What Will Happen to TCM if Netflix Gets It in the Warner Bros. Deal?
What To Know
- If Netflix’s acquisition of Warner Bros. goes through, Turner Classic Movies (TCM) will become part of Netflix’s assets.
- TCM faces an uncertain future as Netflix is not interested in maintaining traditional cable networks.
As Netflix and Warner Bros. iron out the details of their $83 billion deal for the streaming giant to acquire the iconic Hollywood studio, one notable asset on the table is Turner Classic Movies, the beloved channel dedicated to classic cinema.
According to The Hollywood Reporter, a filing from Warner Bros. Discovery confirmed that TCM will head to Netflix if the acquisition goes through. But since the streaming service isn’t known for hosting basic-cable channels, what will that mean for the network?
Here’s a breakdown of what’s happening with Turner Classic Movies and what its future could look like.
Why is Turner Classic Movies so important?
Launched on April 14, 1994, by media mogul Ted Turner, TCM was conceived as a commercial-free cable network devoted to classic cinema, presenting films unedited and uninterrupted. Built by film lovers for film lovers, the channel drew from Turner’s extensive library of older titles and other historic acquisitions, which formed the backbone of its programming.
Over the years, TCM has evolved beyond standard cable programming. The channel now offers curated and themed showcases of classic films, along with an archive of conversations with filmmakers and historians. TCM also hosts an annual film festival as well as several seasonal events for movie lovers.
Fans of the basic cable channel include Steven Spielberg, Martin Scorsese, and Paul Thomas Anderson. When the channel was nearly cut by WBD CEO David Zaslav back in 2023, the trio spoke to the exec personally in an effort to keep TCM on the air.
“Our primary aim is to ensure that TCM’s programming is untouched and protected,” the trio said in a statement to THR. “We are heartened and encouraged by the conversations we’ve had thus far, and we are committed to working together to ensure the continuation of this cultural touchstone that we all treasure.”
What does that mean for TCM if it is acquired by Netflix?
Netflix indicated it is not interested in owning basic cable networks. According to THR, co-CEOs Ted Sarandos and Greg Peters were not interested in a deal unless the linear channels were sidelined.
However, if Netflix opts to keep TCM, it can go the HBO route, as Netflix plans to keep the long-running premium cable network as a standalone brand. Another possible option would be to relaunch TCM as part of its live experiences arm, like Netflix Is a Joke.
What about the other channels currently owned by Warner Bros.?
Though Netflix will get TCM, the rest of its linear channels, including CNN, TNT, Cartoon Network, HGTV, and even TCM in international markets, will head to Discovery Global.
TV Insider