Adult Swim is an American adult-oriented television programming block that airs on Cartoon Network during the evening, prime time, and late-night hours. It features a variety of animated and live-action series aimed at adult audiences, including comedies, action series, and experimental or surrealist content. The block launched on September 2, 2001, and is known for shows like "Rick and Morty," "Aqua Teen Hunger Force," and "Robot Chicken." It originally aired late at night but has expanded to earlier evening hours over time

. The name "Adult Swim" originates from the practice at public swimming pools where a designated time is reserved for adults to swim without children present, symbolizing a shift from children's programming to adult content on the channel

. On social media platforms like TikTok, "Adult Swim" or "AS" has become a trend where users create creative videos inspired by the distinctive bumpers (short interstitials) that Adult Swim uses between shows or commercials

. In summary, Adult Swim refers to a late-night programming block on Cartoon Network dedicated to adult viewers, featuring mature and often unconventional animated and live-action shows, with its name metaphorically linked to adult- only swim times at pools