Warner Bros.
Today, HBO Max and Discovery+ programming will be combined in a new streaming service that Warner Bros. will launch. The streaming service will no longer bear the HBO name; it will now simply be known as “Max.”
HBO has undergone a number of rebranding initiatives throughout the years. Previously, the streaming services HBO GO and HBO Now existed, but they merged into HBO Max in 2020. HBO Max would eventually be joined with Discovery+, as stated at the time of the merger by the newly formed Warner Bros. Discovery, and speculation in December suggested the name “Max.”
Giving up the HBO branding is an odd decision as the streaming service HBO Max is known for some very popular shows like Succession, Game of Thrones, Euphoria, The White Lotus and The Last of Us. There are three different price points available for the Max streaming service:
- Max Ad Lite: $9.99/month or $99.99/year. Includes 2 simultaneous streams, 1080p resolution, no offline downloads and 5.1 surround sound quality. Supported by advertising.
- Maximum ad-free: $15.99/month or $149.99/year. Includes 2 simultaneous streams, 1080p resolution, 30 offline downloads and 5.1 surround sound quality.
- Max Ultimate Ad-Free: $19.99/month or $199.99/year. Includes 4 simultaneous streams, up to 4K UHD resolution, 100 offline downloads and Dolby Atmos sound quality.
Warner Bros. says existing HBO Max subscribers who subscribe through HBO will have access to Max at the same price as their HBO Max subscription, with more information available on the HBO Max website. Those who sign up through a TV, mobile or wireless provider will be notified of any price or plan changes.
Max is scheduled to launch on May 23 and will feature HBO Max content and Discovery TV content including HGTV, Food Network, ID, TLC and more. Alongside the launch of the service, Warner Bros. also announced a new Harry Potter television series, as well as another Game of Thrones prequel show.
On some platforms, the HBO Max app will automatically update to the Max app, and on others, users will be prompted to download the Max app when trying to open the HBO Max app. Discovery+ customers can sign up as new Max customers as these subscriptions will not be transitioned. Discovery+ will continue to be available as a standalone service.
