Warner Bros. Discovery has begun closing down portions of its Discovery+ streaming service, a move that could have major implications for subscribers and the broader streaming landscape. The company has confirmed that the direct Discovery+ platform in Canada will cease operations on February 17, 2026 forcing many users to migrate to a new version of the service under a different operator.
This development forms part of a larger shift in how Warner Bros. Discovery and its streaming services are being managed worldwide. Here’s a breakdown of what’s happening, why it matters, and how Discovery+ subscribers should prepare.
What’s Happening with Discovery+ in Canada
Warner Bros. Discovery will shut down its Discovery+ service in Canada on February 17, 2026. Until that date, existing subscribers will continue to have access to content and features they’re used to. Afterward, the current platform will no longer operate under Warner Bros. Discovery’s management.
In its place, a new version of Discovery+ will be launched by Rogers Sports & Media, starting January 14, 2026. This successor service will run on a separate platform and app. Subscribers who want to continue watching Discovery+ content after the shutdown must migrate to the new Rogers-operated service and set up a fresh account.
Existing Warner Bros. Discovery subscriptions will be automatically terminated after January 14 or on the shutdown date, whichever comes first. For those on annual plans, prorated refunds may be issued for any unused portion of their subscription.
Why Discovery+ Is Being Pulled Back
Warner Bros. Discovery hasn’t provided a detailed public explanation for this strategic move, but analysts see it as part of broader shifts within the company’s streaming divisions. Discovery+ has already been restructured or discontinued in multiple global markets over the past year, including Spain, the Netherlands, Finland, Denmark, Brazil, and Turkey.
These decisions align with Warner Bros. Discovery’s ongoing strategy to streamline operations, reduce overlap with its flagship services, and focus more resources on its core streaming brand, Max (formerly HBO Max). Max continues to expand into new regions and integrate select Discovery+ content as part of its broader library.
What This Means for Subscribers
For Discovery+ users in Canada, this transition comes with several key considerations:
Subscribers can continue watching until February 17, 2026, or until their current billing cycle ends.
Migration to the new Rogers-operated app will require creating a new account and possibly a new subscription.
Prorated refunds may be issued for unused portions of annual plans.
This isn’t just a simple rebranding; it’s a full platform transition that may impact billing, content availability, and user experience.
Broader Streaming Industry Context
Discovery+ closures aren’t unique to Canada. The platform has either been discontinued or tightly integrated into other services in many international markets as Warner Bros. Discovery continues adapting to the streaming wars. In Europe, for example, Discovery+ ceased operations in several countries where Max launched and absorbed parts of its content.
These shifts reflect a common trend in the industry: media companies are consolidating streaming offerings to reduce fragmentation and focus on larger, more competitive platforms. HBO Max’s rebranding to Max and its expansion into new regions are clear signs of Warner Bros. Discovery’s long-term strategy.