History of Adventure Time in Timeline

Share: FB Share X Share Reddit Share Reddit Share
Adventure Time

Adventure Time is an animated series that ran for eight seasons on Cartoon Network. Created by Pendleton Ward, it follows the adventures of Finn, a human boy, and Jake, his shape-shifting dog brother, in the post-apocalyptic Land of Ooo. They encounter various characters like Princess Bubblegum, the Ice King, Marceline, and BMO. The show, based on a popular 2007 short film, premiered in 2010 and concluded in 2018.

2006: Adventure Time Short Film Completion

The production of the seven-minute standalone Adventure Time short film, later recognized as the show's pilot, was finished in early 2006.

January 11, 2007: Adventure Time Short Film Premieres on Nicktoons Network

The Adventure Time short film was first broadcast on Nicktoons Network on January 11, 2007.

2007: Adventure Time Short Film Release

In 2007, the original Adventure Time short film, which later served as the pilot, was released.

2007: Release of Superbad

The comedy film Superbad, which inspired part of the Adventure Time title sequence, was released in 2007.

September 2008: Adventure Time First Season Approved

Cartoon Network approved the first season of Adventure Time in September 2008.

December 7, 2008: Adventure Time Short Film Re-airs on Random! Cartoons

The Adventure Time short film was re-broadcast as part of Frederator's anthology show Random! Cartoons on December 7, 2008.

2008: The Marvelous Misadventures of Flapjack Premiere

Pendleton Ward's previous work, The Marvelous Misadventures of Flapjack, premiered on Cartoon Network in 2008.

March 11, 2010: Adventure Time Preview

On March 11, 2010, Cartoon Network previewed the first episode of Adventure Time.

April 5, 2010: "Adventure Time" Officially Premieres

The animated series "Adventure Time" officially premiered on Cartoon Network on April 5, 2010, introducing the world to Finn, Jake, and the Land of Ooo.

2010: The Marvelous Misadventures of Flapjack Ends

The Marvelous Misadventures of Flapjack, which influenced Adventure Time's style, ended its run on Cartoon Network in 2010.

September 2011: Subtle LGBTQ+ Representation Sparks Fan Interest

The episode "What Was Missing", aired in September 2011, hinted at a romantic connection between Marceline and Princess Bubblegum, leading fans to speculate about their relationship.

September 27, 2011: My Two Favorite People DVD Release

On September 27, 2011, Cartoon Network released "My Two Favorite People," a DVD compilation featuring twelve episodes from the first two seasons of Adventure Time.

November 19, 2011: KaBoom! Studios Announces "Adventure Time" Comic Book Series

On November 19, 2011, KaBoom! Studios revealed their plans to launch a comic book series based on the popular animated show, "Adventure Time." The series would be penned by Ryan North, known for his work on "Dinosaur Comics."

February 8, 2012: "Adventure Time" Comic Book Series Launches

The "Adventure Time" comic book series debuted on February 8, 2012, featuring the artistic talents of Shelli Paroline and Braden Lamb.

March 2012: Pendleton Ward Announces "Adventure Time" Video Game

Pendleton Ward took to Twitter in March 2012 to announce the development of the first "Adventure Time" video game, building excitement among fans.

November 20, 2012: Release of "Adventure Time: Hey Ice King! Why'd You Steal Our Garbage?!!"

Gamers and fans were able to experience "Adventure Time" in a new way with the release of "Adventure Time: Hey Ice King! Why'd You Steal Our Garbage?!!" on November 20, 2012.

2012: It Came From the Nightosphere and Jake vs. Me-Mow DVD Releases

In 2012, Cartoon Network released two more DVD compilations, "It Came From the Nightosphere" and "Jake vs. Me-Mow," further capitalizing on the show's popularity.

2012: Adventure Time Tops Ratings for Boys 2-14

In 2012, a Nielsen report confirmed Adventure Time's dominance in its time slot, consistently ranking first among viewers aged 2-14, a testament to its growing popularity.

