Netflix poised to buy Warner Bros., raising questions of control and monopoly
The streaming giant is set to purchase Warner Bros in a multi-billion-dollar merger, but serious questions about the impact of entertainment monopolization remain
by Summer Lane | December 5, 2025
Streaming giant Netflix is set to acquire Warner Bros. franchises and libraries, setting the stage for what may be a tense nationwide discussion about monopolization in America and antitrust laws.
On Friday, Netflix announced its definitive agreement to acquire Warner Bros., including HBO Max and HBO. The roughly $72 billion deal will give Netflix control over Warner Bros.’ massive backlog of movies and television series, from “The Wizard of Oz” to modern hits like “The Big Bang Theory.”
“Today’s announcement combines two of the greatest storytelling companies in the world to bring to even more people the entertainment they love to watch the most,” said David Zaslav, President and CEO of Warner Bros. Discovery, in an official statement.
He added, “For more than a century, Warner Bros. has thrilled audiences, captured the world’s attention, and shaped our culture. By coming together with Netflix, we will ensure people everywhere will continue to enjoy the world’s most resonant stories for generations to come.”
The massive merger has raised questions about Netflix’s power on the entertainment stage, which has continued to eclipse the tangible movie theater experience.
Netflix, which has come under intense scrutiny over the past few years for its decision to push LGBTQ messages in some of its films and children’s movies or series, also has a preexisting, multi-year partnership with former President Barack Obama and the Former First Lady Michelle Obama.
“Obama Netflix purchasing Warner Bros[,]” remarked Human Events Senior Editor Jack Posobiec on X. “A monopoly to own the minds of America, and America’s youth[.]”
Even far-left Sen. Elizabeth Warren, D-Mass., remarked on X that the media merger “looks like an anti-monopoly nightmare.”
She argued, “A Netflix-Warner Bros. would create one massive media giant with control of close to half of the streaming market. It could force you into higher prices, fewer choices over what and how you watch, and may put American workers at risk.”
Independent journalist Laura Loomer suggested that if the merger between Netflix and Warner Bros. is approved, it may turn into an even bigger platform for leftist ideology.
“If Netflix is allowed to buy Warner Bros and Trump’s administration doesn’t kill off the merger, CNN will be transformed into the Obama News Network, featuring shows hosted by Michelle Obama @MichelleObama where she lectures Americans about how racist and sexist we are,” she said.
Photo: Adobe Stock
