Naruto > Toonami Guide > Naruto on Toonami

On 10 September 2005, Naruto had its hour-long premiere in the U.S. on Cartoon Network's Toonami. The first and second episodes were shown from 9:00 - 10:00, and an hour-long encore was shown from 10:00 - 11:00PM. Leading up to the series' English-language premiere, many fans expressed fears that it would receive a treatment similar to that of One Piece, which was heavily edited and Americanized for broadcast in North America (bringing it to a child-safe TV-Y7 rating). Surprisingly, though, Naruto was aired at the rating level of TV-PG rather than the TV-Y7 rating, which is somewhat atypical for Toonami, but not unheard-of. Many elements that were expected to be edited out of the broadcast version were left in, such as slight language you wouldn't normally hear on Toonami (the shouting of "You pervert!" and "This sucks!"), references to alcoholism and mild sexual situations and Japanese cultural differences (including food and Japanese-language writing), and even the battles, some which included blood left unedited; many of these elements are not normal for a block aimed at pre-teens.

It is expected that Cartoon Network will continue to take these risks, at least for the time being. This is not the first time the network has done this; the uncut broadcast of Dragon Ball Z features many of the same elements.

There are fans that watched the subtitled (see Fansubs) original Japanese version of Naruto, who do not like the English version of Naruto played on Cartoon Network. The primary complaint of these fans is the choice of voice actors. Most of the voices were met with much acceptance. However, Sakura and Naruto's voices have been widely criticized.

It should be noted that not everyone share these same views. Studio Pierrot has said that they prefer many of the English VAs to the Japanese cast. When comparing the voice acting of the Japanese version and the American version, it is disputed whether one is inferior to the other, or whether the fans who watched the Japanese version are not used to the voices of the American version.

Also, the alteration of the opening and especially closing themes to loud, pop-heavy, and shortened themes annoys many loyal fans of the ever popular J-pop/J-rock Naruto soundtrack. On a side note many fans were pleased that the background music in the episodes was kept in.

Click here to visit the official Cartoon Network site!

About Toonami & Cartoon Network

Toonami is part of Cartoon Network, which is currently seen in 87.3 million U.S. homes and 160 countries around the world, and is Turner Broadcasting System, Inc.’s 24-hour, ad-supported cable service offering the best in animated entertainment.  Drawing from the world’s largest cartoon library, Cartoon Network showcases unique original ventures such as Foster’s Home for Imaginary Friends, Codename: Kids Next Door, Teen Titans, The Grim Adventures of Billy & Mandy, The Powerpuff Girls, Samurai Jack, Ed, Edd n Eddy and other Cartoon Cartoons.  Cartoon Network also features Adult Swim, its signature late- night block of animation for grown-ups.  Since its launch in 1992, Cartoon Network has remained one of ad-supported cable’s highest-rated networks. Cartoon Network’s Web site is located at www.CartoonNetwork.com.