From original shows to what it’ll cost, here’s everything we know about the HBO Max streaming service.
HBO Max, the upcoming streaming service from WarnerMedia, is poised to take on Netflix, Amazon Prime, and Disney Plus later this month. Including shows from Cartoon Network, CNN, DC Comics, HBO Originals, TNT, Crunchyroll, and Sesame Workshop, that’s over 10,000 hours of content that puts the current streaming giants in WarnerMedia’s crosshairs, and it’s launching soon.
But in the vicious, dog-eat-dog world of streaming, you don’t even have a hope if you can’t put your money where your mouth is. That’s why HBO Max features serious scalps like The Big Bang Theory, Rick and Morty, and South Park. Not only that, but iconic ’90s sitcom Friends will be a subscription driver on its own, let alone with a Friends reunion on the way.
With the HBO Max release date fast approaching, it’s time to start asking yourself whether the content on offer is worth the cost of another monthly sub, especially given that HBO Max will be one of the more expensive platforms around when it goes live. We know the launch offerings, second wave slate, and plenty more content to come, and it’s looking healthy. So, below you’ll find everything you need to know about HBO Max’s launch offerings, price, supported devices, and more.
HBO Max has a release date: it will launch on May 27. Check out a trailer of what to expect below.
HBO Max will release the much-discussed Snyder Cut of the 2017 movie Justice League in 2021, it’s been announced. This will be Zack Snyder’s director’s cut of the film, and represents a massive major exclusive for the service. According to THR, this new version of the film could be almost four hours long, and could cost an extra $20-30 million to finish.
HBO Max will cost $14.99 (around £11, AU$22) per month. That puts it on the dearer end of the streaming service spectrum. However, it’s also the same price as HBO Now, and HBO Max should offer a lot more entertainment goodness for your hard-earned cash. By comparison, Disney Plus is $6.99 per month, while Netflix’s Standard tier is $12.99. HBO Max’s subscriber target is 50 million by 2025 – a lot by anyone’s standards, but considering HBO had 54 million US subscribers as of 2017, it’s really not out of the question.
HBO Max won’t replace HBO Go and HBO Now: both services will apparently set to carry on, though HBO Max has been characterized as the “workhorse” of Warner’s pay TV efforts. Still, given there’s three variations on the platform, below you’ll find a breakdown of their differences.
One potential problem facing HBO is the confusion between the different HBO-branded services. Here’s a quick explainer:
When HBO Max launches in May, HBO Now subscribers can switch over to Max for the same monthly price, but only if they’re directly subscribed through hbonow.com. If you’re subscribed to HBO Now through a third-party, the HBO Max FAQ says to ‘stay tuned for more details’. The same notice is used for those subscribed to HBO through a cable or TV provider.
People subscribed to HBO through AT&T-related services, meanwhile, can watch all the HBO Max content they want for no additional cost, too. If you have HBO via AT&T TV or U-Verse TV, that comes with HBO Max. People subscribed to ‘premium’ AT&T mobile and broadband services will apparently have the offer of bundles with HBO Max ‘at no extra charge’.
It’s a little complicated to unpick, then, but if you’re among the millions already directly subscribed to HBO Now, switching to HBO Max should be nice and simple.
Apple devices will be supported at launch on iPhone, iPad, iPod touch, Apple TV 4K and Apple TV HD. Users can subscribe to HBO Max in-app, too. If you’re already subscribed separately, of course, you can log in to the app and use it as normal.
In addition, subscribers can access HBO Max seamlessly within the Apple TV app. If you own a second or third generation Apple TV device, you can stream HBO Max via AirPlay. Also, following a deal with Google, the service will also be available on Android, Chromecast, and Android TV.
HBO Max will also be available on PS4, Xbox One, Samsung Smart TVs from 2016 onwards and likely more to come.
Original content is the lifeblood of any new streaming service, and HBO Max has a lot in the works alongside the content coming from HBO itself. Here are the HBO Max original launch shows that’ll be available straight away:
But launch content is just the start: there will be 31 original HBO Max series in 2020, a number that’ll swell to 50 by 2021.
