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 is a significant blow to fans and animation enthusiasts alike. These legendary shorts, produced from 1930 to 1969, represent a "golden age" of animation and played a pivotal role in establishing Warner Brothers as a powerhouse in the entertainment industry. The removal is part of a broader strategy to focus on adult and family programming, as children's content reportedly does not attract substantial viewership on the platform. This move comes despite the cultural significance of the Looney Tunes series, which has been a cornerstone of animation history.

The decision to prioritize other content over the Looney Tunes shorts is particularly striking given the timing. At the end of 2024, HBO Max also canceled its deal with Sesame Street for new episodes, a program that has been fundamental to childhood education since 1969. While some newer Looney Tunes spinoffs remain available on HBO Max, the absence of the original shorts means that the core essence of the Looney Tunes franchise is no longer accessible on the platform.

This development coincides with the release of the new film, "The Day the Earth Blew Up: A Looney Tunes Story," which hit theaters on March 14. Initially ordered by Max, the project was sold to Ketchup Entertainment through the American Film Market following the Warner Brothers and Discovery merger. The film's distribution by a smaller company with a limited marketing budget has resulted in modest box office returns, with earnings just over $3 million during its opening weekend across more than 2,800 theaters nationwide.

The treatment of "The Day the Earth Blew Up" echoes the controversy surrounding "Coyote Vs. Acme," another Looney Tunes film that Warner Brothers Discovery opted not to release last year, citing high distribution costs despite the film being complete. The decision not to release "Coyote Vs. Acme" sparked widespread criticism from the artistic community and animation fans. Actor Will Forte, a star in the film, described the decision as "f—king bulls—t" and expressed his frustration and anger over the choice not to share the completed work with audiences.

The removal of the Looney Tunes shorts from HBO Max, coupled with the handling of recent Looney Tunes projects, highlights a troubling trend for fans of this iconic franchise. It underscores the challenges of balancing commercial interests with the preservation and celebration of cultural treasures.