Where Will The Originals Go After Leaving Netflix? A Deep Dive into Streaming Futures

After the exit from the streaming giant, the series The Originals is primarily expected to find a new streaming home on Max, due to Warner Bros. Discovery owning both the show’s production company and the HBO Max streaming service. This aligns with their strategy of consolidating content within their platforms. Secondary possibilities include Hulu, potentially as part of a package deal, or even a return to The CW’s digital platform for a limited time.

Understanding the Streaming Landscape for The Originals

The departure of The Originals from Netflix marks another shift in the ever-evolving streaming landscape. As media conglomerates prioritize their own platforms, viewers are increasingly encountering content fragmentation. To truly understand where this popular show might land, we need to consider several key factors: ownership, existing deals, and the strategic goals of the companies involved.

The Ownership Factor: Warner Bros. Discovery’s Role

Warner Bros. Television, a subsidiary of Warner Bros. Discovery, produced The Originals. This is arguably the most crucial piece of the puzzle. WBD has been actively consolidating its content libraries to bolster its streaming service, Max. Moving The Originals to Max would be a logical step, reinforcing the platform’s appeal to fans of the Vampire Diaries universe.

Existing Deals and Potential Conflicts

While Max is the frontrunner, pre-existing licensing agreements might influence the decision. Netflix may retain streaming rights in certain territories, even after losing the core license in the US. Additionally, past deals with Hulu or other platforms could impact the timeline or even determine temporary availability elsewhere.

Strategic Considerations for Max

For Max, acquiring The Originals is more than just adding another title to its catalog. It strengthens their position as the primary destination for viewers interested in fantasy, supernatural drama, and the entire Vampire Diaries franchise. This content consolidation strategy aims to attract and retain subscribers seeking a comprehensive viewing experience.

Alternative Destinations: Hulu, The CW, and Beyond

While Max seems the most probable destination, alternative possibilities exist. These are largely dependent on financial negotiations and specific contractual obligations.

Hulu: A Potential Package Deal

Hulu has been a long-time partner for many Warner Bros. shows. A package deal that includes The Originals, alongside other WB properties, remains a viable option, even if it’s a temporary arrangement. Hulu’s broad reach and diverse audience could provide the show with significant exposure.

The CW’s Digital Platform: A Nostalgic Return?

Before streaming services dominated, The CW’s digital platform was a key destination for its shows. While less likely than Max or Hulu, a temporary return to The CW’s online platform, perhaps for a limited-time promotional event, isn’t entirely out of the question. This could serve as a nostalgic move to engage fans and build hype before a more permanent move to Max.

The Unlikely Outsiders: Other Streaming Services

While technically possible, the likelihood of The Originals ending up on a platform like Amazon Prime Video or Paramount+ is low. Given the ownership structure and strategic focus of Warner Bros. Discovery, keeping the show within their ecosystem makes the most sense from a business perspective.

Impact on Fans: Navigating the Shifting Streaming Landscape

The constant shifting of content between streaming platforms is frustrating for viewers. Fans of The Originals will need to stay informed to know exactly where to find their favorite show. Following media announcements, checking streaming guides, and using dedicated tracking apps are all useful strategies.

Ultimately, the movement of The Originals highlights the complexities of the modern streaming era. Understanding the business dynamics behind these decisions helps viewers navigate the ever-changing landscape and ensures they can continue enjoying their favorite shows.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About The Originals’ Streaming Future

1. Why is The Originals leaving Netflix?

Licensing agreements between production companies and streaming services are typically time-limited. As the agreement between Warner Bros. and Netflix expired, Warner Bros. Discovery likely chose to consolidate its content on its own platform, Max.

2. When exactly will The Originals be removed from Netflix?

The exact date varies by region. However, it’s crucial to check Netflix’s official announcements for your specific location to confirm the removal date. This information is usually released in advance to allow viewers time to finish watching.

3. Is Max the most likely destination for The Originals?

Yes, Max is currently considered the most probable new home for The Originals. This is due to Warner Bros. Discovery owning both the show’s production company and the HBO Max (now Max) streaming service.

4. Will all seasons of The Originals be available on its new platform?

Generally, when a show moves to a new streaming service, all seasons become available, unless there are specific rights issues or contractual limitations that prevent it. Viewers should expect to see the complete series on its new platform.

5. Could The Originals return to Netflix in the future?

While possible, a return to Netflix is unlikely in the near future. Warner Bros. Discovery seems committed to prioritizing its own streaming service, Max. A future re-licensing agreement is conceivable, but it’s not a primary expectation.

6. Will The Originals be available for purchase digitally, like on iTunes or Amazon?

Yes, The Originals is typically available for digital purchase on platforms like iTunes, Amazon Prime Video, and Google Play. This allows fans to own episodes or entire seasons permanently, regardless of streaming service availability.

7. How will I know when and where The Originals is streaming?

Keep an eye on official announcements from Warner Bros. Discovery, Max, and entertainment news outlets. Streaming guides and apps like JustWatch can also provide real-time updates on where shows are available.

8. Will The Vampire Diaries also be leaving Netflix?

The fate of The Vampire Diaries is similar to The Originals. Given Warner Bros. Discovery’s content consolidation strategy, expect that one to move to Max as well, as the same production company created that show.

9. Does this affect other shows from The CW that were on Netflix?

Yes, this trend is affecting many shows that originated on The CW and were licensed to Netflix. As licensing agreements expire, Warner Bros. Discovery is likely to bring more of these shows to Max, although that does not guarantee it.

10. Is it possible that The Originals will be split between multiple streaming services?

While less common, splitting the streaming rights is possible. For example, one service might have the first few seasons, while another carries the later seasons. However, it’s more likely that Warner Bros. Discovery will prefer exclusivity for Max.

11. How does this impact physical media releases, like DVDs and Blu-rays?

The availability of DVDs and Blu-rays for The Originals remains unaffected by the streaming changes. Fans who prefer physical media can still purchase and enjoy the show in that format.

12. Why are streaming services removing shows at all?

Removing shows is often a strategic decision driven by cost savings, content consolidation, and exclusive licensing agreements. Streaming services prioritize content that drives subscriptions and aligns with their overall business goals. Ultimately, this helps keep them afloat and gives them the possibility of future endeavors.