Historic Looney Tunes Shorts Removed From HBO Max on Looney Tunes Movie Opening Weekend

Warner Bros.' decision to remove the entire catalog of original Looney Tunes shorts from HBO Max has left fans and animation enthusiasts reeling. These iconic shorts, which ran from 1930 to 1969, represent a "golden age" of animation and have been instrumental in shaping the identity of Warner Bros.

According to Deadline, this move is part of a broader strategy to focus on adult and family programming, as children's content is not seen as a priority due to lower viewership numbers. This decision seems to overlook the cultural significance of these shorts. Notably, HBO also ended its deal with Sesame Street for new episodes at the end of 2024, despite its longstanding role in early childhood education since 1969. While some newer Looney Tunes spinoffs remain on the platform, the essence of the franchise has been stripped away.

This development is particularly jarring given the recent release of "The Day the Earth Blew Up: A Looney Tunes Story" in theaters on March 14. Originally commissioned by Max, the project was sold to Ketchup Entertainment following the Warner Bros. 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 events is curious, especially considering the public backlash over Warner Bros. Discovery's decision not to release "Coyote Vs. Acme" last year, citing high distribution costs despite the film being fully completed. The move sparked significant criticism from the animation community, with actor Will Forte labeling it "f—king bulls—t" and expressing his frustration and anger over the decision in February.

The removal of the Looney Tunes classics from HBO Max, coupled with the underwhelming release of "The Day the Earth Blew Up," suggests a troubling trend for the future of this beloved franchise.