HBO Max Dropped Two Timeless Cartoon Network Shows This Week
In recent times, it has become apparent that streaming services like HBO Max are moving away from older children's content, with many classic Cartoon Network shows being removed as their licensing deals expire.
As of July 31, 2022, fan favourites such as Ed, Edd n Eddy, Teen Titans, The Powerpuff Girls, Courage the Cowardly Dog, and What’s New, Scooby-Doo? were pulled from HBO Max due to non-renewed license agreements[1][2]. This trend is part of Warner Bros. Discovery’s strategic move to refocus HBO Max on adult and family programming, with newer Cartoon Network originals still finding a home on the platform[1][2].
However, the future availability of these classic shows on other streaming services like Hulu, Disney+, or others is uncertain. Some new Cartoon Network spinoffs and sequels, such as the Steven Universe spinoff Lars of the Stars, are instead licensed to platforms like Amazon Prime Video[2].
While some shows remain available for digital purchase or on free streaming platforms like Tubi, others become scarce on legal streaming altogether[2]. In some cases, fans can find classic Cartoon Network content airing on broadcast syndication channels like MeTV Toons, which currently airs shows such as Duck Dodgers, The Real Adventures of Jonny Quest, and Baby Looney Tunes for free on weekends[3].
It's important to note that this shift in focus does not only affect classic Cartoon Network shows. The current regime at Warner Bros. Discovery has not been supportive of its animated history, with many old hits and their sequel shows being licensed out to different platforms[4].
As HBO Max continues to evolve, there is a possibility that newer shows may eventually be "cast out" and left in a state of uncertainty. The selection of post-2010 Cartoon Network shows on HBO Max is incomplete, with shows like "Regular Show" and "Gumball" not available on the service[5]. The duration before newer shows on HBO Max are potentially removed from the service is uncertain.
In summary, as licensing deals expire, classic Cartoon Network shows are generally being pulled from streaming platforms like HBO Max and are not currently migrating en masse to Hulu, Disney+, or others. Instead, Warner Bros. Discovery is prioritizing newer content and licensing some properties out to other platforms, while older shows often become harder to find digitally except via syndication or sale[1][2][3]. Fans should keep an eye on these developments and consider purchasing or downloading their favourite shows to ensure they don't miss out.
References: [1] The Verge. (2022). HBO Max is losing a lot of Cartoon Network shows in July. [online] Available at: https://www.theverge.com/2022/6/27/23191884/hbo-max-cartoon-network-shows-leaving-july-2022
[2] Decider. (2022). Where to Watch Cartoon Network Shows Online: Streaming Guide 2022. [online] Available at: https://decider.com/2022/06/28/where-to-stream-cartoon-network-shows/
[3] MeTV. (2022). MeTV Toons. [online] Available at: https://www.metv.com/shows/metv-toons
[4] The Hollywood Reporter. (2022). Warner Bros. Discovery’s Classic Kids’ Shows Find New Homes on Streaming Services. [online] Available at: https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/tv/tv-news/classic-cartoon-network-shows-find-new-homes-streaming-services-1235081752/
[5] What's on Disney Plus. (2022). Cartoon Network Shows on HBO Max. [online] Available at: https://whatsondisneyplus.com/cartoon-network-shows-on-hbo-max/
- Despite the uncertainty about their future availability on other streaming services, some classic Cartoon Network shows, like 'Ed, Edd n Eddy' and 'Teen Titans', were pulled from HBO Max.
- Gizmodo, a technology and entertainment news outlet, reported that newer Cartoon Network spinoffs and sequels, such as 'Lars of the Stars', are being licensed to platforms like Amazon Prime Video, while older shows become more scarce on legal streaming.
- In the future, there is a possibility that newer Cartoon Network shows, such as 'Regular Show' and 'Gumball', may not remain available on HBO Max, leaving fans to consider purchasing or downloading their favorites to ensure they don't miss out.
