Upcoming Paramount Shows Reportedly Eying Move to HBO Max as Merger Plans Develop

Drama moves under discussion

Deadline reports that Skydance is considering moving some upcoming Paramount+ dramas to HBO Max. The possible shift is being discussed at senior levels, but the company has not announced a decision.

Potential candidates include Discretion, a legal thriller starring Nicole Kidman and Elle Fanning, and The Best of Us, a drama about 9/11 first responders led by Jeremy Strong. Other projects awaiting official greenlights may also be considered.

Executives weigh the slate

HBO chief Casey Bloys is Skydance Direct-to-Consumer’s Co-Chair and Chief Content Officer, overseeing both streaming services. Co-CEO David Ellison has discussed eventually combining them. Francesca Orsi, President of HBO Drama Series and Films, is working with Bloys to assess which projects fit HBO. She is also reviewing Paramount+ programming with Sarah Aubrey, Head of Paramount+, Max Originals and International Programming.

Open questions remain

The possible move could help advance plans to merge the platforms, but it remains unclear what will happen to existing Paramount+ shows. The article names Taylor Sheridan series including Landman and The Madison, while noting that his NBCUniversal television deal begins in 2029.

The destination for unscripted programming, including Big Brother, Survivor and The Amazing Race, is also unsettled. If Paramount+ content eventually shifts to HBO Max, Skydance would still need to decide on a service name and subscription prices.