WarnerMedia is gearing up for the release of HBO Max on May 27, adding a third content-streaming option to a stable that already includes HBO Go and HBO Now. Current HBO Now subscribers may be wondering how Max will differ to the service they already use. Here’s the details on HBO Max, how it differs from Go and Now, and what the fate of the other two services may be.
As a quick rundown on how HBO’s platforms currently work: HBO Go is a service available to cable subscribers, making HBO content available to stream on internet-connected devices. HBO Now is a more traditional streaming service, offering HBO series and a number of movies to non-cable subscribers.
HBO Max works on a similar premise to HBO Now, but will be diversified with original Max content, plus series and movies from WarnerMedia’s larger stable of content. The big names coming to HBO Max include Friends, South Park, The Big Bang Theory, Wonder Woman, and the Studio Ghibli collection.
HBO’s official messaging goes to pains to avoid referring to HBO Max as a streaming service, with the website calling it a “platform offered by WarnerMedia,” where HBO Now is called “a standalone streaming service,” though it’s not clear whether there’s a functional difference between the two.
HBO Now subscribers will get access to MAX on launch, with both services being priced at $15 a month. Those who access their Now subscription through a third party such as Hulu, Apple, or Roku may not get this instant switchover, however, though HBO has advised these customers to “stay tuned for more details” as partnerships are renegotiated.
Though it definitely seems like HBO Max is designed to replace HBO Now, and potentially even HBO Go, nothing has currently been announced about discontinuing or renaming the older services. With 10,000 hours of content from a number of WarnerMedia’s brands, however, it definitely seems like HBO Max is being set up as the company’s main platform.
HBO Max will launch on May 27 at $15 a month. For more info, check out everything we currently know about the new streaming platform.
