HBO Max is the name of the new HBO streaming service that is set to debut in May of 2020. It will cost $15/month, which is the same price that HBO Now subscribers are already paying to access HBO’s existing over-the-top service. At launch, HBO Now subscribers will be able to access HBO Max for free. The service will feature lots of original content, thousands of titles from Warner Brothers and its subsidiaries as well as popular titles from other production companies like Friends.
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Yet another streaming service from HBO
HBO Max will be HBO’s third streaming service. Currently, there are two: HBO Go and HBO Now. Anyone who subscribes to a traditional cable TV service that includes HBO can access HBO Go for free by logging into the app with their cable TV credentials. In addition, subscribers of streaming services like Hulu with Live TV can also use their credentials to use the HBO Go standalone app. HBO Now is exactly the same as HBO Go, only it’s for people that don’t already have HBO through some other streaming service.
It’s currently unclear what HBO will do with HBO Go and HBO Now once HBO Max hits the market. According to the HBO Max website, HBO Now subscribers that signed up through the HBO Now website will be able to access HBO Max for no additional charge.
Last summer, a representative from HBO said that HBO plans to keep HBO Now up and running:
“Nothing will happen with HBO Go or HBO Now. HBO Max will be a distinct offering. As a distinct offering, you would not automatically become a Max subscriber.”
However, it’s unclear why anyone would want to use HBO Now when HBO Max will offer more content and better features.
Related: HBO Now Vs. HBO Max – Expanded Content, Improved Features and More
HBO Max Originals
One of the key benefits of HBO Max will be its exclusive films and shows. HBO might be hoping that people that subscribe to HBO through a cable service may be tempted to sign up HBO Max just to get the originals.
A new Adventure Time story is coming to HBO Max, and a Grease reboot will be landing on the service next year as well. In addition, HBO Max will be the only way to get new episodes of Sesame Street. A new Looney Tunes series and a Hanna-Barbera series called Jellystone provides more motivation for kids to ask their parents to sign up for HBO Max.
Related: HBO Max Originals – Scripted Shows, Films, Documentaries, Reality TV and More
What else will be on HBO Max?
HBO Max will offer access to Game of Thrones and many other popular HBO shows and movies and will become the exclusive home of NBC’s Friends and Comedy Central’s South Park. HBO also signed a deal with the BBC to stream Doctor Who, Luther, Top Gear, and the Ricky Gervais version of The Office.
Related: HBO Max Content Library and List of Titles – Everything You Need to Know
Alex Munkachy is a freelance writer, game developer and hobby robotics enthusiast. You can find his blog about robotics news and reviews at robotfanatics.com.
