In a move that has sent shockwaves through the global entertainment industry, streaming behemoth Netflix has finalised a monumental $82.7 billion deal to acquire Warner Bros. The acquisition includes Warner Bros.' legendary film and television studios, along with the HBO Max and HBO streaming platforms.
Netflix's Immediate Assurance to Subscribers
Moving swiftly to address potential concerns, Netflix dispatched a carefully crafted email to its vast user base of over 300 million subscribers late last night. The core message was one of continuity: "nothing is changing today." This communication came approximately 24 hours after the blockbuster deal was publicly announced.
The email and a corresponding FAQ on Netflix's Help Center clarified that both Netflix and Warner Bros. services, including HBO Max, will continue to operate independently for the foreseeable future. The company estimates the integration process will take between 12 to 18 months to complete, pending necessary regulatory and shareholder approvals.
"We have more steps to complete before the deal is closed, including regulatory and shareholder approvals," the Netflix team stated. "You'll hear from us when we have more to share." The company confirmed that current membership plans remain unaffected and Warner Bros. content will not immediately migrate to the Netflix library.
Political and Industry Backlash Erupts
Despite Netflix's calming words, the proposed merger has ignited fierce opposition from politicians and industry bodies alike. High-profile US lawmakers have condemned the deal as a threat to market competition.
Democratic Senator Elizabeth Warren labelled it an "anti-monopoly nightmare," while Representative Pramila Jayapal warned it could lead to "more price hikes, ads, and cookie cutter content" for consumers. Even Republican Senator Mike Lee expressed alarm, suggesting the deal "should send alarm to antitrust enforcers around the world."
Major Hollywood guilds, including the Producers Guild of America, SAG-AFTRA, and the Writers Guild, have also raised significant concerns. Their fears centre on potential job losses and a reduction in creative control and diversity within the industry, as power consolidates in the hands of a single corporate giant.
A Unified Library of Iconic Content
On an investor call, Netflix co-CEO Ted Sarandos struck a confident and optimistic tone, insisting the acquisition is "pro-consumer, pro-innovation, pro-worker." The deal promises to create an unparalleled content library, bringing together Warner Bros.' iconic franchises like Harry Potter, Friends, Game of Thrones, and the DC Universe with Netflix's own global hits such as Stranger Things, Bridgerton, and Squid Game.
However, subscribers eager to see this combined catalogue will need to be patient. Netflix has indicated that any visible changes or content integrations are unlikely to happen before December 2026, following the lengthy closure and integration period. For now, the streaming landscape remains unchanged, but the foundations for a seismic shift have undeniably been laid.
