Unfortunately for fans, Cartoon Network's hit animated series Craig of the Creek is officially coming to an end. After six years and six seasons of mysterious adventures, diverse characters, and exploring friendship, the beloved show that resonated with kids and adults alike will premiere its grand finale in Jan. 2025.
Created by Steven Universe writers Matt Burnett and Ben Levin, Craig of the Creek follows titular 10-year-old cartographer Craig Williams, voiced by Hero Mode's Philip Solomon. Alongside friends Kelsey (Noël Wells) and J.P. (H. Michael Croner), Craig embarks on fantastic expeditions within the wild wilderness of a nearby creek in the fictional Balitmore-DC suburb of Herkleton, Maryland. Their fun-filled escapades are only limited by their imaginations, as the simple creek becomes their playground -- embodying the spirit of childhood whimsy and lifelong friendship.
The show quickly developed a dedicated fanbase through its commitment to diversity, LGBTQ+ representation, and, overall, inclusive storytelling. Despite the show's popularity and accolades, it will not be renewed for a seventh season. Here's everything we know about why Craig of the Creek has been canceled.
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*Availability in US Release Date March 30, 2018 Cast Philip Solomon , Noel Wells , H. Michael Croner , Lucia Cunningham , Phil LaMarr , Zeno Robinson Seasons 6 No Official Statement from Cartoon Network Close
Cartoon Network never made any public announcements about why they wouldn't be continuing Craig of the Creek. No evidence suggests any controversies or poor ratings have resulted in the well-liked series' cancelation. Thus, most fans speculated that it simply reached a natural conclusion after a successful run.
However, the decision may primarily be the result of Warner Bros. Discovery (WBD) merger in April 2022. After the two companies combined, there were sweeping cutbacks to the animation projects they were set to produce. In October of the same year, the episode order for the fifth season was abruptly halved, ultimately shortening the show's final run and giving audiences the initial hint that it would soon come to an end entirely.
By December, co-creator Ben Levin confirmed that the merger was to blame on X:
"The infinite talents of the entire crew and cast made the Creek into a living, breathing world. The characters and spaces were rich and nuanced, and it felt like we could have explored them forever. And we certainly had more stories to tell, but, unfortunately, because of this merger, this is the end."
Although the showrunners were looking forward to keeping up with Craig and his crew, the company couldn't greenlight another season during their transitional period. However, the decision isn't an isolated one. Instead, it signifies a trend within the animation industry as a whole, where corporations are forced to cancel even shows that perform well due to monetary pressures, company restructuring, and refreshing program lineups to gain new viewership.
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Posts A Disappointing Loss: 'Craig of the Creek's' Inclusivity and LGBTQ+ Representation Close
Following Craig of the Creek's debut, viewers and critics both immediately praised the series' diverse cast of characters. The show features two Witches of the Creek, lesbian teenagers Tabitha (Karen Kilgariff) and Courtney (Georgia Hardstark), a non-binary character, Angel José, who was originally voiced by Angel Lorenzana, and several other LGBTQ+ additions throughout its run.
By including identities that are often excluded in children's entertainment, showrunners established a safe space on television for viewers from all backgrounds, promoting individuality by normalizing it. As a result, the series received two Daytime Emmy nominations, a GLAAD Media Award nomination, and the appreciation of fans who finally saw parts of themselves depicted onscreen. Thus, this isn't just another cancelation of a good story, but marks the grievous end of a show committed to progressive, and necessary, representation.
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Posts What Can Fans Expect Next? Close
Although Craig of the Creek's sixth and final season already premiered back in June, its last few episodes aren't set to air in the U.S. until Jan. 4, 2025, at 9 am EST. But that isn't the only thing audiences can get excited about. An animated prequel movie, Craig Before the Creek, was released by Cartoon Network back in 2023. The film goes back in time to show Craig as the new kid in town. Wanting to move back to his old home, he enters the nearby creek to find a fortune-teller to grant his wish -- the first journey that establishes the original series.
Another Craig of the Creek spin-off, Jessica's Big Little World, premiered on Cartoon Network's preschool block Cartoonito that same year. The show follows Craig's little sister, Jessica (Lucia Cunningham), presenting a younger perspective as she navigates the trials of early childhood. Unfortunately, the show has since been canceled due to similar WBD network-wide cuts. However, it still offers one season full of the same wild adventures, inclusivity, and fun of its predecessor for any Craig of the Creek fans who can't get enough.
Craig of the Creek is available to stream on Max and Hulu.