History of HBO Max in Timeline
HBO Max is a subscription-based streaming service owned by Warner Bros. Discovery, offering content from a wide range of Warner Bros. and Discovery-owned networks and brands, including HBO, CNN, Cartoon Network, and more. Launched in May 2020, it has grown to become the fourth most-subscribed video-on-demand service globally with 128 million subscribers. The platform provides access to a vast library of films, television series, and original programming.
1969: Sesame Street Launch
In 1969, Sesame Street first aired, and select episodes from all fifty seasons became available to stream on HBO Max for the first time ever.
1984: HBO Max to support 4K, HDR, Dolby Vision, or Dolby Atmos
HBO Max did not support 4K, HDR, Dolby Vision, or Dolby Atmos, but support for these technologies were planned as part of the HBO Max product roadmap. Support for 4K, HDR, and Atmos was added starting with the release of Wonder Woman 1984, with WarnerMedia promising to add more content in these formats throughout 2021 and beyond.
1993: Sky Movies in New Zealand Renamed HBO
In 1993, Sky Movies in New Zealand, which originally operated as a joint venture between HBO and Sky Network Television, was renamed HBO.
1998: Time Warner Sold Its Share in Sky Movies Back to Sky Network Television
In 1998, Time Warner sold its share in Sky Movies in New Zealand back to Sky Network Television, and the channel was renamed back to Sky Movies.
2005: Doctor Who Revival
In 2005, the Doctor Who revival started, and the first 11 seasons were available on HBO Max.
2008: Cinemax Branding
From 2008 to 2011, Cinemax, HBO's sister linear pay television service, prominently used the "Max" suffix in its branding.
2011: Cinemax Branding
From 2008 to 2011, Cinemax, HBO's sister linear pay television service, prominently used the "Max" suffix in its branding.
February 9, 2012: Launch of HBO Netherlands
On February 9, 2012, HBO Netherlands was launched as a joint venture between HBO and Dutch cable operator Ziggo. The service offered a three-channel multiplex and a localized version of HBO Go to subscribers.
2012: Fox Showcase Began Airing HBO Original Programming in Australia
In 2012, Fox Showcase, an Australian premium television service, started airing HBO original programming through a licensed distribution arrangement with subscription television provider Foxtel.
September 28, 2016: HBO Netherlands Announces Closure
On September 28, 2016, HBO Netherlands announced that it would cease operations on December 31, 2016. That same day, Ziggo acquired exclusive rights to HBO programming.
November 1, 2016: Ziggo to Offer HBO Programming Exclusively
On November 1, 2016, it was announced that Ziggo would offer HBO programming exclusively as part of their new Movies & Series service starting from January 2017.
December 31, 2016: HBO Netherlands Ceases Operations
On December 31, 2016, HBO Netherlands officially ceased operations, marking the end of the joint venture between HBO and Ziggo.
January 2017: Ziggo Launches Movies & Series Service with Exclusive HBO Programming
Starting January 2017, Ziggo began offering HBO programming exclusively through its new Movies & Series service.
October 10, 2018: WarnerMedia Announces OTT Streaming Service
On October 10, 2018, WarnerMedia announced its plan to launch an over-the-top (OTT) streaming service featuring content from its entertainment brands, scheduled for late 2019.
May 2019: Otter Media Transfers to WarnerMedia Entertainment
In May 2019, Otter Media was transferred from Warner Bros. to WarnerMedia Entertainment to oversee the streaming service development. Andy Forssell replaced Brad Bentley as executive vice president and general manager, reporting to Otter CEO Tony Goncalves.
July 9, 2019: Service Announced as HBO Max
On July 9, 2019, WarnerMedia officially announced that the upcoming streaming service would be named "HBO Max" and was scheduled to launch in spring 2020. Reese Witherspoon's Hello Sunshine and Greg Berlanti signed production deals for the service.
October 29, 2019: HBO Max Official Launch Date Announced
On October 29, 2019, WarnerMedia announced that HBO Max would officially launch in May 2020.
2019: Subscription growth of HBO and HBO Now subscribers
Total subscriptions to either HBO or HBO Max was 36.3 million, vs. 34.6 million HBO or HBO Now subscribers at the end of 2019.
