The Town with Matthew Belloni Netflix Buys Warner Bros. Emergency Pod!!!
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Dec 6, 2025 
Bloomberg's Lucas Shaw, a media industry journalist, joins to dissect Netflix's massive acquisition of Warner Bros. They discuss why Netflix made this bold move, the implications for HBO Max, and the potential risks involved. Lucas highlights Paramount's blunders and the ongoing pressure on Netflix’s growth. They also tackle the future of theatrical releases and speculate on how this deal could shake up the film industry. The conversation is a deep dive into the shifting landscape of media and entertainment.
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Why Netflix Made The Move
- Netflix bought Warner Bros. to own a massive library and HBO Max without taking cable networks.
- The deal gives Netflix thousands of movies, IP like Harry Potter, and HBO Max's ~130M subs to strengthen streaming.
Classroom Shock At The News
- Lucas described how a classroom of film students reacted with shock when he announced Netflix won the bid.
- Their astonishment reflected Hollywood's broader disbelief at Netflix becoming an industry mogul.
Acquisition As The Next Growth Lever
- Netflix faces slowing growth and limited levers, so buying content is a growth strategy.
- They view ownership of premium IP and a streaming brand as the next major lever to increase value.