Adult Swim

Adult Swim (stylized as [adult swim] or [as]) is an American cable network that shares channel space with Cartoon Network, both of which are owned by Turner Broadcasting System, a division of Time Warner, Inc., every night from 8:00 p.m. until 6:00 a.m. ET/PT in the United States. The network is programmed by Williams Street Studios, a division of Turner Broadcasting System, which also developed two prior television programming blocks seen on Cartoon Network, Toonami (which later became a block on Adult Swim) and Miguzi.

Debuting as a programming block on Cartoon Network in 2001, Adult Swim was established as alternative programming during the late night hours when Cartoon Network's primary target audience, children and teenagers between the ages of 7–15, would normally be sleeping. Much of Adult Swim's general content is known for its risqué, unorthodox and often bizarre presentation, while many of the series features are developed in stark contrast with traditional American television programs. The network was granted its own Nielsen ratings report due to differing target demographics, and broadcasts in countries such as Australia and New Zealand. The block features stylistically varied animated and live-action shows including original programming, syndicated series, short films, OVAs, and Japanese anime, generally with minimal or no editing for content.

The name comes from a phrase used by public swimming pools to label designated times when children are restricted from using the facilities in favor of adults – "Adult Swim".

In the United States, Adult Swim has frequently aired recent or older adult animation features, Japanese anime, mockumentaries, sketch comedy, pilots and their subsequent short-lived series and spin-offs. Shows may have sexual themes, frank sexual discussion, nudity, strong language, and graphic violence. While the network features comedies and dramas of all types, many of its programs are aesthetically experimental, transgressive, improvised, and surreal in nature. Adult Swim has contracted with various studios – such as Williams Street, Augenblick Studios and PFFR – all of which are notable for their productions in absurd and shock comedy. As of 2024, Aqua Teen Hunger Force is the longest-running original series on the network.

In February 2015, Adult Swim was available to approximately 96,390,000 pay television households (82.8% of households with television) in the United States.