History of HBO Max in Timeline
HBO Max is a subscription-based video on-demand streaming service owned by Warner Bros. Discovery. Launched in the US on May 27, 2020, it aggregates content from Warner Bros., Discovery Channel, HBO, CNN, Cartoon Network, and related brands. With 125.5 million paid memberships, it ranks as the fourth most-subscribed video on demand platform, following Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, and Disney+.
1984: Support for 4K, HDR, and Atmos Added with Wonder Woman 1984
In 1984, support for 4K, HDR, and Atmos was added to HBO Max 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 Rebrands as HBO
In 1993, Sky Movies in New Zealand, originally a joint venture between HBO and Sky Network Television, was renamed HBO.
1998: Sky Movies Rebrands again
In 1998, Time Warner sold its share in Sky, and it was renamed back to Sky Movies.
2009: Warner's Cable Division Spun Off
In 2009, Warner's cable division was spun off before being acquired by Charter in May 2016.
February 9, 2012: HBO Netherlands launch
On February 9, 2012, HBO Netherlands was launched as a joint venture between HBO and Dutch cable operator Ziggo. It aired as a three-channel multiplex service and offered a localized version of HBO Go to subscribers.
2012: Fox Showcase airs HBO programming
In 2012, Fox Showcase, an Australian premium television service, began airing HBO original programming through a licensed distribution arrangement with subscription television provider Foxtel.
October 10, 2013: OCS Launches OCS City (Génération HBO)
On October 10, 2013, Orange Cinéma Séries (OCS) launched the channel OCS City (initially nicknamed Génération HBO) to exclusively broadcast HBO productions.
May 2016: Charter acquired Time Warner Cable
In May 2016, Charter acquired Warner's former cable division after it was spun off in 2009.
September 28, 2016: HBO Netherlands to cease operations
On September 28, 2016, HBO Netherlands announced it would cease operations on December 31, 2016. Ziggo acquired exclusive rights to HBO programming on the same day.
November 1, 2016: Ziggo to offer HBO programming
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 as previously announced.
October 10, 2018: WarnerMedia Announces OTT Streaming Service Launch
On October 10, 2018, WarnerMedia announced its plan to launch an over-the-top streaming service by late 2019, which would feature content from its entertainment brands.
May 2019: Otter Media Takes Over Streaming Service Development
In May 2019, Otter Media was transferred to WarnerMedia Entertainment from Warner Bros. to take over the development of the streaming service, with Andy Forssell replacing Brad Bentley in a leadership role.
July 9, 2019: WarnerMedia Announces the Service Will Be Known as HBO Max
On July 9, 2019, WarnerMedia announced that its streaming service would be named HBO Max and would launch in Spring 2020. Production deals were also signed with Reese Witherspoon's Hello Sunshine and Greg Berlanti.
October 29, 2019: HBO Max Official Launch Date Announced
On October 29, 2019, it was officially announced that HBO Max would launch in May 2020.
2019: Deals with streaming services announced.
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.
February 5, 2020: Warner Bros. and HBO Max Announce 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 that would allow members to add HBO and Cinemax, while also being able to 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 to give access to HBO Max for HBO subscribers via their TV Everywhere credentials.
April 20, 2020: HBO Max Launch Date Announced
On April 20, 2020, WarnerMedia announced that HBO Max would launch on May 27.
April 27, 2020: Agreement for HBO Now Subscribers via Apple
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: AT&T CEO Comments on Amazon Partnership
On May 13, 2020, AT&T CEO John Stankey stated that Amazon was unlikely to become a launch partner for HBO Max, due to disagreements over hosting programming on Amazon Prime Video Channels.
May 2020: Launch Date of HBO Max Set
In May 2020, WarnerMedia was preparing for the launch of HBO Max.
May 20, 2020: Distribution Deals with Multiple Providers
On May 20, 2020, it was announced that WarnerMedia had made distribution deals with Altice USA, Cox Communications, Xbox, Samsung, PlayStation, Verizon Communications and the National Cable Television Cooperative (NCTC).
