discovery+
{{Short description|American video streaming service}}
{{Use American English|date=October 2023}}{{Use mdy dates|date=October 2023}}
{{Infobox website
| name = Discovery+
| logo = Discovery Plus logo.svg
| logo_alt = Logo for the Discovery+ service.
| logo_caption = Logo used since 2021
| screenshot = Discovery+ Homepage.png
| caption = Discovery+ homepage on January 4, 2021
| collapsible = yes
| type = OTT streaming platform
| language = {{plainlist|
}}
| language_count = 11
| founded = {{Start date and age|2020|3|23}}
| predecessor = {{collapsible list
| Dplay
| MotorTrend+
| GCN+
| GolfTV
| Eurosport Player
| CNN+
| B/R Live}}
| dissolved = {{collapsible list
| {{End date and age|2023|4|27|df=y}} (Philippines)
| {{End date and age|2024|12|9|df=y}} (Spain, Finland, Denmark and the Netherlands)
| {{End date and age|2025|2|6|df=y}} (Brazil)
| {{End date and age|2025|4|15|df=y}} (Turkey; on BluTV)
| Early 2026 (United Kingdom and Ireland)}}
| successor = HBO Max (excluding United States)
| country_of_origin = United States
| area_served = Canada, United States, India, Israel, and parts of Europe (see full list of countries)
| key_people = David Zaslav (President & CEO; Warner Bros. Discovery)
| owner = Discovery, Inc. (2020–2022)
Warner Bros. Discovery (2022–present)
| industry = {{hlist|Entertainment|mass media}}
| products = {{flatlist|
| services = {{flatlist|
- Film production
- Film distribution
- Television production
- Television distribution}}
| parent = Warner Bros. Discovery Global Streaming and Interactive Entertainment
| url = {{URL|https://www.discoveryplus.com}}
| registration = Required/Free (content varies in most countries)
| users = {{increase}} 24 million ({{As of|2022|03|31|lc=y|df=US}})
| launch_date = {{Start date and age|2021|1|4}}
| current_status = Active
}}
Discovery+ (pronounced "Discovery Plus"; stylized as discovery+) is an American multinational subscription video on-demand over-the-top streaming service owned by Warner Bros. Discovery (WBD).{{cite web |title=Warner Bros. Discovery |url=https://wbd.com/ |access-date=2022-08-06 |website=Warner Bros. Discovery |archive-date=August 6, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220806123937/https://wbd.com/ |url-status=live}} The service focuses on factual programming drawn from the libraries of Discovery's main channel brands, as well as original series (including spin-offs of programs from Discovery's television networks), and content from A&E Networks, NBCUniversal, ABS-CBN Studios, and Discovery+’s corporate sibling CNN.
It was first launched in India on March 23, 2020. It launched in the United States on January 4, 2021, and replaced Discovery's Dplay and Eurosport Player services in Europe the next day. {{As of|2022|4|1|df=US|post=,}} Discovery+ has 24 million subscribers.{{cite web |date=2022-04-26 |title=Discovery+ Reached 24 Million Subscribers Before Merger with Warner Bros. |url=https://www.cordcuttersnews.com/discovery-reached-24-million-subscribers-before-merger-with-warner-bros/ |access-date=2022-04-26 |website=Cord Cutters News |archive-date=April 26, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220426132649/https://www.cordcuttersnews.com/discovery-reached-24-million-subscribers-before-merger-with-warner-bros/ |url-status=live}}
Discovery+ became a sister service to WarnerMedia's HBO Max following their merger in April 2022. HBO Max was relaunched as Max the following year, adding Discovery content to its library. While WBD originally planned to discontinue Discovery+ in favor of Max, the company elected to continue offering Discovery+ because it was still profitable.{{cite web |last=Spangler |first=Todd |date=2023-04-12 |title=HBO Max to Be Renamed 'Max' With Addition of Discovery+ Content, Launch Date and Pricing Revealed |url=https://variety.com/2023/digital/news/hbo-max-renamed-max-pricing-launch-date-1235532179/ |access-date=2023-09-12 |website=Variety}}