February 5, 2020: Announcement of Warner Max Film Label
On February 5, 2020, Warner Bros. and HBO Max announced the Warner Max film label, which would produce eight to ten mid-budget movies per year for the streaming service starting in 2020.
February 20, 2020: Distribution Deal with YouTube TV
On February 20, 2020, WarnerMedia announced a distribution deal with YouTube TV allowing members to add HBO and Cinemax, and include HBO Max as an add-on.
April 15, 2020: Distribution Deal with Charter Spectrum
On April 15, 2020, WarnerMedia announced a distribution deal with Charter Spectrum providing HBO subscribers access to HBO Max through their TV Everywhere credentials.
April 20, 2020: HBO Max Launch Date Announcement
On April 20, 2020, WarnerMedia officially announced that HBO Max would launch on May 27.
April 27, 2020: Agreement announced for HBO Now subscribers via Apple to migrate to HBO Max
On April 27, 2020, an agreement was announced for HBO Now subscribers via Apple (both in-app subscriptions and Apple TV Channels) to be migrated to HBO Max. Content from HBO Max would be listed in the Apple TV app along with there being a dedicated HBO Max hub in the app.
May 13, 2020: Amazon Unlikely to be Launch Partner
On May 13, 2020, AT&T CEO John Stankey indicated that Amazon was unlikely to be a launch partner for HBO Max due to disagreements about hosting content on Amazon Prime Video Channels.
May 2020: HBO Max Launch Date
In May 2020, HBO Max was scheduled to officially launch.
May 20, 2020: Distribution Deals with Multiple Providers
On May 20, 2020, WarnerMedia announced distribution deals with Altice USA, Cox Communications, Xbox, Samsung, PlayStation, Verizon Communications, and the National Cable Television Cooperative (NCTC) to carry HBO Max.
May 27, 2020: HBO Max Launches in the United States
On May 27, 2020, HBO Max, a subscription video on-demand streaming service owned by Warner Bros. Discovery, was launched in the United States. The platform offers content from various brands including Warner Bros., Discovery Channel, HBO, CNN, Cartoon Network, and more.
May 29, 2020: HBO Max Acquires Streaming Rights to Young Sheldon
On May 29, 2020, HBO Max acquired the exclusive streaming rights to The Big Bang Theory spin-off Young Sheldon.
June 9, 2020: Gone with the Wind Temporarily Removed
On June 9, 2020, Gone with the Wind was temporarily removed from HBO Max's library amid the George Floyd protests.
June 27, 2020: Harley Quinn Streams on HBO Max
On June 27, 2020, DC Universe original Harley Quinn streamed its first two seasons on HBO Max.
June 29, 2020: HBO Max Secures Streaming Rights of David Makes Man
On June 29, 2020, HBO Max secured the exclusive streaming rights of the Oprah Winfrey Network series David Makes Man.
July 2020: HBO Max Subscriber Numbers Announced
In July 2020, AT&T announced that HBO Max had nominally achieved 26.6 million subscribers after its first month of operation, including 23.6 million wholesale customers. However, only 4.1 million customers had activated their HBO Max accounts by the same date.
July 2020: Cancellation of Katy Keene
In July 2020, the Warner Bros-produced television series Katy Keene, which premiered on The CW, was cancelled.
August 7, 2020: WarnerMedia Restructuring
On August 7, 2020, WarnerMedia announced a major restructuring under Jason Kilar, leading to the departure of Greenblatt and Reilly. WarnerMedia Entertainment was dissolved, and programming operations were combined with Warner Bros. Bloys gained programming oversight of HBO and HBO Max, and Forssell became head of a new HBO Max operating unit.
September 18, 2020: DC Universe Content Migrates to HBO Max
On September 18, 2020, all DC Universe content, including original shows like Titans and Young Justice, migrated to HBO Max, with newest seasons airing exclusively on the service. Doom Patrol and Harley Quinn were renewed for third seasons exclusively for HBO Max.
October 2020: HBO Max Subscriber Numbers Increase
In October 2020, AT&T revealed that the number of activated HBO Max subscribers had reached 8.6 million by the end of September, while the number of nominal subscribers reached 28.7 million. The total number of HBO / HBO Max subscriptions in the U.S. also increased to 28 million.
