Kartoon Studios

Andy Heyward's previous company, DIC Entertainment, signed a TV series production deal in July 2003 with Stan Lee's POW! Entertainment for Stan Lee's Secret Super Six.{{cite news|last1=Rick DeMott|first1=Rick DeMott|date=July 18, 2003|title=POW! Stan Lee Reloaded|website=AWN Profile|url=http://www.awn.com/animationworld/pow-stan-lee-reloaded|access-date=January 9, 2015|archive-date=January 10, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150110023758/http://www.awn.com/animationworld/pow-stan-lee-reloaded|url-status=live}} In 2006, DIC was in development on Secret Millionaires Club with Berkshire Hathaway chairman Warren Buffett.{{cite news|last1=Ball|first1=Ryan|date=February 8, 2006|title=DIC, Buffett Form Millionaire's Club|work=Animation Magazine.net|url=http://www.animationmagazine.net/home-entertainment/dic-buffett-form-millionaires-club/|access-date=May 16, 2016|archive-date=June 11, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160611132829/http://www.animationmagazine.net/home-entertainment/dic-buffett-form-millionaires-club/|url-status=live}}

A Squared Entertainment (A², A Squared) was formed by Heyward and his wife, Amy Moynihan Heyward, in 2009 as an animation company. The company had an initial four-show celebrity-inspired cartoon slate to be seen on AOL starting in Q4 2009 with the last starting in 2010. The four shows would then switch from a webisode format of 26 episodes of three-to-five-minutes, to TV with 13, 22-minute shows. The slate then consisted of Secret Millionaires Club, GiGi and The Green Team (working title), Little Martha (working title) and Kosmos. Kosmos was a series to be based on Carl Sagan's life as a famous astronomer.{{cite news|last1=Castleman|first1=Lana|date=July 24, 2009|title=Heyward returns to toons with AOL deal in tow|website=Kidscreen|publisher=Brunico Communications Ltd.|url=http://kidscreen.com/2009/07/24/asquared-20090724/|access-date=May 16, 2016|archive-date=September 16, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160916235042/http://kidscreen.com/2009/07/24/asquared-20090724/|url-status=live}}

A²'s first animated program was Secret Millionaires Club, which features an animated Buffett as a secret mentor to a group of enterprising children. Martha & Friends with Martha Stewart and Gisele & the Green Team with Gisele Bundchen were created and launched by A Square.

In February 2010, A² partnered with POW! Entertainment and Archie Comics to create the Stan Lee Comics joint venture for the Stan Lee's Super Seven franchise.{{cite news|last=Truitt|first=Brian|date=February 22, 2010|title=Meet Stan Lee's newest super-team, 'Super Seven'|newspaper=USA Today|publisher=Gannett Company|url=http://usatoday30.usatoday.com/life/comics/2010-02-22-super7-stanlee-st_N.htm|access-date=April 10, 2014|archive-date=September 25, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130925061200/http://usatoday30.usatoday.com/life/comics/2010-02-22-super7-stanlee-st_N.htm|url-status=live}} On December 7, 2010, A Squared launched Gisele & The Green Team webseries in conjunction with AOLkids.com and Gisele Bündchen.{{cite news|last1=Neigher|first1=Julie|date=December 12, 2010|title=Gisele Bündchen talks about modeling, her family and 'Gisele & the Green Team'|newspaper=Los Angeles Times|url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2010-dec-12-la-ig-gisele-20101212-story.html|access-date=May 12, 2016|archive-date=June 25, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160625155544/http://articles.latimes.com/2010/dec/12/image/la-ig-gisele-20101212|url-status=live}}

