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The proposed $82.7 billion acquisition of Warner Bros. Discovery’s (WBD) studios and streaming assets by Netflix, announced on December 5, 2025, represents one of the largest media mergers in history.
Valued at $27.75 per share in a mix of cash and stock, the deal would fold HBO Max (with nearly 130 million subscribers) and Warner’s vast content library—including franchises like Harry Potter, DC Comics, and Game of Thrones—into Netflix’s ecosystem, creating a streaming titan.
Read up on these Netflix alternatives.
Netflix-WBD Deal Faces Legal Scrutiny
While Netflix positions this as a way to “fuse innovation with century-old storytelling,” it has ignited immediate concerns about reduced competition in an already consolidating entertainment industry.
Regulators in the U.S. and Europe are poised to scrutinize the transaction, with the Clayton Act serving as a primary legal tool for potential intervention.
What is the Clayton Act?
The Clayton Act, enacted in 1914 as an amendment to the Sherman Antitrust Act, is a cornerstone of U.S. antitrust law designed to prevent mergers and acquisitions that could substantially lessen competition or create monopolies before they fully materialize.
Unlike the broader Sherman Act, which targets existing anticompetitive behavior, Section 7 of the Clayton Act focuses on prospective harm, empowering the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and Department of Justice (DOJ) to block deals that threaten market dynamics.
Violations are assessed through a “reasonableness” standard, considering factors like market concentration, barriers to entry, and potential effects on consumers, competitors, and innovation. If the Netflix-WBD deal runs afoul of this, it could be enjoined by a court, forcing divestitures or outright abandonment.
Key Ways the Deal Could Violate Section 7 of the Clayton Act
To understand the risks, consider how regulators might apply Clayton Act principles to this merger. The core allegation would likely center on the deal’s potential to entrench Netflix’s dominance in subscription video-on-demand (SVOD) streaming, a market already strained by cord-cutting and content wars. Here’s a breakdown:
Clayton Act Factor Potential Violation in Netflix-WBD Deal Supporting Evidence/Concerns Market Concentration (e.g., Herfindahl-Hirschman Index or HHI) The merger could push Netflix’s U.S. SVOD market share above 30-40%, crossing the DOJ/FTC’s “presumptively illegal” threshold of 30% under merger guidelines. Pre-merger, Netflix holds ~20-25% globally; adding HBO Max’s ~10-15% U.S. share would create a combined entity controlling over a third of subscribers. Rep. Darrell Issa warned in a November 2025 letter to the DOJ and FTC that this exceeds the 30% “presumptively problematic” level, potentially harming consumers by reducing choices. nbcnews.com Analysts note the HHI (a measure of market concentration) could surge by over 200 points, triggering strict scrutiny. thebignewsletter.com Lessening of Competition By acquiring a direct rival (HBO Max), Netflix would eliminate head-to-head competition for premium content, allowing it to raise prices, hoard exclusives, or degrade service quality without fear of subscriber churn. Warner’s library would become unavailable to competitors like Disney+ or Amazon Prime Video, foreclosing rivals’ access to must-have IP. Sen. Mike Lee highlighted this as a “serious competition question,” more acute than deals in the past decade, potentially stifling innovation in content creation. cnn.com A government official echoed that adding HBO Max to Netflix’s “market dominance” would “stifle competition,” akin to Google/Amazon probes. timesofindia.indiatimes.com Monopolization Risks The combined firm would control ~50% of premium scripted content production, giving Netflix undue leverage over Hollywood talent, theaters, and downstream markets like advertising and licensing. This could create barriers for indie creators and exhibitors, turning the merger into a “recipe for monopolization.” Experts call it a “straightforward challenge under the Clayton Act,” as it consolidates power over storytelling, potentially leading to fewer theatrical releases and job losses for professionals. thebignewsletter.com +1 Cinema United labeled it an “unprecedented threat” to theaters. reuters.com Vertical Integration Concerns Netflix’s ownership of Warner’s studios would deepen vertical control—from production to distribution—potentially discriminating against rival platforms by withholding content or favoring its own algorithms, harming downstream competition in video consumption. Former WarnerMedia CEO Jason Kilar argued it’s “the most effective way to reduce competition in Hollywood.” reuters.com This echoes past DOJ blocks like AT&T-Time Warner (initially challenged on similar grounds). These factors align with the DOJ/FTC’s 2023 Merger Guidelines, which emphasize “serial acquisitions” (Netflix’s history of smaller content buys) and the cumulative impact on nascent markets like streaming. Critics, including Sens. Elizabeth Warren, Richard Blumenthal, and Bernie Sanders, have urged the DOJ to probe for “political favoritism,” while anonymous filmmakers called for “the highest level of antitrust scrutiny.”