May 27, 2020: HBO Max Launches in the United States
On May 27, 2020, HBO Max, an American subscription video on-demand over-the-top streaming service, officially launched in the United States. The platform provides content from various Warner Bros. Discovery brands, marking its entry into the competitive streaming market.
May 29, 2020: HBO Max Acquires Streaming Rights to Young Sheldon
On May 29, 2020, HBO Max secured the exclusive streaming rights to 'Young Sheldon', which is a spin-off of 'The Big Bang Theory'.
June 9, 2020: Gone with the Wind Temporarily Removed
On June 9, 2020, 'Gone with the Wind' was temporarily removed from HBO Max in response to the George Floyd protests, following an op-ed discussing the film's problematic depictions.
June 27, 2020: Harley Quinn Streams on HBO Max
On June 27, 2020, it was revealed that the first two seasons of 'Harley Quinn', a DC Universe original, would be available for streaming on HBO Max.
June 29, 2020: HBO Max Secures Streaming Rights to David Makes Man
On June 29, 2020, HBO Max secured the exclusive streaming rights to 'David Makes Man', an Oprah Winfrey Network series.
July 2020: HBO Max Subscriber Numbers Revealed
In July 2020, AT&T announced that HBO Max had achieved 26.6 million subscribers after its first month, including 23.6 million wholesale customers. However, only 4.1 million customers had activated their HBO Max accounts by the same date. The New York Times's media critic Ben Smith wrote that WarnerMedia had "badly botched" the launch.
August 7, 2020: WarnerMedia Restructuring Announced
On August 7, 2020, WarnerMedia announced a significant restructuring under new president Jason Kilar, shifting towards direct-to-consumer services. This resulted in the departure of Greenblatt and Reilly, the dissolution of WarnerMedia Entertainment, and the combination of programming operations with Warner Bros. under Ann Sarnoff. Casey Bloys gained programming oversight of HBO and HBO Max.
August 2020: WarnerMedia Restructuring Includes Global HBO Max Expansion
In August 2020, as part of a WarnerMedia restructuring, president Jason Kilar announced that HBO Max would be expanding its scope globally.
October 2020: HBO Max subscriber count update
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: Settlement with American Council of the Blind
In October 2020, the American Council of the Blind announced a settlement with WarnerMedia for at least 1,500 hours of HBO Max content to include audio description (AD) by the end of March 2021.
October 28, 2020: Tiny Toon Adventures Reboot Announced
On October 28, 2020, it was announced that 'Tiny Toon Adventures', the 1990s series, would be rebooted as 'Tiny Toons Looniversity' for Cartoon Network and HBO Max, with Steven Spielberg returning as executive producer and receiving a two-season order.
November 16, 2020: HBO Max Available on Fire TV
On November 16, 2020, WarnerMedia and Amazon announced an agreement to make HBO Max available on Fire TV and Fire Tablet devices starting the following day. Subscribers of HBO via Prime Video Channels also gained access to the HBO Max app at no extra cost.
December 3, 2020: 2021 Film Lineup to Have Simultaneous Theatrical and Streaming Release
On December 3, 2020, Warner Bros. announced that its entire 2021 film lineup would see a simultaneous theatrical release and a one-month limited release on HBO Max, starting with The Little Things on January 29.
December 2020: The Witches and Wonder Woman 1984 Release
In December 2020, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, The Witches was released exclusively on HBO Max in the U.S. on October 22, and Wonder Woman 1984 debuted simultaneously in North American theaters and on HBO Max on December 25, although the latter was initially only available on the service for a month. Also, week-long free trials were discontinued in December 2020.
December 16, 2020: HBO Max Available on Roku
On December 16, 2020, WarnerMedia and Roku announced an agreement to make HBO Max available on Roku devices starting the following day. Subscribers of HBO via Roku Channels also gained access to the HBO Max app at no extra cost.
