Surprise Move: Warner Bros. International TV to Join Discovery Global After Split
In a move that surprised many industry observers, Warner Bros. International Television Production (WBITVP)—the London-based studio responsible for international scripted and unscripted productions—will not become part of the new Warner Bros. group led by David Zaslav, as initially expected. According to Deadline, WBITVP will instead fall under the newly formed Discovery Global, the international division set to be led by current WBD CFO Gunnar Wiedenfels.
The decision marks a departure from branding logic, considering that WBITVP carries the “Warner Bros.” name and primarily focuses on scripted content. However, its placement under Discovery reflects a broader strategic vision: strengthening an autonomous international presence capable of operating with greater flexibility in local markets and capitalizing on already established synergies. A key unifying figure in this transition is Gerhard Zeiler, WBD’s International President, who now serves as Chief Content Officer of Discovery Global. Zeiler maintains a direct relationship with Ronald Goes, President of WBITVP, ensuring strong operational continuity as part of this shift.
The unit will continue to oversee a wide portfolio of international titles — including The Bachelor, FBoy Island, and Impractical Jokers — along with global scripted formats such as Gossip Girl and The Mentalist. Its London headquarters in Old Street will remain active, and no staff reductions or restructuring are currently planned. Notably, the transition of WBITVP under Discovery Global also paves the way for stronger synergy with its first Italian scripted original series for Max — Portobello, directed by Marco Bellocchio. The series marks HBO Max’s first original production in Italy and is set to premiere its first two episodes at the 82nd Venice International Film Festival. This project underscores Discovery Global’s growing investment in high-end European storytelling with international resonance.
As reported by Deadline, the move is part of a broader reorganization of the Warner Bros. Discovery group, whose corporate split is expected to finalize by mid-2026. The strategy aims to streamline operations to better compete in a market increasingly dominated by digital-first platforms like YouTube, Netflix, and Amazon — separating creative and distribution operations from cable network businesses.
Within this context, Zeiler stands out as one of the key figures of the new structure, taking on global content strategy responsibilities for Discovery and reinforcing leadership across Europe and the U.S. The transfer of WBITVP to Discovery Global is not merely a formal change, but a clear signal of the group’s intention to expand beyond the traditional boundaries of American entertainment.
Source: Deadline
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In a move that surprised many industry observers, Warner Bros. International Television Production (WBITVP)—the London-based studio responsible for international scripted and unscripted productions—will not become part of the new Warner Bros. group led by David Zaslav, as initially expected. According to Deadline, WBITVP will instead fall under the newly formed Discovery Global, the international division set to be led by current WBD CFO Gunnar Wiedenfels.
The decision marks a departure from branding logic, considering that WBITVP carries the “Warner Bros.” name and primarily focuses on scripted content. However, its placement under Discovery reflects a broader strategic vision: strengthening an autonomous international presence capable of operating with greater flexibility in local markets and capitalizing on already established synergies. A key unifying figure in this transition is Gerhard Zeiler, WBD’s International President, who now serves as Chief Content Officer of Discovery Global. Zeiler maintains a direct relationship with Ronald Goes, President of WBITVP, ensuring strong operational continuity as part of this shift.
The unit will continue to oversee a wide portfolio of international titles — including The Bachelor, FBoy Island, and Impractical Jokers — along with global scripted formats such as Gossip Girl and The Mentalist. Its London headquarters in Old Street will remain active, and no staff reductions or restructuring are currently planned. Notably, the transition of WBITVP under Discovery Global also paves the way for stronger synergy with its first Italian scripted original series for Max — Portobello, directed by Marco Bellocchio. The series marks HBO Max’s first original production in Italy and is set to premiere its first two episodes at the 82nd Venice International Film Festival. This project underscores Discovery Global’s growing investment in high-end European storytelling with international resonance.
As reported by Deadline, the move is part of a broader reorganization of the Warner Bros. Discovery group, whose corporate split is expected to finalize by mid-2026. The strategy aims to streamline operations to better compete in a market increasingly dominated by digital-first platforms like YouTube, Netflix, and Amazon — separating creative and distribution operations from cable network businesses.
Within this context, Zeiler stands out as one of the key figures of the new structure, taking on global content strategy responsibilities for Discovery and reinforcing leadership across Europe and the U.S. The transfer of WBITVP to Discovery Global is not merely a formal change, but a clear signal of the group’s intention to expand beyond the traditional boundaries of American entertainment.
Source: Deadline
Share:
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