In a world where streaming is becoming more competitive, we have our key players in the streaming industry: Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Prime, and now HBO Max. I recently had the pleasure of speaking with a rep from HBO Max to find out what you can expect from their platform, how you can watch HBO Max, and more.
HBO Now, HBO Go, and now HBO Max. How do they differ and how do I decide which one to get?
HBO GO is HBO’s TV Everywhere streaming service included as part of an HBO subscription through a traditional TV provider.
HBO NOW is HBO’s stand-alone streaming service that doesn’t require cable or satellite TV.
HBO Max is WarnerMedia’s new stand-alone streaming platform that bundles HBO with favorites from WarnerMedia’s vast library of beloved shows and movies, as well as acquired third-party content and an extensive collection of new programming produced exclusively for HBO Max.
What are some of the series and movies I can expect to see on HBO Max?
Rick and Morty Season 4 | WarnerMedia
Max Originals available now include Love Life, On the Record, Legendary, Craftopia, Looney Tunes and The Not Too Late Show with Elmo.
Love Life | WarnerMedia
Throughout the summer, we’ll debut new Max Originals including Karma, an original second season of the critically acclaimed DC fan favorite Doom Patrol; an original second season ofSesame Workshop’s animated series Esme & Roy; the return of the critically beloved mystery comedy Search Party; Adventure Time: Distant Lands- BMO; the three-part documentary series Expecting Amy; the adult animated comedy Close Enough; the 1988-set comedy Frayed; the heart-warming British animal rescue series The Dog House; the generational family docuseries House of Ho; the animated children’s series Tig N’ Seek; and Seth Rogen’s feature length comedy, An American Pickle.
Doom Patrol | HBO Max
The WarnerMedia portfolio gives HBO Max the opportunity to curate from 100 years of the most iconic films ever made, as well as access a library of new theatrical hits.
Below is an illustrative sampling of titles on HBO Max:
1,350 films at launch | Nearly 2,000 movies over the course of the year | 700 movies via HBO (eg. A Star is Born, Shazam, Crazy Rich Asians and Joker) | 600 acquired just for HBO Max (Warner Bros., Criterion Collection, Studio Ghibli).
Studio Ghibli Channel | HBO Max
Best Classic Library
We know there’s a loyal fanbase for classic films and the WarnerMedia portfolio gives us the opportunity to curate from 100 years of the most iconic films ever made.
HBO Max will have the preeminent classic movie collection, with a curated selection that includes CASABLANCA and WIZARD OF OZ to NORTH BY NORTHWEST and CITIZEN KANE.
More titles/franchises added throughout the first year of launch include: Classic Godzilla Franchise, Lord of the Flies, Great Expectations, The Maltese Falcon, Cool Hand Luke, 42nd Street, Singin’ In the Rain, Baby Boom, The Matrix, The Goonies, Gremlins, the Lego movies
The Lego Movie 2: The Second Part | Warner Bros. Inc.
Plus: Every DC film from the last decade, including Aquaman and Wonder Woman, and every Batman and Superman movie from the last 40 years.
HBO Max Home Screen | HBO Max
For more information on everything coming to HBO Max this June see here.
How does HBO Max choose which series to produce, and will HBO MAX include all original series from HBO?
Everything that is on HBO will be available on HBO Max, inclusive of HBO’s entire library. In terms of new projects, it is a wonderfully collaborative partnership where we talk to each other about which series are right for HBO and which series are best to be branded as HBO Max Originals. The best part is that for consumers, at the end of the day, they are able to watch the content no matter who develops the project.
HBO Max Highlight “The Wire” | HBO Max
Covid19 has made a massive impact in everyone’s lives, how has it affected your operations and how do you see things running down the road?
Our launch slate (day one and first three-month window) has been set for some time and, thankfully, is mostly unaffected by COVID-19. Some projects that were in production have been suspended and may debut later than expected. For example, the production of the Friends Reunion Special, as previously reported, has been delayed from its March shoot date.
Our first priority is to support our employees, our production partners, cast and crew.
Also, it’s worth noting that we’re remote editing, writers are writing, our animation division is thriving, we’re buying and announcing Max Originals and Acquisitions, and overall continuing to move forward in all of the ways we can.
How does HBO Max compare to other streaming services like Netflix, Hulu, and Amazon Prime?
There’s room for multiple offerings and you’re seeing how each platform is developing its own personality. Video viewership continues to rise, and we don’t see this as a “winner take all” dynamic. We think there is plenty of room in the market for consumers to subscribe and engage with a range of services and we think we’re positioned well to be one of the stickiest. We are designing HBO Max to be a platform that people don’t just go in and out of but stay with us throughout the year.
HBO Max Highlight “The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air” | HBO Max
Historically HBO has over-indexed in Netflix homes, and we think we will see a similar trend with HBO Max as consumers get to see and experience what HBO Max has to offer. It’s not something they’re going to want to miss out on.
Key things that separate HBO Max from the pack:
Our content – We are competing in the “full-service category” with a breadth and depth of content for the whole household. But we do not intend to be a super store. We have seen a “wow” reaction when consumers connect with the full array of our content — including all of HBO, together with beloved franchises, titles past and present from Warner Bros, the best of the best from around the world, and a robust slate of new originals. HBO Max will offer a regular cadence of originals for everyone in the house — from preschoolers to teens to adults — with scripted and unscripted series, docs, animation (for kids and adults) and movies.
Our technology and user experience – our user experience and user interface is designed around the ethos and architecture of a more human feel. We are trying to make the discovery of content not only more efficient and personal but also more fun. Taking a more ‘human touch’ approach helps us create the best user experience possible.
HBO Max Hubs | HBO Max
Will HBO Max be offered as a package with other streaming platforms like we’ve seen with Hulu and Disney+?
We don’t have plans right now – however the HBO Max platform will bundle all of HBO with favorites from WarnerMedia’s library of shows and movies, as well as an extensive collection of new programming produced exclusively for HBO Max. With 10,000 hours of curated premium content, HBO Max will offer powerhouse programming for everyone in the home.
How can I watch HBO Max?
Users can access HBO Max across a range of supported devices, including Android phones and tablets, Android TV, Apple TV (4th generation and later), Chromecast, computers (PC and Mac browsers), iOS devices (iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch), select model Samsung TVs (models 2016-2020), Sony PlayStation 4, Xbox One. Please check here for updates as additional devices are added.
HBO Max Mobile | HBO Max
HBO MAX is available for a 7-day free trial for new users, then $14.99/month
