The Netflix deal with Warner Brothers includes popular streaming platforms — HBO Max and HBO.
What does that mean for fans? It will mean access to a wide array of movies and television shows that aren’t available on Netflix now, including immensely popular series like The Sopranos and Game of Thrones, but it also raises concerns about subscription pricing.
“Today, Netflix, Inc. (the Company) and Warner Bros. Discovery, Inc. (WBD) announced they have entered into a definitive agreement under which Netflix will acquire Warner Bros., including its film and television studios, HBO Max and HBO,” the company announced in a press release on December 6.
“This acquisition will improve our offering and accelerate our business for decades to come,” Greg Peters, co-CEO of Netflix, said in the release.
Some Experts Are Concerned That Prices Could Go Up, But That’s Not Clear Yet
The site Sherwood noted that many streaming platforms have been increasing prices and turning to bundled offerings. But Netflix hasn’t followed this trend, at least so far. “Instead of offering HBO Max as a separate subscription, Netflix appears poised to integrate the content directly into its core service,” the site noted.
Does that mean prices will go up? “The likeliest lever left for the company is pricing — though how high it might go remains unclear,” Sherwood advised.
According to Forbes, “It makes little sense that Netflix would keep an entirely separate HBO Max app for long, though they claim they will for now, and therefore fold all its content into the main app.” That site also suggested that prices could rise as a result. To what degree is not clear.
Netflix Says the Warner Brothers Acquisition Will Mean Fans Get Access to Popular Titles Like ‘The Sopranos’ & ‘Game of Thrones’
Photo by Didem Mente/Anadolu via Getty Images
Overall, the Warner Brothers/Netflix merger will mean increased titles for fans. It means that Netflix will have access to the entire Warner Brothers’ library, not just the shows on HBO and HBO Max, of course.
“This acquisition brings together two pioneering entertainment businesses, combining Netflix’s innovation, global reach and best-in-class streaming service with Warner Bros.’ century-long legacy of world-class storytelling,” Netflix wrote in the release.
According to Forbes, HBO has an “enormous back catalogue” that includes some of the most popular shows in history, like The Sopranos and The Wire. All Game of Thrones and DC projects, as well as originals like The Last of Us and Euphoria, are also included, as is the Harry Potter franchise.
“Beloved franchises, shows and movies such as The Big Bang Theory, The Sopranos, Game of Thrones, The Wizard of Oz and the DC Universe will join Netflix’s extensive portfolio including Wednesday, Money Heist, Bridgerton, Adolescence and Extraction, creating an extraordinary entertainment offering for audiences worldwide,” Netflix wrote.
“Our mission has always been to entertain the world,” said Ted Sarandos, co-CEO of Netflix, in the release. “By combining Warner Bros.’ incredible library of shows and movies—from timeless classics like Casablanca and Citizen Kane to modern favorites like Harry Potter and Friends—with our culture-defining titles like Stranger Things, KPop Demon Hunters and Squid Game, we’ll be able to do that even better. Together, we can give audiences more of what they love and help define the next century of storytelling.”
