Around 24 hours after Netflix came to a $83 billion deal to buy Warner Bros‘ TV and film studios, streamer HBO Max and HBO, the Ted Sarandos and Greg Peters-run streamer has sent a note to its over 82 million U.S. subscribers telling them “nothing is changing.”
In fact, in links from a four-paragraph email from the “Netflix team” about the NetBros merger, the phrase “nothing is changing” comes up again and again. What also comes up when it comes to Netflix and HBO Max is “both streaming services will continue to operate separately,” the correspondence assures subscribers.
Rest assured: Despite all the money and the media landscape earthquake, the number #1 streamer in America and the number #3 streamer in America will continue to operate separately. At least for now.
Read the full Netflix letter to US subscribers below
Answering the pre-designated question “what if I already have an HBO Max subscription, should I cancel?” Netflix says on its Help Page that “Netflix and Warner Bros. will remain separate until the transaction is closed.”
In the victory lap “Welcoming Warner Bros to Netflix” missive, the streamer also says: “We have more steps to complete before the deal is closed, including regulatory and shareholder approvals. You’ll hear from us when we have more to share.”
Coming off a big day of understatements in optimistic CEO memos and meetings, a Warner Bros Discovery town hall, reactions (not a lot of Atta Boys, if you know what I mean?) and more, that low volume “regulatory and shareholder approvals” make take top prize. The reality is there is a minefield of such obstacles to come before this is truly a done deal and the quote, un quote “transaction is closed.”
On a rudimentary friends-in-high-places level, there’s more than likely the Paramount and Ellisons-loving President of the United States and the federal Department of Justice standing in the way. Then there’s the EU and more than a handful of 50 state Attorney Generals. Ellison very strongly implied in correspondence this week before the Netflix/WB deal was unveiled, that there’s the possibility of a Paramount lawsuit. Around town, word is that perhaps there’s also an overbid coming from Paramount and its Middle East fund pals to snuff out the $28 per share offer from Netflix.
All TBD.
As it is Netflix late Friday was gleeful about having “Harry Potter, Friends, The Big Bang Theory, Casablanca, Game of Thrones and the DC Universe together with Stranger Things, Wednesday, Squid Game, Bridgerton and KPop Demon.”
On the other side, the opposition to NetBros certainly has already resulted in some strange bedfellows.
What else can you think of that seems to unite Donald Trump (who frequently heaps praise on Paramount CEO David Ellison and his Oracle founding/second richest man on the planet father Larry Ellison), Sen. Bernie Sanders. Then add to that Jane Fonda and the Hollywood unions, to name a few. For now, it’s a unity for very different reasons, it might be noted.
As would-be monopoly buster Sen. Sanders made obvious .
Accusing Netflix of “swallowing” the jewels in the WBD crown, the progressive kingpin and two-time unsuccessful Democratic nomination contender from Vermont rallied in a post today:
Read the full Netflix letter Friday night to subscribers here:
| We recently announced that Netflix will acquire Warner Bros., including its film and television studios, HBO Max and HBO. This unites our leading entertainment service with Warner Bros.’ iconic stories, bringing some of the world’s most beloved franchises like Harry Potter, Friends, The Big Bang Theory, Casablanca, Game of Thrones and the DC Universe together with Stranger Things, Wednesday, Squid Game, Bridgerton and KPop Demon Hunters. |
| Nothing is changing today. Both streaming services will continue to operate separately. We have more steps to complete before the deal is closed, including regulatory and shareholder approvals. You’ll hear from us when we have more to share. In the meantime, we hope you’ll continue to enjoy watching as much as you want, whenever you want – all on your current membership plan. |
| We know you might have questions. Check out our Help Center for more information or contact us at any time. |
| Thank you for choosing Netflix. We’re committed to bringing you more great TV shows, movies, games and live programming. |