October 2020: American Council of the Blind reached settlement with WarnerMedia
In October 2020, the American Council of the Blind announced it had reached a settlement with WarnerMedia whereby at least 1,500 hours of HBO Max content will be available with AD by the end of March 2021, increasing to at least 6,000 hours by March 2023, along with other accessibility enhancements to the website and apps by September 2021.
October 28, 2020: Tiny Toon Adventures Reboot Announced
On October 28, 2020, a reboot of the 1990s series Tiny Toon Adventures was announced for Cartoon Network and HBO Max as Tiny Toons Looniversity, with Steven Spielberg returning as executive producer. The show received a two-season order.
December 16, 2020: Agreement Reached with Roku
On December 16, 2020, WarnerMedia and Roku reached an agreement to make HBO Max available on Roku devices, providing HBO via Roku Channels subscribers access to the HBO Max app at no extra cost.
2020: Projected Launch of Streaming Service
In 2020, a beta version of the streaming service was expected in the fourth quarter of 2019, with a full launch anticipated in the first quarter.
February 2021: Cartoonito Launch Announced
In February 2021, it was announced that WarnerMedia's international preschool brand Cartoonito would launch in the United States via Cartoon Network and HBO Max later in the year, with a slate of 50 series by 2023.
March 2021: Accessibility Enhancement Agreement Reached
In March 2021, HBO Max began to roll out audio descriptions on select titles, following a settlement in October 2020 with the American Council of the Blind.
March 26, 2021: HBO Max began rolling out AD on select titles
On March 26, 2021, HBO Max began rolling out audio description (AD) on select titles.
April 1, 2021: U-Next Reaches Deal to Carry HBO and HBO Max Original Programs in Japan
In Japan, U-Next reached a deal to carry HBO and HBO Max original programs in Japan beginning on April 1, 2021, replacing a previous deal between HBO and Amazon Prime Video Japan.
April 23, 2021: Adult Swim and HBO Max Adult Animation Teams Merge
On April 23, 2021, Adult Swim and HBO Max's adult animation development teams merged under the leadership of Suzanna Makkos.
June 2021: WarnerMedia Appoints Managing Director for HBO Max Launch in Southeast Asia and India
In June 2021, WarnerMedia appointed a managing director to oversee the launch of HBO Max in eight territories across Southeast Asia and explore the potential launch of HBO Max in the Indian market.
June 29, 2021: HBO Max Launches in Latin America and the Caribbean
On June 29, 2021, localized versions of HBO Max were launched in Latin America and the Caribbean.
June 30, 2021: HBO and HBO Max Subscriber Count
As of June 30, 2021, AT&T reported that HBO and HBO Max had a combined total of 69.4 million paying subscribers globally. This included 43.5 million HBO Max subscribers in the U.S., 3.5 million HBO-only U.S. subscribers, and 20.5 million subscribers to either HBO Max or HBO in other countries.
July 29, 2021: Agreement Reached with Dish
On July 29, 2021, WarnerMedia and Dish announced that they had reached an agreement to resolve their dispute and restore HBO to Dish's satellite service, along with offering access to HBO Max to HBO subscribers via Dish at no extra cost.
September 1, 2021: Harry Potter Films Return to HBO Max
On September 1, 2021, the Harry Potter films officially returned to HBO Max after an adjustment in the agreement, despite earlier reports indicating that the films would not be available due to a prior broadcast rights agreement with NBCUniversal.
September 2021: Accessibility enhancements to the website and apps
By September 2021, as part of the settlement with the American Council of the Blind, accessibility enhancements were made to the HBO Max website and apps.
September 2021: Expiration of Ziggo's Rights to HBO Programming Reported
In September 2021, it was reported that Ziggo's rights to HBO programming were set to expire at the end of the year, paving the way for the launch of HBO Max in The Netherlands in 2022.
October 2021: Vera Peltekian appointed VP and commissioning editor of original HBO Max programming for France
In October 2021, Vera Peltekian, a former Canal+ executive, was appointed as the VP and commissioning editor of original HBO Max programming for France, marking a significant step in HBO Max's planned expansion into the French market.