Paramount, a losing bidder, has accused WBD of bias and may lobby the Trump administration to intervene, citing ties to figures like ex-DOJ official Makan Delrahim.
The Path to Challenge and Potential Outcomes
If challenged, the DOJ or FTC would file suit in federal court, seeking a preliminary injunction to halt closing (expected Q3 2026).
Netflix argues the deal enhances subscriber value and U.S. production, but regulators could demand remedies like content licensing mandates—similar to EU expectations of “access remedies” without a full block.
A worst-case scenario: outright blockage, as in the DOJ’s successful suit against Microsoft’s-Activision deal (later settled). Political winds under the Trump FTC/DOJ could sway outcomes, with Republicans like Issa and Lee amplifying GOP concerns over Hollywood consolidation.
In sum, the deal’s Clayton Act pitfalls hinge on its threat to competitive vigor in streaming and content creation.
While not guaranteed to fail, the merger’s scale invites rigorous review, potentially reshaping—or derailing—Hollywood’s future. As one analyst put it, this isn’t just a buyout; it’s a “noose around the marketplace.”
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New Orleans continues to shine as a premier filming destination, thanks to its vibrant culture, historic architecture, and supportive film incentives.
In this article, we’ll show you all the movies filming in New Orleans. Take a look at the productions below, which are all in New Orleans.
Movies Being Filmed in New Orleans Right Now
Movie Title (Working Title if Applicable) Genre/Description Key Cast/Notes Filming Status in September 2025 Five Nights at Freddy’s Sequel (Music Box) Horror/Mystery/Thriller (animated/live-action hybrid) Produced by Blumhouse; sequel to the 2023 hit. Budget: $51 million. Extended filming through January 2025 at The Ranch Studios in Chalmette (near New Orleans). Principal photography ongoing, with post-production ramping up but shoots still active in the area. Ella McCay Comedy/Drama (rom-com based on a bestselling book) Stars Woody Harrelson and Jamie Lee Curtis. Pre-production started in March 2025; principal filming began in late spring and is ongoing into fall at various New Orleans locations, including downtown and Garden District spots. Expected wrap by late September/early October. Here’s what you need to know about movie-making in NOLA:
- Industry Outlook: Louisiana’s film tax credit program, recently adjusted for flexibility, has helped attract these projects amid a post-pandemic recovery. However, productions have been slower this year compared to peaks like 2023, with many shifting to streaming or overseas due to costs. No major new starts were announced for mid-September, but locals should watch for pop-up shoots in areas like the French Quarter or Algiers.
- Recently Wrapped (for Reference): Films like Primetime (aka Bluefin Tuna, thriller produced by Robert Pattinson, wrapped March 2025) and Is God Is (drama with Sterling K. Brown and Janelle Monáe, wrapped November 2024) were active earlier but are now in post-production with 2026 releases.
Thanks to a generous tax incentive, New Orleans has become a casting call hotspot over the last few years. That means that you could see a big-name actor or two in a restaurant or someplace else.
These Movies Are Currently Filming In New Orleans
Movie production is huge in New Orleans, Louisiana right now. These productions are staffing up via casting calls and auditions.
Film production in New Orleans has created a huge demand for jobs in the film industry from crew to actors and producers. Stay with NolaFi.com for the latest casting calls and casting news in the industry.
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One popular movie theater company is using a retro tactic to get moviegoers back in seats: A sale.
AMC Theatres is launching a “50% Off Wednesdays” program, which offers AMC Stubs members a 50% discount on the base adult evening ticket price for all showtimes on Wednesdays.
When Does AMC’s 50% Wednesdays Start?
AMC Theatre’s 50% Wednesdays pricing begins July 9, 2025.
This applies to all AMC locations in the United States, though additional charges for premium formats like IMAX, Dolby Cinema, or 3D still apply.
Some movies and holidays may be excluded, but the program aims to boost midweek attendance and is expected to be widely available if successful.
Membership in AMC Stubs (Insider, Premiere, or A-List) is required, with Insider being free to join.
Where Are the AMC Theatres Located in Greater New Orleans?
Name Mailing Address AMC Elmwood Palace 20 1200 Elmwood Park Blvd, Harahan, LA 70123 AMC DINE-IN Clearview Palace 12 4486 Veterans Memorial Blvd, Metairie, LA 70006 AMC Westbank Palace 16 1151 Manhattan Blvd, Harvey, LA 70058 How Much Does the AMC Stubs Program Cost?
