HBO and Netflix together | ecode10.com

HBO and Netflix together

Is it a good deal for all? and the consumer?

NEWS

Monday, December 8, 2025

Equipe ECODE10.COM

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After Netflix announced its acquisition of Warner Bros. Discovery last week, observers immediately wondered about the timeline and likelihood of regulatory approval. Bloomberg reported that President Trump has indicated that obtaining approval, if it happens at all, is likely to take some time.

Well, that process has to be followed, and we’ll see what unfolds,” Trump said to reporters during a recent Q&A session. “However, it holds a significant market share, which could potentially pose a challenge.” The President emphasized that he will personally be involved in the approval process.

As we mentioned last week, the combined streaming video market share of Netflix and HBO Max would be approximately 33 percent, surpassing Prime Video’s 21 percent share. This substantial market share is likely to draw the attention of the US Justice Department’s antitrust division. In response, Netflix has stated its intention to “maintain Warner Bros.’ current businesses,” which encompass HBO Max, HBO, theatrical releases for films, and operations related to movie and TV studios.

Headwinds were likely present in any deal, so in November, Netflix’s co-CEO Ted Sarandos reportedly met with Trump at the White House. During the meeting, Sarandos argued that the acquisition wouldn’t result in a monopoly. Trump, on the other hand, suggested that Warner Bros. Discovery should sell to the highest bidder. After the meeting, Sarandos felt that Netflix wouldn’t face opposition from the White House in the short term.

Before regulators even consider the acquisition, more drama might unfold. Paramount, which initially expressed interest in buying Warner Bros. Entertainment (WBD) even before it was available for sale, might launch a hostile takeover bid. Additionally, Hollywood’s unions and guilds are outraged by concerns that Netflix could substantially reduce Warner Bros.’ theatrical distribution, resulting in a decline in its back-end profits and production jobs.