Warner Bros. Discovery has shifted nearly 800 classic Looney Tunes shorts to the free streaming service Tubi, marking a significant change in the distribution of this iconic cartoon franchise. This move, which occurred in August 2023, has proven to be more beneficial than initially anticipated. Samuel Harowitz, Tubi’s acquisition head, described the addition of these cartoons as “a huge win for us,” with the series now ranking among the platform’s Top 10 best-performing shows.
The enduring popularity of Looney Tunes appears to resonate across various generations and demographics. This success aligns with the appeal of other classic animations available on Tubi, including Tom & Jerry, The Flintstones, and the 1996 series Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. Harowitz noted that these timeless cartoons represent “one of the biggest fandoms we serve on the platform.”
In an effort to secure the future of Looney Tunes on Tubi, the company is engaged in “active negotiations” with Warner Bros. Discovery to maintain access to the cartoons for an extended period, potentially for years. While there are no current discussions regarding new Looney Tunes content or the possibility of becoming the streaming home for Coyote vs. Acme, the platform remains open to future licensing opportunities.
The episodes currently available on Tubi are presented in a non-chronological order, with advertisements shown only between the shorts. Despite this minor drawback, viewers can enjoy high-definition versions of the cartoons, thanks in part to the work of animation historian Jerry Beck. His restorations have been praised for making the episodes “look day-one brand new, as the Looney Tunes should,” as he shared with Vulture.
Beck expressed satisfaction with Tubi’s handling of the Looney Tunes, noting that he finds delight in seeing audiences recognize the quality of the restorations. He also appreciates Warner Bros. Discovery’s decision to remove the cartoons from HBO Max, allowing other platforms like Tubi to showcase them. “I’m kind of glad [WBD] took them off HBO Max and allowed other networks to use them so we can all see them,” Beck stated.
As Tubi continues to build its library of classic animations, the success of the Looney Tunes will likely serve as a model for the platform’s future acquisitions and partnerships, reinforcing the idea that nostalgia remains a powerful draw for audiences young and old.
