Cartoon Network Revives Cult Classic 'We Bare Bears' Series

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Cartoon Network is quietly reviving its popular animated series 'We Bare Bears' by airing reruns of the show, which ran for four seasons from 2015 to 2019. The series, which follows the adventures of three adoptive bear brothers living in the San Francisco Bay Area, developed a devoted fanbase for its heartwarming tone and exploration of modern social issues. While Cartoon Network has not officially announced plans for new episodes, the network's decision to reintroduce the show to its lineup suggests it is gauging audience interest before potentially ordering a revival.

Why it matters

The return of 'We Bare Bears' is part of Cartoon Network's broader strategy to leverage its extensive catalog of content and revive fan-favorite series. The show's blend of humor, heart, and relevance to contemporary issues like social media and job insecurity made it a cult hit during its initial run, and a potential revival could signal the network's confidence in the show's continued appeal to both younger viewers and adults.

The details

During its four-season run, 'We Bare Bears' followed the three bear brothers - Grizz, Panda, and Ice Bear - as they navigated life in the San Francisco Bay Area, attempting to make friends, find jobs, and feel a sense of belonging. The show's episodic, slice-of-life format and focus on the bears' emotional journeys rather than grand narratives set it apart from many of its animated peers at the time. The series also explored contemporary themes like the impact of social media, viral videos, and the pressure to be liked online, making it particularly relevant to younger viewers.

• Cartoon Network launched 'We Bare Bears' in 2015.
• The series ran for four seasons, with a total of 140 episodes, until 2019.
• In 2020, Cartoon Network released a 'We Bare Bears' movie that served as a send-off for the characters.
• Cartoon Network has now begun airing reruns of the series, potentially to gauge audience interest in a revival.

What’s next

Cartoon Network has not officially announced plans for a 'We Bare Bears' revival, but the network's decision to reintroduce the series through reruns suggests it is closely monitoring audience interest and engagement. If the reruns prove successful, the network may decide to order new episodes or a limited series continuation of the show.