2020: Initial Launch Plans for Streaming Service
In 2020, initial plans included a beta launch in Q4 2019 and a full launch in Q1 2020 for WarnerMedia's streaming service, although these timelines were subject to change.
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, featuring a slate of 50 series by 2023.
March 2021: Audio Description to be Added
By the end of March 2021, at least 1,500 hours of HBO Max content was planned to be available with audio description (AD), as part of a settlement with the American Council of the Blind.
March 2021: Discontinuation of Same-Day Releases Announced
In March 2021, Warner Bros. announced it would discontinue same-day releases in 2022 as part of an agreement with Cineworld, opting for a 45-day exclusive theatrical release window instead.
March 26, 2021: Rollout of Audio Description
HBO Max began rolling out audio description (AD) on select titles on March 26, 2021.
April 1, 2021: U-Next to carry HBO and HBO Max content
On April 1, 2021, U-Next reached a deal to carry HBO and HBO Max original programs in Japan, replacing a previous deal between HBO and Amazon Prime Video Japan.
June 2021: WarnerMedia Appoints Managing Director
In June 2021, WarnerMedia appointed a managing director for the launch of HBO Max in eight territories across Southeast Asia and the exploration of possibilities to launch 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 Reaches 69.4 Million Globally
On 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 international subscribers.
July 29, 2021: WarnerMedia and Dish Resolve Dispute
On July 29, 2021, WarnerMedia and Dish announced an agreement to resolve their dispute, restoring HBO to Dish's satellite service and offering HBO Max access 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 returned to HBO Max after an adjustment in the prior broadcast rights agreement.
September 2021: Accessibility Enhancements
By September 2021, other accessibility enhancements to the website and apps were planned as part of the settlement with the American Council of the Blind.
September 2021: Ziggo's HBO programming rights expiring
In September 2021, it was reported that Ziggo's rights to HBO programming were set to expire at the end of the year, with Ziggo confirming the rights would expire on January 1, 2022 due to WarnerMedia launching HBO Max in The Netherlands in 2022.
October 2021: HBO Max expansion plans halted
In October 2021, plans to introduce HBO Max in Turkey, Greece, and the Baltic states, where HBO Go was absent, were halted. This followed the creation of Warner Bros. Discovery. Rights for various HBO and Max programming were instead acquired by Vodafone TV in Greece, TV operators in Turkey including Digiturk, and Go3 and Telia in the Baltic states.
November 22, 2021: Disney and WarnerMedia Amend Streaming Rights Deal
On November 22, 2021, Disney and WarnerMedia reached an agreement to amend the pre-existing contract that HBO had with 20th Century Studios. The new agreement allows Disney+ or Hulu and HBO Max to share the streaming rights to half of 20th Century Studios' and Searchlight Pictures' 2022 theatrical slate in the United States during the pay-one window. 'Ron's Gone Wrong' was the first film under the deal.
December 15, 2021: Ron's Gone Wrong Available on Disney+ and HBO Max
On December 15, 2021, as part of the amended agreement between Disney and WarnerMedia, 'Ron's Gone Wrong' became available on both Disney+ and HBO Max.
2021: Cinemax content arrives on HBO Max
By the end of 2021, much of the original series library from sister network Cinemax, which was not initially available, had arrived on HBO Max.
2021: Deals with streaming services 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: HBO Max Begins International Expansion
In 2021, the HBO Max service started its expansion into international markets, marking a significant step in its global reach.
2021: 4K, HDR, and Atmos Support Expanded
Throughout 2021, WarnerMedia promised to add more content with support for 4K, HDR, and Dolby Atmos to HBO Max.
2021: Simultaneous Theatrical and Streaming Releases
Throughout 2021, several films including Judas and the Black Messiah, Tom and Jerry, Godzilla vs. Kong, Mortal Kombat, Those Who Wish Me Dead, The Conjuring: The Devil Made Me Do It, In the Heights, Space Jam: A New Legacy, The Suicide Squad, Reminiscence, Malignant, Cry Macho, The Many Saints of Newark, Dune, King Richard, and The Matrix Resurrections were released simultaneously in theaters and on HBO Max for a limited time.