October 2021: Plans to Introduce HBO Max in Turkey, Greece, and the Baltic States Halted
In October 2021, plans to introduce HBO Max in Turkey, Greece, and the Baltic states were halted following the creation of Warner Bros. Discovery. Instead, rights for HBO and Max programming were given to Vodafone TV in Greece, various TV operators in Turkey (including Digiturk), and Go3 and Telia in the Baltic states.
2021: Cinemax Content Added to HBO Max
By the end of 2021, much of Cinemax's original series (not including its former late night adult content) had arrived on HBO Max.
2021: Deals with Partners Agreed/Renewed
Deals with some other partners including Foxtel in Australia and Sky in New Zealand which includes a significant portion of HBO Max's original programming were agreed or renewed between 2019 and 2021.
2021: International Expansion of HBO Max
In 2021, HBO Max began expanding into international markets. This expansion followed its initial launch in the United States.
2021: WarnerMedia Promised to Add 4K, HDR and Atmos Content to HBO Max
In 2021, WarnerMedia promised to add more 4K, HDR, and Atmos content to HBO Max after the release of Wonder Woman 1984.
January 1, 2022: Crunchyroll Hub Removed from HBO Max
On January 1, 2022, HBO Max removed the Crunchyroll hub, redirecting subscribers to a "global animation" page. The service began removing anime from Crunchyroll's lineup.
February 1, 2022: HBO Max Launch Date Announced
On February 1, 2022, the official launch date for HBO Max was announced as March 8, 2022.
February 2022: Agreement to Carry Films from its Subsidiary Companies
In February 2022, Sony Pictures and WarnerMedia extended their agreement to carry films from its subsidiary companies in its Central and Eastern Europe pay television window rights window along with the library of television series produced by its sister company Sony Pictures Television Studios, the deal will also include the rights to its releases beginning in 2022 for broadcasting on its channels and will be streaming it on HBO Max throughout Central and Eastern Europe.
March 8, 2022: New Shows Planned with Sesame Workshop
On March 8, 2022, WarnerMedia and Sesame Workshop announced new shows for Cartoon Network and HBO Max, including Charlotte's Web, and Bea's Block as well as the animation special Sesame Street: The Nutcracker. Also, new episodes to start of the 53rd season of Sesame Street and spin-offs will be available to stream on HBO Max in selecting Asian territories while holding the second run acquisition rights to replace PBS.
March 14, 2022: Plans for HBO Max and Discovery+ Merger
On March 14, 2022, after Discovery shareholders approved its merger with WarnerMedia, Discovery CFO Gunnar Wiedenfels stated that the company planned to pursue an eventual merger of HBO Max with its own streaming service Discovery+.
April 2022: WarnerMedia Merger with Discovery, Inc.
In April 2022, WarnerMedia merged with Discovery, Inc. to form Warner Bros. Discovery (WBD). Following the merger, HBO Max became one of WBD's two flagship streaming services, alongside Discovery+.
April 2022: International Expansion Halted
In April 2022, following the merger of WarnerMedia with Discovery, Inc., Warner Bros. Discovery decided to halt international expansion of HBO Max in favor of replacing it with Max.
July 2022: HBO Max Ceases Original Series Development in Europe
In July 2022, HBO Max ceased new original series development in Central Europe, Nordic Europe, the Netherlands, and Turkey as a cost-cutting measure. Selected international series were also removed from the platform worldwide. The service also abandoned development of live-action children's and family programming.
August 3, 2022: Removal of Max Original Films and HBO Series
On August 3, 2022, multiple Max Original films and HBO series were quietly removed from the service without prior notice as part of cost-cutting measures. The company also wrote off films and series that had underperformed. Upcoming Max Original films Batgirl and Scoob! Holiday Haunt were abruptly cancelled. WBD CEO David Zaslav stated the company would cut children's programming and emphasize theatrical films over direct-to-streaming releases.
August 15, 2022: HBO Reorganization and Layoffs
On August 15, 2022, Warner Bros. Discovery reorganized HBO, resulting in layoffs within HBO Max's non-scripted originals, live-action family originals, international originals, and casting units. Makkos also began reporting to HBO's head of comedy Amy Gravitt.
August 2022: Timeline for Discovery+ and HBO Max Merger
During an earnings call in August 2022, WBD revealed that Discovery+ and HBO Max would merge "next Summer," with the unified service launching first in the United States, and rolled out to other markets beginning in late-2023.