History
Discovery first launched Discovery+ in India on March 23, 2020, and included content from Discovery's various brands.{{cite web |title=Discovery Plus App Debuts With Content 'Curated Specifically for India' |url=https://gadgets.ndtv.com/apps/news/discovery-plus-app-download-india-features-subscription-2195760 |access-date=2021-01-01 |website=NDTV Gadgets 360 |date=March 16, 2020 |archive-date=March 28, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200328143724/https://gadgets.ndtv.com/apps/news/discovery-plus-app-download-india-features-subscription-2195760 |url-status=live}} In September of the same year, Discovery announced plans to launch an international version of Discovery+ in early 2021.{{cite web |date=2020-09-21 |title='This is for cord cutters': Discovery aims to launch Discovery+ streaming service in early 2021 |url=https://digiday.com/future-of-tv/this-is-for-cord-cutters-discovery-aims-to-launch-discovery-streaming-service-in-early-2021/ |access-date=December 13, 2020 |website=Digiday |archive-date=September 22, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200922014531/http://digiday.com/future-of-tv/this-is-for-cord-cutters-discovery-aims-to-launch-discovery-streaming-service-in-early-2021/ |url-status=live}}
In October 2020, it was announced that Dplay would be renamed Discovery+ in the United Kingdom and Ireland in the following month.{{cite web |title=discovery+ |url=https://www.discoveryplus.dk/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210101231101/https://discoveryplus.dk/ |archive-date=2021-01-01 |access-date=2021-01-13 |website=Discovery+ |location=Denmark}}{{cite web |last=Kanter |first=Jake |date=2020-10-20 |title=Discovery UK Rebrands Streamer Dplay As Discovery+ & Adds Subscription Tier |url=https://deadline.com/2020/10/discovery-rebrands-dplay-subscription-1234600228/ |access-date=2020-12-03 |website=Deadline |archive-date=October 22, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201022224614/https://deadline.com/2020/10/discovery-rebrands-dplay-subscription-1234600228/ |url-status=live}}
On January 4, 2021, Discovery+ launched in the U.S. with both a paid ad-supported plan and an ad-free plan.{{cite web |last=Alexander |first=Julia |date=2020-12-02 |title=Discovery, home of Shark Week, HGTV, and Food Network, enters the streaming wars with Discovery Plus |url=https://www.theverge.com/2020/12/2/22018581/discovery-streaming-service-launch-date-price-shark-week-hgtv-food-network |access-date=2020-12-03 |website=The Verge |archive-date=December 2, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201202161052/https://www.theverge.com/2020/12/2/22018581/discovery-streaming-service-launch-date-price-shark-week-hgtv-food-network |url-status=live}}{{cite web |last=Hayes |first=Dade |date=2020-12-02 |title=Discovery Reveals Streaming Rollout Plan For Discovery+, With Verizon Deal In Place For January U.S. Launch |url=https://deadline.com/2020/12/discovery-reveals-streaming-rollout-plan-for-discovery-with-verizon-deal-in-place-for-january-u-s-launch-1234636340/ |access-date=2020-12-02 |website=Deadline |archive-date=December 2, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201202170610/https://deadline.com/2020/12/discovery-reveals-streaming-rollout-plan-for-discovery-with-verizon-deal-in-place-for-january-u-s-launch-1234636340/ |url-status=live}} On January 5, 2021, Discovery+ launched in eight European territories, subsuming Dplay and the Eurosport Player services.