Looney Tunes Shorts Pulled from HBO Max Amid Movie Release

The removal of the entire catalog of original Looney Tunes shorts from HBO Max by Warner Brothers is a significant blow to fans and animation enthusiasts alike. These iconic shorts, which ran from 1930 to 1969, represent a "golden age" of animation and have been instrumental in shaping the legacy of Warner Brothers. Yet, in a move that seems to overlook their cultural importance, Warner Brothers has decided to prioritize adult and family programming over children's content, which they believe does not attract sufficient viewership.

This shift in focus is evident in other decisions as well. For instance, at the end of 2024, HBO canceled its deal with Sesame Street for new episodes, despite its long-standing role in 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, leaving fans disheartened.

The timing of this decision is particularly puzzling, coinciding with the release of the new film, The Day the Earth Blew Up: A Looney Tunes Story, which debuted in theaters on March 14. Originally commissioned by Max, the project was sold to Ketchup Entertainment after the Warner Brothers and Discovery merger. With a modest marketing budget, the film has only managed to earn just over $3 million at the box office during its opening weekend across more than 2,800 theaters nationwide.

The outcry over the treatment of last year's Coyote Vs. Acme, which Warner Brothers Discovery decided not to release despite its completion, has left many wondering if greater awareness of The Day the Earth Blew Up could have filled theater seats. The decision not to release Coyote Vs. Acme was met with widespread criticism from the artistic community. In February, star Will Forte expressed his frustration, calling the decision "f—king bulls—t" and stating that it was both inexplicable and infuriating.