October 2022: Amazon Prime Video signed a deal with Warner Bros. Discovery to distribute the HBO Max programs in France
In October 2022, Amazon Prime Video and Warner Bros. Discovery reached an agreement for the distribution of Warner Bros.-owned HBO Max programs in France, expanding the availability of HBO Max content through Amazon's platform.
November 2022: Targeted Launch Date for Merged Service
During its third-quarter earnings report in November 2022, WBD stated that the merged service was targeting a "Spring 2023" launch in the U.S., ahead of the original schedule. There was also discussion of a potential price increase for HBO Max's ad-free tier in 2023.
December 2022: Potential Names for Merged Service Considered
In early-December 2022, it was reported by CNBC that multiple names were being considered for the merged streaming service, including simply "Max".
2022: Subscriber Growth for HBO and HBO Max
At the end of Q1 2022, HBO and HBO Max reported a combined total of 76.8 million global subscribers, indicating continued growth in their subscriber base.
2022: All American: Homecoming Placed on Netflix
In 2022, the All American spin-off, All American: Homecoming, which premiered on The CW, was placed on Netflix with its parent show.
January 2023: Amazon Prime Video Extended Deal for HBO Productions in France
In January 2023, Amazon Prime Video expanded its agreement with Warner Bros. Discovery to include all HBO productions in France, following the expiration of OCS's deal for HBO content and Canal+'s carriage deal for Warner Bros. Discovery's linear TV channels. This extended deal makes all available content accessible through Le Pass Warner.
February 11, 2023: Price Hike for Current HBO Max Subscribers
On February 11, 2023, current subscribers of HBO Max saw the price hike for the ad-free tier take effect, raising the monthly price to $15.99.
February 2023: Foxtel and Warner Bros Discovery Renew Partnership
In February 2023, Foxtel and Warner Bros Discovery renewed their partnership, making HBO and Warner Bros. content available across Foxtel's pay-TV channels as well as its Foxtel Now and Binge streaming services.
February 2023: Announcement of New Service Launch
In February 2023, WBD announced that it would officially unveil the merged service on April 12. WBD also confirmed that Discovery+ would continue to operate alongside the new service.
March 2023: HBO Max to increase accessibility content
As part of a settlement, by March 2023, at least 6,000 hours of HBO Max content would be available with audio description.
March 2023: OSN's Exclusive Multi-Year Licensing Deal Renewed
In March 2023, OSN renewed its exclusive, multi-year licensing deal to carry HBO, Discovery+, some Cartoon Network series, and some Warner Bros. movies and series content across 22 countries in the Middle East and North Africa region on its linear channels as well as its OSN+ streaming service, making an HBO Max launch unlikely in this region in the near future.
March 2023: Renewal of the Deal Between Warner Bros. Discovery and U-Next
In March 2023, the deal between Warner Bros. Discovery and U-Next was renewed, solidifying the streaming service as the home of HBO content in the country through a "multi-year" agreement.
March 16, 2023: Launch of Le Pass Warner on Amazon Prime Video
On March 16, 2023, Le Pass Warner ("The Warner Pass"), a subscription-based channel was launched on Amazon Prime Video, providing access to HBO Max programs owned by Warner Bros. Some selected programs (like The Last of Us, Peacemaker, Pretty Little Liars: Original Sin and The Sex Lives of College Girls) where released without a subscription to the channel for a limited time.
May 23, 2023: HBO Max Rebrands to Max
On May 23, 2023, HBO Max was rebranded as "Max" in the United States. The rebranded service launched with a redesigned user interface and additional content from Discovery.
August 13, 2023: CNN announced new streaming news hub on Max
On August 13, 2023, CNN announced a new streaming news hub on Max known as CNN Max to launch on September 27, which features a mix of original news programs and simulcasts of primetime programs from CNN's U.S. and international linear networks.
October 5, 2023: HBO Max announced plans to launch a new sports-focused tier
On October 5, 2023, HBO Max announced plans to launch a new sports-focused tier in the United States, to be known initially as the Bleacher Report Sports add-on.
November 2023: Subscriber Loss Reported
In November 2023, it was reported that WBD lost 2.5 million subscribers over a six-month period, with their shares falling 19% as a result.
