The recent changes at Warner Bros. Discovery are causing quite a stir among fans of classic animated shows. As the company gears up to separate into Warner Bros. and Discovery, it seems that the rich legacy of beloved animated series is taking a backseat. Perhaps most alarming for fans is the recent removal of Courage the Cowardly Dog and What’s New, Scooby-Doo from HBO Max, raising concerns about the future of other animated titles.
Why does this matter? With the expiration of licensing deals on July 31, these iconic childhood favorites have vanished from the streaming service. Reports suggest that as the platform undergoes this transformation, classic children’s programming is being deprioritized, especially during license renewals. Fortunately, individual episodes and full seasons of these shows are still available for purchase on platforms like iTunes and Prime Video. It’s possible that they could eventually find a new home on platforms like Hulu or Disney+ by the end of 2025.
How Many Classic Cartoon Network Shows Remain on HBO Max?
As fans have noted, with the removal of Courage and Scooby, HBO Max now has no Cartoon Network shows from before 2010 left in its catalog. The sole exception appears to be Samurai Jack, mainly because its last season aired on Adult Swim. Additionally, many post-2010 shows are absent, as they only currently exist through other arrangements—like Young Justice and Fionna & Cake. Unfortunately, classics like Regular Show and The Amazing World of Gumball are nowhere to be found.
What About Newer Shows on HBO Max?
Looking ahead, new kids’ shows like Iyanu are set to air on Cartoon Network before making their way to HBO Max. However, will these newer titles fare any better than their predecessors? Given the current trend of phasing out older content, it raises some questions about how long we can expect these newer series to remain accessible on the platform.
What Should Fans Expect Moving Forward?
With growing concerns about the fate of animated series under the Warner Bros. umbrella, it’s crucial to stay updated on upcoming licensing agreements and content strategies. As more classic favorites disappear, it seems that fans of nostalgic animation might have to cast their nets wider, considering alternatives like Hulu or even YouTube for those timeless episodes.
Are these changes affecting your viewing habits? Many viewers express disappointment at losing access to nostalgic titles on major streaming services. It’s important to support the content we love, whether that means buying individual episodes, advocating for their return, or transitioning to new platforms as needed.
What happens to series like Courage the Cowardly Dog and What’s New, Scooby-Doo? These beloved shows are still available for purchase online, but as licensing continues to shift, their fate may remain uncertain for some time.
The animated series landscape is evolving rapidly, and only time will tell how Warner Bros. Discovery’s strategic choices will impact fans. In the meantime, keeping an eye on emerging streaming trends and exploring options through various platforms can help bridge the gap left by these classic shows.
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