If you’re a fan of explosive shows like The Last of Us on HBO Max, you’ll soon be searching for a new app called Max. Rumors of a name change have been circulating for a while, and Warner Bros. Discovery (WBD) is finally making it happen.
The decision to drop the HBO branding may surprise some, as the channel has been a staple of the entertainment industry for decades.
However, there are several reasons why this change is taking place. So why the change, and what can viewers expect from the new platform?
Why Is HBO Max Renaming?
One of the main reasons for the change is to include content from Discovery+. Combining the two platforms will make Max more of a one-stop shop for viewers. However, Discovery+ will still remain a standalone service in the US. The name change also marks a shift in focus, with Max being more than just about HBO content.
Is HBO Max Just Max Now?
The big switch to Max will happen on May 23rd in the US, almost three years after HBO Max debuted. The Max app will feature a new video playback experience, more personalization, and a default kids profile with parental controls for the new subscribers.
WBD plans to add over 40 new titles and TV show seasons each month, including live sports content soon.
Max Pricing Tiers and Features
Max will have three pricing tiers, including both ad-free and ad-supported plans. Starting with the ad-supported plan. It will cost around $10 per month or $100 per year, allowing HD video streaming on two devices simultaneously.
The ad-free plans will amount to $16 per month (or $150 per year) for now. It will support HD streaming on two devices at a time. The $16 plan will also come with up to 30 offline downloads.
For those who want to stream shows and movies in 4K, a new “ultimate ad-free” plan will cost around $20 per month or $200 per year. It supports Dolby Atmos-supported streams on up to four devices at one given time, with up to 100 downloads for offline viewing.
Content Highlights
Max’s launch will come with some exciting new content, including an eight-episode miniseries called The Penguin, which ties into The Batman, and a Big Bang Theory spin-off. The company also offered a look at Gremlins: Secrets of the Mogwai, an animated series set before the events of the Gremlins movies.
WBD’s presentation also highlighted new original HBO series, such as a new installment of the True Detective anthology series (starring Jodie Foster), a Kate Winslet-led limited series called The Regime, and Park Chan-wook’s adaptation of Viet Thanh Nguyen’s novel The Sympathizer.
Additionally, HBO has greenlit another Game of Thrones spin-off called A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms: The Hedge Night and a Harry Potter show has been confirmed. The long line of content is promised to be as hot as the House of Dragon and Succession are right now.
What Happens To The Existing HBO Max Subscribers?
All data, preferences, and account info will migrate over seamlessly to Max, with current subscribers having access to the features of their current plan for at least six months after the switch. Current plans include 4K streaming, but newcomers will have to pay extra for that privilege.
Why Is HBO Max Turning to Max?
The new name, Max, reflects a more expansive array of shows, movies, and other content that’s on offer beyond just HBO. Executives were reportedly concerned that keeping HBO in the platform’s name could weaken that brand if consumers associate it with all its content, such as the impending influx of reality shows from Discovery+.
Max promises to be an exciting new platform with a vast array of content, including some highly anticipated shows and movies. With the integration of Discovery+, viewers will have even more options to choose from.
Whether or not this rebranding effort will be successful remains to be seen, but it’s clear that the Max platform is making a bold move to stand out in the ever-evolving entertainment world.
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