Looney Tunes Shorts Removed from HBO Max Amid Movie Release

Warner Brothers' decision to remove its entire catalog of original Looney Tunes shorts from HBO Max has left fans devastated. These iconic shorts, which ran from 1930 to 1969, represent a "golden age" of animation and have been instrumental in shaping the studio's legacy. The move is part of a broader strategy to focus on adult and family programming, as children's content reportedly does not attract significant viewership on the platform. This shift in priorities seemingly overlooks the cultural significance of the Looney Tunes series.

The removal of these classic shorts comes at a particularly poignant time, as HBO Max also canceled its deal with Sesame Street for new episodes at the end of 2024. Despite Sesame Street's foundational role in childhood education since 1969, it too has fallen victim to the streamer's new focus. While some newer Looney Tunes spinoffs remain available, the essence of the franchise has been stripped away.

This decision is especially jarring given the recent release of the new Looney Tunes film, The Day the Earth Blew Up: A Looney Tunes Story, which hit theaters on March 14. Originally commissioned by Max, the project was sold to Ketchup Entertainment following the Warner Brothers and Discovery merger. With a limited marketing budget, the film has only managed to earn slightly over $3 million at the box office during its opening weekend, despite being shown in over 2,800 theaters nationwide.

The timing of these moves is particularly baffling in light of the backlash Warner Brothers faced over last year's Coyote Vs. Acme. The completed film was shelved due to distribution costs, sparking widespread criticism from the animation community. Actor Will Forte, who starred in the film, expressed his frustration, calling the decision "f—king bulls—t" and noting that it made his "blood boil."

The removal of the Looney Tunes shorts from HBO Max, coupled with the mishandling of recent projects, underscores a troubling trend for fans and creators alike. As Warner Brothers continues to prioritize certain demographics over others, the legacy of one of animation's most beloved franchises hangs in the balance.