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In a surprising move, Netflix and Warner Bros. Discovery have struck a deal that will bring select HBO series to the streaming giant’s platform.
This partnership allows Netflix to stream popular shows such as Insecure and Ballers, with more titles like Band of Brothers, The Pacific, Six Feet Under, and True Blood to follow.
While this agreement may raise eyebrows, it is not the first time HBO series have appeared on a rival platform.
Back in 2014, HBO shows like The Sopranos, The Wire, Six Feet Under, and True Blood were available on Amazon’s streaming platform.
The implications of this deal have raised concerns for Showmax, especially considering its exclusive rights to broadcast HBO content in Africa.
Since 2020, Showmax, along with its sister product DStv, has been the go-to destination for HBO shows in South Africa and other markets across the continent.
Through this partnership, Showmax subscribers had the privilege of watching highly anticipated HBO releases like Game of Thrones and Westworld immediately after they aired on MNet, DStv’s entertainment channel.
One of the key drivers of Showmax’s success has been its exclusive streaming rights to content from SKY, COMCAST, HBO, and WarnerBros.
With HBO striking deals with Netflix, the exclusivity of this content on Showmax in Africa may be called into question.
If SKY and COMCAST also opt for similar agreements with Netflix, it could potentially disrupt Showmax’s entire business model.
The impact on Showmax’s content offerings, particularly in terms of HBO series, raises important questions.
Should Showmax start investing more in African Original shows to strengthen its content library and mitigate the risk of losing exclusive international titles?
This strategic shift could help Showmax maintain its appeal to African audiences who are eager for homegrown stories and representation.
While the Netflix-HBO partnership undoubtedly presents a new competitive landscape, it also opens up opportunities for Showmax to reevaluate its content strategy and focus on strengthening its position as a leading provider of African originals.
Showmax has been actively providing a wide range of African original content that has resonated well with its audience. The platform has curated a collection of African originals that have gained significant popularity among viewers.
In response to speculations regarding the impact of Netflix’s HBO content deal on Showmax, Yolisa Phahle, CEO of Showmax, has clarified that there will be no changes to Showmax’s availability of HBO shows across Africa,-; she explained to TechCabal,
Phahle further stated that HBO shows will continue to be accessible on Showmax, including highly anticipated 2023 releases such as Succession, The Last of Us, and Barry.
She also emphasized the availability of express titles on Showmax, including The Idol, Warrior, The Righteous Gemstones, and Winning Time: The Rise of the Lakers Dynasty, which is set to premiere on August 7th.
One thing is certain, though – the battle for viewers’ attention and loyalty is only getting more intense.
Why are some Netflix titles only available in the US?
HBO’s Insecure is only available in the US, sadly.
The availability of Netflix titles can vary from country to country due to licensing agreements and regional distribution rights.
Netflix needs to negotiate separate deals with content providers for each country or region it operates in.
This means that certain titles may only be available in specific countries or regions due to the rights and agreements established by the content owners.
Licensing restrictions, local regulations, and market dynamics can also play a role in determining the availability of certain titles in specific regions
