March 23, 2026, 2:19 pm | Read time: 2 minutes
A failed mega-deal could have noticeable consequences for Netflix. One area is now in focus, which is crucial for many users and has been considered a reliable success factor.
Netflix missed out on acquiring Warner Bros. Discovery and now faces potential impacts on its own offerings. The children’s programming could see significant changes, as key content might be consolidated with competitors.
Defeat in Bidding War with Consequences
For months, Netflix and Paramount were locked in a fierce competition for Warner Bros. Discovery. Paramount ultimately prevailed, securing the acquisition. For Netflix, this means not only a missed opportunity for new content but also a potential risk to existing licenses.
An analysis reported by “deadline.com” shows that a significant portion of the most successful children’s shows in the second half of 2025 originated from networks of Warner Bros. Discovery or Paramount. These shows could become more closely tied to the companies’ own platforms, posing a risk of disappearing from Netflix’s catalog.
Paramount Plans to Acquire Warner Bros.–What Does This Mean for Streaming Customers?
Netflix to Acquire Home of “Harry Potter” and “Game of Thrones”
Popular Series Could Disappear
Well-known shows like “SpongeBob SquarePants,” “Teen Titans Go!” and “The Amazing World of Gumball” are particularly affected. Successful series such as “Peppa Pig” and “Paw Patrol” are also in focus. Although the brands don’t directly belong to the involved companies, they have been part of their broadcasting structures for years. This could lead to changes in licensing terms. A children’s television expert sees uncertainties regarding the future availability of these shows on Netflix.
A large portion of Warner Bros.’ children’s and family content is currently available on Netflix in certain regions. If some of this content is removed while series from Paramount also disappear, the offerings could be significantly weakened. Additionally, Warner Bros. Discovery signed a comprehensive deal with the streaming service Tubi in early 2026. This deal grants Tubi rights to numerous animated series, further increasing pressure on Netflix.
Also of interest: Entire “Stranger Things” Series to Be Re-Released
Successful Content Particularly at Risk
The importance of the affected content is evident in the viewing figures. The most-watched children’s show on Netflix in the second half of 2025 was “Paw Patrol” with 350 million hours of viewing time. Following are “Gabby’s Dollhouse” and “Peppa Pig.” These strong titles might not be available to the same extent in the future. How Netflix will respond to this development is currently uncertain.