HBO Max removes 36 shows before Discovery+ . merger

union HBO Max and Discovery + It really causes pain Through layoffsAnd now the move affects some offers. at Warner Bros. Discovery confirmed to me diverse It is removing 36 titles from HBO Max as soon as this week as it prepares to integrate the Discovery+ platform. Most of the productions are not huge, but they do include well-known HBO works like Sesame Street spin off The Unlimited Show with Elmo The Peter Dinklage movie Dinner with Hervey. A handful of Cartoon Network shows are leaving.

In a statement, HBO Max said content will be disappearing from both services as it worked to combine media libraries “together on one platform.” The provider didn’t explain their reasons, though diverse Note that pulling shows directly (instead of canceling future seasons) will help HBO Max avoid paying more royalties. Warner Bros. Discovery said it would generate $3 billion in savings as part of the companies’ merger.

As you might imagine, at least some of the affected producers aren’t happy – this not only cuts income, but may prevent people from seeing their work unless they find another home. summer camp island Creator Julia Pot pointed Some of the episodes that developed during the pandemic will never see the light of day. She said Warner Bros. Discovery “does not respect artists”.

The HBO Max and Discovery+ mix is ​​expected to launch in the summer of 2023. Although it’s not clear if Warner Bros. Discovery will drop more shows or otherwise cut costs, this last step won’t be reassuring if you’re hoping your favorite series will make the leap to the unified service.