January 2022: High Cost of Talent Compensation
In January 2022, Deadline reported that Warner Bros. spent over $200 million compensating talent for the shift to streaming, and that such a business move "will never occur again given its high cost".
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 15, 2022: South Park moves 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.
February 2022: Sony Pictures and WarnerMedia Extend Agreement
In February 2022, Sony Pictures and WarnerMedia announced an extension of their agreement to carry films from Sony's subsidiary companies in its Central and Eastern Europe pay television window rights window. The deal includes television series produced by Sony Pictures Television Studios and rights to Sony releases beginning in 2022 for broadcasting and streaming on HBO Max in Central and Eastern Europe.
March 1, 2022: Turner Sports Acquires Rights to U.S. Soccer Matches
On March 1, 2022, Turner Sports announced an eight-year deal to hold rights to United States men's and women's national soccer team home matches, with at least half the matches per-season exclusive to HBO Max.
March 8, 2022: WarnerMedia and Sesame Workshop announced new shows for Cartoon Network and HBO Max
On March 8, 2022, WarnerMedia and Sesame Workshop announced they will plan new shows for Cartoon Network for the new original series run and a second run acquisition rights HBO Max, including Charlotte's Web, and Bea's Block as well as the animation special Sesame Street: The Nutcracker. In addition, 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, more than a new first run for Cartoon Network.
March 14, 2022: Discovery Plans Eventual Merger of HBO Max and Discovery+
On March 14, 2022, after Discovery shareholders approved the merger with WarnerMedia, Discovery CFO Gunnar Wiedenfels announced plans to merge HBO Max with Discovery+. This would begin with bundling the two services as a short-term option, with the ultimate goal to merge them into one platform.
April 2022: Warner Bros. Discovery Halts HBO Max International Expansion
Following the merger of WarnerMedia with Discovery, Inc. in April 2022, Warner Bros. Discovery decided to halt international expansion of HBO Max to replace the existing service with Max.
April 2022: WarnerMedia Merges with Discovery, Inc.
In April 2022, WarnerMedia merged with Discovery, Inc. to form Warner Bros. Discovery (WBD). HBO Max became one of the combined company's flagship streaming services, alongside Discovery+.
July 2022: HBO Max Ceases Original Series Development in Select European Regions
In July 2022, HBO Max stopped developing new original series in Central Europe, Nordic Europe, the Netherlands, and Turkey. Additionally, selected international series were removed from the platform worldwide, impacting its content offerings.
August 3, 2022: Max Original Films and HBO Series Removed from the Service
On August 3, 2022, multiple Max Original films and HBO series were removed from HBO Max without prior notice as part of cost-cutting measures. Additionally, films and series that underperformed were written off, and two nearly completed films, Batgirl and Scoob! Holiday Haunt, were abruptly cancelled.
August 4, 2022: Magnolia Network Programs Coming to HBO Max
On August 4, 2022, it was announced that selected Magnolia Network programs would become available on HBO Max in September 2022, with Discovery+ remaining the main streaming home for its programming.
August 15, 2022: HBO Reorganized by Warner Bros. Discovery
On August 15, 2022, Warner Bros. Discovery reorganized HBO, which resulted in layoffs within HBO Max's non-scripted originals, live-action family originals, international originals, and casting units. Suzanna Makkos also began reporting to HBO's head of comedy, Amy Gravitt.
August 2022: Discovery+ and HBO Max Merger Announced
During an earnings call in August 2022, WBD revealed that Discovery+ and HBO Max would merge "next Summer," launching first in the United States, with international markets following in late-2023.
August 2022: Case-by-Case Basis for Release Windows
In August 2022, it was reported that the length of the theatrical release window would be decided on a case-by-case basis, following the merger of WarnerMedia and Discovery, Inc.
