Discovery+ gets a price bump just a week after the Skydance merger
A week after Paramount and Warner Bros. Discovery merged to form Skydance, Discovery+ raised the price of both subscription plans. The increase means customers will pay more to keep using the service as Skydance begins reshaping its streaming business and managing substantial debt.
The ad-supported plan has risen by $1 to $7 a month, while the ad-free plan is up by $2 to $12. New members face the prices from Tuesday; existing subscribers have 30 days’ notice, with the changes applying on their first bill on or after 12 November. Discovery+ last raised prices in January 2025, and Skydance has said it plans to combine Paramount+ and HBO Max; the merged company has about $80 billion in debt.
- Discovery+ raised prices after the Skydance merger.
- Plans now cost $7 with ads and $12 without.
- Skydance is also weighing a combined streaming service.
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Paramount is best known for its film and television studios, while Warner Bros. Discovery owns brands including HBO and Discovery. Their merger brought the businesses together under Skydance, creating a company with a large collection of television channels and streaming services.
Discovery+ mainly offers factual and reality programmes, while Paramount+ and HBO Max have broader catalogues that include films and scripted series. Skydance has said it plans to combine Paramount+ and HBO Max, as the new company weighs how to organise its streaming services and manage about $80 billion in debt.
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The case for
Higher subscription prices could help Discovery+ contribute more towards the merged company’s substantial debt and the cost of maintaining its programmes and service. A measured increase may support the longer-term viability of streaming while giving existing customers notice before their bills change.
The case against
The increase makes the service less affordable for subscribers, particularly when household budgets are under pressure and streaming choices are plentiful. Customers may reasonably question paying more so soon after the merger, especially as the company plans to combine services and has not yet explained what added value they will receive.