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Hes there to double-check all of WarnerMedias adult-oriented, scripted TV brands are on the same page.
Plepler was uniquely qualified to help guide HBO through such a momentous transition.
Instead, hes planning a farewell party, while those left at HBO anxiously await whats next.
This is not to suggest HBO is on the verge of collapse.
Abramsproduced dramaLovecraft Country,and the series adaptation of Philip PullmansHis Dark Materialstrilogy.
Audiences wont notice any difference in HBO programming for years, other than theres much more of it.
(That increase in output was authorized months ago by Plepler.
(Netflix offers similar independence, but its overwhelming volume makes itits own factory.)
Why did AT&T pay so much for the company to let these people walk out the door?
That doesnt mean Stankey should have just put Plepler in the post now filled by Greenblatt.
Its not even obvious Pleplerwantedthat gig.
HBOs reputation and ability to nurture shows (and showrunners) obviously doesnt disappear with Plepler.
That was never on the table when HBO was a separate entity.
Influential financial analysis firm MoffettNathanson is already warning of a ripple effect from the restructuring and the planned layoffs.
During the fourth quarter, DirecTV Nowshedalmost 300,000 customers, nearly 15 percent of its overall base.
By contrast, Googles YouTube TV and Hulu with Live TV continue to grow.
It inherently and necessarily has a very different culture … Its going to be run very independently.
As Moffett wrote in his research note, It could easily end very badly indeed.