March 2013: Adventure Time Maintains High Viewership

By March 2013, Adventure Time had become a ratings success, averaging 2 to 3 million viewers per episode.

March 30, 2013: Adventure Time Season 1 Available on Netflix Instant Watch

Adventure Time expanded its reach on March 30, 2013, when the first season became available for streaming on Netflix Instant Watch.

July 21, 2013: Launch of "Cartoon Express" in Taiwan

Taiwan High Speed Rail and Cartoon Network teamed up for the launch of "Cartoon Express" on July 21, 2013, featuring characters from various Cartoon Network shows, including Finn and Jake.

July 22, 2013: Release of "The Adventure Time Encyclopaedia"

On July 22, 2013, fans were treated to "The Adventure Time Encyclopaedia," a comprehensive guide to the show's world, penned by comedian Martin Olson.

November 2013: Release of "Adventure Time: Explore the Dungeon Because I Don't Know!"

November 2013 saw the arrival of "Adventure Time: Explore the Dungeon Because I Don't Know!," offering another opportunity to explore the world of Ooo and its secrets.

2013: Critics Praise Adventure Time's Unique Style and Storytelling

In 2013, critics began to recognize and praise Adventure Time's unique blend of genres, humor, and storytelling, with many drawing comparisons to influential works and artists.

2013: Fionna and Cake and Jake the Dad DVD Releases

The year 2013 saw the release of two new DVD compilations, "Fionna and Cake" and "Jake the Dad," showcasing fan-favorite episodes.

March 30, 2014: Adventure Time Season 2 Added to Netflix Instant Watch

On March 30, 2014, the second season of Adventure Time joined the first on Netflix Instant Watch, giving fans access to more episodes.

April 11, 2014: Release of "Finn & Jake's Quest"

On April 11, 2014, "Finn & Jake's Quest" made its way to Steam, expanding the reach of the "Adventure Time" gaming universe.

June 23, 2014: Launch of "Adventure Time: Battle Party"

Cartoon Network launched "Adventure Time: Battle Party," a multiplayer online battle arena (MOBA) game, on their official site on June 23, 2014.

August 23, 2014: Sale of "Cartoon Express" Postcards Begins

As the "Cartoon Express" project gained popularity, commemorative postcards went on sale on August 23, 2014, allowing passengers to keep a piece of the experience.

September 9, 2014: Conclusion of "Cartoon Express" Project

After a successful run, the "Cartoon Express" project came to an end on September 9, 2014, leaving behind fond memories for those who had the chance to ride the specially decorated train.

October 3, 2014: Opening of Cartoon Network Amazone Waterpark in Thailand

October 3, 2014, saw the grand opening of Cartoon Network Amazone, a waterpark in Chonburi, Thailand, further solidifying the network's presence in Asia.

October 14, 2014: Publication of "The Art of Ooo"

Art enthusiasts and fans of the show were given a behind-the-scenes look with the release of "The Art of Ooo" on October 14, 2014.

October 2014: Ryan North Departs "Adventure Time" Comic Series

After a successful three-year run, Ryan North stepped down from his role as writer for the "Adventure Time" comic book series in October 2014.

November 2014: Pendleton Ward Steps Down from Storyline Writing

After November 2014, Pendleton Ward stopped regularly contributing to episode outlines, though he still occasionally provided input and storyboarded.

November 2014: Adventure Time Introduces "Bomb" Airing Format

In November 2014, Adventure Time shifted from its regular weekly airing schedule to a "bomb" format, premiering new episodes daily for a week. This change, while intended to offer more content, disrupted some fans' viewing habits.

November 18, 2014: Release of "Adventure Time: The Secret of the Nameless Kingdom"

On November 18, 2014, "Adventure Time: The Secret of the Nameless Kingdom" was released, allowing players to delve deeper into the mysteries of Ooo.

2014: Adventure Time's Growing Popularity at San Diego Comic-Con

Adventure Time's presence at the 2014 San Diego Comic-Con highlighted its growing popularity, with multiple screenings, voice actor panels, and a surge in cosplay.

