Netflix is planning to buy Warner Bros, not to end traditional TV, but to adopt its proven practices and library of popular shows, industry experts say.

The streaming giant excluded Discovery’s cable channels from the deal, showing it wants to avoid owning traditional broadcast, cable, and satellite infrastructure. The move reflects the growing shift of audiences from linear TV to online streaming.

Netflix has long been seen as a disruptor, launching shows like House of Cards in 2013. But analysts say the company has often copied the structure and strategies of traditional television rather than replacing them.

The acquisition of Warner Bros, including HBO, would give Netflix access to a large back catalogue of popular series like Friends, helping the platform attract subscribers with familiar content. Experts note this mirrors Amazon’s 2022 purchase of MGM, where the studio library became a key asset for streaming.

This deal could also allow Netflix to bundle content and brands similar to the traditional cable model, offering a combined subscription experience. Examples include Disney’s integration of Hulu with Disney+ in the U.S.

Netflix has already adopted several TV-style strategies, including live events, sports, and an ad-supported tier introduced in 2022. The company also produces local content for national audiences, mimicking the practices of traditional broadcasters.

If the Warner Bros deal succeeds, it will accelerate Netflix’s adoption of conventional TV approaches while keeping its streaming platform at the center, blending innovation with the legacy of network and cable storytelling.

With inputs from NDTV