A young artist in headphones draws at a desk, surrounded by glowing digital streams and screens displaying various anime scenes and app icons.

Western animation in the 2020s has seen a decline in popularity due to oversaturation, shifts to streaming platforms, and competition from anime, although there have been creative successes and some efforts to revive traditional styles. Many traditional 2D animated features have been replaced by CGI due to its perceived technological superiority and higher box office appeal. There's been a notable trend of older shows being revived and added to streaming services, which has sparked nostalgia but also contributed to the feeling of an oversaturated market. Challenges faced by Western animation Competition from anime: The 2020s have seen a significant boom in anime's popularity globally, fueled by streaming services, leading to a decline in the cultural dominance of Western cartoons. Streaming service changes: Many traditional cable channels, like Cartoon Network, have shifted their focus to streaming services like Max, which has struggled to gain traction as a destination for kids' animation compared to rivals. Oversaturation and poor ratings: Some sources suggest that the market became oversaturated with new shows during the COVID-19 pandemic, leading to poor ratings and a high number of cancellations. Decline of traditional animation: A focus on computer-generated imagery (CGI) has led to a decrease in traditional 2D animated features, as 3D animation is seen as more advanced and capable of more complex visuals. Strategic shifts by studios: Major studios have shifted their See more