August 24, 2022: House Party and Evil Dead Rise Shifted to Theatrical Releases
On August 24, 2022, the HBO Max original film House Party and Evil Dead Rise were shifted to theatrical releases. This move followed the removal of numerous programs from the streaming service, including animated and unscripted series, which generated backlash.
October 7, 2022: Harley Quinn Valentine's Day Special Announced
On October 7, 2022, HBO Max announced 'Harley Quinn: A Very Problematic Valentine's Day Special', which premiered on February 23, 2023.
November 2022: WBD Targets Spring 2023 Launch for Merged Service
During its third-quarter earnings report in November 2022, WBD announced that the merged streaming service launch was targeted for "Spring 2023" in the U.S., earlier than initially planned. Perrette also mentioned a potential price increase for HBO Max's ad-free tier in 2023.
December 2022: Potential New Names Considered for Merged Service
In early December 2022, it was reported that multiple names were being considered for the merged streaming service, including "Max."
2022: HBO and HBO Max Reach 76.8 Million Global Subscribers at the End of Q1
By the end of Q1 2022, HBO and HBO Max collectively had 76.8 million subscribers worldwide, demonstrating continued growth in their subscriber base.
2022: CNN+ Closed
In 2022, CNN's standalone subscription service, CNN+, was closed almost immediately after the WarnerMedia/Discovery merger due to conflicts with the company's strategy of having one encompassing streaming service.
2022: HBO Max Reassumes Streaming Rights to Warner Bros. Films
In mid-to-late 2021 or 2022, depending on the scheduled start of their individual HBO exhibition agreements, HBO Max reassumed streaming rights to the Warner Bros. films after their respective pay television premieres on the linear HBO service.
January 2023: Amazon Prime Video Extends Deal with Warner Bros. Discovery in France
In January 2023, Amazon Prime Video extended its deal with Warner Bros. Discovery to include all HBO productions and Warner Bros. Discovery's linear TV channels in France, following the expiration of deals with OCS and Canal+ respectively.
January 2023: HBO Productions Leave OCS
The deal between OCS and HBO ended in December 2022, with HBO productions leaving OCS from January 2023 onwards.
January 17, 2023: First Soccer Match Streamed
On January 17, 2023, the first United States national soccer team match was streamed on HBO Max as part of the agreement with Turner Sports.
February 11, 2023: Price Hike Effective for Current Subscribers of HBO Max Ad-Free Tier
On February 11, 2023, current subscribers of HBO Max's ad-free tier began to see a price increase of $1, bringing the monthly cost to $15.99.
February 2023: Foxtel and Warner Bros Discovery partnership renewal
In February 2023, Foxtel and Warner Bros Discovery renewed their partnership, ensuring HBO and Warner Bros. content remained available across Foxtel's pay-TV channels and streaming services.
February 2023: Announcement of Service Name and Continued Operation of Discovery+
In February 2023, WBD revealed they would announce the service on April 12, continue operating Discovery+ due to its profitability and subscriber satisfaction. The New York Times reported that the service would be called "Max" before the official announcement.
March 2023: Audio Description Hours Increased
By March 2023, at least 6,000 hours of HBO Max content were planned to be available with audio description (AD) as part of the settlement with the American Council of the Blind.
March 16, 2023: Launch of Le Pass Warner on Amazon Prime Video in France
On March 16, 2023, Amazon Prime Video launched Le Pass Warner ("The Warner Pass") in France, a subscription-based channel featuring content from HBO and Warner Bros. Discovery.
May 23, 2023: HBO Max Rebrands as Max in the United States
On May 23, 2023, HBO Max was rebranded as "Max" in the United States. This rebrand included a redesigned user interface and the addition of more Discovery content.
October 5, 2023: Sports-Focused Tier Announced
On October 5, 2023, HBO Max announced plans to launch a new sports-focused tier in the United States, initially known as the Bleacher Report Sports add-on.