In April 2012, Stan Lee's Mighty 7 was slated to be developed for other media formats via A Squared Elxsi Entertainment LLC (A2E2). A²E2 was a joint-venture between A Squared Entertainment (A²) and Tata Elxsi{{cite news|last=Rusak|first=Gary|date=April 2, 2012|title=A2E2 to develop Stan Lee and the Mighty 7|newspaper=Kidscreen|url=http://kidscreen.com/2012/04/02/a2e2-to-develop-stan-lee-and-the-mighty-7/|access-date=28 March 2013|archive-date=12 February 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130212091615/http://kidscreen.com/2012/04/02/a2e2-to-develop-stan-lee-and-the-mighty-7/|url-status=live}} formed in January 2011 which Elxsi ends in October 2012.{{cite news|date=October 9, 2012|title=Tata Elxsi calls off joint venture with A Squared Entertainment LLC, USA|newspaper=Live Mint.com|url=http://money.livemint.com/News/LIVEHOME/COMPANY/NEWS/205754.aspx|url-status=dead|access-date=April 25, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141018180509/http://money.livemint.com/News/LIVEHOME/COMPANY/NEWS/205754.aspx|archive-date=October 18, 2014}} Also in 2012, A² took over Archies' ownership stake in Stan Lee Comics.{{cite web|title=FORM 10-K: Annual Report December 31, 2015|url=http://ir.stockpr.com/gnusbrands/all-sec-filings/content/0001019687-16-005679/0001019687-16-005679.pdf|access-date=May 12, 2016|website=stockpr.com|publisher=Genius Brands International|page=F13-F14|archive-date=June 4, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160604041014/http://ir.stockpr.com/gnusbrands/all-sec-filings/content/0001019687-16-005679/0001019687-16-005679.pdf|url-status=live}}

By November 2013, A² had Thomas Edison's Secret Lab in development.

Pacific Entertainment Corporation was founded by Baby Genius creators Klaus Moeller and Larry Balaban in 2006. In January 2006, Pacific Entertainment purchased Baby Genius and other lines from Genius Products, Inc. for $3 million. The other lines were preschool brands such as Wee Worship and the Little Tikes music and DVD series. Genius Products retained exclusive U.S. distribution rights for the lines.{{cite news|last1=Baisley|first1=Sarah|date=January 20, 2006|title=Genius Products Sells Baby Genius Back to Creators|website=Animation World Network|url=http://www.awn.com/news/genius-products-sells-baby-genius-back-creators|access-date=May 16, 2016|archive-date=September 23, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160923153128/http://www.awn.com/news/genius-products-sells-baby-genius-back-creators|url-status=live}}

GBI licensed Baby Genius in January 2011 to Jakks Pacific's Tollytots division for a musical and early learning toy line.{{cite news|date=January 13, 2011|title=Jakks Signs Deal with Baby Genius|periodical=License! Magazine|publisher=UBM Advanstar|url=http://www.licensemag.com/license-global/jakks-signs-deal-baby-genius|access-date=May 25, 2016|archive-date=June 30, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160630024029/http://www.licensemag.com/license-global/jakks-signs-deal-baby-genius|url-status=dead}} At Toy Fair 2012, Tollytots introduced the line with 20 products.{{cite news|title=Baby Genius Toys Debut at Toy Fair|periodical=License! Magazine|publisher=UBM Advanstar|url=http://www.licensemag.com/license-global/baby-genius-toys-debut-toy-fair|access-date=May 25, 2016|archive-date=June 30, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160630034914/http://www.licensemag.com/license-global/baby-genius-toys-debut-toy-fair|url-status=dead}}

In December 2011, Pacific Entertainment Corporation changed its name to 'Genius Brands International, Inc. (GBI).{{cite press release|author=|title=Pacific Entertainment Corporation Changes Name and Ticker|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/idUS123475+06-Dec-2011+GNW20111206|publisher=Reuters|agency=GLOBE NEWSWIRE|date=December 6, 2011|access-date=2016-05-16}}{{dead link|date=July 2021|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}} Genius Brands digitized its Baby Genius book line in July 2013 via a deal with Graphicly.{{cite news|last1=Dickson|first1=Jeremy|date=July 30, 2013|title=Genius Brands goes deeper into digital world|work=Kidscreen|publisher=Brunico Communications Ltd.|url=http://kidscreen.com/2013/07/30/genius-brands-goes-deeper-in-digital-world/|access-date=May 12, 2016|archive-date=September 16, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160916192610/http://kidscreen.com/2013/07/30/genius-brands-goes-deeper-in-digital-world/|url-status=live}}

