Even as more and more people make the move from traditional broadcast to streaming, there is clearly a lot of love for the cable network Turner Classic Movies (TCM). Exhibit A is the rallying cry from movie lovers, #SaveTCM, over recent reports and possible worries about TCM shutting down.
All of this comes as Warner Bros. Discovery (WBD), the parent company of HBO, Max and Warner Bros. Studios Pictures, has been making layoffs that recently hit TCM. This caused many, both in the industry and out, that TCM could be at risk of shutting its doors. While WBD and influential Hollywood directors Steven Spielberg, Martin Scorsese and Paul Thomas Anderson have spoken with WBD heads and say they still support TCM (find out more via Variety), fans are making their voices heard on why TCM is worth fighting for.
For nearly 30 years, Turner Classic Movies (TCM) has been allowing US viewers to watch an endless run of classic movies. This includes Charlie Chaplin's The Gold Rush, Humphrey Bogart's Casablanca, Marilyn Monroe's Gentlemen Prefer Blondes, Katharine Hepburn's Bringing Up Baby and more, from movies everyone has heard of (even if they haven't seen them) to hidden gems given the chance to find a brand new audience.
The access, love and knowledge that TCM and its hosts — which includes Ben Mankiewicz, Alicia Malone, Jacqueline Steward, Daver Karger and more — have shared for these classics is something that movie fans have flocked to.
Since the news broke fans have been sharing what TCM has meant to them, the movies they've seen through the channel and just how they'd react if anything were to happen to the channel:
#SaveTCMA hundred years from now people will still be watching the classic movies we love today.I'm not sure we can say the same for the tripe that passes for movies today.Many of today's movies are little more than big budget cartoons for kids who never grew up. pic.twitter.com/Mk2UYV27R3June 22, 2023
TCM means the world to classic movies and to the stars we love so much. They keep them shining brightly. ✨ Whether it’s a film I’ve seen 100 times or one that’s new to me, I get so much comfort, joy, and entertainment turning to this old friend. #SaveTCM pic.twitter.com/cWQUw3MlfeJune 21, 2023
This is my one wish for 2023: #SaveTCM. We need a safe and happy space for alllllll the good old movies, like The Thin Man pic.twitter.com/yLceOfwvGUJune 22, 2023
I love TCM, it is the only channel I check the schedule in advance to see what is going to be on. I can't even think of what life would be without it. There's NO question this is a BELOVED network by millions upon millions of Americans. This would be DEVASTATING. #SaveTCM pic.twitter.com/TEpYiPiXnLJune 22, 2023
Yes! #TCM is an absolute treasure and has been my favorite channel for over 20 years. I have adored classic films since I was a child. These films are iconic and must continue to be preserved, shared and enjoyed! 🎥 #SaveTCM https://t.co/0EelsYfzTo pic.twitter.com/G3PxLhdT0kJune 21, 2023
#SaveTCM #TCMParty pic.twitter.com/kkcFhWHVpJJune 22, 2023
Me and the gang coming to #SaveTCM pic.twitter.com/H3sGQiWVNxJune 22, 2023
If @tcm falls may the evildoers experience the wrath of the Full Crawford #SaveTCM #TCMParty pic.twitter.com/9sKlzW8SAlJune 22, 2023
Turner Classic Movies is essential to preserving cultural history. Hands off! #SaveTCM pic.twitter.com/4CdfPWaduDJune 22, 2023
TCM is an oasis in a broadcast desert. Instead of cheap-to-produce home improvement shows and real housewives, it celebrates the visual story telling and the American art form, film. Please, WBD, #SaveTCM! pic.twitter.com/GqIO6T86qfJune 22, 2023
Dear @YouTubeTV, the only reason I subscribe to you is for @tcm. So you might want to pay attention to what's going on over there. #TCMparty #SaveTCM pic.twitter.com/ZFCDWQlUYcJune 22, 2023
#SaveTCM - because… pic.twitter.com/yNYb0aBgCDJune 21, 2023
Another TCM fan rallying behind the network is none other than Deadpool himself, Ryan Reynolds. He wrote on Twitter: "Turner Classic Movies has been a fixture in my life for as long as I can remember. It's a holy corner of film history — and a living, breathing library for an entire art form. Please don't f*** with @tcm."
You can find out what movies are playing on TCM today and for the next week via the TCM website. If you're wondering where you can watch TCM, it is available via traditional cable providers, as well as live TV streaming services like Hulu with Live TV, Sling TV and YouTube TV. The Max streaming service also has a dedicated section to classic movies that air on TCM.
