HBO Max and Paramount+ are set to merge following the WBD acquisition

HBO Max and Paramount+ to Merge into a Unified Streaming Service

HBO Max and Paramount+ are on track to become a single streaming platform, following the recent merger between Warner Bros. Discovery and Paramount.

In Paramount’s first investor meeting since winning the bid for Warner Bros. Discovery, CEO David Ellison revealed that the two streaming giants will be integrated into one service after the merger is finalized.

“Over the next several years, we plan to bring together the streaming offerings of both companies to create a more robust platform,” Ellison stated during Monday’s call. “Currently, the two services collectively serve more than 200 million direct-to-consumer subscribers across over 100 countries and regions.”

A Major Shift in the Streaming Landscape

This merger represents one of the most significant consolidations in the ongoing competition among streaming services.

However, the combined subscriber count is expected to decrease, as many users are likely subscribed to both platforms. Paramount closed the fourth quarter with 78.9 million direct-to-consumer subscribers, while Warner Bros. Discovery reported 131.6 million.

For additional context, during previous merger discussions between WBD and Netflix, Netflix’s co-CEO Ted Sarandos informed lawmakers that 80% of HBO Max subscribers also held Netflix accounts. Netflix recently announced it has surpassed 325 million subscribers.

Bringing Together Iconic Franchises

The unified streaming service will feature top franchises from both companies, including HBO’s “Game of Thrones” and “The Sopranos,” as well as Paramount’s “Yellowstone” and “Star Trek.”

Ellison did not disclose what the new platform will be called, but another rebranding for WBD’s streaming service is likely. Just last summer, the service reverted to the HBO Max name after previously being known as Max, HBO Now, and the original HBO Max.

Paramount to Acquire CNN

As part of the merger, Paramount will also take ownership of CNN, which is currently part of WBD. Ellison told analysts that there are “no plans to divest cable assets at this time,” indicating that Paramount intends to retain its cable holdings.

It remains uncertain whether CNN’s new streaming service, All Access, will remain independent or be integrated into the new combined platform.