{{cite web |last=Linares |first=Iván |date=2021-01-05 |title=La app de Dplay cambia a Discovery+ y pasa de ser gratuita a ofrecer contenido 'premium' |url=https://www.xatakamovil.com/aplicaciones/app-dplay-cambia-a-discovery-pasa-ser-gratuita-a-ofrecer-contenido-premium |access-date=2021-01-15 |website=Xataka Móvil |language=es |archive-date=January 5, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210105102016/https://www.xatakamovil.com/aplicaciones/app-dplay-cambia-a-discovery-pasa-ser-gratuita-a-ofrecer-contenido-premium|url-status=live}}{{cite web |title=Dplay va in pensione: Discovery+ disponibile in Italia |url=https://www.dday.it/redazione/38067/discovery-plus-app-streaming |access-date=2021-01-15 |website=D-Day |language=it |archive-date=January 5, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210105145529/https://www.dday.it/redazione/38067/discovery-plus-app-streaming |url-status=live}}{{cite web |title=Dit moet je weten over streamingdienst Discovery Plus |url=https://www.androidplanet.nl/nieuws/discovery-plus-streamingdienst-uitleg/ |access-date=2021-01-15 |website=Android Planet |language=nl |archive-date=January 21, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210121205733/https://www.androidplanet.nl/nieuws/discovery-plus-streamingdienst-uitleg/ |url-status=live}}{{cite web |last=Breinstrup |first=Thomas |date=2021-01-05 |title=Streamingtjenesten Dplay skifter navn |url=https://www.berlingske.dk/content/item/1530793 |access-date=2021-01-15 |website=Berlingske |language=da |archive-date=January 20, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210120152546/https://www.berlingske.dk/virksomheder/streamingtjenesten-dplay-skifter-navn |url-status=live}}{{cite web |title=Discovery+ als online streamingdienst in Nederland begonnen |url=https://www.totaaltv.nl/nieuws/discovery-als-online-streamingdienst-in-nederland-begonnen/ |access-date=5 January 2021 |website=Totaal TV |language=nl |archive-date=January 5, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210105123148/https://www.totaaltv.nl/nieuws/discovery-als-online-streamingdienst-in-nederland-begonnen/ |url-status=live}}
In an earnings call on November 3, 2021, president and CEO of Discovery Streaming and International JB Perrette discussed potential options for the service following the then-proposed spin-off and merger of AT&T’s WarnerMedia into Discovery to form Warner Bros. Discovery. These involved a bundling and/or eventual merger of Discovery+ with WarnerMedia's streaming service HBO Max, and offering such a merged service in markets where Discovery+ has yet to launch, such as other parts of the Asia-Pacific region.{{cite web |url=https://www.fiercevideo.com/video/discovery-hbo-max-may-bundle-combining-after-merger |title=Discovery+, HBO Max may bundle before combining after merger |last=Bunson |first=Ben |work=FierceVideo |date=November 3, 2021 |access-date=November 11, 2021 |archive-date=November 11, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211111192746/https://www.fiercevideo.com/video/discovery-hbo-max-may-bundle-combining-after-merger |url-status=live}} On March 14, 2022, after Discovery shareholders approved the merger, CFO Gunnar Wiedenfels stated that the merged company planned to pursue a merger of HBO Max with Discovery+ as a long-term goal, following the process proposed by Perrette earlier.{{cite web |last=Maas |first=Jennifer |date=2022-03-14 |title=HBO Max and Discovery Plus Will Be Combined Into One Platform |url=https://variety.com/2022/tv/news/hbo-max-discovery-plus-combined-streaming-service-bundle-1235204060/ |access-date=2022-03-16 |website=Variety |archive-date=March 17, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220317034833/https://variety.com/2022/tv/news/hbo-max-discovery-plus-combined-streaming-service-bundle-1235204060/ |url-status=live}} Following the merger, selected Discovery library programs had begun to appear on HBO Max.
