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On December 5, 2025, Netflix announced that they will be taking over Warner Bros along with HBO Max with their successful bid of $72 billion. This acquisition, one of the biggest in entertainment history, could have significant implications in the future of streaming service and content creation.

Merges like these are not new in the industry. In 2018, Disney bought and acquired 21st Century Fox’s entertainment assets. The difference is that Netflix focuses more on streaming while Disney holds both streaming and traditional media. Although the Netflix and Warner Bros merge wouldn’t have the same impact as Disney, this could still intensify the competition in streaming services and raise regulatory concerns over market consolidation. 

The acquisition gives Netflix the ownership to one of the largest film and television franchises like Game of Thrones and Harry Potter. Shows owned and made under Warner Bros and HBO Max would then be available to stream on Netflix’s streaming site for viewers to watch. Although this deal hasn’t closed and would still require the approval of federal regulators, it has already sparked numerous debates among industry leaders and lawmakers. Elizabeth Warren, a democratic senator stated that it looked like ”an anti-monopoly nightmare,” while the Writers Guild of America expressed “it must be blocked.” Many have been criticizing the merger, and the ramifications that it has. Another comment shared by Pramila Jayapal, the co-chair of the House Monopoly Busters caucus, perfectly summarizes the ramifications of this, “It would mean more price hikes, ads and cookie cutter content, less creative control for artists, and lower pay for workers,” she said. “The media industry is already controlled by a few corporations with too much power to censor free speech,” stating that the government must step in.

Netflix’s Centralization

As Netflix merges with Warner Bros., they become one massive media giant with control over more than half the streaming market, which creates a centralized system within the entertainment industry. This merge could easily create a monopsony. A monopsony happens when one buyer (Netflix) has so much power in a market (entertainment industry) that they can dictate the prices, wages of workers, or terms to sellers. Purchases such as scripts, shows, movies, distribution rights, etc., all become centralized by Netflix, which creates fewer competing buyers for writers, directors, and other laborers in the field. With this much power in Netflix’s hand, they could set lower prices for these purchases, and it leaves workers little to no choice about these set terms. Unintentional or not, this market dominance would naturally push wages and production budget downward. The talent labor market becomes vulnerable. This could also affect their creative freedom and freedom of speech when this centralized power takes over.

Consumer Impact

Trying to understand the deal, many consumers panic over the possible implications. Consumers are highly affected by this merge, with streaming services increasing their prices, limiting people’s choices, and diversity in content reduces. With Netflix’s history of increase in their subscription plans, it’s not irrational for people to worry about the possible price increase, as Netflix absorbs Warner Bros’ media catalogue. But, this merge could also be beneficial to consumers as subscription to multiple platforms decreases. No need to subscribe to multiple streaming platforms when we can have access to content we want, all in one streaming site. But when it comes to the content these streaming platforms put out, people should expect “cookie-cutter” types of contents. Diversity in content would no longer exist. Although Netflix assured people that the business is complementary and would provide even more opportunities for creators, it still raises people’s eyebrows.

Worker’s Wages

With fewer options and alternatives, workers could face lower wages, fewer contract options, and less leverage in negotiations. Elizabeth Warren said, “a Netflix-Warner Bros would create one massive media giant with control of close to half of the streaming market – threatening to force Americans into higher subscription prices and fewer choices over what and how they watch, while putting American workers at risk.” Many workers fear that their job might be eliminated soon, although this is nothing new to them, with increased risks of job loss caused by AI, but this market consolidation adds up to the increasing worry and doesn’t help artists and talent laborers in this situation. 

The death of theatrical release is one of the major concerns as well. A potential hit to theatrical box office revenue. Although Netflix said that they would commit to continuing theatrical releases for Warner Bros., people are still skeptical. For context, Netflix does have theatrical releases, but only for its Oscar and other film award contenders, such as Frankenstein and K-Pop Demon Hunters—these theatrical releases are only short-lived. Workers’ advocate raises concern that Netflix could eventually bend the model of Warner Bros. and HBO Max. 

Where Antitrust Law Comes In

The rise of concerns with the deal’s monopolistic implication, have government agencies bring up antitrust law acts. Antitrust laws are government regulations designed to promote fair-competition in the marketplace such as the entertainment market by preventing monopolies, price-fixing, or other anti-competitive practices. It ensures a fair level playing field in the market. Others argue that Netflix violates these laws, while others thought it could pass federal regulators. Ted Sarandos, Netflix co-CEO, said that the company is “highly confident” it will receive approval. If this deal gets approved by the federal regulators, Netflix would become two times the media giant they are now. Centralization and monopsony becomes conspicuous. 

But Netflix could still face pushback in their deal, as U.S.A. President Donald Trump recalled having ties to Sky Paramount—Netflix’s losing rival in the bidding war for Warner Bros. Many worry that the decision with the deal’s approval or rejection could be biased.

When politics come into play, the weight of the ramifications of the deal become heavy. Media control and censorship could take place, and the less diversity we have in content could become a weapon for anti-intellectualism.

Either way, while we observe the monopoly happening right before our eyes, whether this deal will emerge successful or get blocked, one thing is for sure: this merger holds a great risk in the entertainment industry, media business, and politics. Whatever the outcome will be in a couple of months, this deal will leave lasting impacts in the future of streaming services and the control over our media.

by Angelica Sabay