The news is devastating for animation fans: Warner Brothers has pulled its entire collection of classic Looney Tunes shorts from HBO Max. These iconic shorts, spanning nearly 40 years (1930-1969), represent a golden age of animation and are undeniably foundational to Warner Brothers' success.
HBO Max's decision, confirmed by Deadline, cites a company-wide shift to prioritize adult and family programming. Children's content, apparently, doesn't generate sufficient streaming numbers to justify its continued presence, regardless of cultural significance. This mirrors their 2024 cancellation of the Sesame Street deal, despite the show's long-standing importance in childhood education. While some newer Looney Tunes spin-offs remain, the core of the franchise is gone from HBO Max.
This move is particularly perplexing given the recent theatrical release of The Day the Earth Blew Up: A Looney Tunes Story on March 14th. Initially an HBO Max project, the film was sold to Ketchup Entertainment after the WB and Discovery merger. The film's modest box office performance (just over $3 million opening weekend in over 2,800 theaters) suggests a limited marketing budget.
The controversy surrounding last year's shelved Coyote Vs. Acme film adds another layer to this situation. Warner Brothers Discovery's decision not to release that completed film, due to perceived high distribution costs, sparked widespread outrage among artists and animation enthusiasts. In February, star Will Forte famously called the decision "f—king bulls—t," expressing his anger and bewilderment at the inexplicable choice.
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