The recent decision by Warner Brothers to remove its entire catalog of original Looney Tunes shorts from HBO Max has left fans and animation enthusiasts reeling. These iconic shorts, which spanned from 1930 to 1969, represent a "golden age" of animation and have been fundamental in shaping Warner Brothers' legacy. The removal is part of a broader initiative to focus on adult and family programming, as children's content reportedly does not attract significant viewership on the platform. This move, however, seems to overlook the cultural significance of these classic animations.
In a surprising turn of events, HBO Max also canceled its deal with "Sesame Street" for new episodes at the end of 2024. "Sesame Street," a cornerstone of childhood education since 1969, is another casualty of this shift in content strategy. While some newer Looney Tunes spinoffs remain available, the core essence of the franchise has been stripped from the service.
This decision comes at an odd juncture, coinciding 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 following the Warner Brothers and Discovery merger. The film's distribution by a smaller company with limited marketing resources has resulted in a modest box office performance, earning just over $3 million during its opening weekend across more than 2,800 theaters.
The timing is particularly poignant given the backlash over the handling of "Coyote Vs. Acme" last year. Warner Brothers Discovery opted not to release this completed Looney Tunes film, citing high distribution costs. The decision sparked widespread criticism from the artistic community and fans alike. Actor Will Forte, who starred in the film, expressed his frustration, describing the choice as "f—king bulls—t" and stating that it made his "blood boil."
The removal of the Looney Tunes classics from HBO Max and the mishandling of recent projects highlight a troubling trend for fans of this beloved franchise. As Warner Brothers shifts its focus, the legacy of Looney Tunes hangs in the balance, leaving many to wonder about the future of these cherished animations.