In August 2022, Perrette announced that a merged service would launch in the United States "next summer", if not sooner, followed by Latin America in late-2023, HBO Max's European markets in early-2024, and additional Asia-Pacific and European markets. Perrette stated that HBO Max and Discovery+ had complimentary scopes targeting "appointment viewing" and "comfort viewing" respectively, and thus described the unified service as being "an unprecedented combination in an already crowded market."{{cite web |last=White |first=Peter |date=2022-08-04 |title=Warner Bros. Discovery: HBO Max & Discovery+ Combined Streamer To Launch In U.S. In Summer 2023 |url=https://deadline.com/2022/08/warner-bros-discovery-hbo-max-discovery-combined-streamer-to-launch-in-u-s-in-summer-2023-1235085466/ |access-date=2022-08-05 |website=Deadline |archive-date=August 5, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220805010940/https://deadline.com/2022/08/warner-bros-discovery-hbo-max-discovery-combined-streamer-to-launch-in-u-s-in-summer-2023-1235085466/ |url-status=live}} In November 2022, it was announced that the new service would now launch in spring 2023.{{cite web |last=White |first=Peter |date=2022-11-03 |title=HBO Max & Discovery+ Combo Service Launch Date Moved Up |url=https://deadline.com/2022/11/hbo-max-discovery-service-launch-date-1235162949/ |access-date=2022-11-03 |website=Deadline |archive-date=November 3, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221103222348/https://deadline.com/2022/11/hbo-max-discovery-service-launch-date-1235162949/ |url-status=live}}{{cite news |last=Forristal |first=Lauren |date=2022-11-04 |title=Combined HBO Max/Discovery+ service gets an earlier launch date, price hike is to be expected|work=TechCrunch |url=https://techcrunch.com/2022/11/04/combined-hbo-max-discovery-service-gets-an-earlier-launch-date-price-hike-is-to-be-expected/ |access-date=2022-11-05 |archive-date=November 24, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221124041526/https://techcrunch.com/2022/11/04/combined-hbo-max-discovery-service-gets-an-earlier-launch-date-price-hike-is-to-be-expected/ |url-status=live}} In early-December 2022, it was reported by CNBC via inside sources that the unified platform was being developed under the codename "BEAM", and that multiple names were being considered—including simply "Max".{{cite news |last1=Sherman |first1=Alex |last2=Rizzo |first2=Lillian |title=Warner Bros. Discovery closes in on 'Max' as the name of its combined HBO Max-Discovery+ streaming service |url=https://www.cnbc.com/2022/12/05/warner-bros-discovery-max-streaming-service-name.html |access-date=2022-12-06 |publisher=CNBC |date=December 5, 2022|archive-date=December 5, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221205154430/https://www.cnbc.com/2022/12/05/warner-bros-discovery-max-streaming-service-name.html |url-status=live}}{{cite web |last=Spangler |first=Todd |title='Max' Could Be the Name of Merged HBO Max/Discovery+ Service |url=https://variety.com/2022/digital/news/name-of-hbo-max-discovery-plus-merged-service-1235450244/ |access-date=2022-12-17 |website=Variety |date=December 5, 2022|archive-date=December 17, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221217095435/https://variety.com/2022/digital/news/name-of-hbo-max-discovery-plus-merged-service-1235450244/ |url-status=live}}
In February 2023, Zaslav stated during an earnings call that WBD no longer planned to shut down Discovery+ in favor of the merged service, due to its profitability and low churn. He explained that its customers were "very happy with the product offering", and asked, "why would we shut that off?".{{cite web |last=Hayes |first=Dade |date=2023-02-23 |title=Discovery+ Economics Justify Continuing It As A Stand-Alone Streamer After Launch Of Merged HBO Max Offering, WBD CEO David Zaslav Says: "Why Would We Shut That Off?" |url=https://deadline.com/2023/02/discovery-economics-justify-continuing-it-as-stand-alone-streamer-after-launch-of-merged-hbo-max-offering-wbd-ceo-david-zaslav-says-why-would-we-shut-that-off-1235269383/ |access-date=2023-02-24 |website=Deadline}} The Wall Street Journal had reported earlier in the month that WBD had planned to continue operating Discovery+ in conjunction with the new service, which was expected to have a higher price than HBO Max, and would feature "most", but not all, of the content of Discovery+.