Warner Bros. Discovery WBD is preparing to unveil TEEN TORTURE, a chilling three-part documentary directed by Tara Malone. Scheduled for release on July 11, the series delves into the ominous world of America’s “troubled teen” industry (TTI).
Premiering on Max, the documentary sheds light on a billion-dollar enterprise that justifies its methods as “tough love” treatment. Yet, beneath the surface lies a history involving deaths, abuse, suicides, and profound trauma suffered by those ensnared in its grip. Operating almost unchecked for over six decades, these programs have thrived shielded by powerful interests.
The documentary profiles resilient survivors and whistleblowers who defy the TTI, sparking a potent social media uprising in 2021. With raw firsthand accounts, including from the likes of rap star Bhad Bhabie, the series uncovers the extreme abuse and cult-like conditioning inflicted on vulnerable youths within these facilities. Despite initial resistance, the TTI persists, fortified by entrenched influence, steadfast against scrutiny and reform.
Historical Performance Overview
Image Source: Zacks Investment Research
Anticipated Growth Through Content Offerings
Warner Bros. Discovery boasts a rich array of upcoming content ranging from original series to network premieres.
The Zacks Consensus Estimate projects a 8.6% year-over-year increase in WBD’s 2024 DTC subscribers, totaling 106.13 million. Noteworthy premieres include the Max Originals, MILF of Norway and the Quad Gods, set for mid-July. Fans of animated adventures can anticipate Justice League: Crisis on Infinite Earths Part Two and Kite Man: Hell Yeah! coming soon.
Additionally, the Discovery Channel offers a captivating lineup of shark-themed documentaries such as Jaws vs. Leviathan, Sydney Harbor Shark Invasion, and Great White Serial Killer: Sea of Blood. Complementing these are programs like Expedition Unknown: Shark Wrecks of WWII and Monster Hammerheads: Species X.
Other notable releases comprise Love Lies Bleeding from A24, the HBO Original documentary Charlie Hustle & The Matter of Pete Rose, and the CNN Originals series Secrets & Spies: A Nuclear Game.
Despite a 36.7% decline in shares year-to-date, Warner Bros. Discovery faces stiff competition in the content arena from titans like Netflix NFLX, Amazon AMZN, and Disney DIS.
Netflix leads with 269.6 million global paid members, followed by Amazon Prime surpassing 200 million, Disney+ with 153.6 million, and Warner Bros. Discovery with 99.6 million according to a digital trends report.
Positive Outlook for Warner Bros. Discovery
Warner Bros. Discovery’s extensive content library and forthcoming releases stand as pivotal assets for the company.
With an anticipated boost from a gradual uptick in ad spending, Warner Bros. Discovery remains primed for growth. In the first quarter, an impressive 70% surge in advertising revenues ex-FX was mainly attributed to heightened engagement on Max in the U.S., propelled by the B/R Sports launch on Max in October 2023 and ad-lite subscriber expansion.
The Zacks Consensus Estimate projects a reduced second-quarter 2024 loss per share of 16 cents, marking a 6-cent trimming over the past 60 days. Similarly, the consensus for 2024’s annual loss per share has decreased by 10 cents in the same period, now standing at 38 cents.
In Conclusion
Warner Bros. Discovery remains enmeshed in a competitive market, but its strategic content offerings and resilience are poised to pave the way for future growth and success.