Turner Classic Movies Becomes Ongoing Television Home for Iconic Looney Tunes Animated Shorts, Starting February

Hollywood, Calif., January 26, 2026 – For generations, Looney Tunes has been a staple of childhood, a masterclass in comic timing, and an undeniable influence on animation.

Now, these iconic animated shorts are getting a new, prestigious home: Turner Classic Movies (TCM). This signifies a significant expansion of TCM’s commitment to preserving and presenting classic animation as an essential part of film history.

But can a network revered for classic cinema truly contextualize the frenetic antics of Bugs Bunny and Daffy Duck?

Beginning in February, TCM will officially introduce the Looney Tunes library into its monthly programming lineup.

The celebration kicks off with none other than Bugs Bunny himself, making his debut as TCM’s Star of the Month.

This tribute will feature 45 classic Bugs Bunny cartoons airing over a week, highlighting the character’s enduring legacy, comic brilliance, and profound influence on generations of filmmakers and animators.

“TCM is excited to become the ongoing television home of the Looney Tunes library,” said Charlie Tabesh, SVP, Programming and Content Strategy at Turner Classic Movies.

He emphasized that by making TCM “an ongoing home for this iconic library, we’re able to present these cartoons with the care and they deserve, alongside the classic films they helped influence.”

This positions Looney Tunes not just as entertainment, but as vital pieces of cinematic art worthy of serious study and appreciation.

Beyond the initial February tribute, the Looney Tunes shorts will continue to be programmed regularly across TCM’s schedule, establishing the network as a consistent destination for these beloved cartoons. Select titles will even air as “TCM Premieres,” further underscoring the significance of the library’s arrival.

The Looney Tunes library is a veritable who’s who of animation legends, featuring beloved characters such as Bugs Bunny, Daffy Duck, Elmer Fudd, Yosemite Sam, and Wile E. Coyote. It represents one of the most influential bodies of work in animation history, having shaped countless artists and storytellers.

Through this ongoing presentation, TCM aims to ensure these cartoons are celebrated, contextualized, and accessible to audiences of all ages, bridging the gap between classic animation and its often-overlooked place in the broader film canon.

TCM’s February programming will also include a curated selection of feature films designed to complement the animated shorts, offering viewers broader cinematic context and reinforcing the network’s tradition of thoughtful, historically grounded programming.

Turner Classic Movies is a two-time Peabody Award-winning network that has spent three decades as a leading authority in classic film.

By embracing Looney Tunes, they’re not just expanding their content; they’re expanding the very definition of “classic film” to include these animated masterpieces.

This looks like a genuine win for animation, offering a new generation the chance to discover these timeless gems through a lens of historical appreciation.