Netflix Offers Update On Subscription Prices, HBO Max Access Post WB Purchase: “Nothing Is Changing… Today”

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Netflix recently provided information about upcoming price changes and what’s happening with HBO Max. This update follows their December 5th announcement that they’re buying Warner Bros. – including its movie and TV production companies and the HBO network and streaming service – for $83 billion.

Netflix emailed its subscribers early this morning to share updates about the HBO Max deal. They want to reassure everyone that things aren’t changing right now and that HBO Max will still work as usual for the time being, as the agreement hasn’t been finalized yet.

Shareholders and regulators still need to give their approval for the Netflix deal. The entire process of acquiring Warner Bros. – which is still separating from Discovery after merging in 2022 – is predicted to take 12 to 18 months. Even after that timeframe, the situation could still evolve.

Netflix says they’ll let you know when they have more information. Here’s the part of their email that explains it:

Things are staying the same for now. Both streaming services will keep running as they do today. There are still a few things we need to finalize – like getting approval from regulators and shareholders – before the merger is complete. We’ll update you when we have more news. Until then, please continue enjoying unlimited streaming with your current subscription.

Netflix also included a link to a help page to reassure customers that their accounts won’t be affected until the deal is finalized. The page emphasizes that “nothing is changing with your membership today,” current subscription prices will remain the same, and users won’t lose any of their viewing history, profiles, or personalized recommendations.

Despite the positive statements, words like “today” and “currently” suggest significant changes could happen after the deal is finalized, probably around 2027.

This statement aligns with Netflix’s recent comments regarding Warner Bros.’ movie release strategy. On December 5th, during a media call, Netflix’s co-CEO Ted Sarandos confirmed that Warner Bros. will still release its currently scheduled movies in cinemas.

The current release schedule includes films like Dune: Part Three, Supergirl, Mortal Kombat II, Godzilla x Kong: Supernova, A Minecraft Movie 2, The Batman – Part II, and Man of Tomorrow, though these dates are not final. Netflix’s Ted Sarandos suggested that future release dates will be adjusted to be more convenient for viewers.

As a big Netflix user, I’m keeping a close eye on things after the recent deal. Everyone’s talking about subscriptions, and while they’re saying things should be okay, it doesn’t guarantee prices will stay put for the whole year. I’ve noticed Netflix has been steadily raising prices – they added an ad-supported plan late in 2022, and just this January, they hiked them again. They actually got rid of their cheapest ad-free option last July, which paved the way for those January increases, so I’m not holding my breath for long-term price stability.

As a big Netflix fan, I’m always a little worried about price increases, and honestly, it feels pretty likely we’ll see one before the end of 2026. Plus, there’s all this talk about HBO Max possibly joining forces with them, kind of like what happened with Hulu and Disney+. If that deal goes through, it almost certainly means prices will go up, or at least things will change quite a bit. It’s a little nerve-wracking, but hopefully, any changes will still be worth it!

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2025-12-06 17:50