"MediaTalk" host Mike Reynolds is joined by S&P Global Market Intelligence Kagan analysts Seth Shafer and Michail Chandakas to explore the streaming landscape in the US and Europe as we look ahead to 2026. The conversation explores how leading platforms like Netflix, HBO Max, and Paramount+ are evolving amid market saturation, M&A activity and shifting consumer habits.
Seth Shafer highlights the maturation of the US streaming market, where growth is slowing and consolidation is becoming a strategic necessity. He points to the increasing role of bundled offerings and the challenge of sustaining subscriber growth as households juggle multiple services.
Michail Chandakas provides a European perspective, noting Netflix's dominant market share and the launch of HBO Max in new territories. He observes that partnerships between US streamers and local broadcasters are becoming more aggressive, helping both sides reach broader audiences and meet local content quotas.
Sports streaming is another hot topic, with both analysts agreeing that live sports rights are crucial for driving engagement — but also create fragmentation as fans chase content across platforms. The rise of ad-supported streaming is a key driver of growth, particularly in Europe, though monetization remains a challenge.
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