Genius Brands International (GBI) was formed in November 2013 from the merger between A² Entertainment and pre-merger Genius Brands (former Pacific Entertainment), with the Heywards of A2 taking over as top executives. Pre-merged Genius Brands CEO Klaus Moeller moved to vice president of special markets at GBI. GBI's board of directors included former California governor Gray Davis and American Greetings Corp. president-COO Jeff Weiss.{{cite news|last1=Bond|first1=Paul|date=November 15, 2013|title=Genius Brands Merges With Andy Heyward's A Squared Entertainment|periodical=The Hollywood Reporter|publisher=Prometheus Global Media|url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/genius-brands-merges-andy-heywards-656559|access-date=May 16, 2016|archive-date=November 17, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151117064644/http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/genius-brands-merges-andy-heywards-656559|url-status=live}}

The Baby Genius' video on demand subscription service launched in April 2014.{{cite news|last1=Goldman Getzler|first1=Wendy|title=Baby Genius grows into own streaming service|url=http://kidscreen.com/2014/04/08/baby-genius-grows-into-own-streaming-service/|access-date=May 12, 2016|work=Kidscreen|publisher=Brunico Communications Ltd.|date=April 8, 2014|archive-date=April 2, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160402205813/http://kidscreen.com/2014/04/08/baby-genius-grows-into-own-streaming-service/|url-status=live}} GBI launched a VOD channel of children's entertainment called Kid Genius in October 2015, through Comcast's Xfinity On Demand.{{cite news|last1=Hansen|first1=Darah|title=Kid Genius channel launches on Xfinity on demand|url=http://kidscreen.com/2015/10/08/kid-genius-channel-launches-on-xfinity-on-demand/|access-date=May 12, 2016|work=Kidscreen|agency=StreamDaily|publisher=Brunico Communications Ltd.|date=October 8, 2015|archive-date=January 30, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160130013311/http://kidscreen.com/2015/10/08/kid-genius-channel-launches-on-xfinity-on-demand/|url-status=live}}

In June 2014, Genius Brands agreed to license Baby Genius, Secret Millionaires Club and Thomas Edison's Secret Lab to LeapFrog Enterprises for kids' learning tablets.{{cite news|last1=Fisher|first1=Daniela|title=Genius Brands bounds onto LeapPads, launches distribution division|url=http://kidscreen.com/2014/06/05/genius-brands-bounds-onto-leappads-launches-distribution-division/|access-date=May 25, 2016|work=Kidscreen|publisher=Brunico Communications Ltd.|date=June 5, 2014|archive-date=September 17, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160917220257/http://kidscreen.com/2014/06/05/genius-brands-bounds-onto-leappads-launches-distribution-division/|url-status=live}} The first few Leap Frog tablet apps from the deal were released in December 2014, with two for both Baby Genius and Secret Millionaires Club.{{cite news|last1=Fisher|first1=Daniela|title=Baby Genius, Secret Millionaires jump onto LeapPads|url=http://kidscreen.com/2014/12/05/baby-genius-secret-millionaires-jump-onto-leappads/|access-date=May 25, 2016|work=Kidscreen|publisher=Brunico Communications Ltd.|date=December 5, 2014|archive-date=April 23, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160423143134/http://kidscreen.com/2014/12/05/baby-genius-secret-millionaires-jump-onto-leappads/|url-status=live}}

GBI issued and sold 4.3 million shares of stock and warrants in November 2014 to investors and management at par $1. The raised working capital would be used for brand marketing, new property acquisition and development and the Kid Genius channel.{{cite news|last1=Dickson|first1=Jeremy|title=Genius Brands International to sell US$4.3 million in stock|url=http://kidscreen.com/2015/10/30/genius-brands-international-to-sell-us4-3-million-in-stock/|access-date=May 25, 2016|work=Kidscreen|publisher=Brunico Communications Ltd.|date=October 30, 2015|archive-date=April 28, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160428112243/http://kidscreen.com/2015/10/30/genius-brands-international-to-sell-us4-3-million-in-stock/|url-status=live}}