December 6, 2023: Warner Bros. Discovery Acquires BluTV
On December 6, 2023, Warner Bros. Discovery (WBD) fully acquired the Turkish streaming service BluTV.
December 14, 2023: GCN+ programming rights consolidated into sports add-on in February 2024
On December 14, 2023, amid the closure of the GCN+ service, WBD announced that its programming rights would be consolidated into the sports add-on in February 2024, including the Giro d'Italia and various UCI tours and events.
2023: 50 Cartoonito Series Planned
By 2023, WarnerMedia planned to launch a slate of 50 series on Cartoonito via Cartoon Network and HBO Max.
2023: Discovery+ and HBO Max Merger
During an earnings call in August 2022, WBD revealed that Discovery+ and HBO Max would merge "next Summer," with the unified service launching first in the United States, and rolled out to other markets beginning in late-2023.
2023: Controversy over "creators" credit on Max
In 2023, Max faced condemnation from the Directors Guild of America and Writers Guild of America West due to the platform's decision to group directors and writers under a single "creators" credit for films and television series. Max later addressed the issue, attributing the altered credits to a technical oversight during the transition from HBO Max to Max and committed to rectifying the credits, beginning in late June 2023.
2023: Launch of Max in the United States
WBD officially unveiled Max on April 12. The new service first launched in the United States on May 23, 2023, and would launch in other regions throughout 2023 and 2024.
February 2024: Consolidation of GCN+ programming rights into sports add-on
In February 2024, the programming rights from the closing GCN+ service were consolidated into the sports add-on, including events like the Giro d'Italia and UCI tours.
February 27, 2024: Max Launches in Latin America and Caribbean
On February 27, 2024, the rebranded streaming service Max launched in Latin America and the Caribbean. This followed its initial launch in the United States in May 2023.
February 29, 2024: Bleacher Report Sports add-on preview ends
The Bleacher Report Sports add-on on Max was intended to be available as a free preview until February 29, 2024, after which it was to become a $9.99 add-on on top of an existing Max subscription.
April 2024: HBO Max's Programming Integrated into Movistar Plus+
Starting in 2024, HBO Max's programming began to be integrated as part of more expensive packages in the Spanish TV service Movistar Plus+ with all programming from the service becoming available on Movistar Plus+ by April 2024.
May 2024: Partnership with Disney Streaming to offer a bundle
In May 2024, Warner Bros. Discovery (WBD) announced a partnership with Disney Streaming to offer a bundle of Max with Disney+ and Hulu in the United States.
May 21, 2024: Max Launches in Europe
On May 21, 2024, Max was launched in Europe, continuing the global rollout of the rebranded streaming service.
June 11, 2024: Launch of Max in France
On June 11, 2024, Max was launched in France, incorporating Warner Bros. Discovery's French linear TV channels. The service also offered a sports-focused add-on with live sports events and Eurosport's linear channels. During the 2024 Summer Olympics, Max shared broadcast coverage with France Télévisions, providing access to all subscribers.
July 9, 2024: TNT Sports will arrive at Max in Chile
On July 9, 2024, Warner Bros. Discovery announced that TNT Sports will arrive at Max in Chile the week of July 15 with an innovative proposal where sports fans will be able to subscribe independently or by adding it to the platform's available plans. It will include live events and original content.
July 25, 2024: Max with Disney+ and Hulu Bundle Launch
On July 25, 2024, Warner Bros. Discovery and Disney Streaming launched a bundle of Max, Disney+, and Hulu in the United States. The bundle was priced at $16.99 per month for the ad-supported version and $29.99 per month for the ad-free version.
September 17, 2024: Launch of Linear TV Channel Max Avances
On September 17, 2024, a linear TV channel dedicated to broadcasting HBO and Max content was launched, exclusively on Movistar Plus+, as Max Avances. Following the reimplementation of the HBO Max name, the channel was renamed HBO Max Avances.
September 18, 2024: Warner Bros. Discovery Signs Exclusive Partnership Agreement with U-Next
On September 18, 2024, Warner Bros. Discovery signed an exclusive partnership agreement with U-Next, allowing Max to launch within the U-Next system. This partnership would feature a library of more than 2,500 works and 16,000 episodes from 8 brands including HBO, Max Originals, Harry Potter, DC, Warner Bros., Cartoon Network, Discovery Channel, and Animal Planet.
