Just as 2025 drew to a close, the streaming industry was rocked by a historic announcement. Netflix revealed a landmark deal to acquire Warner Bros.’ film and television studios, including HBO and HBO Max, in a move that could redefine Hollywood.
Netflix, the world’s largest streaming platform with more than 325 million subscribers, announced in early December that it is acquiring major Warner Bros. Discovery entertainment assets.
The deal brings iconic franchises such as Game of Thrones, Harry Potter, and DC Comics under Netflix’s umbrella, marking one of the biggest mergers in media history.
How deal came together
The process began in October when Warner Bros. Discovery disclosed it was exploring a potential sale after receiving unsolicited interest from multiple industry players.
WBD has faced mounting financial pressure for years, driven by billions in debt, declining cable viewership, and intense competition in the streaming market.
Several major companies entered the bidding race, including Paramount and Comcast. Paramount was initially seen as the frontrunner and reportedly offered around $108 billion in cash to acquire the entire company.
However, WBD’s board ultimately favored Netflix’s proposal, which focused specifically on film, television, and streaming assets rather than the full corporate structure.
Netflix amended its proposal to an all-cash offer of $27.75 per WBD share, valuing the deal at approximately $82.7 billion.
The board viewed Netflix’s offer as less risky than Paramount’s, which would have left the combined company carrying an estimated $87 billion in debt.
Despite losing the bid, Paramount continued to pursue WBD’s assets for months. The company argued its offer was superior and raised concerns about the Netflix deal.
Last week, Paramount filed a lawsuit seeking more transparency around the transaction, signaling that tensions between the rivals remain unresolved.
Regulatory scrutiny intensifies
The scale of the Netflix–WBD deal has triggered intense regulatory scrutiny. Netflix co-CEO Ted Sarandos is expected to testify before a U.S. Senate committee, underlining the seriousness of the review process.
In November, Senators Elizabeth Warren, Bernie Sanders, and Richard Blumenthal urged the Justice Department to closely examine the merger, warning it could harm competition and consumers.
If regulators block the acquisition, Netflix would be required to pay a $5.8 billion breakup fee.
It remains uncertain whether Warner Bros. Discovery would remain independent or reopen talks with other potential buyers.
Industry pushback and creative concerns
The entertainment industry’s response has been largely critical. The Writers Guild of America has called for the merger to be blocked on antitrust grounds.
Industry insiders also fear the deal could marginalize independent creators, reduce diversity in storytelling, and lead to job losses or lower wages across the sector.
Netflix has said that Warner Bros.’ planned theatrical releases will continue as scheduled in the near term.
However, Sarandos has suggested that release windows may eventually shrink, allowing films to move to streaming platforms more quickly than before.
What subscribers should expect
For now, Netflix says HBO’s operations will remain largely unchanged. The company has not announced any immediate plans for bundling services or integrating apps.
On pricing, executives have promised no short-term changes during the regulatory review, though Netflix’s history of periodic price hikes has left subscribers cautious.
The acquisition is still far from final.
A Warner Bros. Discovery shareholder vote is expected around April, with the deal likely to close 12 to 18 months after approval, subject to regulatory clearance.
