Netflix Reassures Subscribers: 'No Changes Today' Following Warner Bros. Discovery Deal: 'Still More Steps Ahead'

Netflix informed its subscribers that there will be no changes today following its successful bid to acquire Warner Bros. Discovery, emphasizing that several steps remain before the deal is finalized. The streaming giant sent an email to users on Friday evening, a day after news broke about the major agreement between Netflix and WBD.

Netflix is set to acquire Warner Bros., including its film and TV studios, as well as HBO Max and HBO, the company wrote in the message. This combination brings together Warner Bros. legendary content and franchises such as Harry Potter, Friends, The Big Bang Theory, Casablanca, Game of Thrones, and the DC Universe with Netflix hits like Stranger Things, Wednesday, Squid Game, Bridgerton, and KPop Demon Hunters.

The company reassured subscribers that their current experience would remain unchanged for now. Both platforms will continue to operate independently, the email stated. We still have several steps to complete, including regulatory approvals and shareholder consent, before the acquisition is finalized.

Netflix concluded the message by promising updates when new information becomes available and encouraged users to continue enjoying content under their existing subscription plans without interruption.

Earlier, Netflix indicated its intention to preserve Warner Bros. ongoing operations and enhance its strengths, including theatrical releases. In a global internal town hall, WBD staff were told that HBO Max would remain active. CEO Ted Sarandos commented during an investor call that HBO and HBO Max offer complementary content, and combining the two companies will create a stronger entity than either could achieve alone.

Netflix won the bidding contest for Warner Bros. Discovery on Thursday with an offer of $27.75 per share for the studio and its streaming assets. Despite the announcement, the acquisition has met opposition from various industry organizations, including the Producers Guild of America, SAG-AFTRA, Teamsters, and the WGA, who have raised concerns about the merger.

Author: Grace Ellison