{{cite news |last1=Toonkel |first1=Jessica |last2=Flint |first2=Joe |title=Warner Bros. Discovery to Keep Discovery+, in Strategy Shift |url=https://www.wsj.com/articles/warner-bros-discovery-to-keep-discovery-in-strategy-shift-11675859633 |access-date=2023-02-08 |newspaper=Wall Street Journal |date=February 8, 2023}} Max was officially unveiled on April 12, 2023, for a US launch on May 23. In contrast to WBD's plans to keep Discovery+ operational in at least the United States, Warner Bros. Discovery Asia-Pacific announced in March 2023 that Discovery+ would be discontinued in the Philippines on April 27, 2023, in favor of the local HBO Go service; WBD had announced an Asia-Pacific launch for Max on November 19, 2024.{{cite web |last=Malasig |first=Jeline |date=2023-03-23 |title=Documentary fans mourn pending closure of discovery+ PH |url=https://interaksyon.philstar.com/hobbies-interests/2023/03/23/246783/documentary-fans-pending-closure-discovery-plus/ |access-date=2023-03-25 |website=Interaksyon}}{{cite web |title=Discovery+ to cease operation in the Philippines on April 27 |url=https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/lifestyle/hobbiesandactivities/864695/discovery-to-cease-operation-in-the-philippines-on-april-27/story/ |access-date=2023-03-22 |website=GMA News Online |date=March 22, 2023}}{{cite web |last=Maas |first=Jennifer |date=2023-04-12 |title=Warner Bros. Discovery Unveils 'Max': Everything Revealed at Combined HBO Max-Discovery+ Streaming Presentation |url=https://variety.com/2023/tv/news/max-streaming-service-hbo-warner-discovery-1235579785/ |access-date=2023-04-24 |website=Variety}}{{cite web |last=Brzeski |first=Patrick |date=October 14, 2024 |title=Warner Bros. Discovery Confirms Max Launch in 7 Asian Markets in November |url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/business/business-news/warner-bros-discovery-max-launch-date-7-asia-markets-1236032219/ |access-date=October 14, 2024 |website=The Hollywood Reporter}}
In Summer 2024, Max launched in 25 European countries, integrating content from Eurosport and Discovery+.{{cite web |title=Warner Bros. Discovery recharges partnership with Formula E to drive comprehensive race coverage across Europe |url=https://media.wbdsports.com/post/warner-bros-discovery-recharges-its-partnership-with-formula-e-t |access-date=2025-04-05 |website=media.wbdsports.com |language=en}} Consequently, countries offering both HBO Max (now Max) and Discovery+ stopped accepting new Discovery+ subscriptions and renewals, with no new content being added to the platform, redirecting existing users to Max.
Shortly after, Discovery+ permanently closed in Spain,{{cite web |title=discovery+ Help Center |url=https://support.discoveryplus.com/es/Answer/Detail/000004067|access-date=2024-10-26 |website=help.discoveryplus.com}} Denmark, Finland{{cite web |title=discovery+ Help Center |url=https://help.discoveryplus.com/hc/en-us |access-date=2024-12-24 |website=help.discoveryplus.com}} and the Netherlands{{cite web |title=Discovery+ to stop service in Netherlands from December |url=https://www.telecompaper.com/news/discovery-to-stop-service-in-netherlands-from-december--1519402 |access-date=2024-12-09 |website=www.telecompaper.com}} on December 9, 2024, and ceased operations in Brazil on February 6, 2025,{{cite web |date=2024-11-18 |title=Adeus discovery+. Streaming anuncia oficialmente o fim no Brasil |url=https://alemdatela.com/adeus-discovery-streaming-anuncia-oficialmente-o-fim-no-brasil/ |access-date=2024-11-20 |website=Além da Tela |language=pt-BR}}{{cite web |date=2024-11-19 |title=Discovery+ encerra atividades no Brasil em 2025 |url=https://pipocamoderna.com.br/2024/11/discovery-encerra-atividades-no-brasil-em-2025/ |access-date=2024-11-20 |website=Pipoca Moderna |language=pt}} and in Turkey on April 15, 2025.{{cite web |last=Whittock |first=Jesse |date=2024-12-05 |title=Max Confirms Spring Launch In Turkey; French Scripted Originals Revealed |url=https://deadline.com/2024/12/max-turkey-launch-french-scripted-originals-1236194956/ |access-date=2024-12-09 |website=Deadline}}{{cite web |date=2025-03-05 |title=Warner Bros Discovery confirms Max launch in Turkey |url=https://www.broadbandtvnews.com/2025/03/05/warner-bros-discovery-confirms-max-launch-in-turkey/ |access-date=2025-03-09 |website=Broadband TV News |language=en-GB}}
Annual subscriptions to Discovery+ in the United Kingdom, & Ireland, Germany and Italy ended on February 27, 2025.
