iWorld
Warner Bros Discovery puts HBO Max launch in India on hold
Mumbai: Warner Bros. Discovery has put the launch of HBO Max in India on hold. According to a major business publication, the company is considering cost-cutting measures around the world and is working on integrating discovery+ and HBO Max in existing markets.
The company announced plans to launch a combined streaming service with discovery+ and HBO Max.
In an official statement from Warner Bros. Discovery Company, the company said, “The intent is to launch a combined streaming service, including in key Asia-Pacific territories in 2024.”
It further added, “The existing licensing agreement with Disney+ Hotstar includes a selection of HBO Originals and other content from Warner Bros. Discovery.”
Also read: HBO Max and Discovery+ to merge into single streaming platform by 2023
The company also confirmed the news of HBO Max India head of content Saugata Mukherjee’s departure. The statement said, “Saugata Mukherjee decided to leave the company. He is an incredibly talented leader, and we wish him the very best in his future endeavours.”
The company further informed Indiantelevision.com that Arjun Nohwar has been appointed as general manager, Warner Bros. Discovery for South Asia and Jason Monteiro is heading streaming for the APAC region, in addition to leading integrated marketing for the India, South East Asia, and Korea markets.
Earlier, Warner Bros. Discovery had planned to launch American subscription video-on-demand (SVOD) service HBO Max in India, and Saugata Mukherjee was appointed as head of content for HBO Max India. After news of Saugata quitting, speculation was made that Warner Bros. Discovery had delayed HBO Max’s launch in India. Mukherjee is expected to go back to SonyLIV.
iWorld
Netflix launches Playground app to bring games and interactive play for kids
Interactive games, fresh series and returning favourites aim to blend play and learning
MUMBAI: Netflix is doubling down on kids entertainment with a major expansion of its family-friendly slate, anchored by the launch of Netflix Playground, a new interactive app designed to blend play with storytelling.
Aimed at children aged eight and under, the app allows young viewers to engage with familiar characters from shows like Peppa Pig and Sesame Street through games and activities, all within a safe, ad-free environment. The app is already live in select markets and is set for a wider global rollout later this month.
The move signals Netflix’s push to turn passive viewing into a more immersive experience. Alongside the app, the platform has unveiled a mix of new titles and returning favourites, including fresh episodes of Trash Truck and The Creature Cases, as well as a new preschool series, Young MacDonald. Popular titles such as CoComelon Lane and Ms. Rachel are also set to expand with new seasons and episodes.
Speaking about the strategy, Netflix vice president of animation series and kids and family tv John Derderian said, “We’re building a world where kids can not only watch their favourite stories, they can step inside them and interact with their favourite characters. We’re creating a seamless destination for discovery, learning, and play.”
The expanded offering also leans heavily on convenience for parents, with offline access, curated content, and robust parental controls designed to ensure a safe and tailored viewing experience. Features such as profile locks, content filters, and activity tracking aim to give families greater control while allowing children to explore independently.
The timing is strategic. Kids and preschool content has emerged as one of Netflix’s most-watched categories in recent years, making it a key battleground in the streaming wars. By combining games, education, and entertainment, the platform is looking to deepen engagement and build long-term loyalty among younger audiences.
With interactive play now joining its content arsenal, Netflix is not just streaming stories but inviting kids to step inside them, turning screen time into something a little more hands-on.
