HBO Max, Paramount+ to Combine

Key Points:

• Skydance CEO David Ellison announced plans to merge HBO Max and Paramount+ into a single streaming service over time, aiming to accelerate the process using AI technology and offer bundled options in the near future.
• Despite Ellison’s statements, Casey Bloys, head of streaming at the combined Skydance, previously indicated that HBO Max and Paramount+ would remain separate services with potential packaging options, similar to the HBO Max-Disney bundle model.
• Ellison emphasized that combining the two platforms, which together have over 200 million direct-to-consumer subscribers, will position Skydance to better compete with major streaming leaders like Disney, Netflix, and Amazon.
• The HBO brand will maintain operational independence under Bloys’ leadership, continuing its distinct identity and high-quality content while benefiting from the larger corporate structure.
• This announcement marks the first day of operations for the new Skydance, signaling a strategic shift toward consolidating streaming assets to strengthen market presence.