HBO Max Will Mash Up With Discovery Plus in the Middle of Next Year

Streaming service HBO Max will combine with Discovery Plus for US subscribers during the summer of 2023, Warner Bros. Discovery said Thursday, detailing the plans for a move that it has telegraphed ever since the company was formed by a megamerger earlier this year. 

Latin America will get the mashed-up version of the services later in 2023. Some European markets where HBO Max is already operating will follow in early 2024, and the company will launch the combined offering in some new Asia Pacific and European markets later in 2024. 

The company didn’t specify any pricing changes as the two services meld. Warner Bros. Discovery added that it was exploring the possibility of launching a free, ad-supported streaming offering of some kind. 

The plan to combine HBO Max and Discovery Plus is a “main priority,” Warner Bros. Discovery CEO David Zaslav said Thursday, in a discussion of the company’s streaming strategy. The two services have 92 million subscribers collectively, and Warner Bros.

Discovery said it anticipates adding more than 40 million more members by 2025. By comparison, Netflix, the world’s biggest subscription streaming service, has nearly 221 million.  In April, Discovery and WarnerMedia closed their £43 billion megamerger to form the combined Warner Bros.

Discovery. The deal united Hollywood powerhouse WarnerMedia — home to streaming service HBO Max, the Warner Bros. movie studio and TV channels like HBO, CNN, TBS and more — with Discovery, known for reality shows and unscripted programming on its cable networks and streaming service Discovery Plus. HBO Max is known for prestige originals and a deep library of top movies.

Discovery Plus, on the other hand, is known for unscripted programming at both the high end (like award-winning natural history documentaries) and the low (like Naked and Afraid and the wildly popular 90-Day Fiance).  But the companies’ combination clouded the future shape of both HBO Max and Discovery Plus. Earlier this year, the new company’s leadership was clear they wanted to combine the two services, but executives hadn’t specified how or when until Thursday.

Warner Bros. Discovery also said earlier it would consider intermediary steps like bundling the services in a discounted package before a full-fledged combination of the two.  Their combination comes at a time when streaming video has never been more popular — and the competition around it never more fierce.

In the last two years, media giants and tech heavyweights have launched their own rivals to Amazon Prime Video and Netflix, with services like Apple TV Plus, Disney Plus, HBO Max and Peacock rolling out. These so-called streaming wars also affect how many services you must use — and pay for — to watch your favorite shows and movies online.  The latest news comes after reports of an escalating number scuttled shows, movies and other projects.

Most recently, the movie Batgirl had its release scrapped Tuesday, despite the fact that the film (with a reported £90 billion budget)the fact that the movie  was already well into post-production. Earlier this year, Warner Bros. Discovery killed CNN Plus, a streaming service complement to the 24-hour news network, within about three weeks of its launch. 

Collectively, those decisions and others have underscored an era of belt tightening under Zaslav. 

Tags:

bareminerals listed on couponmatrix.ukcase-luggage listed on couponmatrix.ukiflorist listed on couponmatrix.ukpolarn-o-pyret listed on couponmatrix.ukprinterpix listed on couponmatrix.uksnozone listed on couponmatrix.uk
bareminerals listed on couponmatrix.ukEnsure your beauty buys are as clean as your conscience with the bareMinerals natural makeup collection. Grab a bareMinerals discount code from us to give your makeup bag a boost with mineral foundations that are actually good for your skin or hydrating lipsticks for a beautiful, kissable pout. Don’t forget to browse the bareMinerals skincare section for soothing serums, moisturising masks, and a host of lotions and potions, tailored to fix all those common skin complaints. With a range that’s cruelty-free, plenty of options for vegans and a transparent supply chain, bareMinerals proves that beauty can be so much more than skin deep.
case-luggage listed on couponmatrix.ukCase Luggage offers high-quality, stylish luggage for discerning travellers. With a wide variety of colours and styles to choose from, Case Luggage has the perfect bag for every trip. Whether you're looking for a hard case or soft case, carry-on or checked baggage, Case Luggage has you covered. Use a Case Luggage voucher code to get a discount on your next purchase. So don't wait any longer, start packing your bags with Case Luggage today! At Groupon, we know that saving money is important to you. That's why we work hard to find the best Case Luggage voucher codes and discounts, so you can travel in style without breaking the bank. No matter what you’re looking for, big or small, we've got you covered. So start packing your bags with Case Luggage today, and be sure to use a Groupon discount code to save even more! One of the top-performing Case Luggage products is the Carry-On Expandable Spinner. This carry-on bag is perfect for travellers who want to be able to pack light but still have all their essentials with them. The spinner wheels make it easy to manoeuvre through airports and train stations, and the expandable design means you can pack more if you need to. Best of all, you can use a Case Luggage discount code to get this bag for a great price!
iflorist listed on couponmatrix.ukiflorist provides a flower service like no other. Whether you're in a last minute rush or are breezily browsing its glorious selection, you're sure to find something to suit the occasion. Say 'I love you' with a rose bouquet, 'thank you' with some heartening carnations or 'get well soon' with some tasteful cerise gerberas — all for less when you apply an iflorist voucher code from Groupon. Its easy to use website will have you on your way in no time!
polarn-o-pyret listed on couponmatrix.ukWelcome to Polarn o Pyret, bringing fun, functional, fitted and fashionable clothing for babies and children. No matter what age your child is, providing them with durable, functional and designer clothing can help bring their unique character to life. From casual wear to rainwear, nightwear to swimwear, you'll find everything to keep your tots comfy and dry. With Polarn o Pyret voucher codes you can enjoy the product range for less. Love your kids with Polarn o Pyret.
printerpix listed on couponmatrix.ukA picture tells a thousand words, so bring your story to life today with PrinterPix, one of the UK’s leading suppliers of high quality photography prints. Whether you’re remembering holidays gone by, a graduation, a wedding or a birthday, grab a Printerpix voucher and get your hands on some gorgeous printed goods for less. There’s a wide range of awesome products on offer, so have a look today and see what takes your fancy.
snozone listed on couponmatrix.ukYou don’t have to trek to the Alps to experience the icy thrill of downhill skiing and snowboarding. Snozone offer some of the most exhilarating experiences imaginable and, with a Snozone discount code you’ll be even better equipped to gather your friends, family or work colleagues, strap on your snow boots and jump into the unknown. And, with locations in both Milton Keynes and Castleford near Leeds, there’s a reasonable chance you’ll be within travelling distance of one or the other.