September 25, 2024: Max Officially Launched within U-Next in Japan
On September 25, 2024, at 2:00 p.m., Max was officially launched within the U-Next system in Japan, featuring a library of more than 2,500 works and 16,000 episodes from 8 brands including HBO, Max Originals, Harry Potter, DC, Warner Bros., Cartoon Network, Discovery Channel, and Animal Planet.
October 2, 2024: WBD renewed contract with All Elite Wrestling (AEW)
On October 2, 2024, WBD renewed its contract with professional wrestling promotion All Elite Wrestling (AEW), adding digital rights in the United States to simulcast its weekly television programs Dynamite and Collision on Max beginning in January 2025, and library content such as past episodes and pay-per-view (PPV) events.
October 2024: Warner Bros Discovery and Sky New Zealand Signed a New Partnership Agreement
In October 2024, Warner Bros Discovery and Sky New Zealand signed a new partnership agreement that would allow Sky to remain the exclusive distributor of both HBO and Max content in New Zealand from October 30, 2024.
October 24, 2024: Max DAZN package added in Spain
From October 24, 2024, in Spain, Max added a new Max DAZN package that costs €44.99 per month, in addition to the Sports package that is optional for the Standard and Premium plans, it includes four DAZN channels in addition to Eurosport with the best sport that fans could wish for.
October 30, 2024: Warner Bros Discovery and Sky New Zealand Sign Partnership Agreement
In mid-October, on October 30, 2024, Warner Bros Discovery and Sky New Zealand signed a new partnership agreement that would allow Sky to remain the exclusive distributor of both HBO and Max content in New Zealand. Under the partnership, Sky New Zealand would host Max as a hub on its Sky Box, Sky Pod and Sky Go platforms and its Neon streaming service. The SoHo channel would also be revamped as a linear HBO channel featuring HBO Original content.
December 4, 2024: Max Adds Live "Channels" Tab
On December 4, 2024, Max added a "Channels" tab offering live feeds of HBO and its linear multiplex channels (with the exception of HBO Family and HBO Latino). Initially available on a limited basis to U.S. subscribers of Max's Ad-Free and Ultimate Ad-Free tiers using adult profiles, the feature allows users to restart, rewind, fast-forward, and navigate between streams.
December 9, 2024: Bundling Partnership Announced with Sky in UK and Ireland
On December 9, 2024, Warner Bros. Discovery and Sky announced a non-exclusive bundling partnership in the UK and Ireland, where HBO Max is expected to launch in March 2026. Sky customers will gain access to the ad-supported version of HBO Max at no additional cost.
2024: Rooster Teeth Content Removed
In 2024, Rooster Teeth closed, thus its content was removed from HBO Max.
2024: First-run episodes of South Park would move to Paramount+
On February 15, 2022, it was announced that first-run episodes of South Park would move to Paramount+ beginning with season 27 in 2024, and the series library would move from HBO Max to the service in the United States in 2025.
2024: Launch of Max
WBD officially unveiled Max on April 12. The new service first launched in the United States on May 23, 2023, and would launch in other regions throughout 2023 and 2024.
January 2025: AEW programs to simulcast on Max
Starting in January 2025, weekly television programs Dynamite and Collision from All Elite Wrestling (AEW) will be simulcast on Max as part of the renewed contract with WBD.
February 14, 2025: JioCinema Merges with Disney+ Hotstar to Form JioHotstar
On February 14, 2025, JioCinema and Disney+ Hotstar merged to form JioHotstar, integrating HBO content previously available on JioCinema.
February 20, 2025: Max Relaunches on Vodafone TV in Greece
In Greece, the content previously available on Vodafone TV was relaunched as Max on February 20, 2025. Max content is now accessible across all TV packages in Vodafone Greece.
February 25, 2025: Max to Launch as Standalone Service in Australia
On February 25, 2025, Warner Bros. Discovery (WBD) announced that Max would be launched as a standalone service in Australia on March 31, 2025.
February 26, 2025: Bleacher Report Sports add-on scrapped, live sports content included in Max tiers
On February 26, 2025, it was announced that the Bleacher Report Sports add-on had been scrapped as part of a change in strategy, and that live sports content would be available at no additional charge as part of the "Standard" and "Premium" tiers of Max (as B/R sports on Max).
