On October 28, 2025, Paramount's CEO, David Ellison, announced a plan that sent shockwaves through the entertainment world: his intention to shut down HBO Max as a standalone streaming service. This revelation came with the proposal to instead merge it with Paramount+, assuming their merger gets the green light. Such a move mirrors Bob Iger's strategy to discontinue Hulu and incorporate it into Disney+ by 2026. This trend seems to be paving the way for consolidation in the streaming landscape, which might not necessarily benefit the consumers or the diverse entertainment offerings we cherish.

HBO Max has become an essential platform in millions of households, offering a wide array of programming that ranges from critically acclaimed series to beloved classic films. The prospect of losing its unique identity by amalgamating with Paramount+ risks diminishing this rich catalog of content. Moreover, DEllison's indication that Paramount aims to maintain most of Warner Bros. Discovery intact seems at odds with the decision to merge the services, which could limit consumer choice and marginalize Warner Bros.' cinematic treasures.

This proposed consolidation raises significant concerns regarding market monopolization in the media industry. The integration of these platforms threatens to reduce the diversity of streaming services and could lead to higher subscription costs due to lack of competition. It is crucial for industry stakeholders to recognize the long-term consumer dissatisfaction and potential backlash that may result from fewer, more homogenized entertainment sources.

Amazon and Comcast were previously noted potential acquirers of Warner Bros. Discovery, and their involvement could have provided alternative pathways that preserved HBO Max's standalone service. Their potential influence could recalibrate the direction of streaming services towards maintaining diversity and consumer-focused strategies.

We call on Paramount Skydance, Warner Bros. Discovery, and all stakeholders to reconsider this merger's implications. Preserving HBO Max as an independent service would uphold consumer choice, maintain content diversity, and ensure competitive pricing in the streaming market.

Let's strive for a landscape where diverse voices and stories continue to shine independently and are not lost in a tide of corporate consolidation. Please sign this petition to demand that HBO Max remains a standalone service, enriching our entertainment lives as the cherished platform it is.