American animated sitcom
American TV series or program
The Looney Tunes Show is an American animated sitcom produced by Warner Bros. Animation that ran from May 3, 2011, through November 2, 2013, on Cartoon Network. The series consists of two seasons, each containing 26 episodes, and features characters from the Looney Tunes and Merrie Melodies theatrical cartoon shorts updated for the 21st century.[1]
Initially, the series received mixed reviews from critics, who praised the visual style, humor, portrayal of the characters, and voice acting, but criticized its direction, its divergences from its source material, its lack of slapstick, and its changes to the characters' designs and personalities.[2][3]
Premise
The series revolves around roommates Bugs Bunny and Daffy Duck living in a suburb with "colorful neighbors" including Lola Bunny, Tina Russo, Porky Pig, Foghorn Leghorn, Elmer Fudd, Sylvester, Tweety, Granny, Gossamer, Yosemite Sam, Taz, Speedy Gonzales, Marvin the Martian, Pete Puma and more. The series contained less slapstick and fewer visual gags, but instead was more adult-oriented and dialogue-driven with love triangles, employment and rooming.[4]
Wraparound segments
The show also features two other segments which wrap around the main plot. These consist of:
- Merrie Melodies – Approximately two-to-four-minute music videos showcasing classic characters singing brand new original songs. They appear midway through most of the episodes in season 1 and at the end of most episodes in season 2 in place of the Road Runner and Wile E. Coyote shorts.
- Wile E. Coyote and the Road Runner – A series of computer-animated shorts depicting Wile E. Coyote's attempts to catch the Road Runner. These segments came at the end of nearly every first-season episode. They were dropped after season one with the Merrie Melodies songs moving to the ending of most season 2 episodes.
Production
The Looney Tunes Show was originally envisioned as Looney Tunes Laff Riot, a "true-to-the-classics" show emulating the original run of Looney Tunes shorts announced in July 2009 by Warner Bros. Animation.[6] However, it was scrapped because the executives were not impressed, and it was later retooled into the sitcom-inspired The Looney Tunes Show which premiered on May 3, 2011, on Cartoon Network.[7] The show features new character designs by Ottawa-based artist Jessica Borutski which were first created for Looney Tunes Laff Riot and also later retooled for the final series.[8][7] The Laff Riot pilot would surface on September 4, 2020.[9]
As is standard for most modern animated sitcoms like The Simpsons and Family Guy, the series does not use a laugh track.
The animation was produced by Yearim and Rough Draft Korea, along with Toon City Animation in the first season. The Wile E. Coyote and the Road Runner shorts were produced by Crew972.
Cancelation and spin-off film
On July 29, 2014, it was announced that the series would not be renewed for a third season.[10] A direct-to-video spin-off film named Looney Tunes: Rabbits Run was released on August 4, 2015.[11][12]
Broadcast
The Looney Tunes Show premiered in the United States on May 3, 2011, through August 31, 2014, on Cartoon Network. In Australia, the series began airing on 9Go! and Cartoon Network Australia.
The Looney Tunes Show premiered in Africa on Boomerang Africa on May 17, 2011, in France on Boomerang France, in the UK on Boomerang UK and on different Boomerang feeds throughout Europe.
The Looney Tunes Show premiered in Canada on Teletoon on September 5, 2011.
Reception
Critical response
Critical response to The Looney Tunes Show was mixed. The voice acting, humor, portrayal of the characters and style received praise, but the show was also criticized for its direction and lack of slapstick, as well as the designs and personality changes of the characters.[2][16][3]
In a 2010 interview with CBC News, series animator Jessica Borutski said in response to fan criticism of the series' new character designs, that the original designs were intended for adults and that "[it is] time for a new generation to meet the characters."[3] Borutski said, "a fresh, new design is the only way to keep characters alive."[3] Cartoon historian Chris Robinson noted also that the mark the original characters have on fans is indelible and that fans are not receptive to change. "[Fans] just really become attached to these things," Robinson said. "It's just so strongly rooted in their childhood that they're unable to separate themselves."[3]
Common Sense Media gave the series 4 out of 5 stars and the disclaimer: "Fun remake of classic toon has a more grown-up feel."[17]
Awards and nominations
The Looney Tunes Show was nominated for three Primetime Emmy Awards.[18]
Music
Two albums compiling songs from the show have been released digitally by WaterTower Music:
- Songs from The Looney Tunes Show, Season One (2012)[21]
- Songs from The Looney Tunes Show, Season Two (2013)[22]
