HBO Max has faced criticism for removing various content from its streaming service, including canceling several greenlit projects and removing popular series like “Westworld” and “The Nevers.” In August, six animated projects, including “Batman: Caped Crusader” and “Looney Tunes” movies, were canceled and shopped to other outlets. In December, “Westworld” and “The Nevers” were removed from the service. Many fans have expressed frustration over the loss of these shows and movies.
Vulture reports that removing content from HBO Max may be related to the recent merger of WarnerMedia and Discovery Networks. The merger allows the combined company to write down costs for a limited time. The company may cancel shows during this period to save money on the merger.
There is speculation that the recent removal of “Looney Tunes” content from HBO Max may have been accidental rather than related to the WarnerMedia and Discovery Networks merger.
HBO Max removed a lot of its Looney Tunes cartoons very suddenly
According to Pop Culture, in the past week, HBO Max has removed seasons 16 through 31 of “Looney Tunes,” a total of 256 shorts, without announcing the removal. The Twitter account Animation on HBO Max reported the reduction and suggested that it may have been an accident, as the app’s playlist “Best of the 50s” now only contains a single “Yogi Bear” cartoon. If the removal was not accidental, HBO Max did not plan ahead for the consequences of the disposal.
Fans have expressed concern and frustration on Twitter over the sudden removal of “Looney Tunes” shorts from HBO Max. Some speculated that the reduction may have been an accident, as it seems unlikely that the platform would only keep the less popular, earlier cartoons. Other users pointed out that later seasons of “The Flintstones” were also missing from the service. The lack of announcement or comment from HBO Max about the removal has led to speculation that it may have been accidental. It is hoped that the shorts will be restored to the platform in the near future.
Source: Looper
