If streaming these days is starting to look more like cable television, there is likely a reason. In fact, entertainment giant Warner Bros. Discovery (WBD) is doing its part to make the streaming landscape more like cable, with an always-on Max possibly in the works.
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Basically, Warner Bros. is planning to take the content showing on HBO—there are actually several HBO channels now, from HBO and HBO 2 to HBO Signature and HBO Zone—and putting them on an online platform that basically runs constantly like the channels. Right now, the HBO online channels are only available to a few groups of ad-free subscribers, suggesting this is more of a test than anything else.
This will also serve as a test bed for more tailored content, including “themed channels,” which HBO has actually been a bit behind on. Cinemax, for example, has long had themed channels, including Action Max and Thriller Max.
Harry Potter: The Series
Meanwhile, HBO may have a whole new reason to draw interest as 2026, or possibly 2027, will feature the arrival of the Harry Potter television series. Early reports suggest that the series will likely run for seven seasons, with one season devoted to each book in the literary series. However, other reports suggest that the series will take a full decade to run its course.
A Harry Potter TV series could be a winner for Warner Bros., and at a time when the company needs wins in a big way. However, if it is not done correctly, this could poison one very big well. Thus, getting this just right is going to be vital for Warner Bros. going forward if it is to have any hope of future success.
Is WBD Stock a Good Buy?
Turning to Wall Street, analysts have a Moderate Buy consensus rating on WBD stock based on 10 Buys, six Holds, and one Sell assigned in the past three months, as indicated by the graphic below. After a 1.1% loss in its share price over the past year, the average WBD price target of $12.50 per share implies 15.85% upside potential.
