The removal of the original Looney Tunes shorts from HBO Max by Warner Brothers has left fans devastated. Spanning nearly 40 years from 1930 to 1969, these shorts represent a "golden age" of animation and have been instrumental in shaping Warner Brothers into the powerhouse it is today.
According to Deadline, this move is part of Warner Brothers' strategy to focus on adult and family programming, as children's content no longer drives significant viewership numbers for the streaming service. This decision seemingly overlooks the cultural significance of the Looney Tunes series. For instance, at the end of 2024, HBO also canceled its deal with Sesame Street for new episodes, despite the show's longstanding role in childhood education since 1969. While some newer Looney Tunes spinoffs are still available on HBO Max, the essence of the franchise has been stripped away.
The timing of this decision is particularly odd, given the recent release of the new film, The Day the Earth Blew Up: A Looney Tunes Story, which hit theaters on March 14. Initially commissioned by Max, the project was sold to Ketchup Entertainment following the Warner Brothers and Discovery merger. Ketchup Entertainment, a smaller distribution company, managed the film with a limited marketing budget, resulting in a modest box office performance of just over $3 million during its opening weekend across 2,800 theaters nationwide.
The frustration over the handling of Coyote Vs. Acme last year, which Warner Brothers Discovery chose not to release despite its completion, likely fueled expectations for The Day the Earth Blew Up. The decision not to distribute Coyote Vs. Acme was met with widespread criticism from the artistic community and animation enthusiasts. In February, star Will Forte condemned the move as "f—king bulls—t," expressing his anger and confusion over the studio's choice.
The outcry surrounding these decisions highlights the disconnect between Warner Brothers' current strategies and the desires of fans and creators alike.
