Netflix's acquisition of Warner Bros. has taken the entertainment industry by storm, and it's raising many questions about the future of the studio's biggest properties. With Warner Bros. owning HBO, the Game of Thrones franchise is among the IPs that could be affected. Netflix's email to subscribers assures them that "nothing is changing today." And with regulatory approvals happening, it will be a while before consumers see the fallout of this media shakeup.
Even so, fans of franchises like the DCU, Lord of the Rings, Game of Thrones, and Harry Potter have every reason to wonder what this means for them. It's difficult to answer that question now, as Netflix needs to reveal its long-term plans and whether there are any stipulations that accompany the deal. For now, we're left to speculate on what could happen. But this acquisition seems like a negative for the Game of Thrones IP, with many examples of how it could hurt the franchise coming to mind — and only one way it could benefit it.
1. The production of Game of Thrones' spinoffs could be negatively impacted
Netflix is known for long waits between new seasons of even its biggest shows — just look at Stranger Things — and that could be bad news for Game of Thrones. Although the main series no longer needs to worry about such things, shows like House of the Dragon and A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms could see larger gaps between outings. House of the Dragon currently averages about two years between seasons, which is still long compared to the one-year gaps breaking up early chapters of Game of Thrones. If Netflix takes control of production, these waits could get worse. That's particularly concerning for a project like A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms, which has a young main character in Egg.
It's not just the production timelines of current shows that could be negatively impacted, either. Netflix will now decide what moves forward and what doesn't, meaning the other Game of Thrones spinoffs in development could be put on the chopping block. Alternatively, Netflix could take advantage of the IP's success and move forward with these. But with the streamer's track record for canceling shows after just a couple of seasons, it's hard to be optimistic about this.
2. Game of Thrones shows could be subject to the binge model
Game of Thrones was the perfect water-cooler show, with new episodes sparking weekly conversations and keeping people invested in the series. Although House of the Dragon has yet to see that level of excitement among mainstream audiences, it also benefits from its weekly releases. Most TV series do, as they leave fans in suspense and eager to hit play on the next installment. Needless to say, it's disappointing to think that the Game of Thrones franchise could soon be subject to Netflix's binge model.
Right now, it's unclear if Netflix intends to keep its streaming platform separate from HBO Max long-term, or if it will eventually combine Netflix, HBO Max, and even HBO the network. If it merges HBO Max and HBO with its library, the ongoing shows that move over could begin dropping all at once or in multi-episode parts (like Stranger Things season 5). Even if they don't all come together, Netflix may bring its binge release model over to HBO.
3. Netflix's acquisition could impact the franchise's physical media releases
Most HBO series still get physical releases, but that could change with Netflix taking the reins. While Netflix has released some of its titles on DVD and Blu-ray, this is a rarity. Doing so doesn't benefit the streamer, which depends on consumers staying subscribed and revisiting shows on the platform. This means future seasons of Game of Thrones' spinoffs could stop coming out on DVD and Blu-ray, a disappointing prospect for anyone who collects the franchise's outings.
Netflix's acquisition also puts the future of Game of Thrones' current DVDs and Blu-rays in question. The company could eventually stop producing the physical media formerly released by HBO Home Video and Warner Home Video, rendering copies of the original show and early seasons of House of the Dragon hard to find. Anyone concerned should veer on the safe side and try to get their hands on the current offerings.
4. Netflix will have a say in the creative decisions of the Game of Thrones franchise
Even if HBO remains separate from Netflix long term, Netflix will now have creative power over its titles, including those in the Game of Thrones franchise. This is worrying beyond the streamer's ability to determine cancelations. HBO shows are known for their mature, high-quality storytelling, while Netflix doesn't produce many prestige titles. Even Netflix's best original series just aren't on par with projects like Game of Thrones.
With Netflix taking over, it's very possible viewers will see and feel the difference between Game of Thrones spinoffs produced by HBO and ones produced by Netflix. Things like the tone and production quality could shift, and Netflix may struggle to capture the dark realism of a world like Westeros. While the streamer is no stranger to dark storylines and gore, adaptations of George R.R. Martin's work will either force it to the next level, or Netflix will force these shows to water down the source material.
How it could help: Game of Thrones may become more accessible to viewers
Netflix purchasing Warner Bros. raises many concerns about Game of Thrones' future, but there is one way the acquisition could positively affect the franchise. With the original series and its spinoffs only available on HBO and HBO Max, anyone who isn't subscribed to those services is unable to watch them. Additionally, HBO isn't available in certain countries, pushing fans to seek out alternatives, like Sky Atlantic in the U.K.
If the Game of Thrones shows come to Netflix for the first time, they'll be more accessible to viewers who haven't had the chance to watch them before — and to those who've had to jump through hoops to do so. This is a small silver lining amid all the uncertainty. Only time will tell how Game of Thrones fares under Netflix's watch otherwise. Hopefully, the streamer understands the IP's potential, and thus, the importance of maintaining its quality.