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Naruto on Cartoon Network

Worldwide Sensation Naruto Makes Cartoon Network Debut in September
U.S. Debut of Popular Animé Series on Saturday, Sept. 10, at 9 p.m. (ET, PT) during
Cartoon Network's Action Block, Toonami

Naruto, the global hit animé series centering around Uzumaki Naruto, a rebellious ninja in training, makes its U.S. debut on Saturday, Sept. 10, at 9 p.m. (ET, PT) during Toonami, Cartoon Network's high-rated action block. The series has already acquired a huge fan base in the U.S. through DVD sales and bootleg tapes, having first aired in Japan in 2002. Its debut on Cartoon Network will mark the first time the series has been shown in English.

The story of Naruto begins 12 years ago, when the evil Nine Tailed Fox demon terrorized The Hidden Leaf Village. The Fourth Lord Hokage sacrificed himself to seal the demon inside the body of a baby, bringing the decimation to an end. For fear that the boy, Naruto, would abuse the powers inside him and release the demon within, a rule was made that forbad anyone to tell him that he possessed the spirit of the Nine Tailed Fox. Raised as an orphan and with no one believing in him, Naruto grew up unaware of the reason that the villagers shunned him.

Now a teenager, Naruto attempts to earn the respect of the villagers by training to become the Village Hokage, the top ninja in the village. As a student at the ninja academy, he is earnest and hardworking, yet clumsy. As Naruto develops as a ninja, he must learn to control his special powers to become the respected master ninja.

Naruto has reached a level of underground fandom comparable to the Dragon Ball phenomenon in both the U.S. and abroad. We are excited and honored to present Toonami fans with the compelling characters, story arcs and incredible action that have made Naruto an international sensation,” said Bob Higgins, senior vice president of programming for Cartoon Network.

Naruto is an adaptation of the popular manga series Naruto created by Masahi Kishimoto. Cartoon Network has acquired 52 episodes of the animé series that will air during Toonami, Cartoon Network's Saturday prime time action block.

Cartoon Network (CartoonNetwork.com), currently seen in 88.1 million U.S. homes and 160 countries around the world, is Turner Broadcasting System, Inc.'s ad-supported cable service offering the best in original, acquired and classic animated entertainment for kids and families. Overnight from 11 p.m.-6 a.m. (ET, PT), Cartoon Network shares its channel space with Adult Swim, a late-night destination showcasing original and acquired animation for young adults 18-34.

Turner Broadcasting System, Inc., a Time Warner company, is a major producer of news and entertainment product around the world and the leading provider of programming for the basic cable industry.

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