Discovery+ will continue to wound down in European Max markets, where it will launch in mid-2025.{{cite web |last=Kasule |first=Melissa |date=2024-05-31 |title=Europe is "ready for more sophisticated bundling" after Max launch, says WBD exec |url=https://www.digitaltveurope.com/2024/05/31/europe-is-ready-for-more-sophisticated-bundling-after-max-launch-says-wbd-exec/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240531180938/https://www.digitaltveurope.com/2024/05/31/europe-is-ready-for-more-sophisticated-bundling-after-max-launch-says-wbd-exec/ |archive-date=2024-05-31 |access-date=2024-06-26 |website=Digital TV Europe}}
In early 2026, HBO Max is expected to launch in the United Kingdom and Ireland, with Discovery+ being integrated into the service. This follows the conclusion of the content and distribution agreement between Warner Bros. Discovery and Sky, which is set to expire at the end of 2025.{{cite web |last=Thornham |first=Marc |title=HBO coming to the UK and Ireland |url=https://rxtvinfo.com/2025/hbo-coming-to-the-uk-and-ireland/ |website=RXTV info |date=8 May 2025 |access-date=16 May 2025}}
Programming
= Original programming =
{{Main|List of Discovery+ original programming}}
Original programming carried by Discovery+ includes spin-offs of programs from Warner Bros. Discovery's networks.
= Content library =
The library of Discovery+ is drawn primarily from the original programming of Warner Bros. Discovery's channel brands, including but not limited to Discovery Channel, Animal Planet, TLC, Travel Channel, Magnolia Network, HGTV, Food Network, Investigation Discovery, CNN, and other international brands where applicable such as Asian Food Network.
In the U.S., Discovery+ has also licensed non-scripted programming from A&E Networks—including A&E, History, and Lifetime programs{{cite web |last=Steinberg |first=Brian |date=2020-12-09 |title=Rivals Discovery and A+E Networks Forge Streaming Alliance |url=https://variety.com/2020/streaming/news/discovery-ae-networks-streaming-1234848800/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201209180119/https://variety.com/2020/streaming/news/discovery-ae-networks-streaming-1234848800/ |archive-date=2020-12-09 |access-date=2021-02-14 |website=Variety}}—and NBCUniversal Global Distribution—including American Ninja Warrior, The Biggest Loser, Flipping Out, Queer Eye, The Real Housewives of Melbourne, Cheshire, Johannesburg, Top Chef Canada (which is produced for the Canadian version of Food Network), and WAGS.{{cite press release |title=discovery+ Strikes Licensing Deal with NBCUniversal Global Distribution, Expanding Platform's Expansive Nonfiction Content Library |url=http://www.thefutoncritic.com/news/2022/01/13/discoveryplus-strikes-licensing-deal-with-nbcuniversal-global-distribution-expanding-platforms-expansive-nonfiction-content-library-477212/20220113discovery01/ |publisher=Discovery, Inc. |date=January 13, 2022 |accessdate=January 27, 2022 |via=The Futon Critic}}
On August 4, 2022, WBD announced that a CNN content hub featuring a selection of its original series and documentaries would be added to the service. CNN had attempted to launch a streaming service, CNN+, during the lead-up to the WarnerMedia/Discovery merger, but it was discontinued by Perrette and new CNN head Chris Licht only a month after its launch due to its conflicts with the merged company's OTT strategy.{{cite web |last=Weprin |first=Alex |date=2022-08-04 |title=Magnolia Network Shows Go to HBO Max and CNN Originals Go to Discovery+ as Warner Bros. Discovery Keeps Streaming Services Separate, For Now |url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/tv/tv-news/magnolia-network-hbo-max-cnn-originals-discovery-plus-1235192708/ |access-date=2022-08-04 |website=The Hollywood Reporter |archive-date=August 4, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220804192438/https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/tv/tv-news/magnolia-network-hbo-max-cnn-originals-discovery-plus-1235192708/ |url-status=live}}
