Looney Tunes Shorts Removed from HBO Max Amid Movie Release

Warner Brothers' decision to remove the entire catalog of original Looney Tunes shorts from HBO Max has left fans and animation enthusiasts reeling. These iconic shorts, produced from 1930 to 1969, represent a "golden age" of animation and have been fundamental to Warner Brothers' legacy.

According to Deadline, this move is part of a broader strategy to focus on adult and family programming, as children's content reportedly does not attract significant viewership. This shift in priorities seemingly overlooks the cultural importance of the Looney Tunes series. The decision echoes the cancellation of new episodes of Sesame Street at the end of 2024, a show that has been a cornerstone of childhood education since 1969. While some newer Looney Tunes spinoffs remain available on HBO Max, the absence of the original shorts marks a significant loss for the franchise.

This development is particularly striking given the recent release of "The Day the Earth Blew Up: A Looney Tunes Story" in theaters on March 14. Initially greenlit by Max, the film was sold to Ketchup Entertainment after the Warner Brothers and Discovery merger. With a modest marketing budget, the movie managed only a little over $3 million at the box office during its opening weekend, despite being shown in over 2,800 theaters nationwide.

The timing is especially poignant considering the backlash over last year's handling of "Coyote Vs. Acme." Warner Brothers Discovery opted not to release the completed film, citing high distribution costs. This decision has sparked outrage among artists and animation fans, with star Will Forte describing it as "f—king bulls—t" and expressing his frustration and anger over the choice to shelve the film.

The removal of the Looney Tunes shorts from HBO Max, coupled with the lukewarm reception to "The Day the Earth Blew Up," underscores a challenging period for the beloved franchise. Fans are left hoping that the cultural significance of these animations will eventually be recognized and preserved.