Netflix, the U.S. streaming giant, plans to acquire Warner Bros. following Discovery Global’s separation in an $82.7 billion deal, bringing HBO Max content to its platform. A Las Vegas-based HBO Max subscriber filed a class-action lawsuit seeking to block the merger, claiming it would reduce competition, raise prices, and limit content diversity. Michelle Fendelander, the plaintiff, said consumers “will bear the brunt of this decreased competition, paying increased prices and receiving degraded and diminished services,” while warning it could “narrow the spectrum of creative voices.” Netflix called the lawsuit meritless, describing it as “an attempt by the plaintiffs’ bar to leverage all the attention on the deal.”
The acquisition has drawn scrutiny from lawmakers, with Senator Elizabeth Warren urging the Justice Department to investigate, calling it “like an anti-monopoly nightmare.” Netflix CEO Ted Sarandos said, “We're highly confident in the regulatory process. This deal is pro-consumer, pro-innovation, pro-worker, it's pro-creator, it's pro-growth.” Netflix reassured subscribers that HBO Max and Netflix will continue operating separately until the deal closes, expected in 12–18 months, with current membership plans maintained. Analysts note Netflix aims to leverage Warner Bros.’ content library to expand offerings and future AI-driven tools.