The AMC Stubs program has four membership tiers with different costs and benefits:
1. Insider
Free. Includes basic perks like 20 points per $1 spent, free large popcorn refills, and Discount Tuesdays.
2. Premiere GO!
Free, but requires earning by seeing 8 movies or accumulating 5,000 points in a calendar year as an Insider. Offers enhanced benefits like 40 points per $1 spent and waived online ticket fees for 4+ tickets.
3. Premiere
$17.99 + tax per year. Includes all Insider benefits, plus 100 points per $1 spent, waived online ticket fees for any purchase, and free size upgrades on popcorn and drinks.
4. A-List
$14.95-$27.99 + tax per month, depending on location and plan (Classic or standard). A-List Classic ($14.95) allows 1 movie per week, while standard A-List ($25.99-$27.99) allows up to 4 movies per week in any format, with additional perks like 100 points per $1 spent and priority lanes. Requires a 3-month minimum commitment.
Final Word
Theater venues are a huge part of New Orleans’ culture for sure, from jazz clubs to the city’s diverse bar scene, from historic cocktail bars to trendy craft beer spots. listening to lie music is a popular nighttime activity, especially in areas like the French Quarter and the Warehouse District.
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As great as YouTubeTV is, there comes a time when the monthly charge doesn’t seem worth it. That’s when you cancel.
In this article, I’ll show you how to cancel your YouTubeTV streaming service.
Easy Steps To Cancel YouTubeTV
Cancelling your YouTube TV subscription can be done easily through the website or the mobile app. Here are the steps for both methods:
Cancelling YouTube TV on a Computer:
- Sign In: Go to the YouTube TV and sign in using your Google account.
- Access Settings: Click on your profile icon in the upper right corner of the screen. From the dropdown menu, select Settings.
- Go to Membership Settings: In the settings menu, navigate to “Membership.”
- Cancel Membership: You’ll see your subscription details. Click on the “Cancel Membership” button. Follow the on-screen prompts to complete the cancellation process.
- Confirm Cancellation: You may be asked to confirm your cancellation. Make sure to read any information regarding the end date of your subscription.
How To Cancel YouTube TV on the Mobile App
- Open YouTube TV App: Launch the YouTube TV app on your mobile device.
- Sign In: If you’re not already signed in, enter your credentials.
- Go to Settings: Tap on your profile icon in the upper right corner, then select “Settings.”
- Membership: Choose “Membership.”
- Cancel Membership: Tap on the “Cancel Membership” option and follow the instructions to complete the cancellation.
- Confirm Cancellation: Confirm your decision if prompted, and check for details regarding your membership termination.
How Does Canceling YouTubeTV Affect Your Billing Cycle?
Cancellation will usually stop future billing, but you may still have access to YouTube TV until the end of your current billing cycle.
If you decide to return, you can resubscribe at any time. YouTube TV typically does not offer refunds for partial months; your access will continue until the end of the current billing period. If you face any difficulties or have specific questions regarding your account, you may want to reach out to YouTube TV support for further assistance.
Now Why Would I Want To Cancel YouTubeTV?
I loved YouTubeTV, but I did have some valid reasons to cancel my subscription — or should I say reasons. Here are three common ones I experienced:
1. Cost Considerations
Streaming services can add up over time, and if you’re looking to cut costs, cancelling YouTube TV may be a priority, especially if you find cheaper alternatives or decide to shift to on-demand streaming platforms.
If you find that you aren’t utilizing the service enough to justify the monthly cost or if the pricing has increased and created a financial burden, it might be a good reason to reconsider your subscription.
2. Content Availability
If you find that YouTube TV does not offer the channels or content you are interested in, or if a major network you watch frequently is removed from the lineup, that could be a compelling reason to cancel.
With the growing number of streaming platforms, many people find that another service meets their content needs better, whether through better live options, exclusive shows, or a more appealing library of on-demand content. ###
3. Usage Patterns
If you’ve noticed that you rarely watch live TV or haven’t been using the service as much as you used to, it may not make sense to continue paying for it.
Some users prefer on-demand content, which can be found on multiple other platforms, often at a lower cost.
If lifestyle changes, such as working more hours, changes in family dynamics, or a shift to more outdoor/physical activities have reduced your TV watching time, cancelling may align better with your current entertainment habits.
Final Word
Ultimately, the decision to cancel YouTube TV should be based on a careful consideration of personal needs, preferences, and financial circumstances.
