AT&T pulls 'Friends' from Netflix for its streaming service

[Eugene]

Source: Associated Press

AT&T pulls ‘Friends’ from Netflix for its streaming service

By TALI ARBEL
July 9, 2019

NEW YORK (AP) — AT&T is pulling “Friends” from Netflix to beef up its own upcoming streaming service. With new services launching, popular shows are splintering onto several different platforms.

The wireless company, which owns the WarnerMedia entertainment business, also said Tuesday that its service will be called HBO Max. It will launch in spring of 2020. As the name suggests, it will contain HBO content, other video from the Warner Bros. studio — like “Friends” — and new series and movies that are exclusive to the service. AT&T has not announced a price.

As more companies — Comcast, Apple, Disney — unveil their own streaming services, they’re trying to make them more appealing with exclusive shows and deep libraries. Entertainment companies are pulling some of their stuff from Netflix to stock their own services. It’s not clear, of course, how successful those services will be, and they are losing out on licensing revenue by pulling their content. It could also create a confusing and expensive situation for consumers, who have to decide which of all these existing and new video services is worth the cost.

AT&T’s decision follows Comcast’s NBCUniversal saying last month it would keep “The Office,” Netflix’s most popular show, for itself starting in 2021. Its service debuts in 2020. Disney’s upcoming service will be the exclusive streaming home for its big movies.

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Read more: https://apnews.com/557110226d10440c905f9563e70c4bc2

[exboyfil]

1. Should wrap the DC comics platform into it as well

I don't think it is sustainable like it currently exists. As of now I will wait for the DVDs for Titans, Doom Patrol, and Swamp Thing.

Netflix could experience some challenges. With the loss of the Marvel series, I will eventually cancel it (actually I did, but a family member started it back up again so I am paying for another month).

I can't think of a single thing I want to see from Comcast NBCUniversal. They might seriously want to consider teaming up with Netflix before this goes too far. Either them or CBSViacom team up with Netflix. I think Netflix needs a major production studio.

[Thyla]

2. If you read the Guardian

Anyone would think this is the imminent demise of Netflix considering the weekly 'imminent demise of Netflix' articles they churn out.
I'm not buying that line though, Netflix will be fine and they have some great content and the cash to either keep buying it or creating it.
Sure with everybody pulling content they are going to have to streamline the good stuff instead of throwing 100 new shows/movies at us and hoping one sticks. They have just signed a deal with UKs Shepparton Studios for instance who have some great content so I imagine more deals are on the way.

Netflix is a global giant and while every other man and his dog are entering the game at the moment I imagine they will eventually be absorbed by the bigger players in due time.

I mean NBCUniversal, comcast, Hulu and even Apple are pretty much not even runners outside of the US so if they want viewers they are going to have to sell the rights to one of the big guys overseas.

So far we have at home Netflix, HBOes and Prime.es but Disney looks like it will be a must have for Star Wars content alone with bonus points for kids stuff. I'd happily do away with HBO or Prime if I'm honest to make way for the Disney service although I would miss John Oliver and Bill Maher plus the new GoT prequel sound worth keeping HBO for at least.

Now if a decent sporting service came along to show Premier league then my viewing would be complete.