Cartoon Network shows vanish from HBO Max as Warner Bros shuts website, netizens say "they are taking away our childhood"

Cartoon Network shows vanish from HBO Max as Warner Bros shuts website, netizens say "they are taking away our childhood"

In a move that has sparked widespread disappointment, HBO Max has removed nearly all classic Cartoon Network shows from its platform. Only a handful of titles remain, and reports suggest these too will soon be phased out. The decision follows Warner Bros. Discovery’s quiet shutdown of the Cartoon Network website last year, which had served fans for over 26 years. Initially, viewers were redirected to HBO Max to continue enjoying their favorite cartoons, but now, even that digital refuge is vanishing.

This strategic content purge is part of Warner Bros. Discovery's broader cost-cutting initiative. By removing older, family-friendly content, the company aims to reduce residual payments and maximize tax write-offs through asset devaluation. The company is increasingly shifting its focus toward adult-oriented programming on Max. This long-term plan, initiated in 2022, has led to the disappearance of many beloved titles under the guise of financial restructuring.

Fans have taken to social media to express their outrage and sorrow. One user on X (formerly Twitter) lamented, "Why would they throw away our childhoods?" Another questioned the logic behind the decision, saying, "If they own the shows, what does it cost them to have them on the service? Are they licensing them to other platforms?"

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Another fan expressed their dismay with the comment, "Guess nostalgia has a deadline." Many echoed this sentiment, urging others to preserve old DVDs or hope that another platform might pick up the shows. A particularly heartfelt remark read, "Seems like they threw away childhood memories."
Interestingly, some users speculate that these classics might soon find a home on free streaming platforms like Tubi or YouTube. One fan noted, "I’ve been seeing a lot of kids’ shows appearing on free platforms lately—maybe that’s the new plan instead of keeping them behind a paywall."

For Indian viewers, the scenario is slightly different. Since HBO Max is not available in India, audiences are redirected to the Cartoon Network India YouTube channel. This serves as a temporary haven for fans hoping to revisit timeless shows like Dexter’s Laboratory, Courage the Cowardly Dog, and Johnny Bravo.