From ABC News: Netflix has announced that it has entered a “definitive agreement” to acquire Warner Bros. — including its film and television studios, HBO Max and HBO — in a deal valued at approximately $83 billion, according to the company.
The transaction is expected to close after the previously announced separation of WBD’s Global Networks division, Discovery Global, into a new publicly-traded company, which is now expected to be completed in Q3 2026, Netflix said.
The cash and stock transaction has a total enterprise value of approximately $82.7 billion and an equity value of $72 billion, Netflix said.
“This acquisition brings together two pioneering entertainment businesses, combining Netflix’s innovation, global reach and best-in-class streaming service with Warner Bros.’ century-long legacy of world-class storytelling,” Netflix said in a Friday statement.
“Beloved franchises, shows and movies such as The Big Bang Theory, The Sopranos, Game of Thrones, The Wizard of Oz and the DC Universe will join Netflix’s extensive portfolio including Wednesday, Money Heist, Bridgerton, Adolescence and Extraction, creating an extraordinary entertainment offering for audiences worldwide,” the company continued.
“Our mission has always been to entertain the world,” said Ted Sarandos, co-CEO of Netflix. “By combining Warner Bros.’ incredible library of shows and movies—from timeless classics like Casablanca and Citizen Kane to modern favorites like Harry Potter and Friends—with our culture-defining titles like Stranger Things, KPop Demon Hunters and Squid Game, we’ll be able to do that even better. Together, we can give audiences more of what they love and help define the next century of storytelling.”
Something X users have expressed concerns about the acquisition.
One user wrote, “HBO has made some of the greatest tv shows of all time. Warner Bros. has made some of the best movies ever. Netflix has made some of the worst of both. They will not have the same level of excellence with their new work that WB did.”
“This is horrible for the film and tv industry.”
HBO has made some of the greatest tv shows of all time. Warner Bros. has made some of the best movies ever.
Netflix has made some of the worst of both. They will not have the same level of excellence with their new work that WB did
This is horrible for the film and tv industry
— Jake (@playoffjake) December 5, 2025
Another said, “Literally every single person I’ve spoken to in the industry this morning is depressed and scared for the future of the film business following the announcement of Netflix buying Warner Bros.
“It’s bleak y’all…”
Literally every single person I’ve spoken to in the industry this morning is depressed and scared for the future of the film business following the announcement of Netflix buying Warner Bros.
It’s bleak y’all… pic.twitter.com/MTFHm9tfHC
— Matt Neglia (@NextBestPicture) December 5, 2025
Today, Netflix announced our acquisition of Warner Bros. Together, we’ll define the next century of storytelling, creating an extraordinary entertainment offering for audiences everywhere. https://t.co/rXPFMNIs1A pic.twitter.com/0pdsMUEob8
— Netflix (@netflix) December 5, 2025
Read more at ABC News
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