There are other streaming services out there that may fit your wallet and circumstances much better.
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The 2023 Essence Fest featured all the cool celebrity sightings, educational forums and black girl magic we’ve come to love. Held in its ancestral home — New Orleans — Essence Fest hosted a dazzled amount of events cast over three days.
One highlight was the Bevelations Live panel, which included the cast of Survival of the Thickest cast, a new Netflix movie. The film features Michelle Buteau and Tasha Smith and The Upshaws cast member, Kim Fields. The panel was moderated by Bevy Smith.
There was also the Bevelations Live and the They Cloned Tyrone-themed Lemon Pepper Wet Party were hosted at the Chicory in New Orleans.
Key attendees for each of the events include Sherri Shepherd, Derek J, Juvenile, Mannie Fresh, Big Krit and Terrence J.
About Survival of the Thickest
Release Date: July 13, 2023
Logline: Survival of the Thickest centers on Mavis Beaumont (Michelle Buteau). Black, plus-size and newly single (not by her choice!), Mavis unexpectedly finds herself having to rebuild her life as a struggling stylist. She’s determined to not only survive but thrive with the support of her chosen family, a body positive attitude, and a cute v-neck with some lip gloss. The scripted comedy is based on Buteau’s acclaimed book of essays.
About They Cloned Tyrone
Release Date: July 21, 2023
They Cloned Tyrone is one of many Netflix movies filmed in Atlanta.
Logline: A series of eerie events thrusts an unlikely trio (Boyega, Foxx and Parris) onto the trail of a nefarious government conspiracy in this pulpy mystery caper.
Watch They Cloned Tyrone on Netflix.
Bottom Line
I immensely enjoyed Essence Fest this year, although there were so many events that I couldn’t attend all of them. Call me optimistic, but I hope that the organizers look into making it a seven-day festival or over two weekends — like Jazz Fest — so that we can enjoy more of it.
Final Word
If you plan on visiting the city for New Orleans, you should know that the area you’re staying in is safe.
Expect to indulge in many foods that New Orleans is known For, including Gumbo, Beignets and more.
Read about things to see and do in New Orleans.
More From NolaFi.com:
- What To See And Do In New Orleans
- Where To Buy Nice Suits In New Orleans
- Here Are The Latest Casting Calls In New Orleans
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Netflix is cracking down on password sharing as a way to boost their subscriber count. The streaming service has estimated that more than 100 million Netflix viewers are watching with borrowed passwords from friends and family members.
When it comes to popular streaming services, they all work well with Netflix, which leads the industry in sign-ups and audience.
Netflix To End Password Sharing In 2023
As the year goes on, Netflix will soon ask people who share accounts to start paying for a subscription, the company said.
If you want to enjoy your streaming without corporate analytics spying on your viewing habits, you might be interested in some alternatives to Netflix.
Here Are The Best Netflix Alternatives For Streaming
Streaming Service Monthly Price Channels Offered Plans Disney+ $13.99 85+ See Channels YouTube TV $64.99 85 See Plans FuboTV $32.99–$79.99 166 See Plans See Channels $25 65+ See Channels See Plans $6.99–$12.99 75+ See Plans See Plans $35–$50 50 See Plans See Channels Free 190 See Channels Free 55+ Amazon Prime Video $12.99 100+ See Channels Final Word
Streaming has become a complicated game over the past few years as several big-name companies have entered the industry in an attempt to dethrone Netflix.
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Comedian Chris Rock is embarking on a world tour for the first time in five years. His Ego Death tour has some key dates in big American cities, including New Orleans.
Rock has been to New Orleans many times over the years, but never with such interest. Sales of his Ego Death tour have skyrocketed since the incident at the Oscars.
When Will Chris Rock Perform In New Orleans?
Chris Rock is slated to perform in New Orleans on Saturday, October 1, 2022 at the Saenger Theatre. The shows starts at 8 p.m.
Who knows? If interest continues to climb, Rock may add another show here in New Orleans.
How To Get Tickets To See Chris Rock In New Orleans
To get tickets to see Chris Rock in New Orleans, you can buy them on the Fox Theatre’s website. The prices are $49.50 per ticket as of this writing.
Final Word
Rock has established himself as a bankable movie star in addition to a top-notch standup comedian. His hit TV show Everybody Hates Chris, which hilariously chronicled his childhood, ran four four seasons on The CW Network.
New Orleans has steadily built up a flow of TV and movie productions over the years. If you want to be an actor, the city has classes you can take as well as places that provide headshots and more. You can also audition at numerous casting calls to build your movie and TV reel.
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