‘Looney Tunes’ Returns to TV Next Month for Massive April Launch
ACME is Back in Business: ‘Looney Tunes’ Returns to TV Next Month for Massive April Launch
BURBANK, CA — After a tumultuous few years that saw the "Wascaly Wabbit" and his friends bouncing between streaming services and corporate tax write-offs, the Looney Tunes are officially heading back to linear television in a major way next month.
Warner Bros. Discovery confirmed Monday that the iconic franchise will headline Cartoon Network’s annual “ACME Fools” event on 1st April 2026. The 10-hour television marathon marks the first time several fan-favorite titles have aired on the network in nearly a year, signaling a stabilization for the brand under its new broadcast strategy.
The 1st April Slate: A Marathon of Mayhem
The "ACME Fools" event has become an annual tradition since 2022, but the 2026 iteration is being described as the franchise’s "official homecoming." The marathon, which kicks off at 6:00 a.m., will feature a curated mix of modern hits and deep-cut classics.
Cartoon Network 'ACME Fools' Schedule - 1st April 2026
| Time | Show | Featured Segment / Era |
| 6:00 a.m. | The Looney Tunes Show | Modern Sitcom Style |
| 7:00 a.m. | Bugs Bunny Builders | Preschool Action |
| 7:28 a.m. | Tiny Toons Looniversity | The New Generation |
| 8:24 a.m. | Looney Tunes | Golden Age Classics (Uncut) |
| 10:30 a.m. | Duck Dodgers | Sci-Fi / Space Operatic |
| 12:00 p.m. | Tiny Toons Looniversity | Afternoon Block |
The return of Duck Dodgers is a particular highlight for animation historians; it marks the first time the series has appeared on the channel since May 2025, and the first "broadcast premiere" of select episodes in over two decades.
A New "Prestige" Home on TCM
While Cartoon Network handles the slapstick for the younger generation, Turner Classic Movies (TCM) is officially becoming the "ongoing home" for the historical Looney Tunes library.
Under a new six-year licensing deal, TCM has begun integrating nearly 750 classic shorts into its regular programming. These shorts are being aired "uncut and uncensored," often paired with the classic feature films they originally debuted alongside in theaters during the 1940s and '50s.
“By making TCM an ongoing home for this library, we’re able to present these cartoons with the care they deserve,” said Charlie Tabesh, TCM Senior VP of Programming. “They are as essential to film history as the features they accompanied.”
The "Coyote vs. ACME" Factor
The resurgence of the Tunes on TV comes at a critical time for the IP. Following the success of the recent theatrical release The Day the Earth Blew Up, the long-delayed and once-"shelved" film Coyote vs. ACME has finally been scheduled for an August 2026 theatrical release via Ketchup Entertainment.
Industry analysts suggest that the heavy TV presence in April is designed to "prime the pump" for the summer movie season, ensuring Bugs and Daffy are fresh in the minds of both nostalgic parents and new fans.
Where to Stream?
For those who prefer digital access, the Looney Tunes "rebound" is also being felt on free streaming services. Tubi recently launched its “Cartoon Era” hub, which features nearly 800 classic shorts available for free with ads. This move comes after the controversial removal of the library from Max (formerly HBO Max) in late 2025.
Whether you're watching a 1940s masterpiece on TCM or catching a Tiny Toons lecture on Cartoon Network, one thing is clear: the reports of the Looney Tunes' demise were greatly exaggerated.
