Discovery+ is now expected to survive as a standalone streaming service as HBO Max expands
In a minor turnaround in its streaming strategy, Warner Bros. expects. Discovery to keep Discovery+ as a standalone streaming service even after it launches its combined superservice with HBO Max later this year, a source familiar with the plans said. The Hollywood Reporter.
WBD announced its plan to combine HBO Max and Discovery+ last year, arguing that they have complementary content and subscribers. The combined service is expected to launch in the spring under a new name.
The new service would bring together HBO content-like The last of us, HBO Max content like Hacks and Discovery content such as shows from Magnolia Network, HGTV, and Discovery. That will still be the case under the new plan, but the company is retaining Discovery+ as a cheaper option for people who don’t want scripted entertainment programming, potentially allowing it to retain subscribers who would otherwise drop out rather than pay more.
Some content, such as shows from Chip and Joanna Gaines, have already moved to HBO Max, while some CNN shows have found a home on Discovery+.
The Wall Street Journal first broke the news.
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