A new Looney Tunes movie, The Day the Earth Blew Up, has been released in theaters, but fans looking to revisit the classic characters on Warner Bros. Discovery’s Max will be disappointed to find that the studio’s classic Looney Tunes library has been removed from the streaming platform. It’s unclear what prompted this decision, but the removal has left fans scrambling to find alternative ways to watch their favorite cartoons.

The situation is further complicated by the fact that The Day the Earth Blew Up, released by Ketchup Entertainment, will have limited screenings after Wednesday, making it essential for fans to catch it on the big screen as soon as possible. However, finding a way to watch the classic Looney Tunes cartoons is proving to be a significant challenge.

For fans of animation, purchasing the Looney Tunes collection on physical media may be the most reliable way to ensure access to these beloved cartoons. The franchise, which has been a cornerstone of Warner Bros. for generations, is being treated with surprising disrespect, considering its enduring popularity and influence. The studio’s decision to shelve the live-action animated hybrid Coyote vs. Acme and attempt to scrap the feature-length animated movie now in theaters only adds to the confusion.

Unfortunately, classic Looney Tunes cartoons from the 1930s to the 1960s are no longer available on Max, the primary streaming platform for Warner Bros. films and TV shows.

In contrast, merchandising of the characters continues to thrive, with companies like BoxLunch and Jimmy Lion releasing Looney Tunes-themed apparel. The timeless appeal of these characters is undeniable, making it even more puzzling that Warner Bros. has made it difficult for fans to access the classic cartoons.

The Looney Tunes franchise has become an integral part of popular culture, with its characters frequently appearing on clothing, memes, and in games. However, this widespread recognition has also made it challenging for new fans to discover the original cartoons, which are often hidden behind a cluttered streaming landscape. If fans want to play games featuring Looney Tunes characters, there are options like the upcoming campaign with Stumble Guys, but watching the classic cartoons themselves is a different story.

Younger generations may be more familiar with the Looney Tunes characters through merchandise, memes, and games than through their original cartoons. Even those who grew up in the ’80s and ’90s, when Looney Tunes were a staple on Cartoon Network and Boomerang, may struggle to find the classic cartoons today. While Tiny Toons: Looniversity and Bugs Bunny Builders are still available on Max, the original Looney Tunes shorts are harder to come by.

The sheer volume of content available online has made it difficult for fans to discover the classic Looney Tunes cartoons, which are often overlooked in favor of more modern, CG-generated animation. It’s essential to appreciate and share these timeless cartoons, which have had a profound influence on the world of animation, before they become lost in the digital void.

Where to watch Looney Tunes classics (for now)

• Looney Tunes classics on Roku—the most accessible and free option, unlike Max.
• MeTV Toons—a channel dedicated to classic Saturday morning cartoons, available through local listings.
• The Looney Tunes Show and The Sylvester and Tweety Mysteries will be available on Tubi starting April 1.
• Select Looney Tunes Cartoons can be found on Warner Classics YouTube or WB Kids, although they can be harder to track down and may require creating a playlist.
• Space Jam is currently streaming on Netflix, while its sequel, Space Jam: A New Legacy, and the underrated Looney Tunes: Back in Action, are not available on any streaming service.

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