About 24 hours after Netflix came to a deal worth $83 billion to purchase Warner Bros.' TV and film studios, streamers HBO Max and HBO, Ted Sarandos And Greg PetersStreamer -run sent a message to his more than 82 million US subscribers saying “nothing is changing.”
In fact, in the links from the four-paragraph email from the “Netflix team,” the phrase “nothing changes” appears over and over again. What also concerns Netflix and HBO Max is that “both streaming services will continue to operate separately,” subscribers of the first assure in correspondence.
The number 1 streamer in America and the number 3 streamer in America will continue to operate separately for now.
Read Netflix's full letter to US subscribers below.
Answering the pre-posed question of “what if I already have a subscription to HBO Max, should I cancel it?” On the deal help page, Netflix says: “Netflix and Warner Bros. will remain separate until the transaction closes.”
In a winning message, “Welcome Warner Bros to Netflix,” the streamer says, “We still have several steps to complete before the deal closes, including regulatory and shareholder approvals. You will hear from us when we have something to share.”
After a big day of understatement in CEO memos and meetings, Warner Bros. Discovery town hall, reaction (not many Atta Boys, if you know what I mean?) and more, all but little to do with “regulatory and shareholder approvals” makes for the grand prize. There is a minefield of such obstacles, including, most likely, Paramount and the Ellison-loving President of the United States, the federal Department of Justice, the EU and the 50 state attorneys general. There's also the possibility of Paramount suing or overbidding to undo Netflix's $28-per-share offer. Everything is being clarified.
As Netflix late Friday was pleased that “Harry PotterFriends, The Big Bang Theory, Casablanca, Game of Thrones and the DC Universe along with Stranger Things, Wednesday, Squid Game, Bridgerton And K-pop demon”
The NetBros standoff has certainly led to some strange things and strange bedfellows.
What else can you think of that seems to have in common Donald Trump (who praises the CEO David Ellison and his Oracle founder/second richest man on the planet father Larry Ellison), Senator. Bernie Sanders and Hollywood unions? It can be noted that this unity is for completely different reasons.
Accusing Netflix of “swallowing” WBD's crown jewels, the two-time unsuccessful contender for the Democratic nomination from Vermont said in a post today:
Netflix's full letter to subscribers on Friday night can be read here:
| We recently announced that Netflix will acquire Warner Bros.including film and television studios HBO Max and HBO. This brings together our leading entertainment service with Warner Bros.” iconic stories featuring some of the world's most beloved franchises such as Harry Potter, Friends, The Big Bang Theory, Casablanca, Game of Thrones and the DC Universe along with Stranger Things, Wednesday, Squid Game, Bridgerton And K-Pop Demon Hunters. |
| Nothing changes today. Both streaming services will continue to operate separately. We still have several steps to complete before the transaction closes, including regulatory and shareholder approvals. You'll hear from us when we have something to share. In the meantime, we hope you continue to enjoy watching as much as you want, whenever you want – all within your current membership plan. |
| We know you may have questions. Check out our Help Center for more information or contact us anytime. |
| Thank you for choosing Netflix. We're committed to bringing you more great TV shows, movies, games and live events. |
