Buzz
WarnerMedia recently introduced HBO Max, a highly anticipated streaming service designed to rival giants like Netflix and Disney+. However, with HBO GO and HBO NOW already available, the introduction of a third platform has left many potential users and existing subscribers puzzled. This guide addresses all your top questions about this exciting new offering.
What exactly is HBO Max?
HBO Max is a streaming service available directly to consumers, accessible via an app or through your cable or internet provider. Similar to Apple TV+ from Apple and Prime Video from Amazon, HBO Max is WarnerMedia's flagship streaming platform.
What sets HBO Max apart from HBO NOW and HBO GO?
This user's taste in content is incredibly diverse, to put it mildly. | WarnerMediaPrior to HBO Max, WarnerMedia operated two separate apps, both offering the same collection of HBO series and select Warner Bros. movies. HBO GO caters to viewers who already subscribe to HBO via their cable TV provider, requiring a login through their TV provider. HBO NOW, on the other hand, is designed for standalone subscribers who pay $15 monthly for access to the same library. Essentially, HBO GO is for cable subscribers, while HBO NOW is for cord-cutters.
Similar to HBO NOW, HBO Max is a standalone subscription service that doesn’t require a TV provider for access. The key distinction lies in the content: HBO NOW and HBO GO focus solely on HBO series and a limited selection of films, whereas HBO Max boasts a vast array of additional shows and movies from other distributors, along with exclusive original content (more details on that shortly).
What is the price of HBO Max, and how can I subscribe?
You can register for HBO Max here. Enjoy a free trial for the first seven days, followed by a monthly charge of $15.
Do I already have HBO Max access?
Existing HBO NOW subscribers will find their app automatically updated to HBO Max (ensure manual updates if automatic updates are disabled). Use your current HBO NOW login details to access HBO Max, and your $15 monthly fee will now apply to HBO Max instead of HBO NOW.
If you access HBO via your TV or mobile provider, you may already qualify for HBO Max at no extra charge. Providers like Apple TV channels, AT&T TV, DIRECTV, Hulu, Spectrum, Verizon FIOS, Xfinity, and others are included—check the complete list here.
On which platforms will HBO Max be available?
You can watch HBO Max on your computer via HBOMax.com, or download the app from the Apple App Store, Google Play, or Samsung TV. Additionally, HBO Max content can be accessed on your TV through any of the providers listed here.
What content is available on HBO Max?
Finally, Elmo and James Dean share the spotlight. | WarnerMediaHBO Max offers an extensive library of 10,000 hours, featuring all HBO series, a vast collection of Warner Bros. films from the last century, exclusive Max Originals, and additional content from networks like CNN, Cartoon Network, TNT, TBS, TCM, Adult Swim, and more.
Among the standout offerings are all eight Harry Potter movies, the complete 10 seasons of Friends, a curated selection of Studio Ghibli masterpieces such as Howl’s Moving Castle (2005) and Spirited Away (2002), and the 2019 hit Joker. Additionally, early episodes of eagerly awaited Max Originals are available, including Anna Kendrick’s romantic comedy series Love Life, the ballroom competition show Legendary, and Sesame Workshop's The Not-Too-Late Show With Elmo (featuring guests like Kacey Musgraves, John Mulaney, the Jonas Brothers, Lil Nas X, and more).
Will the Friends Reunion be available on HBO Max?
Yes, the Friends reunion is set to premiere on HBO Max, though an exact release date remains unconfirmed. Filming was postponed due to the coronavirus pandemic, with tentative plans to shoot this summer. (In the meantime, you can revisit all the classic Friends episodes to keep yourself entertained.)
