Entertainment

Latest Entertainment News

đź“…January 1, 2026 at 1:00 AM
Major entertainment news highlights Netflix's Warner Bros. Discovery acquisition amid bidding wars, new streaming content on Netflix and Paramount+, and big 2025 M&A deals like EA's takeover.
1

Netflix Proposes $72 Billion Acquisition of Warner Bros. Discovery

Netflix has agreed to buy Warner Bros. Discovery for $27.75 per share in an all-cash deal valued at $72 billion, amid intense competition from Paramount's hostile $108.4 billion bid.Source 2 Warner Bros.' major shareholder Harris Oakmark deemed Paramount's offer insufficient, keeping Netflix's deal on track.Source 2 This merger would combine key film and streaming assets from both companies.Source 2

2

Paramount Launches $108.4 Billion Hostile Bid for Warner Bros. Discovery

In response to Netflix's deal, Paramount made a hostile takeover bid for Warner Bros. Discovery worth $108.4 billion.Source 2 The bid follows Paramount's earlier $8.4 billion merger with Skydance approved by the FCC.Source 2 Warner Bros. board is set to reject the amended Paramount bid to maintain the Netflix agreement.Source 3

3

New Black-Led Content Arrives on Netflix in January 2026

Netflix's January lineup features Black-led films like *12 Years a Slave* with Chiwetel Ejiofor and Lupita Nyong’o, *Bob Marley: One Love*, and action thrillers starring Zoe Saldaña and Denzel Washington.Source 1 New releases include the mystery *HIS & HERS* with Tessa Thompson and the final episodes of *The Upshaws*.Source 1 Black-led podcasts such as *Joe and Jada*, *New Rory & MAL*, and *The Breakfast Club* debut on the platform.Source 1

4

Paramount+ Expands Roster with Classic Films Starting January 1

Paramount+ adds a vast selection of movies on January 1, 2026, including *10 Cloverfield Lane*, *50 First Dates*, *A.I. Artificial Intelligence*, *Baby Driver*, and *Spider-Man: Homecoming*.Source 3 The expansion comes amid bidding wars for Warner Bros. Discovery assets.Source 3 Genres span drama, horror, comedy, thriller, and action.Source 3

5

Saudi-Led Consortium Acquires Electronic Arts for $55 Billion

Electronic Arts shareholders approved a $55 billion sale to a consortium led by Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund, Silver Lake, and Jared Kushner’s Affinity Partners.Source 2 The deal takes EA private in the largest leveraged buyout in gaming history.Source 2 It marks a major shift in the gaming industry's ownership landscape.Source 2

6

Alphabet Acquires Cybersecurity Firm Wiz for $32 Billion

Google parent Alphabet is buying Wiz for $32 billion, its largest acquisition ever.Source 2 Wiz will integrate into Google Cloud to bolster cybersecurity solutions for businesses.Source 2 The deal aims to mitigate critical risks in cloud security.Source 2

7

BlackRock-Led Group Buys Aligned Data Centers for $40 Billion

A consortium led by BlackRock’s Global Infrastructure Partners, MGX, Microsoft, Nvidia, and xAI acquired Aligned Data Centers from Macquarie for $40 billion.Source 2 The deal supports rapid scaling in data infrastructure amid tight budgets.Source 2Source 4 It reflects growing investments in AI and tech infrastructure.Source 2

8

Canal+ and Warner Bros. Discovery Strike HBO Max International Deal

Warner Bros. Discovery and Canal+ reached a milestone agreement expanding HBO Max internationally.Source 3 The partnership enhances global content distribution amid ongoing acquisition battles.Source 3 It includes new licensing for HBO content.Source 3

9

January 2026 Streaming Premieres: Starfleet Academy and Bridgerton

Key TV and streaming returns in January include *Starfleet Academy*, *Bridgerton*, and more premieres.Source 7 Viewers can plan watchlists with new episodes and seasons across platforms.Source 7 The guide covers major entertainment launches for the month.Source 7

10

Agatha Christie’s The Mousetrap Runs in Indianapolis January 6-February 15

The longest-running play in history, *The Mousetrap*, performs at Beef & Boards Dinner Theatre.Source 5 A blizzard traps strangers in a manor amid a murder mystery with twists until the end.Source 5 It's a key cultural event for January 2026.Source 5

11

Harlem Globetrotters Face Washington Generals on January 17

The Harlem Globetrotters celebrate 100 years with gravity-defying dunks against rivals at Gainbridge Fieldhouse.Source 5 Post-game autographs add to the family-friendly entertainment.Source 5 The event draws crowds for its tricks and athleticism.Source 5

12

Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone in Concert January 30-February 1

Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra performs the film's score live while screening *Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone* at Hilbert Circle Theatre.Source 5 Hogwarts attire is encouraged for immersive viewing.Source 5 It blends cinema and live music for fans.Source 5