PlayStation to delete already-purchased Discovery shows from user libraries with no refunds

Sony PlayStation will delete more than 1,200 video titles under the Discovery banner, meaning users who purchased digital access to the products will no longer be able to view them. The media company has made no mention of refunds, either.

PlayStation announced on its website that due to "content licensing arrangements," shows from the Discovery network will no longer be available after 2023.

"As of 31 December 2023, due to our content licensing arrangements with content providers, you will no longer be able to watch any of your previously purchased Discovery content and the content will be removed from your video library. We sincerely thank you for your continued support. Thank you," the company note read.

Then, the entertainment company detailed a massive of list of fleeing content which included shows like “MythBusters” and “Deadliest Catch."

No refunds were mentioned and none have been discussed by the company. The New York Times noted that Sony did not respond to request for comment regarding the issue, while outlets Nerdist and Forbes plainly noted that there will be "no refunds."

"PlayStation will delete users’ purchased tv shows with no refunds" Nerdist wrote, while Forbes noted, "PlayStation store to lose more than 1,200 purchasable titles - with no refunds."

If the PlayStation Network terms of service and user agreement is any indicator, it certainly appears that users should not expect reimbursement. The agreement noted that content is provided on a "revocable" basis.

"All Content provided through [PlayStation Network) is licensed on a non-exclusive and revocable basis to you for your personal, private, non-transferable, non-commercial, limited use."

Further in the agreement, the company stated that as the user, "you bear all responsibility for ensuring that you have the capabilities to view Video Content in the appropriate format, or at all."

Warner Bros. Discovery, which owns Discovery's content, has reportedly been working to add more subscribers to its own streaming services Max and Discovery+. According to the New York Times, this could be the reason behind the content pull.

Director Christopher Nolan ("The Dark Knight," "Oppenheimer") recently criticized digital media for this very reason in an interview with IGN. Nolan explained that access to digital products often relies on the status of a distributor's relationship with the platform providing access to the media.

"If you buy a [DVD], you buy a Blu-Ray, it's on your shelf, it's yours. No company is going to break into your house and take it from you, repossess it; you know it's yours and and you own it," Nolan explained. "That's never really the case with any form of digital distribution. You're relying on the continued health of the supplier, the company who's supplying."

PlayStation has not yet responded to questions for comment regarding possible refunds, reimbursements, or user agreements.

This article will be updated with any relevant responses from PlayStation.

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