Penguin Young Readers and author/illustrator Anna Dewdney signed an agreement with Genius to develop animated content and manage licensing for the Llama Llama franchise in February 2016. The products, from apparel to toys, are slated to arrive in 2016.{{cite news|last1=Milligan|first1=Mercedes|title=Genius Brands Animating 'Llama Llama'|url=http://www.animationmagazine.net/top-stories/genius-brands-animating-llama-llama/|access-date=May 17, 2016|periodical=Animation Magazine|date=February 19, 2015|archive-date=June 9, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160609184731/http://www.animationmagazine.net/top-stories/genius-brands-animating-llama-llama/|url-status=live}}

In February 2016, Genius Brands and Sony Pictures Home Entertainment announced a multi-year marketing and distribution agreement for four existing properties plus three under development. Existing properties under the deal are SpacePop, a new original Baby Genius series, Secret Millionaires Club and Stan Lee's Mighty 7. The new Baby Genius series would be relaunched on Amazon.com in September.{{cite news|last1=McNary|first1=Dave|title=Sony, Genius Brands Set Home Entertainment Distribution Pact|url=https://variety.com/2016/tv/news/sony-genius-brands-set-home-entertainment-distribution-pact-exclusive-1201711429/|access-date=May 12, 2016|periodical=Variety|publisher=Penske Media Corporation|date=February 22, 2016|archive-date=May 12, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160512105844/http://variety.com/2016/tv/news/sony-genius-brands-set-home-entertainment-distribution-pact-exclusive-1201711429/|url-status=live}}

The company paired for another Sony agreement in April 2016. This agreement was with Sony Music Entertainment's Legacy Recordings for the Genius Brands Music label. The label would have two age-focused imprints, for toddlers, Baby Genius, and children-to-tweens, Kid Genius.{{cite news|last1=Christman|first1=Ed|title=Genius Brands Teams with Sony Music, Legacy to Launch Kids Label|url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/news/7334152/genius-brands-sony-music-legacy-kids-label|access-date=May 12, 2016|magazine=Billboard|publisher=Eldridge Industries|date=April 18, 2016|archive-date=May 22, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160522204603/http://www.billboard.com/articles/news/7334152/genius-brands-sony-music-legacy-kids-label|url-status=live}}

In September 2016, GBI had teamed up with Rob Minkoff and Shane Morris on a preschool animated series. The series is Rainbow Rangers, featuring others of the rainbow magical girls, who protect the earth. Main designed were by Brittany Myers and Ruben Aquino. At the time, the company expect to have the concept debut as a third quarter 2017 special and a full series start in second quarter 2018.{{cite news|last1=Terry|first1=Joshua|title=TV News Roundup: Leah Remini Developing Scientology Series; USA Pilot Casts 'Prometheus,' 'Rectify' Stars|url=https://variety.com/2016/tv/news/leah-remini-scientology-tv-show-ae-1201865891/|access-date=March 3, 2018|work=Variety|date=September 20, 2016|archive-date=January 6, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180106173733/https://variety.com/2016/tv/news/leah-remini-scientology-tv-show-ae-1201865891/|url-status=live}}

