HBO Content Could Be Coming To Netflix - Report

Warner Bros. Discovery is reportedly in talks to license some of its HBO library titles to rival streaming service Netflix, in a surprising move that could mark a significant shift in the premium pay landscape. Deadline was first to report.

The deal, if finalized, would be the first time in nearly a decade that HBO shows are made available on a competing SVOD platform in the United States. Unnamed sources indicate that the first title under consideration for the arrangement is the popular comedy series Insecure, created by Issa Rae, which aired for five seasons on HBO and ended in December 2021.

While other titles are said to be part of the discussions, the deal is not yet finalized and could potentially fall apart. Under the proposed agreement, the shows would be distributed on a non-exclusive basis, allowing them to continue streaming on HBO Max.

This strategy shift aligns with the vision of Warner Bros. Discovery CEO David Zaslav, who has previously expressed a willingness to forego exclusivity in order to license content and boost the company's bottom line. Earlier this year, Warner Bros. Discovery began distributing Westworld and other titles to free streaming platforms such as Roku and Tubi. This move comes as Zaslav seeks to explore new avenues for monetizing Warner Bros. Discovery's library while implementing cost-cutting measures.

While HBO previously struck a deal with Amazon Prime Video in 2014 to license several series, including The Sopranos, Deadwood, Six Feet Under, and The Wire, this potential collaboration with Netflix takes on added significance as it would be the first of its kind in the streaming era.

Both Netflix and HBO/Warner Bros. Discovery declined to comment on the potential agreement.