Warner Bros. Discovery has relocated nearly 800 Looney Tunes shorts to the streaming service Tubi, a move that has unexpectedly led to significant viewer engagement. While approximately 200 of these shorts remain unavailable due to “cultural sensitivities,” the decision has resulted in what Tubi describes as a major success. According to a recent report by Vulture, Tubi’s acquisition head Samuel Harowitz stated that the Looney Tunes represent “a huge win for us.”
The animated series is now ranked among the Top 10 best-performing series on Tubi, attracting audiences of various ages and backgrounds. The enduring appeal of classic animation, including shows like Tom & Jerry, The Flintstones, and the 1996 Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, has contributed to its popularity. Harowitz emphasized that these classic cartoons form “one of the biggest fandoms we serve on the platform.”
As Tubi looks to solidify its relationship with Warner Bros. Discovery, the company is engaged in “active negotiations” to retain the Looney Tunes for an extended period, potentially for several years. Furthermore, Tubi expresses interest in licensing new Looney Tunes content or possibly becoming the streaming home for the upcoming film Coyote vs. Acme. However, discussions regarding these projects have not yet commenced.
Currently, the episodes available on Tubi are presented in a non-chronological order, with advertisements only appearing between the shorts. Despite this, the restored versions of the episodes look impressive in high definition, a quality attributed to the work of animation historian Jerry Beck. Beck, who contributed to the restorations used for physical releases, noted that these versions “look day-one brand new, as the Looney Tunes should.” He expressed satisfaction with Tubi’s handling of the content, stating, “I’m kind of glad [WBD] took them off HBO Max and allowed other networks to use them so we can all see them.”
The unexpected success of the Looney Tunes on Tubi highlights the shifting landscape of content distribution and the potential for classic properties to find renewed life in the streaming arena. As negotiations continue, audiences can look forward to enjoying these beloved characters in the years to come.
