For some time now, we have known that Warner Bros. Discovery has been planning a free streaming service. So what should we expect from it? What will it offer? Today we are going to break down everything we know about the new free streaming service called WBTV.
What will the WBTV service have to offer?
Warner Bros. Discovery has a vast back catalog of content from Discovery, Scripps, and Warner Bros. programs to build a service on. Now don’t look for major hits like Friends being offered free but do look for Warner Bros. Discovery to follow Pluto TV’s model by offering a collection of new and older content to help attract subscribers to HBO Max, which is being renamed to just Max.
Look for the service to rely heavily on older content with a mix of newer shows. The main goal will likely be like Pluto TV as a way to generate revenue and promote Warner Bros. Discovey’s paid services like Max.
If Warner Bros. Discovery’s recent deals with The Roku Channel and Tubi are any examples, you will find a collection of old HBO programming available in the WBTV app.
So why air new shows on a free streaming service? Pluto TV often airs Paramount+ programming to help attract new subscribers to the service before a new season is released. WBTV will likely have some new programming from Max to try and attract new subscribers.
When Will WBTV Launch?
Warner Bros. Discovery has been very tight-lipped on its plans for WBTV. The recent deals with Tubi and The Roku Channel suggest that they don’t plan to release the service anytime soon.
Early reports suggest the soonest the service will be released in the second half of 2023, if not later. Others have suggested that it could be 2024 before we see the new WBTV service launch.
Why launch a free streaming service?
According to recently released reports from Omdia, free ad-supported streaming TV channels have projected revenues of $6.3 billion for 2023. It seems that Warner Bros. Discovery wants to get in on this revenue not just by licensing its content to others but by having its own service.
Pluto TV has been very successful not only at getting ad revenue but also in promoting Paramount+. Often older seasons of hit shows are offered free to get you hooked, only to make you pay to see the new seasons. Now Warner Bros. Discovery reportedly wants a similar model for themselves.
For now, that is all we know. Hopefully, soon we will learn more as the WBTV service gets closer to launch.