Among the many burning questions about Netflix ‘s potential acquisition of Warner Bros. is: What would happen to HBO Max? Would customers continue to subscribe to both, or would it ultimately roll into Netflix?

At least immediately, Netflix has said HBO Max would continue as a separate entity — but makes no promises that it wouldn’t ultimately be consumed into Netflix. HBO becoming a tile on Netflix, just like Hulu being slowly taken over by Disney+, is a likely possibility.

But here’s one that no one seems to be asking: What about the linear HBO service? You know, the pioneering network that essentially ushered in the cable age when it launched in 1972? HBO, the channel that revolutionized “prestige TV” with “The Sopranos,” and everything that came after that?

Even if HBO as a br

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