History of HBO in Timeline
HBO (Home Box Office) is a leading American pay television network owned by Warner Bros. Discovery. Headquartered in Manhattan, HBO is known for its premium programming, including theatrically released movies, critically acclaimed original series, documentaries, and specials.
September 1966: Manhattan Cable TV Services Launches
Charles Dolan, through his company Sterling Information Services, founded Manhattan Cable TV Services, the first urban underground cable television system in the U.S. It began limited service in September 1966.
May 1969: Manhattan Cable Television's initial contract
Manhattan Cable Television signed its first contract with Madison Square Garden in May 1969, marking the beginning of their broadcasting partnership.
1969: NBC Acquires Wimbledon Rights
NBC obtained the over-the-air broadcast rights to Wimbledon in 1969 and maintained rights to the quarterfinal, semi-final, and final rounds, as well as weekend early-round matches.
November 1970: Manhattan Cable Television contract extension
The broadcasting agreement between Manhattan Cable Television and Madison Square Garden was extended for an additional five years in November 1970.
January 1971: Sterling Information Services Changes Name
In January 1971, Sterling Information Services, founded by cable television executive Charles Dolan, changed its name to Sterling Manhattan Cable Television.
November 2, 1971: Time Inc. Approves "The Green Channel"
On November 2, 1971, Time Inc.'s board of directors approved Charles Dolan's proposal for "The Green Channel," a cable-originated channel that would offer unedited movies and live sports without advertising for a monthly fee.
November 1, 1972: Madison Square Garden grants broadcast rights
Madison Square Garden granted Sterling the rights to televise its sporting events to cable television systems outside New York City on November 1, 1972.
November 8, 1972: HBO Launch
HBO, the first television service to directly transmit to cable systems, launched on November 8, 1972. This marked the beginning of modern pay television.
November 1972: HBO Sports launch
HBO Sports, an in-house production division, launched with HBO in November 1972, producing sports-related content and event telecasts.
1972: U.S. National Indoor Championships Coverage Begins
Prior to Wimbledon, HBO broadcast the men's and women's rounds of the U.S. National Indoor Championships from 1972 to 1976.
January 22, 1973: HBO's First Boxing Telecast
On January 22, 1973, HBO aired its first boxing telecast, featuring the "The Sunshine Showdown" heavyweight championship bout.
March 1973: ABA Contract Signing
In March 1973, HBO signed a $1.5 million deal to obtain the regional rights to a selection of ABA games for five years.
March 23, 1973: HBO Airs First Non-Sports Special
On March 23, 1973, HBO broadcast its first non-sports entertainment special, "The Pennsylvania Polka Festival," a three-hour music event that marked a significant step in expanding its programming beyond sports.
June 10, 1973: Professional Bowlers Association Coverage Begins
HBO began airing Professional Bowlers Association (PBA) tournament events, starting with the Winston-Salem Open on June 10, 1973.
June 18, 1973: HBO's First Interconnected Satellite Demonstration Broadcast
On June 18, 1973, HBO provided its first interconnected satellite demonstration broadcast with a heavyweight championship match.
1973: Free Preview Concept
HBO pioneered the free preview concept in 1973, allowing participating television providers to offer potential subscribers a sample of HBO's programming.
1973: HBO Pioneers Original Cable Programming
In 1973, HBO began producing original programming, a novel concept for cable television at the time.
June 1974: Complaint Against Yankees Telecasts
HBO's Yankees telecasts led to a complaint in June 1974 by Willard Walbridge, chairman of the National Association of Broadcasters Special Committee on Pay TV, alleging violations of anti-siphoning rules.
September 1974: FCC Authorization for Yankees Games
In September 1974, the FCC granted HBO temporary authorization to broadcast a limited number of Yankees games, citing their unavailability on broadcast television.
1974: World Football League Coverage
HBO acquired the rights to broadcast World Football League (WFL) games from the New York Stars and the Philadelphia Bell in 1974.
1974: Watershed Policy Implementation
HBO implemented its watershed policy in 1974 when it expanded its programming to afternoons, prohibiting "R" rated films from being broadcast before 8:00 p.m. ET/PT.
March 1, 1975: HBO Introduces New Logo
On March 1, 1975, HBO introduced a new logo designed by Time-Life art director Betty E. Brugger. This logo featured bold, uppercase "HBO" text with a bullseye mark incorporated into the "O," symbolizing television tuning knobs.
April 30, 1975: HBO Retires Original Logo
On April 30, 1975, HBO retired its original logo, which featured a minimalist marquee light array surrounding the channel's full name, "Home Box Office," along with a ticket stub image. This marked a significant shift in the network's visual identity.
July 1975: Wimbledon Coverage Begins
HBO initiated regional coverage of the Wimbledon tennis tournament for its Mid-Atlantic U.S. subscribers in July 1975, marking the first time weekday tennis coverage was offered on network television.
September 1975: HBO Expands via Satellite
In September 1975, HBO expanded its reach nationally and internationally by becoming the first television channel to transmit via satellite.
September 30, 1975: "Thrilla in Manila" Airs on HBO via Satellite
On September 30, 1975, HBO aired the "Thrilla in Manila" boxing match between Muhammad Ali and Joe Frazier. It was the first program on the network to be broadcasted via satellite.
1975: World Football League Coverage Ends
HBO aired 18 WFL games over two seasons until the league abruptly folded in the middle of the 1975 season.
