In the 80's Nickelodeon was basically the only kids network then. They would mostly show Third Party children's animated entertainment(back then, Nick Jr. show Kodomomuke Anime), as well as show original shows(live-action and game shows then), It wasn't until the 90's that the network decided to showcase 3 original, stand-alone animated shows(I guess to avoid third party license).
In 1992, a new network brocasted to dedicated itseft to classic cartoons(mostly and mainly William Hanna and Joe Barbera Fiction). While Cartoon Network was showcasting then, Nickelodeon was alreadly getting new material. In 1995, Cartoon Network decided to let new generation cartoonists to showcase their shorts one-by-one to see if they are worthy to be a Cartoon Network Original. Back then, they were called "World Primere Toons." Eventually, 1 short did get it's own show(It was the first World Primere Toon(or What-A-Cartoon) shown on the list). Later, 2 more were added.
While CN had 3(4 if you want to count The What-A-Cartoon Show) Cartoon Cartoons(what they were called then, before they scrub that name), Nick already had 8 Nicktoons(what they were called and still are) in that process. More from each side were added, and the rest is history(it also went downhill for both later).
I always saw a war going on between them. The "Marvel VS DC" of children's animated network. The FOX Kids VS Old Kids WB, then.The McDonalds VD Burger King. You get my picture.
Is their still a rivalry going on? Is anyone picking favorites?