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

The removal of Warner Brothers' entire catalog of original Looney Tunes shorts from HBO Max is a significant blow to fans and animation enthusiasts alike. These iconic shorts, which ran from 1930 to 1969, represent a golden era of animation and were instrumental in establishing Warner Brothers as a powerhouse in the entertainment industry. However, in a move that prioritizes adult and family programming over children's content, HBO Max has decided to part ways with these culturally significant animations. This decision comes on the heels of HBO's 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 on the platform, the essence of the franchise has been stripped away.

This development is particularly jarring given the recent release of the new Looney Tunes film, "The Day the Earth Blew Up: A Looney Tunes Story," which hit theaters on March 14. Originally commissioned by Max, the film was sold to Ketchup Entertainment after the Warner Brothers and Discovery merger, resulting in a limited marketing budget and a modest box office performance of just over $3 million during its opening weekend across 2,800 theaters.

The timing of these events is especially frustrating for fans, especially in light of the controversy surrounding last year's decision not to release the completed Looney Tunes film "Coyote Vs. Acme." Warner Brothers Discovery opted not to distribute the film, citing high distribution costs, a move that has been met with widespread criticism from the creative community. Actor Will Forte, who starred in "Coyote Vs. Acme," expressed his frustration, calling the decision "f—king bulls—t" and stating that it made his "blood boil."

The removal of the Looney Tunes shorts from HBO Max, combined with the handling of recent Looney Tunes projects, underscores a troubling trend for fans of this beloved franchise. It's clear that the legacy of Looney Tunes is at a critical juncture, and the decisions made by Warner Brothers are being closely watched by those who cherish these timeless animations.