It's only been a day since Netflix announced an $82.7 billion deal to acquire Warner Bros., and the acquisition has already been described as sending Hollywood into 'full-blown panic mode,' possibly delivering 'a death blow to theatrical filmmaking,' and maybe even heralding 'the end of Hollywood' itself. 'The world's largest streaming company swallowing one of its biggest competitors is what antitrust laws were designed to prevent,' the WGA said. 'The outcome would eliminate jobs, push down wages, worsen conditions for all entertainment workers, raise prices for consumers, and reduce the volume and diversity of content for all viewers.' While statements from other Hollywood unions were not quite as unequivocal, they still suggested that there are 'many serious questions' about the acquisition's 'impact on the future of the entertainment industry' (as the actors union SAG-AFTRA put it). The deal came after a competitive process in which Paramount and Comcast also made bids. Paramount was trying to acquire the entire company, while Netflix will only buy the film and television studios, as well as the streaming business, after Warner Bros. moves forward with a plan to spin off its TV networks division....

This agreement involves both HBO Max and the HBO studio, marking one of the largest mergers in Hollywood's history. By making this move, Netflix is not just solidifying its top position but also significantly enhancing its content library, gaining access to well-known franchises such as DC Comics, 'Game of Thrones,' and 'Harry Potter.' In November, senators Elizabeth Warren, Bernie Sanders, and Richard Blumenthal expressed concerns regarding the potential sale. The trio sent a letter to the Justice Department Antitrust Division indicating that any agreement would be viewed 'under a cloud of political favoritism and corruption.' Warner Bros. Discovery officially put itself up for sale in October, burdened by debt and disappointing streaming growth. The company attracted interest from several suitors, with Paramount seen as the frontrunner. The acquisition is expected to finalize in the third quarter of 2026, after Warner Bros. Discovery follows through with its plan to separate from Discovery Global, which includes its collection of pay TV networks, such as TNT and CNN....

Players with a Netflix subscription can now download the game, which features mobile-friendly controls, including touch-screen shooting and navigation. It's important to note that the game does not feature a multiplayer mode and players must be connected to the internet to play; offline gameplay is not available. Originally released by Rockstar Games in 2010, Red Dead Redemption is set in the year 1911 during the Wild West era. Players assume the role of John Marston, a former outlaw searching for his kidnapped family. The mobile version includes the stand-alone expansion pack, 'Undead Nightmare,' which follows Marston as he faces a zombie outbreak. The inclusion of Red Dead Redemption in Netflix's gaming lineup is a significant addition to its gaming strategy, especially considering that Netflix has faced challenges in previous years with fewer than 1% of its subscriber base engaging with the available games. The company's investment in the space finally showed signs of growth in 2024, when estimates revealed that Netflix Games downloads increased 180% year-over-year....

A conversation with HBS professor Ayelet Israeli on tapping into the zeitgeist....