The New York Times Company is reportedly eyeing Letterboxd in a $330 million deal. Letterboxd began in 2011 as a humble spot where movie lovers could log what they watched and argue over star ratings. Somewhere along the way, it became the place where a four-star review carries the weight of a personal manifesto. Now a newspaper wants a seat at the table, and the guest list is getting crowded.

While movie fans debate their watchlists, a newspaper has been adding Letterboxd to its own list of things worth owning.

The New York Times Company is in exclusive negotiations to acquire Letterboxd, as The New York Times reported on Thursday. That price is more than 20 times the roughly $15 million in Letterboxd earnings projected for 2026. The deal is not yet final, so the champagne stays in the fridge. Letterboxd co-founders Matthew Buchanan and Karl von Randow are expected to remain in charge, reporting to a New York Times executive.

A24 and The New York Times were among several bidders for Letterboxd, with A24 initially promising to let the platform operate independently. However, the company dropped out as the asking price climbed, according to a New York Times report. Canadian holding company Tiny acquired a 60% stake in Letterboxd in 2023 at a valuation of $50 million to $60 million. The acquisition would add roughly 30 million film-obsessed users to The New York Times' growing portfolio of subscription brands, which already includes The Athletic, Wirecutter, and Wordle.

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While the Times counts its money, Letterboxd members are worrying about the television episodes heading their way.

Fans booed after Letterboxd revealed on X in early July that television tracking is in development after responding to a fan. The announcement arrived as TV Time, an app that drew roughly 20 million users to track episodes and binge-watching hours, confirmed it would close on July 15. Many movie devotees saw the move as the beginning of the end for their film-only sanctuary, jokingly declaring the credits already rolling.

The worry runs deeper than television. Letterboxd earned its reputation by sending users down rabbit holes filled with Pink Flamingos, Gummo, The Iron Rose and 964 Pinocchio, often through lists such as "Movies That Feel Like a Fever Dream." Fans fear episode trackers could drown out that delightfully strange culture. With the Times eyeing the platform and television knocking at the door, Letterboxd is suddenly the busiest address in cinema.

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What are your thoughts on The New York Times buying Letterboxd? Let us know in the comments.