Canadians eagerly anticipating the upcoming HBO adaptation of the popular “Harry Potter” series, scheduled to debut early next year, will be able to watch it on Crave in Canada. The future of Crave’s exclusive rights to HBO content, including “Harry Potter,” “The White Lotus,” “The Last of Us,” and “House of the Dragon,” remains uncertain due to Paramount Skydance’s acquisition of Warner Bros. Discovery for $110 billion US.
The takeover, awaiting federal approval expected by year-end, raises questions about existing deals with Canadian broadcasters like Crave and potential changes for Canadian viewers. Paramount+, the subscription service by Paramount, is already available in Canada, alongside its free ad-supported TV service, Pluto TV. Paramount Skydance CEO David Ellison aims to merge these platforms with HBO Max into a unified streaming service to enhance competitiveness in the industry.
Crave has been streaming HBO and HBO Max content since striking a deal with Warner Media in 2019, which was renewed and expanded in 2023 and 2024 following Discovery’s acquisition of Warner Media. Bell Media reassures viewers of continued access to HBO and HBO Max content through a long-term agreement with Warner Bros. Discovery, although the exact expiration date of the current deal remains undisclosed.
Potential changes in content distribution may arise if Paramount+ integrates HBO content, but historical examples show co-existence on multiple platforms. The impact on other Canadian streamers like Corus Entertainment, distributor of Global TV, remains uncertain pending Paramount Skydance’s streaming service consolidation. Rogers Sports & Media’s partnership with Warner Bros. Discovery in 2024 for channels like HGTV and Food Network, available on Citytv+ streaming service, adds complexity to the evolving streaming landscape in Canada.