Big shifts could be coming in streaming, as two of the industry’s heavyweights might not stay competitors for long.
Netflix emerges as the frontrunner to buy Warner Bros. Discovery
Back in October, Warner Bros. Discovery hinted that it was open to a sale, just months after revealing plans to split the company in two – separating the studio and streaming business from its cable operations.
Fast forward, and it looks like Netflix is leading the charge to acquire Warner Bros.’ studio and streaming arm. The streaming giant is reportedly in exclusive talks that could reshape Hollywood and the way we consume TV and movies.
Sources say Netflix has offered $28 per share – putting it ahead of other bidders like Comcast and Paramount Skydance – and included a $5 billion breakup fee in case regulatory approval in the US doesn’t come through. And that’s a real possibility since the Justice Department’s antitrust division could raise hurdles for the deal.
For context, Warner Bros. owns massive franchises like Harry Potter and Game of Thrones, as well as the streaming platform HBO Max. Should Netflix pull this off, antitrust regulators are expected to conduct a long, multiyear investigation into the merger, according to sources familiar with the matter.
If Netflix takes over Warner Bros. along with HBO Max, it would cement its position as the undisputed leader in the streaming world. | Image credit – Flix Patrol
The main worry here is that HBO Max already ranks high in the streaming service charts with more than 100 million subscribers. Merge that with Netflix’s 300 million subscribers, and the combined platform would be twice the size of Disney, its closest competitor.
But pulling off this deal would also force Netflix into uncharted territory: managing one of Hollywood’s biggest and oldest studios, including the theatrical side of the business, which it has mostly avoided until now.
What Netflix acquiring HBO Max could mean
If the deal goes through, Netflix would take control of HBO, which produces critically acclaimed shows like The White Lotus, The Sopranos, and Game of Thrones, plus a deep TV archive including classics like Friends, which is about to leave Netflix soon.
This would instantly cement Netflix as the undisputed streaming powerhouse, leaving other competitors far behind. And honestly, that worries me a bit. Competition is what keeps companies pushing boundaries, whether we speak about series, movies, or even smartphones. Without it, there’s less incentive to innovate, and users often end up with fewer options.
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Do you think US regulators should block the deal?
Yes, it’s too big for one company.
50%
Maybe, need more review.
37.5%
No, let the market decide.
12.5%
Unsure.
0%
Why I think this would be a mistake
Personally, I don’t see Netflix taking over HBO Max as a good move. We all have our favorite platforms, but for me, HBO Max consistently delivers the quality storytelling I want, while Netflix feels more entertainment-first than quality-first.
A sale to Netflix could end up diluting long-term value for the entertainment industry, and while we’ll have to see how regulators respond, I’m skeptical this merger would be good for content creators or viewers in the long run.
Tsveta, a passionate technology enthusiast and accomplished playwright, combines her love for mobile technologies and writing to explore and reveal the transformative power of tech. From being an early follower of PhoneArena to relying exclusively on her smartphone for photography, she embraces the immense capabilities of compact devices in our daily lives. With a Journalism degree and an explorative spirit, Tsveta not only provides expert insights into the world of gadgets and smartphones but also shares a unique perspective shaped by her diverse interests in travel, culture, and visual storytelling.
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