HBO Max and Paramount+ are expected to merge into a single streaming service if Paramount’s deal to acquire Warner Bros. Discovery goes through.
The plan was outlined during an investor call this week, where the Paramount CEO, David Ellison, said that the two platforms would be combined, bringing together what he described as more than 200 million direct-to-consumer subscribers. The goal is pretty simple: compete at a larger scale.
What that new service will actually look like hasn’t been explained. It’s also not clear whether HBO Max will exist as its own section inside a broader app or whether everything will be folded into a single rebranded platform.
Ellison did emphasize one point, though: HBO, the brand, won’t be absorbed creatively. He stressed that HBO would continue operating with independence under Casey Bloys and that Paramount doesn’t intend to interfere with how the network develops and programs its content.
The merger itself was the result of a short bidding contest. Netflix had reportedly pursued a deal to acquire Warner Bros. Discovery’s studio and streaming businesses late last year. Paramount later raised its offer to acquire the entire company, including its cable networks. Warner Bros. Discovery’s board accepted Paramount’s proposal, and Netflix chose not to counter.
If completed, the combined company would bring together HBO’s original series, Paramount’s film library, CBS programming, and Warner Bros.’ catalog under one streaming umbrella. The move comes as streaming companies face slower growth and higher costs. Instead of launching new standalone apps, media companies are consolidating what they already have.
For now, subscribers will have to wait for details on branding and pricing. What’s certain is that two familiar streaming names are set to become one.
Source: Variety