Demand for pirated TV, film at highest point in years — here’s why
The demand for pirated TV shows and films has surged to its highest level since 2019, largely due to streaming services removing popular titles from their platforms. For instance, HBO’s “Westworld” was pulled from Max shortly after its fourth season, and Warner Brothers shelved the “Batgirl” film in August 2022. These actions have led frustrated subscribers to seek alternative, often illegal, methods to access content. Experts note that when titles, even those produced for a streaming service, are dropped or shift between platforms, viewers may resort to piracy. This trend underscores the challenges streaming services face in balancing content availability with business decisions.
