TCM Becomes the New Home for Looney Tunes

Turner Classic Movies (TCM) has officially become the ongoing television home for over 750 classic Looney Tunes and Merrie Melodies shorts, following a six-year licensing deal with Warner Bros. Discovery. This transition comes after the removal of hundreds of these iconic animated shorts from HBO Max in 2022 and 2025, which sparked concerns among fans regarding the preservation of this significant cultural library. The first broadcast on TCM is scheduled for February 2, 2023, at 8 p.m. PT, featuring the Oscar-nominated short "A Wild Hare" (1940), recognized as the first official Bugs Bunny cartoon.

TCM Just Saved Bugs Bunny — Where Can You Watch All of the Looney Tunes?‘Looney Tunes’ Has Found a New Home: Turner Classic MoviesTCM Becomes “Ongoing Home” of the Looney Tunes Library (Exclusive)

To celebrate this new partnership, TCM will spotlight 45 Bugs Bunny cartoons during a week-long marathon, designating Bugs as the Star of the Month. The programming will include a curated selection of related feature films, such as "A Night at the Opera" (1935) and "King Kong" (1933), which will be paired with specific shorts to provide context and enhance viewer experience. TCM aims to present these cartoons with the care they deserve, alongside the classic films they have influenced.

TCM Just Saved Bugs Bunny — Where Can You Watch All of the Looney Tunes?

Charlie Tabesh, TCM's Senior Vice President of Programming and Content Strategy, expressed enthusiasm about the new arrangement, stating, “By making TCM an ongoing home for this iconic library, we’re able to present these cartoons with the care they deserve, alongside the classic films they helped influence.” TCM emphasized that the deal ensures these beloved cartoons are celebrated, contextualized, and accessible to audiences of all ages.

‘Looney Tunes’ Has Found a New Home: Turner Classic Movies

The removal of Looney Tunes shorts from HBO Max had previously generated backlash from creators and fans alike, who were concerned about the potential loss of access to a significant part of animation history. While many of the removed shorts found a new home on ad-supported streaming services like Tubi, the transition to TCM is seen as a positive step for preserving the legacy of these characters.

TCM Just Saved Bugs Bunny — Where Can You Watch All of the Looney Tunes?

TCM's programming will continue to feature Looney Tunes shorts beyond February, with select titles branded as TCM Premieres. Additionally, the franchise is set to expand with new projects, including the upcoming film "Coyote vs. Acme" and a solo movie for Speedy Gonzales, indicating a renewed focus on the Looney Tunes brand.

‘Looney Tunes’ Has Found a New Home: Turner Classic Movies

• “By making TCM an ongoing home for this iconic library, we’re able to present these cartoons with the care they deserve, alongside the classic films they helped influence.” — Charlie Tabesh, TCM Senior VP Programming and Content Strategy

‘Looney Tunes’ Library Finds Ongoing Home at TCM

• “ensures these cartoons are celebrated, contextualized, and accessible to audiences of all ages.” — TCM Statement

‘Looney Tunes’ Has Found a New Home: Turner Classic Movies

The move to TCM marks a significant moment for the Looney Tunes franchise, providing a stable platform for these cherished animated shorts and ensuring their continued relevance in popular culture.

TCM Just Saved Bugs Bunny — Where Can You Watch All of the Looney Tunes?