2014: Four New DVD Compilations Released

The year 2014 was a busy one for Adventure Time DVD releases, with "The Suitor," "Princess Day," "Adventure Time and Friends," and "Finn the Human" all hitting the shelves.

February 2015: Reports of "Adventure Time" Theatrical Film in Development

Reports surfaced in February 2015 indicating that a theatrical "Adventure Time" film was in development, generating excitement among fans.

March 30, 2015: Adventure Time Removed from Netflix

Both seasons of Adventure Time were removed from Netflix on March 30, 2015.

April 2015: Release of "Adventure Time" DLC for "LittleBigPlanet 3"

Fans of both "Adventure Time" and "LittleBigPlanet 3" were treated to downloadable content in April 2015, allowing them to customize their experience with costumes and a level kit.

May 1, 2015: Adventure Time Becomes Available on Hulu

Adventure Time found a new streaming home on May 1, 2015, when it became available on Hulu.

October 6, 2015: Release of "Adventure Time: The Enchiridion & Marcy's Super Secret Scrapbook!!!"

A unique addition to the "Adventure Time" literary world, "Adventure Time: The Enchiridion & Marcy's Super Secret Scrapbook!!!" hit the shelves on October 6, 2015, offering a blend of lore and personal insights from Marceline's perspective.

October 2015: Release of "Finn & Jake Investigations"

In October 2015, "Finn & Jake Investigations" marked a visual shift for the "Adventure Time" game series by incorporating full 3D graphics.

October 2015: Adam Muto Confirms Pendleton Ward's Involvement in Potential Film

In October 2015, Adam Muto confirmed that Pendleton Ward was actively involved in developing the premise for a potential "Adventure Time" film.

November 20, 2015: Release of Marceline's Music on Vinyl

A limited-edition vinyl record featuring songs by Marceline the Vampire Queen was released on November 20, 2015.

2015: Stakes Miniseries Premiere

In 2015, Adventure Time debuted its first miniseries titled "Stakes" during its seventh season.

2015: Frost & Fire and The Enchiridion DVD Releases

In 2015, Cartoon Network released two more DVD compilations, "Frost & Fire" and "The Enchiridion," offering fans more ways to enjoy the show.

2015: Adventure Time and Philosophy Publication

The year 2015 marked the publication of "Adventure Time and Philosophy," edited by Nicolas Michaud, the first academic book to delve into the philosophical themes of the series.

March 11, 2016: Lego Announces Official "Adventure Time" Set

On March 11, 2016, Lego announced that an official "Adventure Time" set, based on an idea submitted through Lego Ideas, would be produced.

September 29, 2016: Adventure Time Ending Announcement

Cartoon Network announced on September 29, 2016, that Adventure Time would conclude in 2018 after its tenth season.

October 2016: Release of Official Adventure Time Soundtrack

An official soundtrack for the Adventure Time series, featuring 38 songs, was released in October 2016.

November 8, 2016: Release of "Cartoon Network: Battle Crashers"

Finn and Jake joined the roster of playable characters in "Cartoon Network: Battle Crashers," released on November 8, 2016.

November 2016: Final Storyline Meeting for "Adventure Time"

The writers of Adventure Time held their last storyline meeting in November 2016, marking a significant step towards the show's conclusion.

December 2016: Final Episode Pitch to Producers

The final episode of Adventure Time was pitched to the show's producers in December 2016, solidifying the series' ending.

2016: Stakes and Card Wars DVD Releases

Continuing its successful DVD release strategy, Cartoon Network released "Stakes" and "Card Wars" in 2016.

2016: Adventure Time Tops Facebook Likes Among Young Adults

In 2016, a study by The New York Times revealed that Adventure Time was most popular with young adults aged 18-24, based on Likes.

2016: Characters Featured in "Better Watch Out"

In the 2016 horror film "Better Watch Out," the characters Luke and Garrett discuss which "Adventure Time" characters they would choose in a game of "Fuck, Marry, Kill."

January 2017: Release of Official "Adventure Time" Lego Set

The official "Adventure Time" Lego set, a testament to the show's popularity and creative community, hit store shelves in January 2017.

