anime streaming and news.
- Crunchyroll: Leading legal anime streaming platform.
- Netflix: Adult animation and anime originals.
- Hulu: Adult Swim shows, anime, and more.
- Max (formerly HBO Max): Streaming home for Rick and Morty and Adult Swim originals.
- Amazon Prime Video: Animated comedies and cult classics.
- Comedy Central: Adult animation and live-action comedies.
- Paramount+: Nickelodeon, Comedy Central, and more.
- YouTube: Official channels for clips, shorts, and full episodes.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is Adult Swim?
Adult Swim is a late-night programming block on Cartoon Network, featuring adult animation, anime, comedies, and experimental shows[6].
When does Adult Swim air?
As of 2025, Adult Swim airs daily from 5 p.m. to 6 a.m. EST, with special blocks and marathons[3][6].
What is Toonami?
Toonami is Adult Swim’s Saturday night anime block, featuring classic and new anime series[6].
What are Checkered Past and Acme Night?
Checkered Past airs classic Cartoon Network shows on weeknights; Acme Night features family movies on Sundays[3].
Can I stream Adult Swim online?
Yes, via AdultSwim.com, the app, and some partner platforms. Some content may require a TV provider login[1][2][5].
Is Adult Swim available outside the US?
Adult Swim is available in Canada and select international regions, with some content differences[5].
Is Adult Swim free?
Some clips and Smalls are free; full episodes and live streams may require a cable/satellite login[1][2][5].
What is Adult Swim Games?
Adult Swim Games publishes indie and browser games, some based on Adult Swim shows[5][6].
How can I find the Adult Swim schedule?
Check the official Adult Swim website or app for the latest schedule and programming updates[1][2].
Contact & Support
This website is for informational purposes only. For official support, visit AdultSwim.com or use the official app and partner platforms.
