Shows That Almost Aired on Toonami

The following is a list of shows that Cartoon Network either attempted to license, or expressed interest in licensing for the purpose of airing on the Toonami programming block from 1997 to 2008. In addition, shows that were licensed by Cartoon Network for the purpose of airing on Toonami but ended up airing elsewhere on the network (i.e. Adult Swim, Saturday Video Entertainment System (SVES)) are also included. Shows that fans thought would/should air on Toonami are not included unless there is confirmation from a reliable source that Cartoon Network/Toonami actually had interest in it.

Licensed/Owned by Cartoon Network

 * Blue Gender - The series was acquired by Cartoon Network in early 2003 and was under consideration for the Toonami block. However, the series was deemed to be a better fit for Adult Swim by the licensor Funimation.
 * Centipede - The series, based on the Atari classic, was green-lit by Cartoon Network and was announced at the CN upfronts in March of 2000. It would have been the first original series produced specifically for Toonami, but it never got past the development phase of production and the idea was ultimately scrapped.
 * Cowboy Bebop - Williams Street tried in vain for years to get the series on Toonami but it was deemed too adult for the afternoon block. However, it was perfect for Adult Swim and was the first anime aired on the block when it launched in 2001. The series eventually aired on Adult Swim's Toonami block.
 * Gundam 0083 - Cartoon Network acquired the series, along with Gundam 0080, and originally intended to air it on Toonami in 2001. However, the series was delayed and instead premiered on Adult Swim's new anime block Adult Swim Action on February 23, 2002.
 * InuYasha - The series was licensed by Cartoon Network and was considered for Toonami; however, Williams Street decided that it would have to be heavily edited for language, violence, and gore to air during the afternoon. The series instead aired on Adult Swim and later on Adult Swim's Toonami block.
 * Knights of the Zodiac - 40 episodes of the series were acquired by Cartoon Network in June of 2003 and were rumored to be slated for Toonami; however, it instead aired exclusively on SVES when it premiered on August 30, 2003.
 * Martian Successor Nadesico - The series aired as part of Giant Robot Week and was considered for Toonami but did not receive great ratings. Jason DeMarco has named the series as "one that got away".
 * Megaman NT Warrior - The series was slated to stream on Toonami Jetstream; however, Jetstream ceased functions before it could.
 * Neon Genesis Evangelion - The series aired as part of Giant Robot Week and was considered for Toonami but would have had to be heavily edited and did not receive great ratings. The series later aired on Adult Swim. Jason DeMarco has named the series as "one that got away".
 * Pilot Candidate - Cartoon Network acquired the series and originally intended to air it on Toonami in 2001. As such, it was was heavily edited, including the removal of nudity, violence, tobacco use, and religious references. However, the series was delayed and instead premiered on Adult Swim's new anime block Adult Swim Action on February 23, 2002.
 * Record of Lodoss War - The series was streamed on Toonami Reactor and was considered for Toonami but nothing ever materialized. Jason DeMarco has named the series as "one that got away".
 * Trigun - Licensor Pioneer offered the series for Toonami but it was deemed too mature for the afternoon block due to the high amount of gun use. However it aired on Adult Swim shortly thereafter and also made a brief appearance on Toonami during the April fools Prank in 2012.
 * X-Men: Evolution - According to Jason DeMarco, the series was never made available to Cartoon Network's Toonami block despite airing on the network for several years.
 * Zoids: Genesis - The series was slated to stream on Toonami Jetstream; however, Jetstream ceased functions before it could.

Cartoon Network Expressed Interest

 * After War Gundam X - Williams Street tried to license the series following the success of Gundam Wing but were denied by the licensor Sunrise who insisted on the original Mobile Suit Gundam and Mobile Suit Gundam: The 08th MS Team instead.
 * Escaflowne - Sean Akins, co-creator and producer of Toonami, expressed interest in the series in 2000; however, FOX Kids snatched up the rights immediately thereafter. The series was ultimately cancelled by FOX before it completed its run.
 * Excel Saga - Jason DeMarco has said that Cartoon Network tried to acquire the rights from ADV but were unable to come to an agreement.
 * Giant Robo: The Day the Earth Stood - Jason DeMarco revealed on episode 7 of Toonami: Pre-Flight that they tried to get the series on Toonami as part of Giant Robot Week but Williams Street and ADV couldn't come to terms.
 * Initial D - Jason DeMarco has said that Cartoon Network was interested in acquiring the rights but were unable to come to an agreement.
 * LAIN - Jason DeMarco has named the series as "one that got away".
 * Magic Knight Rayearth - The producers of Toonami expressed interest in the series in 2000; however, FOX Kids snatched up the rights immediately thereafter but never aired the series.
 * Nadia Secret of Blue Water - Jason DeMarco tried very hard to license the series from ADV at some point (likely 2002) but the two sides could not come to an agreement. The series never aired on American television but was available on demand from the Anime Network which launched in 2003.
 * Ranma 1/2 - Jason DeMarco has named the series as "one that got away".
 * Slam Dunk - Jason DeMarco revealed on an episode of Toonami: Pre-Flight that they contemplated getting the series on Toonami but decided against it due to U.S. audiences' general negative reaction towards sports-related series at the time.
 * Slayers - The producers of Toonami expressed interest in the series in 2000; however, FOX Kids snatched up the rights immediately thereafter but never aired the series.
 * Turn A Gundam - Williams Street tried to license the series following the success of Gundam Wing but were denied by the licensor Sunrise who insisted on the original Mobile Suit Gundam and Mobile Suit Gundam: The 08th MS Team instead.