Kid Genius channel expanded to a small network of on demand channels with its offerings first on Comcast on Demand with a Baby Genius TV channel.{{cite news|last1=Whyte|first1=Alexandra|title=Baby Genius launches on Comcast Xfinity|url=http://kidscreen.com/2017/12/19/baby-genius-launches-on-comcast-xfinity/|access-date=February 5, 2018|work=Kidscreen|date=December 19, 2017|archive-date=February 21, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180221051227/http://kidscreen.com/2017/12/19/baby-genius-launches-on-comcast-xfinity/|url-status=live}} The company launched Kid Genius Cartoons Plus! on Amazon Channels starting on September 28, 2017.{{cite news|last1=Ng|first1=David|title=Amazon partners with Genius Brands International in the battle to dominate the streaming market for kids|url=https://www.latimes.com/business/hollywood/la-fi-ct-amazon-kids20170925-story.html|access-date=February 5, 2018|work=Los Angeles Times|date=September 25, 2017|archive-date=February 6, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180206190237/http://www.latimes.com/business/hollywood/la-fi-ct-amazon-kids20170925-story.html|url-status=live}} Plus included all GBI programming plus other acquired programming.{{cite news|last1=Milligan|first1=Mercedes|title=Genius Brands Debuts Kid Genius Cartoons Plus! on Amazon Channels|url=http://www.animationmagazine.net/top-stories/genius-brands-debuts-kid-genius-cartoons-plus-on-amazon-channels/|access-date=February 5, 2018|work=Animation Magazine|date=September 25, 2017|archive-date=February 6, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180206213028/http://www.animationmagazine.net/top-stories/genius-brands-debuts-kid-genius-cartoons-plus-on-amazon-channels/|url-status=live}} Genius Brands Network in July 2019 added content from kids gaming company Tankee to its channels.{{cite news |last1=Milligan |first1=Mercedes |title=Genius Brands Network, Tankee VOD Forge Cross-Content Partnership |url=https://www.animationmagazine.net/top-stories/genius-brands-network-tankee-vod-forge-cross-content-partnership/ |access-date=September 3, 2019 |work=Animation Magazine |date=June 25, 2019 |archive-date=June 29, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190629013742/https://www.animationmagazine.net/top-stories/genius-brands-network-tankee-vod-forge-cross-content-partnership/ |url-status=live }}

In January 2017, Sony Pictures Home Entertainment expanded its distribution deal to all properties and took an equity stake in Genius Brands.{{cite news|last1=McNary|first1=Dave|title=Sony Takes Stake in Genius Brands International|url=https://variety.com/2017/film/news/sony-stake-children-genius-brands-1201962857/|access-date=April 12, 2018|work=Variety|date=January 18, 2017|archive-date=April 13, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180413043737/http://variety.com/2017/film/news/sony-stake-children-genius-brands-1201962857/|url-status=live}} In November 2017, the company filed with the SEC to resell 1.65 million shares of stock.{{cite news|title=Genius Brands files for resale of up to 1.65 mln shares|url=https://www.reuters.com/finance/stocks/GNUS.O/key-developments/article/3717330|access-date=February 6, 2018|work=Reuters.com|date=November 20, 2017|archive-date=February 7, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180207063056/https://www.reuters.com/finance/stocks/GNUS.O/key-developments/article/3717330|url-status=live}}

Genius issued a convertible debt round bringing in $4.5 million in August 2018 which was led by financier Robert Wolf of 32 Ventures and was oversubscribed bringing in both existing and new investors.{{cite news |last1=Milligan |first1=Mercedes |title=Genius Brands Raises $4.5M to Power 'Rainbow Rangers' S2 & Retail |url=http://www.animationmagazine.net/tv/genius-brands-raises-4-5m-to-power-rainbow-rangers-s2-retail/ |access-date=October 1, 2018 |work=Animation Magazine |date=August 22, 2018 |archive-date=October 2, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181002064709/http://www.animationmagazine.net/tv/genius-brands-raises-4-5m-to-power-rainbow-rangers-s2-retail/ |url-status=live }} In September 2018, Bank Lemi extended a $6 million bank facility allowing Genius to produce a second season of Llama Llama.{{cite news |last1=Hayes |first1=Dade |title=Genius Brands Lines Up Financing For Its Netflix Show 'Llama Llama' |url=https://deadline.com/2018/10/genius-brands-lines-up-financing-for-its-netflix-show-llama-llama-1202474232/ |access-date=October 1, 2018 |work=Deadline |date=October 1, 2018 |archive-date=October 1, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181001211347/https://deadline.com/2018/10/genius-brands-lines-up-financing-for-its-netflix-show-llama-llama-1202474232/ |url-status=live }}

