The static crackled on the old television, my grandfather adjusting the rabbit ears with a practiced hand. Then, there he was: Bugs Bunny, larger than life, launching into some hilarious escapade. It’s a memory etched in childhood, and soon, a new generation will have a chance to create similar moments, albeit on a different channel.
A New Stage for a Classic Crew
Remember flipping through channels as a kid, always hoping to catch a glimpse of Wile E. Coyote’s latest, inevitably failed, scheme? As of February 2nd, the Looney Tunes gang has officially moved its antics over to Turner Classic Movies (TCM). Warner Bros. Discovery is bringing over 750 shorts to TCM, starting with a week-long marathon of 45 classic Bugs Bunny cartoons. The marathon celebrates Bugs as TCM’s Star of the Month and will kick off with 1940’s A Wild Hare—the Tex Avery-directed short that marked Bugs’ official debut, and was later nominated for an Oscar. Think of it: these aren’t just cartoons; they’re pieces of film history.
According to a press release, the entire collection of shorts will air on TCM on an ongoing basis beyond February, with select titles showcased as TCM Premieres. The question now is: how will this impact the way we experience these timeless cartoons?
How long will Looney Tunes be on TCM?
This deal between Warner Bros. Discovery and TCM is slated to last six years. Charlie Tabas, programming SVP at TCM, says that the network will become the new “ongoing television home for this iconic library,” presenting the cartoons “with the care they deserve, alongside the classic films they helped influence.” He also stated that the agreement “ensures these cartoons are celebrated, contextualized, and accessible to audiences of all ages.” In other words, TCM is positioning itself as the steward of the Looney Tunes legacy.
Last year, there was a mass exodus of Looney Tunes shorts from HBO Max, only to find refuge on Tubi. For Tubi, adding the shorts was a major victory, and they were aiming to keep them streaming for years to come.
Will Looney Tunes still be on Tubi?
As it stands, the status of those talks remains unclear. It’s not certain how much, if any, content overlap there will be between Tubi and TCM. However, the broader strategy is plain: preserve and grow the Looney Tunes universe.
What new Looney Tunes content is coming?
The Looney Tunes revitalization isn’t confined to the small screen. Later this year, audiences can expect the characters to grace cinemas once again in Coyote vs. Acme. Speedy Gonzales is also set to star in his own standalone movie. These projects demonstrate a commitment to keeping the Looney Tunes relevant, tapping into nostalgia while introducing the characters to new viewers.
The Looney Tunes library is a cultural touchstone, and its migration to TCM feels like a homecoming—a chance to see these shorts presented with an appreciation for their historical significance. However, this move is a calculated game of chess in the streaming wars. The various platforms are all vying for content to attract and retain subscribers. Which platform will become the definitive home for classic animation?
Want more io9 news? Check out when to expect the latest Marvel, Star Wars, and Star Trek releases, what’s next for the DC Universe on film and TV, and everything you need to know about the future of Doctor Who.