This past August, Warner Bros. Discovery made headlines by shifting nearly 800 Looney Tunes shorts—about 200 of which are kept from release due to “cultural sensitivities”—to the free streaming platform Tubi. What many viewed as a setback for this iconic cartoon series has surprisingly turned into a fortunate opportunity.
According to a recent Vulture report, Tubi’s head of acquisitions, Samuel Harowitz, describes the addition of the Looney Tunes as “a huge win for us.” The series is now among Tubi’s Top 10 best-performing offerings, appealing to audiences across various generations. This surge in popularity reflects a broader trend; classic animations like Tom & Jerry, The Flintstones, and the 1996 Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles also enjoy robust viewership on the platform. Harowitz even labels these classics as “one of the biggest fandoms we serve on Tubi.”
It appears that Tubi intends to keep the Looney Tunes for the long haul. The platform is currently in “active negotiations” with WBD to secure their place, aiming to retain the cartoons “for quite a while, likely years.” Tubi is even exploring opportunities to license new Looney Tunes content or possibly become the streaming home for Coyote vs. Acme, although discussions on that front are still in the early stages. As it stands, the episodes on Tubi are organized in a non-chronological order, with ads shown only between the shorts. While that may be a bit of a drawback, it’s worth noting that these classics are available in high definition, looking as vibrant as ever.
A nod of thanks goes to animation historian Jerry Beck, whose restoration work has also benefited physical releases. He stated, “These restored versions look day-one brand new, as the Looney Tunes should.” Beck expresses his enjoyment in seeing others appreciate the restorations and is pleased that Tubi is giving these beloved characters the proper exposure. “I’m kind of glad [WBD] took them off HBO Max and allowed other networks to use them so we can all see them,” he adds.
Have you ever wondered why classic cartoons remain so popular? It’s due in part to their timeless humor and universal themes that resonate with both kids and adults alike. Classic shows maintain a nostalgic charm that keeps viewers engaged.
What are the most popular Looney Tunes shorts currently available on Tubi? Although the selection is vast, recognizable favorites like “What’s Opera, Doc?” and “Duck Rabbit Duck” remain fan favorites, cherished for their humor and creativity.
How often does Tubi refresh its content? Tubi frequently updates its library to keep things fresh, ensuring there are always new shows and movies for viewers to discover.
Is Tubi completely free to use? Yes, Tubi is a free ad-supported streaming service, allowing users to watch a wide selection of movies and shows without a subscription fee.
If you’re a fan of classic animation and want to dive deeper into the world of Looney Tunes, there’s never been a better time. This unexpected partnership between Warner Bros. Discovery and Tubi is breathing new life into a treasured franchise. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to enjoy these timeless shorts. For more engaging content and updates on your favorite shows, explore Moyens I/O.