Netflix has told its more than 300 million subscribers that its plan to acquire Warner Bros will not affect their viewing experience anytime soon. The streaming giant said the nearly $83-billion takeover would eventually bring Warner Bros’ film and TV studios — along with HBO and HBO Max — under the Netflix banner, but stressed that no immediate changes are happening.
In a late-night email to users, Netflix reassured: “Nothing is changing today.” The company added that both platforms would continue operating independently while the deal moves through regulatory and shareholder approvals. “We hope you’ll keep enjoying your favourite shows and films on your current membership plan,” the message said.
The announcement dropped in the middle of a fierce bidding battle for Warner Bros Discovery. Paramount Skydance — backed by the Ellison family — has submitted a hostile takeover bid at $30 per share, valuing the company at $108.4 billion including debt. Paramount has argued that its proposal offers more upfront cash and a clearer path through regulatory scrutiny compared to Netflix’s approach.
Paramount, known for brands such as CBS News, Nickelodeon, Mission: Impossible, and more, claims that acquiring Warner Bros Discovery would provide it the scale needed to challenge giants like Netflix and Disney. If its offer succeeds, the combined entity could even surpass Disney’s North American box-office share.
Warner Bros Discovery, burdened with roughly $35 billion in debt, is undergoing its fourth major restructuring since 2000. For Netflix, the acquisition would unlock access to some of the world’s most valuable franchises, including Harry Potter, Game of Thrones, Friends, Casablanca, The Big Bang Theory, and the DC Universe, complementing its own global hits like Stranger Things, Wednesday, Squid Game, Bridgerton, and KPop Demon Hunters.
Netflix told subscribers it remains committed to delivering “more great series, films, games, and live programming” as it expands its entertainment footprint.
US President Donald Trump reacted sharply to the development, warning that Netflix’s proposed takeover “could be a problem” due to competition concerns. “I’ll be involved in that decision,” he said. Paramount’s bid has also attracted powerful allies, including Jared Kushner, Trump’s son-in-law, alongside the Ellison family.
Market reaction reflected the intensifying bidding war: Warner Bros Discovery shares rose over 4%, Paramount surged about 9%, while Netflix slipped more than 3% on Monday.
