The Writers Guild of America strike and the ongoing SAG-AFTRA strike have caused some disruption to HBO and Max’s content slates. However, Casey Bloys, the chairman and CEO of the division, remains relatively unconcerned about the impact. He stated that while the resolution of the strikes will affect programming costs, it is unlikely to change any specific green lights for shows. Bloys did acknowledge that the industry as a whole is grappling with determining the appropriate amount of money to spend on streaming content.
Bloys emphasized that the strikes will not significantly alter the types of shows produced by HBO and Max. He explained that the issue lies more in figuring out how to make money in streaming and what the right spending level should be. Streaming is the preferred format for most consumers, but linear television still remains profitable. Determining how to embrace streaming while remaining financially viable is the challenge that HBO and Max, along with other companies, are currently facing.
Bloys shared these insights while speaking with reporters at Warner Bros. Discovery’s headquarters in Hudson Yards. He also took the opportunity to unveil HBO and Max’s programming slate for 2024 leading into 2025. This includes a rough return date for the second season of “House of the Dragon” and the announcement of new programming, such as a slate of unscripted shows from Chip and Joanna Gaines and a surprise new season of the true crime docuseries “The Jinx.” Bloys also addressed a recent story that revealed his involvement in creating a fake Twitter account to respond to critics, calling it a “very dumb idea” and apologizing to those affected.
As a result of the strikes, some programming has been delayed. The It prequel series “Welcome to Derry” and the next season of “The White Lotus” are likely to be moved to 2025 due to production disruptions. On a positive note, production for the second season of “The Last of Us” will begin in spring next year.
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Bloys also discussed the strategy shift of licensing HBO content to free ad-supported streaming services and Netflix. He acknowledged the need to strike a balance between protecting successful shows and capitalizing on syndication opportunities. While the impact of licensing agreements has been beneficial so far, Bloys assured that recent shows will not be available on other platforms until years later, maintaining the syndication model after a certain timeframe.
The CEO also addressed concerns about “tentpole fatigue,” which refers to audience weariness from an abundance of blockbuster franchise-based content. He mentioned that Warner Bros. Discovery has a wide range of IP to draw from, including shows based on Penguin from “The Batman,” Game of Thrones, It, and even a Crazy Rich Asians series. Bloys believes that by prioritizing quality and offering a diverse range of stories, HBO and Max can avoid the pitfalls of repetitive storytelling within the same universe.
Additionally, Bloys touched upon the decision to rebrand HBO Max as simply Max. He explained that this separation was intended to differentiate HBO shows and allow them to be unique and special within the streaming service’s offerings. The change in branding ensures that not every show on the platform is automatically associated with HBO.
Finally, Bloys mentioned the issue of password sharing and its impact on streaming services. While his colleague, JB Perrette, is primarily focused on addressing this concern, Bloys acknowledged that it is something they are considering. However, he noted that Max may not face the same level of password sharing as Netflix, which has a stronger ability to crack down on the practice due to its first-mover advantage in the streaming industry.
In conclusion, the ongoing strikes have presented challenges for HBO and Max, but Bloys remains confident that they will be able to navigate these difficulties and continue producing high-quality content. The focus now is on determining the right amount of spending in streaming to ensure financial viability while meeting consumer demands. Through careful planning and strategic decision-making, HBO and Max aim to maintain their position as industry leaders in the ever-evolving landscape of entertainment.
