Sony to Remove Discovery TV Shows from PlayStation Libraries, Sparking Outcry

Sony's decision to delete popular Discovery TV shows like Mythbusters and Naked and Afraid from PlayStation users' libraries has caused anger and raised worries. Users were troubled by an email from Sony, warning that previously purchased Discovery content would be taken off their video libraries.

“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,”

Users are upset as Discovery offers many well-liked reality TV and documentary-based shows. A PlayStation user on Reddit asked if there's a way to keep the content they've bought, as they believed they wouldn't lose it once owned.

“Is there a way I can save this content?”

“I use PS4...But I have bought many seasons of shows such as Dual Survival that I do not wish to lose. I was actually under the impression since I owned it, I wouldn’t ever lose it…”

The evolution of digital content acquisition on PlayStation, which initially commenced in 2008 with the introduction of movies and TV shows on the PS3, has undergone changes over the years. The transition to the PS4 and subsequent devices saw the removal of the option to transfer purchased content between devices. Consequently, content acquired on the PlayStation Network is essentially subject to the vagaries of server longevity and original copyright owner decisions.

This isn't the first time Sony has done this, and it might not be the last. Users may consider buying favorite shows on Blu-ray, but optical disc drives are being phased out, posing a challenge. Sony's decision has caused frustration and raised questions about digital content ownership.