Max Ditches Beloved Animated Classics: What’s Next for Warner Bros.?

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Max recently started a fresh wave of streaming content for this month, featuring numerous new shows and films added to their collection. However, it’s important to note that some beloved classic animated series will no longer be available on the platform due to changes made by Warner Bros. Discovery. Over the past few years, Warner Bros. Discovery has undergone significant transformations, particularly in their animation sector, which has left an impact on many projects.

Although there are exciting new animated projects in development (particularly as we approach the Annecy International Animation Film Festival), fans have valid concerns about the role of animation within the company. The future plans for Warner Bros. Animation are promising, but the uncertainty surrounding its overall position within the company is a cause for concern among dedicated fans.

In instances like these, it doesn’t make things easier when Warner Bros. Discovery’s streaming platform appears to be losing the rights to some of its most popular animated originals. As a result, some timeless favorites have become more challenging to find, as they are taken off Max, and indeed, significant titles disappeared from the service as of May 1st this year. Among the five major projects that departed are _The Flintstones, The Smurfs, Tom and Jerry, Be Cool, Scooby-Doo!_, and _Scooby-Doo and Guess Who?_.

What’s Going On With Max?

Since January, Max has been gradually losing some beloved animated movies, and it appears that several major licenses are approaching their expiration dates this year unless they’re renewed. This shifting landscape of Max is causing speculation among fans regarding the future of animation at the company. The confusion deepens as there seem to be contrasting views from different parts of the studio as well. While some teams are pushing ahead with new animated projects, others within the network are advocating for expansion in other areas.

Concerns have been raised by animation enthusiasts about the apparent lack of enthusiasm, but it remains unclear how this will pan out in the long run. However, Warner Bros. Animation is pushing ahead with numerous fresh initiatives aimed at reviving beloved Cartoon Network (and other thriving franchise) characters in innovative ways that cater to contemporary viewers. Thus, although these shows are currently off-air, they may reappear on the streaming platform as these projects progress.

Is The Flintstones Gone?

It’s somewhat amusing that, despite being removed from certain platforms, three classic series like The Smurfs, Tom and Jerry, and The Flintstones have fresh projects underway. For instance, The Smurfs will appear in a new movie this year, marking yet another reimagining of the timeless characters. Similarly, Warner Bros. Animation has revealed plans for brand-new animated films featuring Tom and Jerry and The Flintstones as well, which were announced at CinemaCon 2025 earlier this year.

Despite no longer being streamed via Max, these timeless classics like Tom and Jerry, The Smurfs, and The Flintstones haven’t vanished completely. For instance, Tom and Jerry is currently accessible for free on Tubi. Additionally, The Smurfs and The Flintstones are part of the rotating schedule on MeTV Toons. However, it’s unfortunate that their primary streaming platform has changed, especially with some classic series having upcoming new projects. This transition will undeniably make it harder to revisit the old favorites in eager anticipation.

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2025-05-03 20:40