What's Happening?
Warner Bros. Discovery has removed two popular Cartoon Network shows, 'Courage the Cowardly Dog' and 'What's New, Scooby-Doo,' from HBO Max. This decision follows the expiration of licensing deals for these shows on July 31. The removal is part of a broader strategy by Warner Bros. Discovery, which is set to split into two separate entities, Warner Bros. and Discovery. The company has been deprioritizing classic kids' shows in favor of newer content. Despite their removal from HBO Max, episodes and full seasons of these shows remain available for purchase on platforms like iTunes and Prime Video. There is speculation that these shows may eventually be added to Hulu's library, and by extension, Disney+, by the end of 2025.
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Why It's Important?
The removal of these shows highlights a shift in Warner Bros. Discovery's content strategy, focusing less on classic animated series and more on newer productions. This change could impact the availability of nostalgic content for viewers who grew up with these shows. It also reflects broader industry trends where streaming services are constantly reevaluating their content libraries to align with licensing agreements and viewer preferences. The decision may affect fans of Cartoon Network's older programming, as HBO Max now lacks any shows from the network that aired before 2010, except for 'Samurai Jack.' This could lead to a migration of viewers to other platforms that offer these classic shows.
What's Next?
As Warner Bros. Discovery continues to restructure, more changes in content availability on HBO Max are expected. The company may continue to prioritize newer shows, potentially leading to further removals of older content. Fans of classic Cartoon Network shows may need to seek alternative platforms for viewing, such as Hulu or Disney+, if these shows are added to their libraries. The industry will be watching how Warner Bros. Discovery's strategy affects its subscriber base and whether it influences similar decisions by other streaming services.
