Paramount+ and Max are expected to be combined, but they have not merged yet. As of October 4, 2026, Paramount Skydance and Warner Bros. Discovery (WBD) said they expected their merger to close on October 6, subject to customary closing conditions. Paramount has said it plans to combine the streaming services after the deal closes; a launch date, price, account transition, and final catalog have not been announced in the sources reviewed.
Are Paramount+ and Max merging?
Yes, that is Paramount’s stated plan: after completing its acquisition of WBD, it plans to combine Paramount+ and HBO Max, which is now branded Max. The companies announced a definitive acquisition agreement on February 27, 2026. The proposed combination is not the same as a completed merger or a launched combined app.
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On September 30, the companies said they anticipated closing the transaction on October 6, subject to customary closing conditions. That date was still in the future on October 4, 2026. The companies’ initial February announcement had forecast a Q3 2026 close, but the later September timing supersedes that earlier forecast. The August WBD shareholder letter had described a litigation-related pause; it predates the September court action and closing announcement.
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The U.S. Department of Justice said on June 12 that its investigation found the transaction was not likely to harm competition in streaming, linear television, or film production and distribution. That is the department’s assessment, not a guarantee of lower prices or better service. California’s attorney general and other states challenged the deal, alleging possible higher prices, lower content quality, and fewer movies and shows; those are the challengers’ claims, not established subscriber outcomes. On September 30, the Associated Press reported that a federal judge approved the proposed consent decree addressing the states’ challenge.
#1 Best Overall
- Watch over 40,000 full episodes on demand from hit series like Survivor, NCIS, Big Brother and more
- Get hooked on subscriber-only originals
- Make every night a movie night with blockbuster hits and fan-favorite films
- To Redeem: Go to paramountplus.com/redeem
- No returns and no refunds on gift cards.
When will the services combine?
There is no confirmed launch date for a combined streamer in the sources reviewed. The announced October 6 date concerns the expected close of the corporate transaction, not a date when Paramount+ and Max will become one service. Paramount has said the services will be combined after the merger, but has not specified how soon after closing.
Will Paramount+ and Max cost more?
No combined-service price or subscription tier has been announced in the sources reviewed. That means subscribers cannot yet determine whether they will pay for a single plan, keep separate subscriptions, or face a different price. The agreement’s $31-per-share cash consideration is what Paramount agreed to pay WBD shareholders; it is not a streaming fee.
Rank #2
- Watch over 40,000 full episodes on demand from hit series like Survivor, NCIS, Big Brother and more
- Get hooked on subscriber-only originals
- Make every night a movie night with blockbuster hits and fan-favorite films
- To Redeem: Go to paramountplus.com/redeem
- No returns and no refunds on gift cards.
Axios reported on March 2 that Paramount’s planned combined streamer would have more than 210 million subscribers. That is a projected scale figure, not a confirmed count for a launched service or a promise about price, content, or value.
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The sources reviewed do not say whether the combined service will use a new app, keep either existing brand, or support both apps during a transition. They also do not establish how billing, profiles, watchlists, passwords, downloads, or subscription plans would transfer. Until official instructions are issued, subscribers do not need to make a change based on a transition date or billing direction that has not been announced. For account-specific guidance, watch for notices from Paramount+ or Max.
Rank #3
- Watch over 40,000 full episodes on demand from hit series like Survivor, NCIS, Big Brother and more
- Get hooked on subscriber-only originals
- Make every night a movie night with blockbuster hits and fan-favorite films
- To Redeem: Go to paramountplus.com/redeem
- No returns and no refunds on gift cards.
What happens to Max and Paramount+ shows?
A combined streaming plan does not, by itself, establish which titles will be available, where they will stream, or whether existing exclusivity arrangements will change. The sources reviewed do not provide a final catalog or country-by-country availability plan. Paramount and WBD have described complementary streaming platforms as part of the deal, but that is not a title-by-title availability commitment.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.What subscribers should watch for
When the companies publish consumer terms, the details that will determine the practical effect are:
Rank #4
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- Give the gift of entertainment so your friends and family can stream unlimited films and Netflix original series. Whether your loved one already has a Netflix account or they will be creating a new account, they can use a Netflix gift card toward their membership.
- No credit card is required to redeem a gift code.
- Codes are applied to your account as a gift balance. Gift codes can be added to any plan, regardless of the amount.
- Redemption: Online
- Monthly prices, advertising tiers, and whether existing subscriptions remain available.
- Whether subscribers keep separate accounts or must migrate, and how billing and profiles are handled.
- Supported apps and devices, simultaneous streams, and download limits.
- Catalog availability, exclusivity, sports, and live channels, including differences by country.
- The transition schedule and any action required from existing subscribers.
Those terms remain unannounced in the sources reviewed. The companies’ transaction notice is available at Paramount’s February 27 announcement; the updated anticipated close is in the September 30 company notice. For the court action and context, see the Associated Press report. The companies’ planned streaming combination was reported by Axios.
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Best Value
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- This card is non-reloadable. No cash or ATM access. Funds do not expire. If available funds remain on your card after the valid thru date has passed, please call customer service for a replacement card. A one-time purchase fee applies at the time of checkout. No fees after purchase.
- To access your card information safely, type the complete website address shown on your Gift Card (MyGift.GiftCardMall.com) directly into your browser's address bar. Don't use search engines or shortened versions of the website address, as these may lead you to fake or fraudulent sites. Do not provide any Gift Card details (example: Card Number) to someone you do not know or trust. If you believe you've reached an illegitimate website, contact cardholder service at 1-888-524-1283. Be cautious of phishing sites, there are a variety of scams in which fraudsters try to trick others into paying with gift cards.
- To report your Lost or Stolen Physical Visa Card, call Customer Service 24/7 at 1 (888) 524-1283 to cancel your Gift Card as soon as you can. You will be asked to provide the Gift Card number and other identifying information.
- Use your Visa Gift Card in the U.S. everywhere Visa debit cards are accepted, including online.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
