In August, Warner Bros. Discovery made the unexpected decision to move close to eight hundred classic *Looney Tunes* shorts—nearly two hundred of which were initially withheld from circulation because of what the company identified as “cultural sensitivities”—to the free, ad-supported streaming platform Tubi. What might at first have appeared to be a dismissal or even a slight toward one of animation’s most iconic and enduring properties has, quite ironically, transformed into a remarkable success story. What seemed like an act of relegation has instead allowed a new generation of audiences, as well as long-time fans, to rediscover the anarchic humor, technical artistry, and cultural impact of these animated masterpieces.
According to a recent feature published by *Vulture*, Tubi’s head of acquisitions, Samuel Harowitz, expressed both surprise and enthusiasm regarding the series’ reception, describing the acquisition of the *Looney Tunes* catalog as “a huge win for us.” From a performance standpoint, the collection quickly surged into Tubi’s Top 10 roster of most-watched series in terms of total viewing hours. Its reach extends impressively across generations and demographic categories, indicating that the irreverent charm of Bugs Bunny, Daffy Duck, and their countless co-stars continues to transcend age barriers and cultural shifts. Harowitz attributed much of this success to the deep-rooted appeal of vintage animation, noting that Tubi has likewise seen considerable traction with additional classics such as *Tom & Jerry*, *The Flintstones*, and the 1996 iteration of *Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles.* In fact, he referred to these traditional animated series collectively as representing “one of the biggest fandoms we serve on the platform,” emphasizing the strength of nostalgia within contemporary viewing trends.
Tubi’s ambitions suggest that the *Looney Tunes* will not be departing the service anytime soon. The company is reportedly in “active negotiations” with Warner Bros. Discovery to extend its licensing arrangement for a significant duration—potentially spanning years—thereby ensuring that this vast library of shorts remains easily accessible to the public. In addition to safeguarding its existing catalog, Tubi has expressed an openness to expanding its relationship with the *Looney Tunes* brand, potentially through the licensing of new animated content or even serving as the dedicated streaming home for the unreleased film *Coyote vs. Acme.* Although discussions regarding these future possibilities have yet to begin, the willingness to explore them demonstrates the platform’s commitment to celebrating animated heritage while embracing modern distribution models.
Currently, the episodes available on Tubi are presented in a non-chronological sequence, and though advertisements are inserted between the individual shorts—something that slightly interrupts the flow for viewers accustomed to seamless playback—the quality of the high-definition restorations has garnered widespread praise. These visual upgrades breathe fresh life into decades-old cartoons, enabling intricate background art, expressive character animation, and richly saturated colors to shine as vividly as they did upon their original release.
Much of the credit for these restorations belongs to renowned animation historian and preservation specialist Jerry Beck, whose meticulous work ensured that the digital transfers uphold the artistic integrity of the originals. Beck’s restorations, which were previously featured in physical media editions, serve as the source material for Tubi’s digital presentation. Speaking to *Vulture*, Beck remarked that the cartoons “look day-one brand new, as the *Looney Tunes* should,” expressing satisfaction in witnessing audiences react to their renewed brilliance. Beyond professional pride, he conveyed personal joy that Tubi has treated the material with respect, remarking that he feels genuinely pleased Warner Bros. Discovery removed the series from HBO Max, as this shift permitted other networks and viewers to access the cartoons more readily. In his view, broader exposure ensures that these culturally significant works—pieces that shaped the evolution of American animation—can once again be appreciated by millions.
For those eager to keep up with related developments in the broader entertainment landscape, readers can find additional coverage on upcoming *Marvel*, *Star Wars*, and *Star Trek* releases, as well as insights into forthcoming projects within the DC Universe on both film and television. Moreover, ongoing news about the ever-evolving *Doctor Who* franchise continues to shape discussions of how classic properties adapt to new audiences. The resurgence of the *Looney Tunes* on Tubi thus stands as a timely reminder that with thoughtful curation, accessible technology, and respect for artistic history, even the most venerable creations can thrive anew in the digital age.
Sourse: https://gizmodo.com/the-looney-tunes-are-killing-it-over-on-tubi-2000677169