January 31, 2017: Voice Recording for Series Finale Concludes

The voice recording for the final episode of Adventure Time was completed on January 31, 2017, signifying the near completion of the series.

July 18, 2017: Adventure Time Season 7 DVD Release

On July 18, 2017, the complete seventh season of Adventure Time was released on DVD, with a shortened episode count ending with "The Thin Yellow Line".

October 31, 2017: Nintendo Switch Release of "Cartoon Network: Battle Crashers"

October 31, 2017, marked the arrival of "Cartoon Network: Battle Crashers" on the Nintendo Switch, bringing the game to a new platform.

2017: Islands and Elements Miniseries Premieres

Adventure Time continued experimenting with the miniseries format in 2017, releasing "Islands" during its eighth season and "Elements" during its ninth season.

2017: Islands DVD Release

In 2017, Cartoon Network released the "Islands" DVD compilation, featuring the popular miniseries.

April 2018: "Adventure Time" Comic Book Series Concludes

The "Adventure Time" comic book series reached its conclusion in April 2018 with its seventy-fifth issue, marking the end of an era for fans.

July 2018: Release of "Adventure Time: Pirates of the Enchiridion"

July 2018 saw the release of "Adventure Time: Pirates of the Enchiridion," a game featuring the voices of the show's original cast.

July 22, 2018: Adam Muto Clarifies Status of "Adventure Time" Movie

On July 22, 2018, Adam Muto addressed rumors surrounding an "Adventure Time" movie, stating that no official announcement had been made.

August 31, 2018: Adam Muto Discusses Potential "Adventure Time" Movie

Adam Muto shed light on the potential for an "Adventure Time" movie on August 31, 2018, suggesting that while the series finale wouldn't directly lead into a film, the lore established in the show would need careful consideration.

September 3, 2018: Adventure Time Finale

On September 3, 2018, the Adventure Time series finale aired, marking the end of its eight-year run.

2018: Adventure Time Concludes Initial Run

After a successful run, the tenth season of Adventure Time marked the end of its initial broadcast in 2018. The show found a new home with reruns airing on Boomerang and Adult Swim.

2018: Portuguese Talk Show Uses "Adventure Time" Characters to Mock Eurovision Contestants

In 2018, a Portuguese talk show called "5 Para A Meia-Noite" sparked controversy when humorist Eduardo Madeira used Princess Bubblegum and Marceline to poke fun at Portugal's Eurovision Song Contest entrants.

April 30, 2019: Adventure Time: The Complete Series DVD Box Set Release

Fans were treated to a complete series box set on April 30, 2019, when the entire Adventure Time saga was made available on DVD.

October 23, 2019: Announcement of "Adventure Time: Distant Lands"

Cartoon Network announced on October 23, 2019, that four hour-long Adventure Time specials, collectively titled "Distant Lands," would be released on HBO Max.

July 2020: Exploring the Land of Ooo Publication

In July 2020, Paul Thomas released "Exploring the Land of Ooo," a detailed account of Adventure Time's production history.

2020: Premiere of "Adventure Time: Distant Lands" Specials

The first episodes of the "Adventure Time: Distant Lands" specials were released on HBO Max in 2020.

2020: "BMO" Premieres Worldwide

Throughout 2020, "BMO" debuted in various countries and regions on Cartoon Network channels worldwide, expanding the Adventure Time universe to new audiences.

January 1, 2021: "BMO" Premieres in South Korea

On January 1, 2021, "BMO," the first special from the spin-off series Adventure Time: Distant Lands, premiered in South Korea.

August 17, 2021: "Adventure Time: Fionna and Cake" Spin-off Announced

A new spin-off series, "Adventure Time: Fionna and Cake", focusing on the popular gender-swapped characters, was announced on August 17, 2021.

2023: Expanded Edition of Exploring the Land of Ooo Released

In 2023, an updated and expanded version of Paul Thomas's "Exploring the Land of Ooo" was released by the University Press of Mississippi.