There’s only one sound to describe the current state of streaming. Ooof. And the latest news reveals that streaming shenanigans don’t stop at the traditional streaming platforms that first come to mind when we think of streaming our favorite shows. No, the most recent, unfortunate streaming news has to do with streaming via PlayStation. PlayStation users were recently informed that Discovery content they purchased via the PlayStation Store would no longer be accessible to users and would be removed from their libraries. To be clear, PlayStation and Sony are talking about TV shows that users spent money to specifically access and now that content will vanish. We see titles come and go on streaming all of the time, but usually, not titles that come from a store-based interface. PlayStation did not indicate that users would receive a refund for the lost content.
The message to users is short and not so sweet. Playstation/Sony notes, “As of 31 December 2023, due to our content licensing arrangements with content providers, you will no longer be able to watch any of your previously purchased Discovery content and the content will be removed from your video library.”
You can find the full list of Discovery titles that PlayStation will remove from users’ accounts here. Among other titles, purchased versions of Cake Boss, Deadliest Catch, Dirtiest Jobs, Mythbusters, and more will vanish… Alongside the money users spent on purchasing them. Forbes notes that PlayStation will delete over 1,200 titles in total. As mentioned, there’s no discussion of a refund or a way to download Discovery content purchased for PlayStation.
There’s also no clear word on what exactly is driving this sudden removal. But, of course, Discovery recently merged with Warner Bros. and is no longer a stand-alone channel, so that could have something to do with the change in access. But regardless of the source, it doesn’t really matter. The takeaway that matters goes something like this. Not even streaming media that is specifically purchased is really “owned” anymore. We already knew that, of course. But we really know it now. At the same time, it’s becoming more and more difficult to purchase and play physical media versions of shows and movies. So consumers are truly in a pickle.
We say it every time, but we really and truly do not like this trend. Fingers crossed that PlayStation, Sony, and Warner Bros. Discovery can find some way to grant renewed access to titles, or, at the very least, reimburse users for their purchased TV shows.