Global Scans · Netflix · Weekly Summary

• [New] Netflix will close a landmark acquisition deal for HBO Max, reshaping the streaming landscape. Boardroom
• [New] Netflix has just launched Netflix House in Philladelphia and Dallas, with another coming in 2027, translating its hit shows into physical spaces built around immersion rather than rides. AOL
• [New] If Netflix executes well, it could emerge in 2027 as the undisputed leader of the global entertainment industry. AOL
• [New] Next summer, streaming platforms will surpass 50% of US TV viewing for the first time; YouTube will surpass the combined viewership of broadcast television; and FAST will overtake Netflix for TV usage in the US. Media War & Peace
• [New] Netflix absorbs HBO: In a dramatic consolidation move, Netflix could fold HBO's premium content into its flagship service and rebrand HBO's linear channels under the Netflix name. Streaming Media Magazine
• [New] Traditional broadcasters are facing a long-term existential threat as audiences and revenues continue to rapidly migrate to global digital players such as Meta, Google, Amazon and Netflix. The Guardian
• [New] While Netflix has yet to disclose stand-alone ad revenue figures, all signals point to growing advertiser demand and rising monetization potential. AOL
• [New] On Friday, Netflix announced its intention to buy Warner Bros Discovery for $83 billion, in a deal that will give the world's largest paid streaming service access to famous entertainment brands, such as Harry Potter, and power over theater owners and entertainment unions. Derek Thompson
• Netflix just announced a deal with iHeartMedia to bring 14 video podcasts to Netflix in 2026. Forrester
• At least 15 podcasts produced by iHeartMedia will publish their video episodes exclusively on Netflix beginning in early 2026. Digiday
• Companies like Netflix, Coca-Cola, and Mastercard pioneered AI-driven personalization, analyzing billions of data points to predict customer preferences with stunning accuracy. StartUpMandi
• Netflix continues to broaden its ambitions, but that expansion increases complexity and raises execution risk. AOL
• As Netflix grows as an entertainment giant, with the potential deal to acquire Warner Bros. announced last week, the Netflix House locations could become even more compelling by adding additional brands. Digiday
• Growth-oriented companies within Communication Services, such as Meta Platforms and Netflix, which have enjoyed significant runs, might experience more modest gains or even periods of underperformance as investor sentiment shifts. FinancialContent
• The US government will have a big say on who ultimately buys WBD, as Paramount and Netflix will likely face the Department of Justice's (DOJ) Antitrust Division, a federal agency which scrutinises business deals to ensure fair competition. SKY
• Netflix could package up films and programmes into different bundles, although analysts say they would be surprised to see the HBO brand disappear altogether. BBC News
• Warner Bros. Discovery plans to proceed with its plans of spinning off its cable and TV channels into a separate business, with Netflix set to take over the remaining studio and streaming operations. Investopedia
• Netflix said that it expects to maintain Warner Bros.' current operations, and still expects theatrical releases for films to be business as usual. CNet
• Should Netflix close its Warner Bros. acquisition, adding HBO Max to its portfolio will no doubt reinforce its position as the leading streamer. Forrester
• The Netflix-Warner merger is not expected to be completed until the third quarter of 2026 or later, and will be subject to regulatory approval in the US and in Europe. The Guardian
• Netflix has confirmed it will acquire Warner Bros Discovery's film and television studios and streaming service HBO Max for an equity value of $108.5 billion. Australian Broadcasting Corporation
• Netflix has given assurances that it will continue to allow the Warner Bros film studio to continue to have wide cinematic releases. The Guardian

Last updated: 04 January 2026