In May 2020, the company's stock value jumped 2000% with four announced stock sales that month, after being put on notice by NASDAQ for low share value, which might have triggered delisting. The reason for the jump was the company's announcement of the launch date of its Kartoon Channel, and Mattel's Rainbow Rangers toys gaining shelf space at Wal-Mart in summer 2020. With an announcement of registering a stockholder stock sale on June 4, the stock broke its run up with a 13% drop.{{cite news |last1=Sraders |first1=Anne |title=What is Genius Brands? The little-known stock rose over 2,000% in the past month |url=https://fortune.com/2020/06/05/what-is-genius-brands-the-little-known-stock-rose-over-2000-in-the-past-month/ |access-date=June 10, 2020 |work=Fortune |date=June 5, 2020 |language=en |archive-date=June 10, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200610194135/https://fortune.com/2020/06/05/what-is-genius-brands-the-little-known-stock-rose-over-2000-in-the-past-month/ |url-status=live }} Kartoon Channel, which is the merger of its existing channels, launched on June 15, 2020, on four more platforms.{{cite news |last1=Siegel |first1=Fern |title=Kartoon Channel Launches Mid-June, Taps Loesch As Executive Chairman |url=https://www.mediapost.com/publications/article/352265/kartoon-channel-launches-mid-june-taps-loesch-as.html |access-date=June 10, 2020 |work=Television News Daily |publisher=MediaPost |date=June 6, 2020 |language=en |archive-date=June 9, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200609185502/https://www.mediapost.com/publications/article/352265/kartoon-channel-launches-mid-june-taps-loesch-as.html |url-status=live }}

On July 6, 2020, Genius Brands acquired exclusive worldwide rights to use Stan Lee's name, physical likeness and signature from POW! Entertainment as well as licensing rights to his name and over 100 of POW's original IPs. The assets will be placed under a new joint-venture with POW!, called Stan Lee Universe, managed by Genius.{{cite news |last1=Tuchow |first1=Ryan |title=Genius Brands acquires Stan Lee's likeness, IPs |url=https://kidscreen.com/2020/07/06/genius-brands-acquires-stan-lees-likeness-ips/ |access-date=July 10, 2020 |work=Kidscreen |date=July 6, 2020 |archive-date=July 6, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200706230933/https://kidscreen.com/2020/07/06/genius-brands-acquires-stan-lees-likeness-ips/ |url-status=live }} Michael E. Uslan was hired to advise Genius on Lee Universe film and TV projects. Genius then arranged a publishing deal with Archie Comics for Stan Lee Universe comic book imprint starting with Kindergarten Cop adaptation title.{{cite news |last1=Vlessing |first1=Etan |title=Archie Comics to Launch Comic Books Based on Stan Lee Superheroes |url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/archie-comics-launch-comic-books-based-stan-lee-superheroes-1303277 |access-date=July 16, 2020 |work=The Hollywood Reporter |date=July 15, 2020 |language=en |archive-date=July 16, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200716044838/https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/archie-comics-launch-comic-books-based-stan-lee-superheroes-1303277 |url-status=live }}

On October 27, 2021, Genius announced they would acquire the Canada-based Wow Unlimited Media for $53 Million, allowing Genius to expand to the country. The transaction was slated to be completed in Q1 2022, pending regulatory approval.{{Cite web|url=https://kidscreen.com/2021/10/27/genius-brands-acquires-wow-unlimited/|title=Genius Brands acquires Wow! Unlimited|access-date=2021-10-27|archive-date=2021-10-27|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211027160135/https://kidscreen.com/2021/10/27/genius-brands-acquires-wow-unlimited/|url-status=live}}{{cite news|title=Genius Brands International to Acquire WOW! Unlimited Media|url=https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/101022|date=October 27, 2021|access-date=December 29, 2021|archive-date=December 29, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211229062719/https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/101022|url-status=live}} The acquisition was completed on April 7 of that year.

On January 4, 2023, Genius Brands announced that they would sell a 50% stake in the Frederator shows Bravest Warriors, Bee and PuppyCat and then-upcoming series Catbug to Japanese company Toho International. The deal would allow the two companies to provide frameworks, to co-produce new content based on the properties and develop consumer product campaigns. Toho would also gain Asian distribution rights to the properties.{{cite web | url=https://worldscreen.com/tvkids/toho-invests-in-frederator-brands/ | title=TOHO Invests in Frederator Brands | date=4 January 2023 | access-date=4 January 2023 | archive-date=4 January 2023 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230104160932/https://worldscreen.com/tvkids/toho-invests-in-frederator-brands/ | url-status=live }}

