Full Breakdown
The Resurgence of Stephen King's IT and the Looney Tunes Legacy on Streaming Platforms
10/25/2025, 8:56:57 PM
IT's Continued Popularity Ahead of Welcome to Derry
The horror film "IT," based on Stephen King's novel, remains a significant cultural touchstone nearly a decade after its release. Directed by Andy Muschietti, the film grossed over $700 million globally, making it the highest-grossing horror movie of all time. Its sequel, "IT: Chapter 2," while less financially successful with over $470 million, still ranks as the second-biggest horror film. As anticipation builds for the upcoming spin-off series "IT: Welcome to Derry," set to premiere on HBO Max on October 26, 2025, interest in the original film has surged. On October 24, "IT" was the sixth-most-watched film on HBO Max, reflecting a renewed audience engagement as viewers prepare for the new series.
"Welcome to Derry" features a new cast led by Taylour Paige and Jovan Adepo and has received mixed to positive reviews, currently holding a 78% score on Rotten Tomatoes. Critics have noted that it does not quite match the acclaim of the original films, which were celebrated for their storytelling and character development.
The Looney Tunes' New Home on Tubi
In a contrasting narrative, the classic "Looney Tunes" shorts have found a new audience after being removed from HBO Max. Under the leadership of CEO David Zaslav, Warner Bros. Discovery made the controversial decision to cut the beloved animated series from its streaming platform, which many critics labeled as cultural vandalism. However, Tubi, a free ad-supported streaming service, has stepped in to host nearly 800 restored Looney Tunes shorts, making them accessible to a new generation of viewers.
Samuel Harowitz, Tubi's head of acquisitions, stated that "Looney Tunes" has become one of the platform's top-performing series, indicating a successful revival of interest in these classic animations. The shorts, which have been meticulously restored, are presented in a format that evokes nostalgia while being easily digestible for modern audiences.
Official Statements & Responses
Warner Bros. Discovery's decision to remove "Looney Tunes" from HBO Max has drawn criticism, with animation historian Jerry Beck expressing relief that the shorts are now available on Tubi. He noted, “In a way, I’m kind of glad that they took them off HBO Max and allowed other networks to use them, so we can all see them.”
Criticism & Opposition
Critics of Warner Bros. Discovery's strategy argue that the removal of "Looney Tunes" from HBO Max reflects a broader neglect of classic animation. The decision has been framed as detrimental to the preservation of cultural heritage, with many fans expressing disappointment over the lack of access to these iconic characters.
What's Next for Streaming Audiences
As "IT: Welcome to Derry" prepares for its debut, audiences are likely to continue revisiting the original "IT" films, while Tubi's success with "Looney Tunes" may encourage other platforms to explore similar strategies for reviving classic content. The evolving landscape of streaming services suggests that both new adaptations and classic animations will continue to play significant roles in attracting viewers.
