Warner Bros. Discovery, the parent company of TBS and TNT, is bringing an end to scripted programs for the networks. The CEO of the merged company, David Zaslav, has said the cuts by Warner Bros. Discovery will save the company $3 Billion. This means an end to the development of scripted programs. There are two scripted series on TNT now: Animal Kingdom and Snowpiercer. The former will end with its sixth season, premiering this June. Snowpiercer was renewed for a fourth season. Right now, the project earnings for Warner Bros. Discovery are not where they want, hence the cuts. The company is trying to become a more worthy competitor to Disney and Netflix. Part of the Waner Bros. Discovery cuts includes forgoing the launch of CNN+. Some past popular scripted programs on TBS and TNT have included Closer, Major Crimes, The Alienist, and Angie Tribeca.
What Does This Mean for TBS and TNT?
TBS has more scripted programs still running on the network. The Last OG, Chad, Miracle Workers, and American Dad are all still running on TBS. The Warner Bros. Discovery cuts will come for those series in time. TBS and TNT are among the first big changes to the company since the merger. The company has not released the programs that would replace the already canceled and will be canceled. The drastic change in scripted programs for TBS and TNT will undoubtedly change viewership. This strategy of cuts by Warner Bros. Discovery could save them money in the long run. The question remains if it will be a profitable move for the organization. Miracle Workers and American Dad have a steady fanbase, and ending those could negatively affect ratings on TBS. This change for both networks will be a complete makeover and will either draw audiences or repel them.
David Zaslav will soon see the statistical results of his strategy.