In a thrilling development for animation fans, Tubi has announced that almost 800 classic Looney Tunes and Merrie Melodies cartoons are now free on its ad-supported platform.
This announcement, part of Tubi’s newly launched August content lineup, has ignited excitement among aficionados eager to relive the iconic antics of beloved characters such as Bugs Bunny, Daffy Duck, and Porky Pig from the Warner Bros. Animation realm. This significant addition comes when the franchise has faced challenges due to changes in the streaming landscape.
The Looney Tunes franchise, which includes animated shorts created between 1930 and 1969, stands as a landmark in animation history. Notable entries like “Sinkin’ in the Bathtub” (1930), the inaugural Looney Tunes short, “I Haven’t Got a Hat” (1935), which introduced Porky Pig, and “Porky’s Duck Hunt” (1937), the debut of Daffy Duck, are now among the 789 shorts accessible on Tubi. Renowned for their slapstick humour, vibrant visuals, and cultural significance, these cartoons have been organised into 262 half-hour episodes, allowing viewers to immerse themselves in the delightful chaos of Wackyland or enjoy Bugs Bunny’s witty repartee.
Tubi’s acquisition comes on the heels of a challenging period for the Looney Tunes catalogue. Earlier this year, Warner Bros. Discovery removed classic shorts from its streaming platform, HBO Max, as part of budget cuts that saw over 250 shorts from 1950 onward taken down. Additionally, completed projects like “Coyote vs. Acme” were shelved, leading to disappointment among fans and leaving the cartoons uncertain. This strategy faced backlash, with critics arguing that sidelining such an iconic catalogue was a misstep, especially considering the franchise’s vital role in introducing generations to slapstick comedy and classical music through its memorable soundtracks.
Now, Tubi has become an unexpected champion for Looney Tunes enthusiasts. Earlier this year, the platform began the revival by introducing “The Looney Tunes Show” (2011-2013) and “The Sylvester & Tweety Mysteries” (1995-2000). With the recent addition of nearly 800 classic shorts, Tubi is quickly becoming a haven for animation fans.
Though Tubi’s interface has received mixed reviews due to its limited search functionality—most shorts are bundled into compilations, necessitating viewers to navigate by year to locate specific titles—the extensive collection is a goldmine for fans. Standout features include Chuck Jones’ 1953 classic “Duck Amuck,” praised for its meta-humour, and “What’s Opera, Doc?” (1957), a beloved parody of Wagnerian opera. With no subscription needed, Tubi’s Looney Tunes collection offers a nostalgic journey for longtime fans and a perfect introduction for new audiences to the zany world of these animated legends.
Positive news for the franchise continues with the announced theatrical release of “The Day the Earth Blew Up: A Looney Tunes Movie” in 2024 and the impending “Coyote vs. Acme” set for 2026, hinting at a potential resurgence for the Looney Tunes brand. For now, Tubi is your destination for free, classic Looney Tunes enjoyment. So, grab your popcorn, get comfortable, and let Bugs, Daffy, and the gang show you why they’ve entertained audiences for nearly a century.
