Sam Register is stepping down as the long-serving President of Warner Bros. Animation, Cartoon Network Studios, and Hanna-Barbera Studios Europe after an 18-year run running the animation division, according to an internal memo sent by Warner Bros. Television Group Chairman and CEO Channing Dungey. The departure arrives as Register and the studio mutually agreed not to renew his contract, which concludes at the end of the week.
An Unexpected Studio Exit
In her memo to staff, Dungey acknowledged that the change caught personnel off guard, writing that she knew the update came as a surprise and that teams had a lot to digest. Dungey praised Register as a great talent and thanked him for his contributions to the studio’s animation efforts.
Register pointed to a desire to transition into a new phase of his career. According to his statement included in Dungey’s memo, Register stated that it was time to move onto the next chapter in his life while expressing gratitude for Dungey’s support. Register added that it had been an amazing ride and that he looked forward to exploring future possibilities.
Basic cable audiences have steadily declined while HBO Max has pulled back on original programming targeted at kids and family genres, shrinking the footprint of Register’s oversight compared to prior years.
Legacy and Leadership Across Iconic Franchises
During his nearly two decades leading Warner Bros. Animation, Register oversaw a massive catalog of television series and digital projects. Shows produced under his direction include Looney Tunes Cartoons, the Animaniacs revival, Harley Quinn, Young Justice, Teen Titans, Teen Titans Go!, Ben 10, The Looney Tunes Show, and Scooby-Doo: Mystery Incorporated.
Register’s career with the company began in the late 1990s at Cartoon Network, where he helped launch the network’s official website. His influence in the medium ran deep enough that DC Comics eventually named a character in the Teen Titans comics after him. Following his initial production deal, Register added Cartoon Network Studios to his portfolio in 2020 and Hanna-Barbera Studios Europe the following year.
Interim Structure and Future Uncertainty
While studio executives initiate a search for a permanent replacement, daily operations will be divided among current leadership. Matt Matzkin will continue to manage Business Operations, according to Dungey’s memo. Meanwhile, creative department heads will maintain oversight of their respective divisions: Jay Bastian leads Current Series, Jason DeMarco handles Anime & Action Series, Audrey Diehl manages Kids & Family, Sarah Fell oversees Hanna-Barbera Studios in the UK, Peter Girardi directs Alternative Programming and Adult series, and Sammy Perlmutter manages Long Form & Specials.
Warner Bros. Discovery faces a pending acquisition by Paramount, which maintains its own distinct animation division and executive hierarchy.