Will HBO Max Continue To Operate As A Standalone Service Following Netflix Acquisition?

The major streaming news of the day, week, and potentially year, was the confirmation that Netflix is buying Warner Bros. The deal not only includes the massive Warner Bros. film and TV library but also HBO and HBO Max. Naturally, this leads to the question of what will now happen to HBO Max?

The answer to that question currently remains unclear. For now, not a lot is expected to change with HBO Max, and with the expectation that it will take up to eighteen months for Netflix to complete the acquisition, it may take some time for the full impact of this purchase to become clear.

In its original announcement, and reiterated during an investors call today, Netflix confirmed plans to maintain Warner Bros.’ current operations. For now, this includes the continuation of the HBO Max streaming service as a standalone service and product.

This isn’t to say that there won’t be changes in general, and potentially significant ones in the future. Although specifics of any potential changes remain unknown, Netflix has suggested there will be some and they will apparently prove ultimately better for the consumer.

As part of its comments today, Netflix explained it is now in the process of figuring how content will be allocated across its properties. The suggestion here being multifold.

Firstly, there’s the possibility that HBO Max could change over time. Whether this is in terms of the library growing or shrinking remains unclear, with both potential outcomes equally likely right now.

Secondly, there’s the strong possibility that at least some Warner Bros. content will be made available through Netflix to subscribers at no additional cost.

Thirdly, there is always the possibility that Netflix will just absorb HBO Max entirely. However, this is likely to be a much longer-term change, if it happens at all.

Lastly, and the most likely in the short-term, subscribers will gain the ability to bundle the two services, potentially at a greatly reduced price.

While much of this acquisition remains speculative right now, what is clear is that the purchase marks a major development within the streaming industry, and one that will almost certainly further help Netflix to consolidate its position as a major streaming player in the future.