American streaming service under Warner Bros. Discovery
A federal judge has paused Paramount Skydance’s $110–$111bn acquisition of Warner Bros Discovery with a 14‑day temporary restraining order after a coalition of 12 states sued to block the deal on antitrust grounds. The judge has set an Aug. 3 hearing to consider extending the pause while the states seek a preliminary injunction.
Christopher Nolan’s Odyssey has earned a rapturous reception, with Matt Damon delivering a trauma-haunted homecoming. Samantha Morton’s Circe anchors a three-hour epic that reframes war and the cost of return; a star-studded cast and IMAX scale anchor a modern myth.
A California judge has ordered a 14-day pause on Paramount’s $110 billion deal to merge with Warner Bros. Discovery, with a preliminary injunction possible and hearings ongoing as states filed antitrust lawsuits. Regulators worldwide are reviewing concessions; a delayed close could carry substantial costs.
Writers Guild of America West and East have filed a federal antitrust complaint to block Paramount’s $110 billion takeover of Warner Bros. Discovery, arguing the merger would reduce competition, suppress writers’ wages, and threaten content diversity. California and 11 states have also sued, creating a coordinated wave of legal action as regulators review the deal.
UK fans will not paywall the Champions League final for the first time since 1992 as TNT Sports charges a monthly HBO Max subscription of £4.99 for access to the final and two other UEFA finals. Prime Minister Keir Starmer has pressed TNT to reconsider, citing fans’ access and affordability.
The U.S. Department of Justice has approved Paramount Skydance’s proposed acquisition of Warner Bros. Discovery after an eight‑month probe, concluding the merger is unlikely to harm competition in streaming, linear TV or theatrical film markets. The transaction still faces reviews by U.K. and EU regulators and possible lawsuits from state attorneys general.
Prime Day discounts have slashed prices on Apple Watch SE 3, Series 11, and Ultra 3. The SE 3 gains major upgrades, while the Series 11 and Ultra 3 offer advanced health features and outdoor durability. Deals vary by model, with continued price drops through the event.
Comcast has announced a tax-free spin-off that will separate NBCUniversal and Sky into a standalone, publicly traded media company while leaving Comcast focused on broadband, wireless and business services. The company has said the separation will complete in about a year, executives told investors, and Comcast will initially keep up to 19.9% of the new media group.
Paramount has offered $31 per share to acquire Warner Bros. Discovery, amid a bidding war with Netflix and Comcast. Shareholders approved the deal, including a $7 billion breakup fee and the $2.8 billion Netflix termination fee. Regulators are reviewing the transaction, with the aim to close in the third quarter.
Culture secretary has said she is minded to intervene in the Paramount-WBD merger on public-interest grounds, triggering regulatory scrutiny by Ofcom and the CMA. A final decision has not been taken; Paramount and WBD face a response deadline, with potential timelines extending into Q3 2026.
Netflix’s Enola Holmes 3 sees Millie Bobby Brown return as Enola Woods in a Malta-set mystery that trails the earlier films in energy and scale. The film keeps a smart streak but feels leaner and less essential than its predecessors, with a plot that is steady but not groundbreaking.
California lawmakers have designated May 17 as Bruce Lee Day, honoring the late martial artist’s legacy as a cultural bridge. The move follows support from Assemblymember Matt Haney and statements from Shannon Lee, Bruce Lee’s daughter, highlighting Lee’s impact on representation and discipline. The legislation underscores his birthplace link to San Francisco and his rise from child actor to global icon.
A week of streaming releases and new music debuts is highlighted by cross-platform titles, including a Netflix relaunch of a classic, a Peacock original, and new albums from Adam Lambert and Finn Wolfhard. AP reviews frame several releases, while HBO Max debuts The Long Walk ahead of a Stephen King adaptation.
The Emmys reveal a wave of nominations across shows like The Pitt and Widow’s Bay, with first-time nominees joining veterans as the ceremony approaches.
The Daytime Emmy Awards have nominated Meghan Markle’s reality-style program “With Love, Meghan” in the outstanding lifestyle category. The Duchess of Sussex’s show features cooking, entertaining and gardening segments and is up against several other programs. CBS leads with nominations across multiple categories. The ceremony is set for Oct. 30 at the Hollywood Palladium.