Netflix Sends Subscribers Email Promising ‘Nothing Is Changing Today,’ as Concern Over Price Rises Grows Following Warner Bros. Acquisition News
In a bid to calm subscriber concerns following its monumental $82.7 billion acquisition of Warner Bros., Netflix has reached out with an email reassuring users that “nothing is changing today.” The streaming giant emphasized that both Netflix and HBO Max will continue to operate independently until the deal receives the necessary regulatory and shareholder approvals, which Netflix anticipates will take between 12 to 18 months. This means that subscribers can expect their current membership plans to remain intact until at least late 2026 or potentially into the summer of 2027. The company’s communication highlighted its commitment to maintaining the status quo while also hinting at the exciting potential of bringing together beloved franchises from both platforms, such as “Harry Potter,” “Friends,” and “Stranger Things.”
However, the acquisition has not gone without scrutiny. Prominent figures like Senator Elizabeth Warren have voiced strong opposition, labeling the merger an “anti-monopoly nightmare.” Warren contended that the deal could lead to job losses and increased subscription costs, urging the Justice Department to rigorously enforce antitrust laws. Echoing this sentiment, U.S. Representative Pramila Jayapal expressed concerns about the implications for content diversity and the potential for reduced creative control for artists. Critics from both sides of the political spectrum are wary that the merger could create a media giant with excessive market control, threatening consumer choice and driving up prices. Despite this backlash, Netflix CEO Ted Sarandos remains optimistic, asserting that the acquisition is beneficial for consumers, innovation, and creators alike, while also hinting at the future incorporation of AI-generated content in their offerings.
As the deal progresses, Netflix aims to reassure its subscribers that their viewing experience will remain unchanged in the interim. The company’s FAQ section reiterated that Warner Bros. content will not be available on Netflix until the acquisition is finalized, and for now, both platforms will operate separately. This cautious approach seems to be a strategic move to placate existing users while navigating a complex regulatory landscape that could ultimately reshape the streaming industry. As the situation unfolds, subscribers and industry watchers alike will be keenly observing how this acquisition could redefine content delivery and pricing structures in the competitive streaming market.
Netflix has sent subscribers an email of reassurance following
the news of its $82.7 billion deal to acquire Warner Bros.
, amid concern over potential price rises.
The email — reviewed by IGN — promises subscribers that “nothing is changing today,” and confirms that the Warner Bros.-owned streaming platform HBO Max and Netflix will continue to operate separately until the deal closes. Netflix goes on to say that there are a number of steps it needs to complete before the deal closes, including regulatory and shareholder approval.
Hot on the heels of Friday’s dramatic announcement,
Democrat Senator Elizabeth Warren called on the Justice Department to examine Netflix’s buyout of Warner Bros.
, branding the deal “like an anti-monopoly nightmare.” Netflix has said acquiring Warner Bros. would provide better value to subscribers and shareholders, but Warren insisted a Netflix-owned Warner Bros. risked job losses and higher subscription prices, and said that the Justice Department must now enforce the country’s anti-monopoly laws “fairly and transparently.”
Netflix’s email to subscribers does not rule out future price rises, but does promise that current membership plans will remain in place at least until the deal goes through. As for when that will be, Netflix said it expects to close the translation in 12-18 months. So, at the earliest, December 2026, but it could be as late as summer 2027.
Here’s the Netflix email in full:
We’ve recently announced that Netflix will acquire Warner Bros., including its film and television studios, HBO Max and HBO. This unites our leading entertainment service with Warner Bros.’ iconic stories, bringing some of the world’s most beloved franchises like Harry Potter, Friends, The Big Bang Theory, Casablanca, Game of Thrones and the DC Universe together with Stranger Things, Wednesday, Squid Game, Bridgerton and KPop Demon Hunters.
What’s changing?
Nothing is changing today. Both streaming services will continue to operate separately. We have more steps to complete before the deal is closed, including regulatory and shareholder approvals. You’ll hear from us when we have more to share. In the meantime, we hope you’ll continue to enjoy watching as much as you want, whenever you want – all on your current membership plan.
We know you might have questions. Check out our Help Centre for more information or contact us at any time.
Thank you for choosing Netflix. We’re committed to bringing you more great series, films, games and live programming.
The Netflix team
The Help Centre makes things more definitive. When will Warner Bros. shows become available on Netflix? “Nothing is changing with content currently on Netflix,” the FAQ states. “Netflix and Warner Bros. will remain separate until the transaction is closed.”
And, will there be any changes to my monthly subscription plan? “Nothing is changing with your current plan,” Netflix said. “Continue enjoying our variety of quality movies, TV shows, games and live programming all on your current membership plan.”
There is also a message of reassurance for questions around whether HBO Max subscribers should cancel: “Netflix and Warner Bros. will remain separate until the transaction is closed.”
Based on all this, it seems likely that Warner Bros. shows will arrive on Netflix when the deal closes, and when that happens a price rise seems inevitable.
But will the deal close? Warren warned that a Netflix-Warner Bros. “would create one massive media giant with control of close to half of the streaming market — threatening to force Americans into higher subscription prices and fewer choices over what and how they watch, while putting American workers at risk.”
Warren’s comments were echoed by U.S. Representative Pramila Jayapal, co-chair of the House Monopoly Busters Caucus, who also labelled the deal as a “nightmare.”
“It would mean more price hikes, ads, and cookie cutter content, less creative control for artists, and lower pay for workers,” Jayapal stated. “The media industry is already controlled by a few corporations with too much power to censor free speech. The gov’t must step in.”
One report has
claimed Netflix is particularly keen to obtain Warner Bros.’ vast content library as the streamer ramps up its potential to offer AI-generation tools and content
in the future, just weeks after Disney boss Bob Iger confirmed it would
imminently begin rolling out AI content and capabilities via Disney+
.
Criticism of Netflix’s move has also come from both sides of the aisle, as Republican Senator Mike Lee, who also leads the Senate antitrust committee, suggested earlier this week that the idea of the streaming service owning Warner Bros. “should send alarm to antitrust enforcers around the world.”
In an investor call this week attended by IGN, Netflix CEO Ted Sarandos struck a confident tone when asked about the deal’s chance of success. “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.”
As part of the same call, Sarandos said
Netflix would continue to release Warner Bros. movies in theaters for now
, though expected theatrical release windows to shorten over time to become “more user friendly.”
Photo by Fernando Gutierrez-Juarez/picture alliance via Getty Images.
Wesley is Director, News at IGN. Find him on Twitter at @wyp100. You can reach Wesley at wesley_yinpoole@ign.com or confidentially at wyp100@proton.me.
