HBO Max Streaming Service Launching on May 27

[MacRumors]

HBO Max, WarnerMedia's new streaming service that combines HBO content with shows and films from Warner Bros and Turner TV, is set to debut on Wednesday, May 27, the company announced today.

HBO Max will have all of the existing HBO content, but will also add classic movies and TV shows, such as "Friends." The service will also feature original content, offering more total content than HBO Now and HBO Go, the two existing HBO streaming services.

TV shows and films will be added from CNN, TNT, TBS, The CW, TCM, Adult Swim, and more, with series like "The Big Bang Theory" and "South Park" included. Some of the original content will include "Toyko Vice" with Ansel Elgort, a "Grease" spinoff, and a sequel to "Gossip Girl."

HBO plans to provide existing HBO subscribers on AT&T and HBO Now direct billing subscribers with access to HBO Max for free, and customers who subscribe to AT&T's premium mobile and broadband packages will also be offered HBO Max access at no cost.

Specifically, DirecTV, U-Verse, and AT&T subscribers who already pay for AT&T will get access to HBO Max at no additional cost. Free access will be included in the following packages: DirecTV Premier, U-Verse U400, U-Verse U450, and AT&T TV Now Max.

New AT&T TV and DirecTV Choice, Xtra, or Ultimate customers will get one free year of HBO Max, while other tiers will receive a three-month free trial. Wireless customers who have AT&T's Ultimate Elite plan will get HBO Max for free, other plans will get one-month free trials.

Customers who have the AT&T Internet 1000 plan will also get HBO Max for free. More info on who will get free access to HBO Max can be found in the press release for the service.

HBO Max will feature more than 10,000 hours of programming, and will cost $14.99 per month during the first year. In 2021, WarnerMedia also plans to launch an ad-supported version of the service that is more affordable.

Article Link: HBO Max Streaming Service Launching on May 27

 

[fokmik]

Hbo go, Hbo max...we need Hbo Lite, Hbo SE and Hbo Plus
Maybe if we are worth it...we get HBO PRO MAX someday

 

[NickName99]

Probably related to why they’re dropping 2nd/3rd gen Apple TV support

 

[mnsportsgeek]

Kind of disappointed that Apple TV Channels won’t be getting it at launch. I’ve already cancelled my subscription through Apple and will plan to resubscribe through HBO Now when my subscription through Apple runs out.

Also, HBO really needs to get on the 4K bandwagon. It’s pathetic that they are still streaming in 1080p.

 

[nutmac]

Hbo go, Hbo max...we need Hbo Lite, Hbo SE and Hbo Plus
Maybe if we are worth it...we get HBO PRO MAX someday

Due to complex revenue sharing arrangement with third party (e.g., Amazon Prime Channel, Apple TV Channels, Roku), HBO Now (standalone) and HBO Go (cable subscribers) live on for the time being. Once that is cleaned up, all streaming will be on a single HBO Max platform.

I hope HBO Max will step up its streaming technology -- increasing the bitrate and support for 4K HDR.

 

[WannaGoMac]

Streaming is expensive now, and this is for mostly old content.

 

[aaesta]

They need to loosen up on streaming internationally.

 

[itsmilo]

Companies: „How many names can we come up with for a service?“

 

[Noctilux.95]

I prefer HBO let it GO

 

[SpringKid]

Hbo go, Hbo max...we need Hbo Lite, Hbo SE and Hbo Plus
Maybe if we are worth it...we get HBO PRO MAX someday

In Sweden we have HBO Nordic. A completely (crappy) different app, for some reason.

 

[anshuvorty]

I have ATT Uverse, does this mean I get HBO Max at no cost? If so, sweet!

 

[mnsportsgeek]

Streaming is expensive now, and this is for mostly old content.

I don't see the issue. It's the same price as HBO but now has way more content.

 

[Ultramove69]

Another streaming service? Odd wording, $14.99 the first year.

 

[aaronhead14]

Yay, another streaming service that I won’t bother subscribing to!

 

[mazz0]

I assume it’s USA only?

 

[rmoliv]

Will it launch in Europe too?

 

[Henry S]

I have FIOS, so also HBO Go. I wonder if it would break my package to drop HBO from Verizon and go with this instead.

 

[Rychiar]

Doesn't seem worth it... netflix is still the best bang for the buck by far

 

[mozumder]

Wow does it have the live broadcasts from those channels?

 

[ervingv]

Let me guess, only available in the USA? They will never be able to compete with Netflix and Disney Plus by not launching internationally.

 

[zorinlynx]

I'm not sure what the point of HBO Now and HBO Max coexisting is. If HBO Max is just a superset of HBO Now, what keeps anyone from just dropping Now and subscribing to Max? From what I can see the price is the same, unless they plan to discount Now.

 

[bpeeps]

Let me guess, only available in the USA? They will never be able to compete with Netflix and Disney Plus by not launching internationally.

Why do people get so fussed with American companies launching first in America. Nine times out of ten their licensing and distributing deals make it a bigger hassle to do a full blown international launch. These are things that are easier to do when scaled up over time.

 

[Michael Scrip]

Wow does it have the live broadcasts from those channels?

Probably not... this is a streaming service.

Besides... why would you want live broadcasts? You can only watch one movie or show at a time... on their schedule.

The concept of live linear television seems weird in the days of on-demand streaming.

The only exception would be live PPV sports... boxing, MMA, etc. But those would be an additional cost anyway.

 

[mnsportsgeek]

I have FIOS, so also HBO Go. I wonder if it would break my package to drop HBO from Verizon and go with this instead.

Usually there are no contracts tied to premium add ons. You’re probably OK to move but check with Verizon first.

 

[decypher44]

I'm not sure what the point of HBO Now and HBO Max coexisting is. If HBO Max is just a superset of HBO Now, what keeps anyone from just dropping Now and subscribing to Max? From what I can see the price is the same, unless they plan to discount Now.

Ive been trying to figure that one out myself! I have HBO Now through direct billing. Once Max launches, I have access to it. But why not just supplant Now? It’s seriously confusing!