HBO Max Refreshes Library, Removing Scooby-Doo and Cartoon Network Classics in Strategic Animation Shift |August 13

HBO Max is saying goodbye to some of its most beloved animated staples. As of July 31, 2025, classics like What’s New, Scooby-Doo? and Courage the Cowardly Dog have vanished from the platform. The removals come after Warner Bros. Discovery opted not to renew licensing agreements, a move that signals a major shift in HBO Max’s programming strategy.

Why Are Cartoon Network Favorites Disappearing?

This isn’t just a random content cull; it’s part of a larger plan. Warner Bros. Discovery is repositioning HBO Max away from legacy kids’ programming and toward adult-leaning and family-focused shows. Over the past few years, the service has quietly dropped fan favorites like Ed, Edd n Eddy, Teen Titans, The Powerpuff Girls, and Looney Tunes.

Instead of hoarding classics, the company is now prioritizing new animation projects, some of which might debut on other platforms entirely, not even on HBO Max.

What’s Still Left for Cartoon Network Fans?

As of August 2025, only a small handful of Cartoon Network titles remain on HBO Max, including:

• Adventure Time

• Craig of the Creek

• The Amazing World of Gumball

But even these aren’t guaranteed to stick around. Several licensing deals are set to expire later this year, potentially leading to additional removals.

Where to Watch Scooby-Doo and Other Removed Shows

Fans don’t have to panic just yet. Series like What’s New, Scooby-Doo? and Courage the Cowardly Dog are still available to buy or stream elsewhere, including iTunes, Prime Video, and Tubi.

Industry chatter suggests these shows could resurface on platforms like Hulu or Disney+ before the end of 2025, part of the ongoing game of streaming rights musical chairs.

What This Means for HBO Max’s Future

Warner Bros. Discovery’s content strategy now leans heavily into adult content, prestige TV, and blockbuster franchise projects. While new Cartoon Network series will still land on HBO Max, the days of the service acting as a deep vault for classic kids’ animation seem numbered.

This shift underscores just how competitive the streaming world has become, and how even iconic shows aren’t safe from licensing shakeups.