November 2023: WBD Reports Subscriber Losses and Share Drop
In November 2023, WBD reported a loss of 2.5 million subscribers over six months, with their shares falling by 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
On December 14, 2023, it was announced that GCN+'s programming rights, including the Giro d'Italia and various UCI tours and events, would be consolidated into the sports add-on in February 2024.
2023: Max Launch in the United States
In 2023, Max launched in the United States on May 23, introducing a new streaming service with similar price points to HBO Max but with altered streaming quality for different tiers.
2023: HBO Max "Creators" Credit Controversy
In 2023, following the launch of Max, controversy arose over the service grouping directors and writers under a single "creators" credit. The Directors Guild of America and Writers Guild of America West condemned the move amidst the 2023 Hollywood labor disputes. Max announced that they would fix the credits, noting the altered credits were a result of "an oversight in the technical transition" from HBO Max to Max.
2023: Rollout of Unified Service Expected in Late-2023
In 2023, the unified streaming service, combining Discovery+ and HBO Max, was expected to roll out to international markets starting in late-2023, following its initial launch in the United States.
February 2024: GCN+ Programming Rights to be Consolidated
In February 2024, the programming rights of GCN+, including events like the Giro d'Italia and UCI tours, are slated to be consolidated into the Bleacher Report Sports add-on.
February 27, 2024: Max Launches in Latin America and the Caribbean
On February 27, 2024, the rebranded streaming service Max, formerly HBO Max, was launched in Latin America and the Caribbean, continuing its global rollout.
February 29, 2024: End of Free Preview
The sports tier on Max was to be available as a free preview until February 29, 2024, after which it was to become a $9.99 add-on.
April 2024: HBO Max Programming Integrated into Movistar Plus+
Starting in 2024, HBO Max's programming was 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: WBD Announces Partnership with Disney Streaming
In May 2024, WBD announced a partnership with Disney Streaming to offer a bundle of Max with Disney+ and Hulu in the United States, expanding their service offerings.
June 11, 2024: Max launches in France
On June 11, 2024, Max was launched in France, incorporating Warner Bros. Discovery's French linear TV channels and a sports add-on featuring live sports events and Eurosport channels. The 2024 Summer Olympics were broadcast in collaboration with France Télévisions for all subscribers. The ad-free plan is also available on services like Amazon Prime Video or Canal+.
July 9, 2024: TNT Sports to 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: Launch of Max, Disney+, and Hulu Bundle
On July 25, 2024, the bundle of Max, Disney+, and Hulu launched in the United States. It 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 Max Avances Linear TV Channel on Movistar Plus+
On September 17, 2024, a linear TV channel dedicated to broadcasting HBO and Max content was launched exclusively on Movistar Plus+ as Max Avances. After the reimplementation of the HBO Max name, the channel was renamed HBO Max Avances.
September 18, 2024: Warner Bros. Discovery partners 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 featuring a library of more than 2,500 works and 16,000 episodes from 8 brands.
September 25, 2024: Max officially launched in Japan via U-Next
On September 25, 2024, Max officially launched in Japan via U-Next at 2:00 p.m.
October 2, 2024: WBD Renews Contract with AEW
On October 2, 2024, Warner Bros. Discovery (WBD) renewed its contract with All Elite Wrestling (AEW), granting Max digital rights in the United States to simulcast AEW's weekly television programs and library content beginning in January 2025.
October 2024: Warner Bros Discovery and Sky New Zealand partnership agreement
In mid-October 2024, Warner Bros Discovery and Sky New Zealand signed a new partnership agreement. 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.
October 24, 2024: Max DAZN Package Added in Spain
From October 24, 2024, in Spain, Max has 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: Sky New Zealand becomes the exclusive distributor of both HBO and Max content
From October 30, 2024, Sky New Zealand became the exclusive distributor of both HBO and Max content in New Zealand. The SoHo channel would also be revamped as a linear HBO channel featuring HBO Original content.
December 4, 2024: Max Adds '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). This feature, initially available on a limited basis to U.S. subscribers, allows users to restart, rewind, fast-forward, and navigate between streams of the linear channel feeds directly from within the player.
