Looney Tunes Shorts Axed from HBO Max Amid Movie Premiere

Warner Brothers' decision to remove its entire catalog of original Looney Tunes shorts from HBO Max has left fans and animation enthusiasts devastated. These legendary shorts, which ran from 1930 to 1969, represent a "golden age" of animation and were instrumental in building the studio's reputation. The removal is part of a broader strategy to focus on adult and family programming, as children's content reportedly does not drive significant viewership on the platform. This move disregards the cultural significance of the Looney Tunes series, which has been a cornerstone of entertainment for nearly a century.

The decision to prioritize different content types is evident in other recent moves by HBO Max. At the end of 2024, the service canceled its deal with "Sesame Street" for new episodes, despite the show's longstanding 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.

This comes at an odd juncture, as "The Day the Earth Blew Up: A Looney Tunes Story" premiered in theaters on March 14. Initially ordered by Max, the film was sold to Ketchup Entertainment following the Warner Brothers and Discovery merger. The smaller distributor's limited marketing budget has resulted in the film earning just over $3 million during its opening weekend across more than 2,800 theaters nationwide.

The timing is particularly poignant given the public outcry over the handling of "Coyote Vs. Acme" last year. Warner Brothers Discovery opted not to release the completed film, citing distribution costs as too high. The decision sparked widespread criticism from the artistic community and animation fans. Actor Will Forte, who starred in "Coyote Vs. Acme," publicly denounced the decision as "f—king bulls—t," expressing his frustration and anger over the studio's choice.

The removal of the classic Looney Tunes shorts and the mishandling of recent projects underscore a troubling shift in Warner Brothers' approach to its animation legacy, leaving many to wonder about the future of these beloved characters and stories.