NEW YORK (AP) — Two of the preferred streaming providers have agreed to mix, in a transfer that would change the streaming service panorama.
Netflix stated Friday it should purchase the studio and streaming enterprise of Warner Bros. Discovery, the legacy Hollywood large behind “Harry Potter” and “Friends,” for $72 billion.
The transaction is predicted to shut within the subsequent 12 to 18 months — after Warner completes its previously-announced separation of its cable operations. Not included within the deal are networks like CNN and Discovery.
Warner Bros. Discovery stated in October it was open to promoting all or components of its enterprise.
Right here’s a take a look at what the 2 streaming providers provide and what would possibly change if the deal completes regulatory hurdles and closes.
Netflix
Netflix, based mostly in Los Gatos, California, is the world’s greatest streaming service, though its progress has slowed from peak years. It stopped giving particular subscriber numbers in 2024, however quarterly ends in October signaled its worldwide subscriber rely has elevated from the roughly 302 million it had on the finish of 2024.
Though it’s best recognized for its scripted TV reveals and flicks reminiscent of “Stranger Things,” “Squid Game,” “Bridgerton,” and “KPop Demon Hunters,” Netflix has been increasing into different arenas. It began providing a low-priced possibility of its service with promoting three years in the past and has launched video video games and reside sports activities, too.
In a press release on Friday Netflix stated the acquisition will add reveals and flicks together with “The Big Bang Theory,” “The Sopranos,” “Game of Thrones,” “The Wizard of Oz” and the DC Universe comedian e-book franchise to its library.
Warner Bros. Discovery
Warner Bros. Discovery, based mostly in New York, was fashioned simply three years in the past after when AT&T spun off WarnerMedia and it was merged with Discovery Communications in a $43 billion deal.
In June, the corporate outlined plans to separate its cable and streaming choices — with HBO, HBO Max, in addition to Warner Bros. Tv, Warner Bros. Movement Image Group, DC Studios, to develop into a part of a brand new streaming and studios firm; whereas networks like CNN, Discovery and TNT Sports activities and digital merchandise such because the Discovery+ streaming service and Bleacher Report would make up a separate cable counterpart.
Warner anticipated the break up to be full by mid-2026, and the Netflix acquisition is predicted to shut after that.
The deal would add traditional motion pictures to the Netflix library, together with “Casablanca,” “Citizen Kane,” and the Harry Potter franchise.
