HBO-Netflix Content On One Platform May Replicate Disney's Hulu Plan
NetflixNetflix(US:NFLX) Forbes·2025-12-05 17:35

Core Insights - Netflix has announced a deal to acquire Warner Bros. for nearly $83 billion, raising questions about the future of HBO Max content [2][3] Group 1: Impact on HBO Content - The acquisition may lead to HBO content, including popular titles like "Game of Thrones," moving to Netflix, which could significantly enhance Netflix's content library [2][3] - HBO Max achieved profitability in 2023, driven by international demand for shows like "House of the Dragon" and domestic hits such as "The White Lotus" and "The Last of Us" [4] - The deal is seen as a strategic move for Netflix to maintain its profit momentum and leverage HBO's intellectual property [5] Group 2: Streaming Industry Trends - The consolidation of content across platforms is a growing trend, with other companies like Disney also planning to merge services for consumer convenience [7] - Consumers are increasingly frustrated with the need to subscribe to multiple services, preferring a single platform for easier access to content [8] - Netflix is expected to package HBO and other Warner Bros. content on its platform, which already has over 300 million subscribers [9] Group 3: Sports Streaming and Audience Measurement - Netflix aims to enhance its presence in live sports streaming, an area where it has lagged behind competitors, with plans to program WWE Raw starting in 2026 [10] - The acquisition could provide Netflix with back-end resources to improve its sports streaming capabilities and address past criticisms regarding quality [10] - Audience measurement is becoming increasingly important as advertisers seek assurance on the effectiveness of their ad spend on streaming platforms [11]