HBO Curbs Netflix's Enthusiasm; No Partnership in the Works

Viewers of hit television shows such as

should not expect to indulge their guilty pleasures through Netflix

streaming anytime soon. The Time Warner

owned network has no plans to partner with Netflix in the future, according to

. Miscommunication is likely the culprit in this new development, as the news of a partnership may never have really been news to begin with. Netflix's CEO Reed Hastings and CFO David Wells brought about the idea of an agreement between the two on Tuesday to shareholders after stating that it is possible HBO and Netflix will find opportunities to partner up. While unclear on Netflix's end whether or not the company and Time Warner were actually entertaining conversations regarding a partnership, HBO spokespeople swatted at the rumors stating clearly that they have no plans to work together. The premium channel may have decided against partnering with Netflix, or perhaps HBO never had plans to work with the internet subscription service to begin with. One thing is for sure, the network's decision-timing could not have been more impeccable, as Netflix

on Tuesday due to lowered guidance. Much of Netflix's third-quarter prediction could have to do with HBO itself. While the DVD-by-mail and internet-streaming service has never exactly kept quiet in regards to the competition, Netflix management has continuously alluded to the fact that HBO is its biggest hurdle to overcome. According to Reuters, "Hastings has sought to downplay the rivalry with HBO, which sees Netflix's service that streams movies and TV shows to TVs and other mobile devices as a competitor for the service it provides to cable subscribers." Seemingly, the "too-little-too-late" gesture has gone unappreciated by Time Warner's hit channel. Recently, HBO shot down a potential deal with Netflix concerning the sale of "True Blood" DVDs, as the network has its own platform for dedicated fans to catch their favorite series on titled HBO Go. While the competitors continue to fester, it appears that Time Warner could care less whether or not Netflix goes "Six Feet Under", or if it rises to the top of the video and television streaming industry. The media and entertainment company recently experienced a price target boost from Morgan Stanley on a positive view of capital allocation and low earnings volatility. Netflix closed Tuesday at $80.39, but dipped down nearly 17.5 percent in pre-market trading Wednesday morning. Time Warner closed Tuesday at $37.88, up just over 1 percent for the day.