In a move that has left many fans heartbroken, Warner Brothers has officially removed its entire catalog of original Looney Tunes shorts from HBO Max. These legendary shorts, which spanned from 1930 to 1969, represent what is often referred to as the "golden age" of animation. It's undeniable that these shorts played a pivotal role in shaping Warner Brothers into the powerhouse it is today.
According to Deadline, this decision aligns with the company's strategy to "prioritize adult and family programming." The reasoning behind this is that children's programming does not draw significant viewership on the streaming platform, thus no longer being a priority. This decision appears to overlook the immense cultural significance of the Looney Tunes. For instance, at the end of 2024, HBO canceled its deal with Sesame Street for new episodes, despite the series being a cornerstone of childhood education since 1969. While some newer Looney Tunes spinoffs remain available on HBO Max, the core essence of the franchise has been stripped away.
The timing of this decision is particularly odd, given that the new film, The Day the Earth Blew Up: A Looney Tunes Story, premiered in theaters on March 14. Initially commissioned by Max, the project was sold to Ketchup Entertainment through the American Film Market following the Warner Brothers and Discovery merger. Ketchup Entertainment, a smaller distribution company, managed the film with a limited marketing budget. Consequently, the movie has only earned slightly over $3 million during its opening weekend, despite being shown in over 2,800 theaters across the nation.
The public's reaction to last year's handling of Coyote Vs. Acme suggests that there would be a strong demand for The Day the Earth Blew Up if only people were aware of its theatrical release. Warner Brothers Discovery's choice to shelve Coyote Vs. Acme—a completed Looney Tunes film—over distribution cost concerns has been widely criticized. The decision not to release the film has been met with significant backlash from both artists and animation enthusiasts. In February, actor Will Forte publicly condemned the move, calling it "f—king bulls—t" and expressing his frustration and anger over what he saw as an inexplicable choice.
