In 1997, which Cartoon Network cartoon aired repeatedly from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m.?

In 1997, Cartoon Network repeatedly aired Happy-Go-Nutty from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. as an April Fools' stunt.

The cartoon was a 1944 Tex Avery short featuring Screwy Squirrel, a wildly destructive character whose manic energy suited the stunt perfectly. Cartoon Network presented the unusual schedule as though the network had been taken over by Screwy Squirrel, then ran the same short for 12 consecutive hours instead of its normal programming.

The prank is an example of broadcast stunting: deliberately altering a channel’s schedule to surprise, confuse or amuse viewers. Because Cartoon Network’s cable providers had not all been told about the stunt, some viewers reportedly complained to their providers, who had to field questions about the apparent programming failure.

The alternatives are also famous theatrical cartoons, but none was the 1997 marathon title. One Froggy Evening, What’s Opera, Doc? and Duck Amuck are associated with Warner Bros. animation, while Happy-Go-Nutty is a Tex Avery Screwy Squirrel cartoon. Cartoon Network later developed a broader tradition of April Fools’ schedule disruptions, especially through Adult Swim.