Paramount+ and HBO Max to Merge Into One Streaming Service

The combined platform will have over 200 million subscribers and a vast library of content.

Published on Mar. 2, 2026

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Following Paramount's acquisition of Warner Bros. Discovery, CEO David Ellison announced plans to merge the Paramount+ and HBO Max streaming services into a single, unified platform. The new service will bring together a vast array of beloved film, TV, and news assets under one corporate entity, positioning it as a major contender among top streaming giants.

Why it matters

The merger further consolidates the streaming industry, as major players seek to gain scale and market share. However, it also raises concerns about media concentration and the potential for job cuts and editorial independence issues.

The details

Ellison stated that the combined service will be 'home to many of the greatest, most recognizable and beloved franchises in the world,' including 'Harry Potter,' 'Top Gun,' 'Star Trek,' and 'Game of Thrones.' He also committed to maintaining a robust theatrical slate of at least 30 films per year. The merger is expected to face scrutiny from the U.S. Department of Justice and California Attorney General over antitrust concerns.

  • On March 2, 2026, Paramount CEO David Ellison announced the merger plans during an investor call.
  • Last week, California Attorney General Rob Bonta vowed to rigorously review the acquisition.

The players

David Ellison

The CEO of Paramount who announced the plans to merge Paramount+ and HBO Max.

Rob Bonta

The California Attorney General who vowed to rigorously review the acquisition.

Warner Bros. Discovery

The company that Paramount is acquiring in a $110 billion deal.

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What they’re saying

“Our combined company will be home to many of the greatest, most recognizable and beloved franchises in the world, from 'Harry Potter' to 'Top Gun,' 'Star Trek' to 'Looney Tunes,' 'Game of Thrones' to 'Yellowstone.' This represents a tremendous opportunity, and we fully intend to invest in the creative engines of both studios, making them the most sought-after destination for the industry's leading creative talent.”

— David Ellison, CEO, Paramount (TechCrunch)

“Our viewpoint is HBO should stay HBO.”

— David Ellison, CEO, Paramount (TechCrunch)

What’s next

The merger is expected to face close scrutiny from the U.S. Department of Justice and California Attorney General over concerns about media concentration and market competition.

The takeaway

The merger of Paramount+ and HBO Max into a single streaming platform will create a media powerhouse with a vast library of content and over 200 million subscribers, but it also raises concerns about the potential impact on jobs, editorial independence, and market competition.