December 9, 2024: Warner Bros. Discovery and Sky Announce Bundling Partnership in UK and Ireland
On December 9, 2024, Warner Bros. Discovery and Sky announced a non-exclusive bundling partnership in the UK and Ireland, anticipating the launch of Max in early 2026. Sky customers will have access to the ad-supported version of Max at no extra cost.
2024: Expansion of Max to Other Regions
In 2024, the rollout of Max continued to other regions, including Latin America and Europe.
2024: Sports Tier Added in Europe
Over the summer of 2024, a sports-focused tier was added to Max in Europe in conjunction with Eurosport, offering Eurosport 1 and Eurosport 2 channels and coverage for sports events including the 2024 Summer Olympics.
January 2025: AEW Programs Simulcast on Max
Beginning in January 2025, Max will simulcast All Elite Wrestling's (AEW) weekly television programs Dynamite and Collision in the United States, as part of a renewed contract with WBD.
February 14, 2025: JioCinema merges with Disney+ Hotstar
On February 14, 2025, JioCinema merged with Disney+ Hotstar to form JioHotstar, integrating HBO content that was previously on JioCinema.
February 2025: TNT Sports Content Availability
From February 2025, TNT Sports content will be available to users with a subscription to Pack Fútbol with their enabled cable operator and to TNT Sports subscribers independently.
February 20, 2025: Max relaunched in Vodafone TV in Greece
On February 20, 2025, the offer present in Vodafone TV was relaunched as Max in Greece, making all Max content available 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: Sports Add-on Scrapped, Content Integrated into Existing 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. Live sports content would be available at no additional charge as part of the "Standard" and "Premium" tiers of Max.
March 4, 2025: BluTV to relaunch 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: Max Rebrand Launched Globally
The Max rebrand was launched globally on March 30, 2025. This follows a soft launch in Australia in February 2025.
March 31, 2025: Max launches as standalone service in Australia
On March 31, 2025, Max will launch as a standalone service in Australia. Foxtel and Binge will lose access to most HBO and Max Originals, but Foxtel subscribers will be provided a 'Basic with Ads' plan at no extra cost if they have a compatible Foxtel IQ box.
April 15, 2025: BluTV Relaunches as Max
On April 15, 2025, BluTV is scheduled to relaunch as Max as part of Warner Bros. Discovery's global streaming consolidation strategy.
May 14, 2025: HBO Max Branding to Return
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: Discovery+ and Max Reach 122.3 Million Subscribers Combined
As of May 2025, Discovery+ and Max reported a combined total of 122.3 million subscribers, reflecting their performance in the streaming market.
June 2025: Sinners to Offer Black American Sign Language (BASL)
In June 2025, it was announced that Sinners would become the first film to be offered on a streaming platform in Black American Sign Language (BASL), tying in with its setting and themes.
July 8, 2025: Reversion to HBO Max Name Announced
On July 8, 2025, it was announced that the streaming service would begin to revert its name to 'HBO Max' on July 9, 2025, in SVOD territories that previously used 'Max' branding.
July 9, 2025: HBO Max Reverts to Original Name
On July 9, 2025, the streaming service officially reverted to its original name, HBO Max, after previously rebranding as Max.
July 22, 2025: HBO Max launch in Baltic and Post-Soviet states
On June 10, 2025, it was announced that HBO Max would launch in the Baltic states, Armenia, Georgia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, and Tajikistan on July 22, 2025. Launches for Albania, Cyprus, and Malta were also announced for that time frame.
September 2025: AEW PPVs Available on Max
Starting in September 2025 with All Out, Max subscribers will be able to purchase and stream All Elite Wrestling (AEW) pay-per-view (PPV) events through the platform at a discount.
November 17, 2025: CNN Max Discontinued
On November 17, 2025, CNN Max will be discontinued and will no longer be available.
2025: Harry Potter TV Series Planned
In 2025, a television series adaptation of Harry Potter is planned to premiere on Max and run for ten years.
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