Report: Discovery+ to Remain Both Standalone and HBO Max Combined SVOD Service
February 8, 2023
Warner Bros. Discovery is set to launch a combined HBO Max/Discovery+ subscription streaming platform in the spring of this year. A new media report suggests that WBD will also continue operating Discovery+, which features content from HGTV, History Channel, Discovery, Food Network, Magnolia Network, A&E, Animal Planet, TLC, ID and Lifetime, among others, as a standalone streaming service.
The Wall Street Journal, citing sources familiar with the situation, said the move is an effort by WBD management not to alienate too many of Discovery+’s 20 million direct-to-consumer subscribers unwilling to pay more for the combined Max platform.
Discovery+ currently costs $4.99 per month with ads and $6.99 without ads. Max costs $9.99 with ads and $15.99 without. The new combined offering would likely cost more than $16 monthly.
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WBD is looking to offer tiered subscription options — each with varying levels of access to content. The company is also planning to launch a free standalone ad-supported VOD platform. WBD recently licensed 2,000 hours of content — including “Westworld” — to The Roku Channel and Tubi.
Warner Bros. Discovery reports fourth-quarter fiscal results on Feb. 23.