Looney Tunes Shorts Removed from HBO Max During Movie Opening Weekend

Warner Brothers' decision to remove its 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, are not just entertainment; they represent a "golden age" of animation and have been foundational in shaping Warner Brothers' identity.

According to Deadline, this move aligns with the company's strategy to focus on adult and family programming, sidelining children's content due to lower viewership numbers. This shift in priorities seems to disregard the cultural significance of Looney Tunes. For instance, HBO also ended its deal with Sesame Street at the end of 2024, a series that has been pivotal in early childhood education since 1969. While some newer Looney Tunes spinoffs remain 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 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 through the American Film Market following the Warner Brothers and Discovery merger. The film's modest marketing budget and distribution through a smaller company resulted in a lackluster box office performance, earning just over $3 million on its opening weekend across 2,800 theaters.

The outcry over the handling of "Coyote Vs. Acme" last year might have fueled interest in "The Day the Earth Blew Up" if audiences were more aware of its theatrical release. Warner Brothers Discovery's decision not to release "Coyote Vs. Acme," despite its completion, due to distribution costs, sparked significant backlash from the artistic community. In February, actor Will Forte expressed his frustration, calling the decision "f—king bulls—t" and noting that it made his "blood boil."

This series of events highlights a troubling trend for fans of classic animation, as Warner Brothers continues to prioritize financial considerations over the rich legacy of its most beloved franchises.