March 4, 2025: BluTV to be Relaunched as Max
On March 4, 2025, it was announced that BluTV would be relaunched as Max on April 15, 2025, as part of WBD's global streaming consolidation strategy.
March 30, 2025: Global launch of monochrome rebrand
On March 30, 2025, Max globally launched a rebranding, changing its corporate colors from blue to monochrome.
March 31, 2025: Max Launched as Standalone Service in Australia
On March 31, 2025, Max was launched as a standalone service in Australia. This launch meant that Foxtel and Binge would lose access to most HBO and Max Originals. However, Foxtel subscribers with a compatible Foxtel IQ box would be provided a 'Basic with Ads' plan at no extra cost.
April 15, 2025: Relaunch of BluTV as Max
On April 15, 2025, BluTV was relaunched as Max, marking the final step in Warner Bros. Discovery's acquisition and integration of the Turkish streaming service.
May 14, 2025: Return of HBO Max Branding Announced
On May 14, 2025, it was announced that the HBO Max branding would return, reverting to its original name on July 9, 2025.
May 2025: Subscriber Count for Discovery+ and Max
As of May 2025, Discovery+ and Max reported a combined total of 122.3 million subscribers, reflecting the performance of the merged streaming services.
June 2025: Sinners to be offered on a streaming platform in Black American Sign Language (BASL)
In June 2025, tying in with its setting and themes, it was announced that Sinners would become the first film to be offered on a streaming platform in Black American Sign Language (BASL).
July 8, 2025: Rebranding Rollout Beginning
On July 8, 2025, it was reported that the rebranding back to "HBO Max" would begin to roll out on July 9, with WBD executives wanting it to take effect before the announcement of the nominations for the 77th Primetime Emmy Awards.
July 9, 2025: HBO Max Reverts to Original Name
On July 9, 2025, the streaming service HBO Max reverted to its original name after being rebranded as Max.
July 22, 2025: HBO Max Launch in Baltic and Post-Soviet States
On July 22, 2025, HBO Max was announced to launch in the Baltic states, as well as other post-Soviet states including Armenia, Georgia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, and Tajikistan. Launches for Albania, Cyprus, and Malta were also announced for that same time frame.
September 2025: Max subscribers can purchase and stream AEW PPVs
Starting in September 2025, Max subscribers will be able to purchase and stream AEW PPVs through the platform at a discount, beginning with All Out.
October 28, 2025: Launch of CNN All Access
On October 28, 2025, CNN All Access launched as an all-access plan for CNN digital content.
December 5, 2025: Netflix to acquire Warner Bros. Discovery
On December 5, 2025, Netflix announced its intent to acquire Warner Bros. Discovery for $72 billion. This deal would include HBO Max, the HBO network, Warner Bros. film, game and television studios, and DC Entertainment/DC Studios, while excluding Discovery+, CNN, and the company's linear television networks.
2025: Exclusive Streaming of Sesame Street on HBO Max Until 2025
Future seasons of Sesame Street will stream exclusively on HBO Max until 2025, alongside Esme & Roy, and several new spin-offs starting with The Not-Too-Late Show with Elmo, Sesame Street: Mecha Builders, and The Monster at the End of This Story.
2025: Harry Potter television series adaptation planned to premiere
In 2025, WBD announced several new projects, including a television series adaptation of Harry Potter planned to premiere in the 2025–26 season and run for ten years, and It: Welcome to Derry—a prequel series to Andy Muschietti's film adaptation of It.
2025: South Park series library would move from HBO Max to Paramount+
On February 15, 2022, it was announced that first-run episodes of South Park would move to Paramount+ beginning with season 27 in 2024, and the series library would move from HBO Max to the service in the United States in 2025.
January 13, 2026: HBO Max Launches in Several European Countries
On January 13, 2026, HBO Max was launched in Germany, Italy, Austria, Switzerland, Luxembourg, and Liechtenstein.
April 2026: Expiration of HBO Max Partnership
The partnership for showing HBO Max originals is set to expire in April 2026.
2028: Extension of TBS's Off-Network Rights to The Big Bang Theory
In 2028, TBS's off-network rights to The Big Bang Theory were extended as part of a deal with HBO Max.
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