# HBO Max and Paramount+ Merge, Discovery+ Left Behind

> HBO Max and Paramount+ will merge under Skydance, but Discovery+ gets ignored in the plan.
- Title: HBO Max and Paramount+ Merge, Discovery+ Left Behind
- Summary: HBO Max and Paramount+ will merge under Skydance, but Discovery+ gets ignored in the plan. HBO Max and Paramount+ will merge into one streaming service under…
- Keywords: hbo max, paramount plus, skydance, discovery plus, wbd, streaming, subscription, ad supported, HBO, Max, Paramount, Merge
- Source: The Hollywood Reporter — https://hollywoodreporter.com/business/business-news/discovery-plus-future-under-skydance-1236723587
- Author: Tony Maglio
- Published: 2026-10-07T21:20:57+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: hbo max, paramount plus, skydance, discovery plus, wbd, streaming, subscription, ad supported
## Skydance Unveils Streaming Plan
On Tuesday, Skydance chairman and CEO David Ellison informed reporters he plans to combine HBO Max and Paramount+ into one streaming app.
## Discovery+ Not Mentioned
The merger event did not include the word 'Discovery' even when discussing Warner Bros. Discovery’s assets.
## Discovery+ Subscribers
As of August 2026, Discovery+ has 4.9 million paying U.S. subscribers, with half using ad-supported plans.
## Discovery+ Profitability
Discovery+ is profitable, possibly earning low nine figures, with minimal expenses due to no original programming.
## WBD CFO on Discovery+
WBD CFO Gunnar Wiedenfels said Discovery+ remains profitable and has millions of engaged viewers despite being a low priority.
## Discovery+ Future Uncertain
Discovery+ may stay active but is unlikely to be a focus under Skydance’s $80 billion debt-driven strategy.
## Discovery+ Still Relevant
Discovery+ retains value through loyal viewers and international opportunities despite being overlooked.
## Key takeaway

HBO Max and Paramount+ will merge into one streaming service under Skydance, but Discovery+ is overlooked despite being profitable and having loyal viewers.