MAX: Recent WB Executive Interview Has Animation Fans Worried

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In the past couple of years, Warner Bros has undergone significant alterations in its animation catalog, which has stirred up quite a bit of controversy among followers of well-known animated franchises. As we enter 2025, streaming service MAX decided to discontinue several cherished Cartoon Network and WB animated series such as Teen Titans, The Grim Adventures of Billy & Mandy, Green Lantern: The Animated Series, and The Looney Tunes Show. This move has left many fans concerned that this could be just the start due to a recent interview with a Warner Bros executive suggesting further changes in the company’s focus.

During an interview with Puck, Casey Bloys, CEO of HBO and Max Content, shared insights about their streaming service’s mission statement. He elaborated on their priorities, but some viewers were concerned when he didn’t explicitly mention animation as a priority. Here’s what he said: “MAX has been in the market for some time now. We conducted surveys and focus groups to understand our subscribers’ preferences. What they want from us are HBO shows, scripted dramas, comedies, documentaries, movies from our pay-on licensing window, library films, and essentially, content from the Warner Bros. TV library.

MAX vs Netflix

In his discourse on MAX’s more limited scope compared to its rivals, Bloys was frank: “Everyone aspired to become the next Netflix, but it’s incredibly costly. Netflix incurred significant losses for a long time to reach their current position. We acknowledge and understand that most of our subscribers already have Netflix and Amazon. If anyone is going to challenge Netflix in terms of being an ‘all-encompassing’ streamer, it will likely be Amazon. They have the audience, they have the financial resources.

Mainly, MAX has obtained exclusive animated shows through Cartoon Network’s Adult Swim, which recently debuted notable releases like “Common Side Effects” and “Lazarus“. Although “Harley Quinn” has been a popular animated series on the platform, viewers are curious if it will continue for more seasons given that its latest finale seemed to conclude the storyline of Harley and Ivy.

What Max Might Lose in 2025

Towards the end of this year, several shows are approaching their “license renewal deadlines” on MAX. Although it doesn’t automatically mean these shows will vanish from the platform, it could be a cause for concern as Warner Bros might choose not to extend the license for these series. As of now, the shows in question include Tom and Jerry, The Flintstones, The Jetsons, The Smurfs, Scooby-Doo, The Powerpuff Girls, Courage the Cowardly Dog, Adventure Time, Robot Chicken, Samurai Jack, and numerous other Adult Swim favorites. Here’s hoping these shows will continue to be available on MAX, but we’ll keep you updated either way.

Via Puck

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2025-05-03 17:40