Genius Brands was renamed as Kartoon Studios on June 26 and would transfer its shares to NYSE American.{{cite news|last1=Hernandez|first1=Andrea|date=June 14, 2023|title=Genius Brands is changing its name to Kartoon Studios|website=Kidscreen|url=https://kidscreen.com/2023/06/14/genius-brands-is-changing-its-name-to-kartoon-studios/|access-date=June 14, 2023|archive-date=June 14, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230614194820/https://kidscreen.com/2023/06/14/genius-brands-is-changing-its-name-to-kartoon-studios/|url-status=live}} In July 2023, Kartoon Studios partnered with VeVe to release non-fungible tokens of Stan Lee, which sold out nearly instantly.{{cite web |last1=John Milton |first1=Immanual |title=Stan Lee NFT Collection Sells Out Almost Instantly, Rises 500% |url=https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2023-07-24/stan-lee-nft-collection-sells-out-almost-instantly-rises-500 |website=Bloomberg |access-date=25 July 2023 |date=24 July 2023 |archive-date=5 August 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230805101540/https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2023-07-24/stan-lee-nft-collection-sells-out-almost-instantly-rises-500 |url-status=live }}

• A Squared Entertainment LLC: is Genius Brand's brand management and licensing subsidiary.
• Genius Brands Music, music label with two imprints, Baby Genius, Kid Genius
• Stan Lee Comics LLC: a joint venture with POW! Entertainment (currently only for the Stan Lee's Mighty 7 franchise)
• Kartoon Channel, formerly Kid Genius Network{{cite web|last1=Heyward|first1=Andy|title=Genius Brands International, Inc. Issues Shareholder Letter|url=https://finance.yahoo.com/news/genius-brands-international-inc-issues-141500967.html|website=Yahoo Finance|publisher=Genius Brands International, Inc.|access-date=February 5, 2018|date=December 19, 2017|archive-date=February 6, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180206073613/https://finance.yahoo.com/news/genius-brands-international-inc-issues-141500967.html|url-status=live}}
• Wow Unlimited Media
• Frederator Networks
• Mainframe Studios

• Kid Genius Cartoon Channel
• Baby Genius TV
• Kid Genius Cartoons Plus!

{{Infobox television channel

| name = Kartoon Channel

| logo = Kartoon Channel.png

| logo_size =

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| launch_date = {{Start date|2015|10|df=y}}

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| owner = Kartoon Studios

| country = US

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| former_names = Kid Genius Cartoon

| replaced =

| replaced_by =

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| timeshift_service =

| website = {{URL|www.kartoonchannel.com}}

| terr_serv_1 =

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Kartoon Channel (formerly Kid Genius Channel) is a video on demand channel owned by Kartoon Studios.

The Kid Genius Channel was launched by GBI with children's entertainment in October 2015, through Comcast's Xfinity On Demand. Debra Pierson was named general manager for the channel in March 2016.{{cite news|last1=Milligan|first1=Mercedes|title=Debra Pierson Appointed GM of Kid Genius Channel|url=http://www.animationmagazine.net/people/debra-pierson-appointed-gm-of-kid-genius-channel/|access-date=May 12, 2016|periodical=Animation Magazine|date=March 28, 2016|archive-date=May 13, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160513091657/http://www.animationmagazine.net/people/debra-pierson-appointed-gm-of-kid-genius-channel/|url-status=live}}

In December 2016, Margaret Loesch was named Executive Chairman of the Kids Genius Channel with Pierson promoted to channel president.{{cite news|last1=Schwindt|first1=Oriana|title=TV Veteran Margaret Loesch Joins Kid Genius Cartoon Channel|url=https://variety.com/2016/tv/news/margaret-loesch-kid-genius-executive-chairman-1201945112/|access-date=February 5, 2018|work=Variety|date=December 19, 2016|archive-date=February 6, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180206131503/http://variety.com/2016/tv/news/margaret-loesch-kid-genius-executive-chairman-1201945112/|url-status=live}} The channel was added to several over-the-top media services including Roku, Apple TV and Amazon Fire, the week of February 2017.{{cite news|last1=Milligan|first1=Mercedes|title=Kid Genius Cartoon Channel Launches Across OTTs|url=http://www.animationmagazine.net/top-stories/kid-genius-cartoon-channel-launches-across-otts/|access-date=February 5, 2018|work=Animation Magazine|date=February 2, 2017|archive-date=January 27, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190127094102/http://www.animationmagazine.net/top-stories/kid-genius-cartoon-channel-launches-across-otts/|url-status=live}}

