Warner Bros. Discovery’s breakup forms Warner Bros. and Discovery Global

Warner Bros. Discovery splits into Warner Bros. and Discovery Global, reshaping media leadership and brand identities.

In a major restructuring move, Warner Bros. Discovery has officially split into two separate media giants—Warner Bros. and Discovery Global.

The change follows months of speculation after the company announced plans to divide its sprawling media empire.

The newly formed Warner Bros. will retain ownership of the company’s entertainment powerhouses, including Warner Bros. film and television studios, HBO, HBO Max, New Line Cinema, DC Studios, and its gaming division. Meanwhile, Discovery Global will oversee the company’s portfolio of popular cable channels, such as CNN, HGTV, TLC, Cartoon Network, and Discovery Channel.

This marks the latest chapter in the company’s ongoing branding saga, which has previously included the transformation of HBO Go to HBO Max, and then to Max—only to revert to HBO Max in 2025. The naming strategy reflects the company's return to its roots and a desire to simplify its media brands.

David Zaslav, who has served as President and CEO of Warner Bros. Discovery, will now lead the restructured Warner Bros. His long-time colleague, Gunnar Wiedenfels, the company’s CFO, will take over as President and CEO of Discovery Global.

The split aims to give each entity more strategic focus and operational agility in an evolving media landscape. While the names may suggest a fresh start, they carry with them the legacy—and baggage—of one of the most complex media mergers in recent history.