The Looney Tunes Show
GenreAnimated sitcom
Based onLooney Tunes and Merrie Melodies
by Warner Bros.
Developed by
Voices of
Theme music composerCliff Friend and Dave Franklin (adaptation by Andy Sturmer)
Opening theme"The Merry-Go-Round Broke Down"
Ending theme"What's Up, Doc?" by Carl W. Stalling (instrumental)
ComposerAndy Sturmer
Country of originUnited States
Original languageEnglish
No. of seasons2
No. of episodes52 (list of episodes)
Production
Executive producerSam Register
Producers
Running time22 minutes
Animation
services
Production companyWarner Bros. Animation
Release
Original networkCartoon Network
Original releaseMay 3, 2011 (2011-05-03) –
November 2, 2013 (2013-11-02)[a]
Related
Loonatics Unleashed (2005–2007)
New Looney Tunes (2015–2020)

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:

Episodes

Main article: List of The Looney Tunes Show episodes

SeasonEpisodesOriginally aired
First airedLast aired
126May 3, 2011 (2011-05-03)February 7, 2012 (2012-02-07)
226October 2, 2012 (2012-10-02)November 2, 2013 (2013-11-02)

Characters

Main

Recurring

Others

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.

Home media

The Looney Tunes Show has received home video releases for Season 1. The season 2 episode "Super Rabbit" was released as part of the Looney Tunes: Parodies Collection on February 4, 2020.[13]

Season Title Episode
count
Disc(s) Release date
1 3-Pack Fun: The Looney Tunes Show 12 3 May 8, 2012[14]
This three-disc reissue for the first three volumes contained the first twelve episodes from the first season.
There Goes the Neighborhood 14 2 August 7, 2012[15]
This two-disc release contained the final fourteen episodes from the first season.

The first episode was also released on Looney Tunes: Rabbits Run as a special feature.

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]

Year Award Category Nominee Outcome
2011 Primetime Emmy Award Outstanding Voice-Over Performance Bob Bergen
  • For the voice of Porky Pig
  • Episode: "Jailbird and Jailbunny"
Nominated
BTVA People's Choice Voice Acting Award Best Female Vocal Performance in a Television Series in a Supporting Role Kristen Wiig
Won [19]
BTVA Television Voice Acting Award Best Female Vocal Performance in a Television Series in a Supporting Role June Foray
Nominated [19]
2012 Primetime Emmy Award Outstanding Voice-Over Performance Kristen Wiig
  • For the voice of Lola Bunny
  • Episode: "Double Date"
Nominated
2013 BTVA Television Voice Acting Award Best Female Lead Vocal Performance in a Television Series – Comedy/Musical Kristen Wiig
Nominated [20]
Primetime Emmy Award Outstanding Voice-Over Performance Bob Bergen
  • For the voice of Porky Pig
  • Episode: "We're in Big Truffle"
Nominated
BTVA Television Voice Acting Award Best Male Vocal Performance in a Television Series in a Guest Role – Comedy/Musical Eric Bauza
Won [20]
BTVA People's Choice Voice Acting Award Best Male Vocal Performance in a Television Series in a Guest Role – Comedy/Musical Eric Bauza
Won [20]
BTVA Television Voice Acting Award Best Female Lead Vocal Performance in a Television Series in a Supporting Role – Comedy/Musical June Foray
Won [20]
BTVA Television Voice Acting Award Best Male Vocal Performance in a Television Series in a Supporting Role – Comedy/Musical Maurice LaMarche
Won [20]

Music

Two albums compiling songs from the show have been released digitally by WaterTower Music:

Notes

  1. ^ The final episode first aired in overseas territories. It did not air in the US until August 31, 2014.

References

  1. ^ Perlmutter, David (2018). The Encyclopedia of American Animated Television Shows. Rowman & Littlefield. pp. 371–372. ISBN 978-1538103739.
  2. ^ a b "Toonzone: the looney-tunes show three critics one reaction". Archived from the original on February 2, 2012.
  3. ^ a b c d e "Ottawa animator bashed for Looney Tunes changes". CBC News.
  4. ^ "The Looney Tunes Show: Season 1 Volume 1". tvshowsondvd.com. Archived from the original on July 17, 2011.
  5. ^ @MattyDanner (September 5, 2020). "@ManiacalToast @ZakaZ96 That ain't Della, it's Marisol Mallard" (Tweet) – via Twitter.
  6. ^ "TAG Blog: At the 'Toon Factory of the Brothers Warner". animationguildblog.blogspot.co.uk. July 7, 2009. Retrieved March 11, 2015.
  7. ^ a b "Layoffs and Hirings". November 6, 2009.
  8. ^ "Ottawa animator bashed for Looney Tunes changes". CBC News.
  9. ^ When Was the Last Time Elmer Fired His Gun? | Looney Tunes Critc Quckie (go to 17:42)
  10. ^ "Frantz on Twitter". Twitter. Archived from the original on June 8, 2015. Retrieved March 11, 2015.
  11. ^ "Looney Tunes: Rabbits Run Trailer Teases New Animated Movie". Collider. April 30, 2015. Retrieved May 3, 2015.
  12. ^ King, Darryn (May 5, 2015). "Bugs Bunny to Return in Direct-to-Video 'Rabbits Run'". Cartoon Brew. Retrieved May 5, 2015.
  13. ^ "Looney Tunes DVD News".
  14. ^ "Amazon.com: Looney Tunes Show 3 Pack Fun S1-V1, V2, V3: Jeff Bergman, Bob Bergen, Fred Armisen, Kristin Wiig, Jennifer Esposito, Maurice LaMarche, June Foray, Jim Cummings, Billy West, Roz Ryan, John Kassir, Eric Bauza, Jess Harnell, Rob Paulsen, Rene Auberjonis, Spike Brandt, Tony Cervone, Sam Register: Movies & TV". amazon.com. May 8, 2012. Retrieved March 11, 2015.
  15. ^ "The Looney Tunes Show: There Goes The Neighborhood". tvshowsondvd.com. Archived from the original on March 24, 2012.
  16. ^ "REVIEW: The Looney Lunes Show". July 23, 2011.
  17. ^ "The Looney Tunes Show". Common Sense Media.
  18. ^ "Outstanding Voice-Over Performance – 2011". Emmys.com.
  19. ^ a b "2011 BTVA Voice Acting Awards". Behind The Voice Actors. Retrieved October 12, 2020.
  20. ^ a b c d e "2013 BTVA Voice Acting Awards". Behind The Voice Actors. Retrieved October 12, 2020.
  21. ^ "Songs from the Looney Tunes Show – Season One". Amazon.
  22. ^ "Songs From The Looney Tunes Show – Season Two". WaterTower Music. Archived from the original on August 5, 2013.