Story perspectives

Netflix's Sarandos Defends 45-Day Window Amid Warner Bros. Bid

1/16/2026

Summary

Sarandos Reaffirms Theatrical Window

Ted Sarandos, Netflix co-CEO, reaffirmed that Netflix will maintain a 45-day theatrical window for Warner Bros. films as it pursues an $83 billion acquisition of Warner Bros.
He said the plan preserves the profitability of theatrical releases and counters fears of reduced output and job losses.
Sarandos acknowledged backlash from theater owners, describing it as emotion-driven rather than factual.
The acquisition remains pending, with competing bids from Paramount.

History

Historical Context

The 1948 U.S. Supreme Court's Paramount Decision mandated the separation of film production and distribution, drastically reducing major studios' theater ownership by 50%. This historical shift laid the groundwork for today's tensions between streaming services and traditional cinema, exemplified by Netflix's proposed $83 billion acquisition of Warner Bros. amid concerns from theater owners about job losses and reduced theatrical releases.

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Sarandos Reaffirms Theatrical Window

Ted Sarandos, Netflix co-CEO, reaffirmed that Netflix will maintain a 45-day theatrical window for Warner Bros. films as it pursues an $83 billion acquisition of Warner Bros.
He said the plan preserves the profitability of theatrical releases and counters fears of reduced output and job losses.
Sarandos acknowledged backlash from theater owners, describing it as emotion-driven rather than factual.
The acquisition remains pending, with competing bids from Paramount.

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