Warner Brothers has made a heart-wrenching decision by removing its entire catalog of original Looney Tunes shorts from HBO Max. These iconic shorts, which were produced from 1930 to 1969, 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 a broader initiative to focus on adult and family programming. The rationale behind this shift is that children's programming does not attract significant viewership on the platform. This decision seemingly overlooks the profound cultural significance of these classics. For instance, HBO ended its deal with Sesame Street at the close of 2024, despite the show's foundational role in childhood education since 1969. While 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, coinciding with the theatrical release of "The Day the Earth Blew Up: A Looney Tunes Story" on March 14. Originally commissioned by Max, the project was sold to Ketchup Entertainment after the Warner Brothers and Discovery merger. Ketchup Entertainment, a smaller distributor, managed a modest marketing push, resulting in the film earning just over $3 million during its opening weekend across more than 2,800 theaters nationwide.
The public outcry following the treatment of last year's "Coyote Vs. Acme" suggests that there would be significant interest in "The Day the Earth Blew Up" if only more people were aware of its theatrical run. Last year, Warner Brothers Discovery chose not to release the completed "Coyote Vs. Acme" film, citing high distribution costs, a decision that has sparked widespread criticism from artists and animation enthusiasts. In February, actor Will Forte described the non-release as "f—king bulls—t" and expressed his frustration, saying it "made [his] blood boil."