In October 2022, WBD announced an agreement with Filipino media company ABS-CBN to license lifestyle programming from its pay television channel Metro Channel in Central and Southeast Asia, with distribution via Discovery+, Discovery Asia, and Asian Food Network.{{cite news |last1=Apostol |first1=Pao |date=October 8, 2022 |title=ABS-CBN, Warner Bros. Discovery ink deal |url=https://www.abs-cbn.com/2022/10/8/fresh-scoops/abs-cbn-warner-bros-ink-deal-202943 |access-date=March 21, 2025 |work=ABS-CBN News}}{{cite news |last1=Team |first1=Metro.Style |date=October 10, 2022 |title=ABS-CBN Brings More Filipino Lifestyle Content to Asia via Discovery Asia and Asian Food Network |url=https://www.abs-cbn.com/culture/spotlight/abs-cbn-brings-more-filipino-lifestyle-content-to/33961 |access-date=March 21, 2025 |work=ABS-CBN News}}
= Sports =
In selected European territories, Discovery+ offers sports content via Warner Bros. Discovery's Eurosport and TNT Sports networks, subsuming Eurosport's previous streaming platform Eurosport Player.{{cite web |date=2020-12-03 |title='Discovery+ will change Eurosport's rights acquisition strategy', says Andrew Georgiou |url=https://www.sportspromedia.com/news/discovery-plus-eurosports-player-tv-rights-strategy-andrew-georgiou/ |access-date=2021-10-14 |website=SportsPro |archive-date=October 29, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211029180054/https://www.sportspromedia.com/news/discovery-plus-eurosports-player-tv-rights-strategy-andrew-georgiou/ |url-status=live}}{{cite web |title=Discovery and YouTube in Olympics content partnership; Seven-Twitter alliance |url=https://www.sportcal.com/News/FeaturedNews/136562 |url-status=live |access-date=2021-10-14 |website=Sportcal |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210728205613/https://www.sportcal.com/News/FeaturedNews/136562 |archive-date=2021-07-28}} The service began to subsume GolfTV following its December 2022 shutdown.{{cite web |last=Fry |first=Andy |date=14 November 2022 |title=Golf TV in the bunker as WBD dispenses with another niche streamer |url=https://www.digitaltveurope.com/2022/11/14/golf-tv-in-the-bunker-as-wbd-dispenses-with-another-niche-streamer/ |website=Digital TV Europe |access-date=December 30, 2022 |archive-date=November 16, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221116151105/https://www.digitaltveurope.com/2022/11/14/golf-tv-in-the-bunker-as-wbd-dispenses-with-another-niche-streamer/ |url-status=live}}
Also, in September 2023, BT Group and Warner Bros. Discovery announced that the BT Sport app and web player would close on October 12, 2023, making Discovery+ the new streaming home for TNT Sports.{{cite web |date=2023-08-30 |title=The BT Sport app is closing on 12th October |url=https://community.bt.com/t5/TNT-Sports-on-TV-Online-player/The-BT-Sport-app-is-closing-on-12th-October/td-p/2312034 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231016115104/https://community.bt.com/t5/TNT-Sports-on-TV-Online-player/The-BT-Sport-app-is-closing-on-12th-October/td-p/2312034 |archive-date=2023-10-16 |access-date=2023-10-01 |website=community.bt.com}}{{cite web |date=2023-08-30 |title=The BT Sport app is closing on 12th October |url=https://community.ee.co.uk/t5/Offers-Add-ons/The-BT-Sport-app-is-closing-on-12th-October/td-p/1288966 |access-date=2023-10-01 |website=EE Community}}
In February 2024, MotorTrend+ was shut down and its content and subscribers were migrated to Discovery+.{{cite web |last=Spangler |first=Todd |date=2024-02-23 |title=MotorTrend+ Streaming Service Will Shut Down, With Most Subscribers to Be Migrated to Discovery+ |url=https://variety.com/2024/digital/news/motortrend-plus-shutting-down-discovery-plus-1235921047/ |access-date=2024-04-30 |website=Variety}}
Device support and service features