Kartoon Channel, which is the merger of its existing channels, was announced to be launched on June 15, 2020, on four more platforms. Loesch would continue to serve as executive chair, while adding former president of Walt Disney Television production company David Neuman as chief creative officer of the streaming service.

;Initial

• Stan Lee's Mighty 7 (Plus!)
• Where on Earth Is Carmen Sandiego?
• Dennis the Menace

;Later acquired

• Eddie Is a Yeti (Plus!)
• Nancy Drew Codes & Clues
• LaGolda, a UnitedHealthcare production of a soccer bilingual animated children's series{{cite news|last1=Milligan|first1=Mercedes|title=Kid Genius Cartoon Channel Adds Bilingual 'LaGolda' Toon|url=http://www.animationmagazine.net/tv/kid-genius-cartoon-channel-adds-bilingual-lagolda-toon/|access-date=February 5, 2018|work=Animation Magazine|date=February 9, 2017|archive-date=February 6, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180206073616/http://www.animationmagazine.net/tv/kid-genius-cartoon-channel-adds-bilingual-lagolda-toon/|url-status=live}} (Plus!)

;Baby Genius TV

• The Adventures of Paddington Bear
• Rainbow Valley Fire Department
• Baby Prodigy
• Igloo-Gloo
• Pirates Adventures in Art
• So! Smart
• Todd World
• Baby Genius Nursery Rhymes
• Baby Genius Animals

;Plus!

• Inspector Gadget
• Liberty's Kids
• DinoSquad
• Carl Squared
• Heads Up
• The Day Henry Met
• So Smart!
• Baby Prodigy
• Happy Kids

| Kartoon Channel

|

| {{ubl|Arnold Schwarzenegger as Arnold Armstrong/Captain Courage & co-executive producer|Stan Lee as creator|Fabian Nicieza as writer|Paul Wachter, CEO of Main Street Advisors, as executive producer{{cite news |last1=Couch |first1=Aaron |title=Arnold Schwarzenegger Lending Voice to 'Stan Lee's Superhero Kindergarten' |url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/heat-vision/arnold-schwarzenegger-voice-star-stan-lees-superhero-kindergarten-1214061 |access-date=May 29, 2019 |work=The Hollywood Reporter |date=May 29, 2019 |language=en |archive-date=May 29, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190529135516/https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/heat-vision/arnold-schwarzenegger-voice-star-stan-lees-superhero-kindergarten-1214061 |url-status=live }}|52-part series{{cite news |last1=White |first1=Peter |title=China's Youku To Co-Produce Arnold Schwarzenegger's Kids' Series 'Stan Lee's Superhero Kindergarten' – Mipcom |url=https://deadline.com/2019/10/chinas-youku-to-co-produce-arnold-schwarzeneggers-kids-series-stan-lees-superhero-kindergarten-1202759343/ |access-date=June 10, 2020 |work=Deadline |date=October 14, 2019 |language=en |archive-date=May 3, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210503041734/https://deadline.com/2019/10/chinas-youku-to-co-produce-arnold-schwarzeneggers-kids-series-stan-lees-superhero-kindergarten-1202759343/ |url-status=live }}}}

|}

{{Reflist|30em}}

• {{Official website|www.gnusbrands.com}}

{{Finance links

| name = Genius Brands

| symbol = GNUS

| sec_cik = GNUS

| yahoo = GNUS

| google = GNUS

}}

Category:2013 establishments in California

Category:Companies based in Beverly Hills, California

Category:American companies established in 2013

Category:Companies formerly listed on the Nasdaq

Category:Entertainment companies established in 2013

Category:Television production companies of the United States