Warner Brothers has made a decision that's leaving fans of classic animation feeling like they've been hit with a cartoon anvil: the entire catalog of original Looney Tunes shorts, spanning from 1930 to 1969, has been removed from HBO Max. These shorts, which defined a "golden age" for animation, played a pivotal role in establishing Warner Brothers as a powerhouse in the entertainment industry.
According to Deadline, this move is part of a broader strategy to focus on adult and family programming, as children's content reportedly doesn't drive significant viewership numbers for the streaming service. This shift in focus seemingly overlooks the cultural significance of the Looney Tunes series. For instance, at the end of 2024, HBO also chose not to renew its deal with Sesame Street for new episodes, despite its longstanding contribution to childhood education since 1969. While some newer Looney Tunes spinoffs are still available on HBO Max, the essence of the franchise has been stripped away.
The timing of this decision is particularly puzzling, as it coincides with the theatrical release of "The Day the Earth Blew Up: A Looney Tunes Story" on March 14. Initially commissioned by Max, the film was sold to Ketchup Entertainment following the Warner Brothers and Discovery merger. With a modest marketing budget from the smaller distributor, the movie only managed to pull in just over $3 million during its opening weekend, despite being shown in over 2,800 theaters nationwide.
The recent controversy surrounding "Coyote Vs. Acme," another completed Looney Tunes film that Warner Brothers Discovery chose not to release due to distribution costs, may have influenced public sentiment. The decision not to release "Coyote Vs. Acme" last year sparked widespread frustration among artists and animation enthusiasts. Actor Will Forte, who starred in the film, expressed his strong disapproval, calling the decision "f—king bulls—t" and stating it "made [his] blood boil" due to its inexplicability.
This series of events suggests a disconnect between Warner Brothers' strategic decisions and the desires of its audience, particularly those who cherish the legacy of Looney Tunes.
