Get ready for a nostalgic trip down memory lane, because one of the most beloved cartoon libraries in history has just found a new, permanent home on television. Yes, you heard that right—TCM, the Turner Classic Movies channel, is now the official and ongoing home of the iconic Looney Tunes library from Warner Bros. This move comes as a sigh of relief for fans who were left reeling when HBO Max removed over 500 Looney Tunes shorts in recent years, leaving many to wonder if these timeless classics would ever find a stable place to live again. But here’s where it gets exciting: starting February 2 at 8 p.m. PT, TCM will begin airing more than 750 of these cherished animated films as part of a six-year deal, kicking off with the Oscar-nominated A Wild Hare (1940), the Merrie Melodies short that introduced the world to the one and only Bugs Bunny.
And this is the part most people miss—TCM isn’t just airing these cartoons; they’re curating them with the same care and thoughtfulness they’re known for. From February 2 to 7, 45 shorts starring the mischievous Bugs Bunny—TCM’s Star of the Month—will air, followed by a selection of full-length features that cleverly tie into the animated antics. For instance, Rabbit of Seville (1950) and What’s Opera, Doc? (1957) will set the stage for A Night at the Opera (1935), while Tortoise Beats Hare (1941) and Rabbit Transit (1947) will lead into Walk, Don’t Run (1966). It’s a programming strategy that not only entertains but also educates, showcasing the influence of these cartoons on classic cinema.
But here’s where it gets controversial: while many celebrate this move as a win for preservation, others argue that streaming platforms, not cable channels, are the future of media consumption. Is TCM the right home for these cartoons in 2024, or are they better suited for on-demand platforms? Let us know what you think in the comments.
Charlie Tabesh, TCM’s senior VP of programming and content strategy, summed it up perfectly: “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.” The shorts, featuring favorites like Daffy Duck, Elmer Fudd, and Wile E. Coyote, will continue to air beyond February, with select titles branded as TCM Premieres.
The deal ensures these cartoons are “celebrated, contextualized, and accessible to audiences of all ages,” according to TCM. And with the channel’s annual “31 Days of Oscar” programming kicking off on February 13, leading up to the 98th Academy Awards on March 15, there’s no better time to tune in. Each day is themed—from “Oscar Goes Big” to “Oscar Goes International”—offering something for every movie lover.
So, whether you’re a lifelong fan of Looney Tunes or a newcomer to their wacky world, TCM’s new deal is a golden opportunity to experience these classics in a whole new light. But the question remains: Is this the best way to preserve and share these cartoons for future generations? Weigh in below—we’d love to hear your thoughts!
