Starting in summer 2023, Discovery+ and HBO Max will be combined into one larger streaming service. In 2022, Warner Bros. announced the merger during a Q2 earnings call. The company intends to combine the two platforms to consolidate services while producing higher-quality content.
Why is Warner Bros combining HBO Max and Discovery+?
The streaming service, HBO Max, used to be owned by WarnerMedia, which included TBS, TNT, CNN, and the Warner Bros. film studio. Back in 2021, AT&T, which formerly owned WarnerMedia, announced it would split WarnerMedia and combine it with Discovery (which includes Discovery+, the Food Network, and HGTV).
This corporate shuffle became official in April 2022. The new company is called Warner Bros. Discovery.
According to JB Perrette, CEO and president of Warner Bros’ global streaming and games division, the merging of HBO Max and Discovery+ is intended to bring content for the entire family to one platform.
He believes that combining the two will provide “...something for everyone in the household.”
How much will the new streaming service cost?
As of August 2022, Warner Bros has not released the price for the ad-supported and ad-free tiers. Currently, customers who have both HBO Max and Discovery+ are paying over $20 to have both separately.
It would make sense for Warner Bros. to try and get the cost of the combined services below that amount to appeal to consumers.
Will I still be able to watch my favorite shows?
With this merger, HBO Max is gaining a new cousin network: Chip and Joanna Gaines’ Magnolia Network.
So, if you are a fan of Magnolia Network content, then you’re in luck. Some shows from Magnolia will arrive on HBO Max on September 30, 2022, including “Fixer Upper: Welcome Home,” “Magnolia Table with Joanna Gaines,” and all five previous seasons of “Fixer Upper.”
While a few movies have been removed from HBO Max already, Warner Bros. intends on bringing more quality content to the new streaming platform, which does not yet have a name, and perhaps will spend more money on fewer shows.
This will benefit consumers, because you won’t have to wade through a lot of bad content just to find a gem or two.
How can Cable Alternatives help?
Is it time to cut the cord? When the time comes to move to the new HBO Max and Discovery+ service, contact Cable Alternatives to help you set up streaming services on your TV.
Receive a free quote online or give us a call at 763-571-1037 today!