I actually received an email from Netflix announcing the takeover two days ago. It seems they’ve been flooded with messages from users asking about potential changes to the platform after the announcement that Warner Bros had been acquired.

The email didn’t offer any real details. It basically said: No changes are coming to Netflix for now, but we’re excited… — the usual corporate fluff.

Some people are saying lawsuits might block the deal on monopoly grounds. Others claim Paramount is trying to outbid Netflix again. And even Trump has been quoted as wanting to block the acquisition with an executive order or something along those lines.

I have no idea how this will ultimately play out. But for now, it really does look like Netflix has bought WB and all of its incredible IPs.

If the deal holds, it’s the right move for Netflix and the audience.

Netflix’s biggest problem is the quality of its original productions. For every Squid Game, Stranger Things, or The Last Samurai Standing, we get fifty mediocre shows nobody watches. Their strategy seems to be producing as much as possible and throwing it at the audience to see which handful deserve a second season.

HBO does it better.

How many valuable IPs has Netflix created on its own? Not many. HBO has created far more, with far fewer resources. Now, Netflix hasn’t only bought existing IPs (like Game of Thrones, The Sopranos, Curb Your Enthusiasm, etc.) — they’ve acquired the company that created them.

Then there are the movies: most Netflix films are mediocre, some are decent, and only a few are genuinely good or great (like Knives Out). Meanwhile, Warner has delivered Harry Potter, The Matrix, the DC movies, The Lord of the Rings, and countless standalone classics that belong on any “1,000 movies to watch before you die” list. In short, WB has produced far better films than Netflix ever has.

Finally, Netflix might be gaining full access to the Warner back catalogue. The biggest issue with most streaming services is the lack of classic films. I enjoy watching older movies — I don’t even mind black and white. Warner has been producing films for over 100 years. If Netflix gets that entire catalogue on its platform, that alone would justify a subscription for me.

Sure, Hollywood isn’t thrilled, since it’s another blow to traditional theatrical releases. But honestly, going to the cinema just isn’t as fun as it used to be. Prices are too high, audiences can be annoying, and many movies simply aren’t worth the trip anymore. I’m perfectly fine waiting for theatrical releases to hit streaming — it’s more convenient, less stressful, and honestly safer as the streets are getting more dangerous.

Netflix might raise prices, but HBO Max might disappear, which could balance things out.

So far, I don’t see many downsides for users or audiences — while the potential advantages are pretty significant on paper.

Let’s see how things unfold over the next few months.