Discovery+ is available through traditional Windows/macOS web browsers, the major digital media player platforms (such as Amazon Fire TV, Roku, Apple TV and Chromecast), Android TV, Xbox One/Series X/S gaming consoles, and through Android and iOS apps.{{cite web |url=https://variety.com/2021/tv/news/discovery-plus-roku-fire-tv-smart-tv-1234878232/ |title=Discovery Plus Launches on Multiple Platforms, Including Roku and Amazon Fire TV |first1=Joe |last1=Otterson |date=January 4, 2021 |access-date=January 4, 2021 |archive-date=January 15, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210115154249/https://variety.com/2021/tv/news/discovery-plus-roku-fire-tv-smart-tv-1234878232/ |url-status=live}}
Launch
{{Expand section|date=February 2021}}
At the beginning of 2021 it was announced that Discovery+ would become available to Vodafone customers in Romania, Portugal, Greece, Czech Republic, Hungary and Iceland sometime in the middle of 2022.{{cite web |last=Ramachandran |first=Naman |date=2021-01-04 |title=Discovery Plus Set to Debut in 12 European Markets With Vodafone Deal |url=https://variety.com/2021/streaming/global/discovery-plus-vodafone-europe-deal-1234878081/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210208135658/https://variety.com/2021/streaming/global/discovery-plus-vodafone-europe-deal-1234878081/ |archive-date=February 8, 2021 |access-date=2021-04-26 |website=Variety}} However, the plans were halted as Max was launched instead in those regions, excluding Greece and Iceland.
Criticism
There was criticism of the service at launch by some viewers of the networks and industry analysts, especially concerns that existing Discovery programming is being taken away from cable and satellite viewers and is being placed behind an additional paywall that may be inaccessible to viewers without robust broadband plans, or are in rural areas with little access to broadband, which in turn may imperil future carriage of those channels by Discovery's provider partners.{{cite news |url=https://tvanswerman.com/2021/02/03/discovery-stealing-shows-unfair-to-rural-residents/ |title=Discovery+ Stealing Shows: Unfair to Rural Residents?|last=Swann |first=Phillip |date=3 February 2021 |website=TV Answer Man |accessdate=12 February 2021 |archive-date=February 23, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210223170436/https://tvanswerman.com/2021/02/03/discovery-stealing-shows-unfair-to-rural-residents/ |url-status=live}}{{cite news |url=https://screenrant.com/90-day-fiance-tlc-viewers-over-discovery-plus/ |title=90 Day Fiance: TLC Viewers Are Over Hearing About Discovery Plus |last=O'Brien |first=Jennifer |date=5 January 2021 |website=ScreenRant |access-date=12 February 2021 |archive-date=May 11, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210511004259/https://screenrant.com/90-day-fiance-tlc-viewers-over-discovery-plus/ |url-status=live}} Other viewers have criticized Discovery's bait-and-switch tactics in forcing them to sign up for Discovery+ to have the 'full experience' of a series, as is being done for various Discovery+ spin-offs of 90 Day Fiancé, along with obtrusive Discovery+ advertising throughout the broadcast day (including a lower third sized banner in the top-right corner during actual programming) of many Discovery networks.{{cite news |url=https://www.realityblurred.com/realitytv/2021/03/restaurant-impossible-back-on-food-network/ |title=Restaurant Impossible back on Food Network after its move to Discovery+ is reversed |first=Andy |last=Dehnart |author-link=Andy Dehnart |date=11 March 2021 |website=Reality Blurred |access-date=12 March 2021 |archive-date=March 11, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210311191039/https://www.realityblurred.com/realitytv/2021/03/restaurant-impossible-back-on-food-network/ |url-status=live}}
See also
References
{{reflist}}
External links
- {{Official website|https://www.discoveryplus.com/}}
{{Warner Bros. Discovery}}
{{VOD services}}
Category:Internet properties established in 2021
Category:Internet television streaming services
Category:Max (streaming service)
Category:Subscription video on demand services