December 31, 1975: An Evening with Robert Klein
HBO premiered its first stand-up comedy special, "An Evening with Robert Klein", on December 31, 1975.
March 20, 1976: On Location premiere
HBO premiered "On Location", a monthly anthology series showcasing stand-up comedy performances in their entirety, on March 20, 1976, starting with David Steinberg.
June 1976: HBO Strikes Exclusive Deal with Columbia Pictures
In June 1976, HBO signed a four-year exclusivity deal with Columbia Pictures for films released between January 1977 and January 1981. In exchange, HBO's parent company, Time, Inc., would invest $5 million in Columbia's productions.
June 19, 1976: The Fabulous Bette Midler Show
HBO aired "The Fabulous Bette Midler Show" on June 19, 1976, a successful music and comedy special that led to the creation of "Standing Room Only".
1976: Expansion of Sports Coverage
As HBO became a national service, it expanded its sports coverage to include a wider range of events, including the North American Soccer League, Amateur Athletic Union tournaments, LPGA golf tournaments, and more, starting in 1976.
1976: ABA Finals Broadcast
HBO notably broadcast the 1976 ABA Finals, the last tournament game before the league merged with the NBA, in which the New York Nets defeated the Denver Nuggets.
1976: End of U.S. National Indoor Championships Coverage
HBO's coverage of the U.S. National Indoor Championships lasted from 1972 to 1976.
April 17, 1977: Standing Room Only premiere
"Standing Room Only", a monthly series featuring live concerts and stage performances, premiered on April 17, 1977, with "Ann Corio's 'This Was Burlesque'".
July 1, 1977: ABA Contract Termination
HBO's contract with the American Basketball Association (ABA) ended prematurely on July 1, 1977, due to the ABA's merger with the NBA.
September 1, 1977: On Location: George Carlin at USC
George Carlin's first televised performance of "The Seven Words You Can Never Say on Television" aired on September 1, 1977, as part of HBO's "On Location".
September 22, 1977: Premiere of "Inside the NFL"
On September 22, 1977, HBO premiered its first original weekly series, "Inside the NFL," a sports documentary and analysis series. The program, which featured post-game highlights and analysis of NFL games, marked a pioneering moment for cable television, as it was one of the first to offer weekly NFL game reviews.
1977: NCAA Division I Baseball Championships Coverage
HBO aired the NCAA Division I Baseball Championships from 1977 to 1978.
1977: WTA Tour Coverage Begins
HBO also carried selected WTA Tour events from 1977 to 1979.
May 1978: Roy Boe Legal Ruling
In May 1978, the New York Supreme Court ruled that Roy Boe, then-president of the Islanders and Nets, violated an exclusive contract with Long Island Cable Communications Development Co. through his agreement with HBO and other New York-area cable systems.
September 1978: HBO Begins Calling Interstitials "InterMissions"
In September 1978, HBO began referring to the content shown between programs as "InterMissions."
1978: HBO Begins Carrying NCAA Boxing Championships
From 1978 to 1979, HBO also carried the National Collegiate Boxing Association championships.
1978: In-House Commentators for Wimbledon
HBO Sports began using its own team of commentators for Wimbledon coverage starting with the 1978 tournament.
1978: End of NCAA Coverage
HBO's coverage of NCAA Division I college basketball games, including the National Invitational Tournament and the Holiday Basketball Festival, continued until the 1978–79 season.
1978: Reduction in Sports Offerings
In 1978, HBO scaled back its sports offerings, citing the regional appeal and abundance of similar events on commercial television.
1978: Early Provider-Specific Free Previews
Some cable providers began offering two-day free preview weekends of HBO as early as 1978.
April 1979: Watershed Policy Disclaimer
From April 1979 to March 1987, HBO included a disclaimer during rating bumpers for R-rated films, stating that they would only be shown at night.
1979: Launch of Cinemax
Cinemax, HBO's first standalone premium channel offering, was launched in 1979.
1979: End of WTA Tour Coverage
HBO's coverage of selected WTA Tour events ran from 1977 to 1979.
1979: NCAA Coverage Moves to ESPN
NCAA regular season and tournament events remained on HBO until the 1978–79 season, moving to ESPN starting with the 1979–80 season under an exclusive national cable deal.
1979: HBO Expands Boxing Coverage to Various Nights
Through 1979, HBO carried various National Golden Gloves competitions and aired boxing telecasts on various scheduled nights.
April 1980: HBO Adjusts Logo
In April 1980, HBO made a minor but significant adjustment to its logo. To avoid misinterpretations of the name as "HEO," the "O" was shifted slightly to the right, and the spacing between the letters and the bullseye mark was widened.
August 1, 1980: HBO Launches Cinemax
On August 1, 1980, HBO launched Cinemax, a companion movie-based premium channel. Cinemax was created to compete with The Movie Channel and Home Theater Network (HTN).
1980: InterMissions Divided into Categories
Around 1980, HBO's InterMissions were categorized into "Video Jukebox" for music videos and "Special" for short films.
1980: Controversy Over Daytime R-Rated Films
Controversy arose in 1980 surrounding daytime showings of R-rated films on competing premium services.
June 1981: HBO Phases Out 1975 Logo
By June 1981, HBO fully discontinued the use of its 1975 logo, solidifying the 1980 version as the network's primary visual identifier.
September 1981: 24-Hour Weekend Programming
HBO began offering 24-hour programming on weekends in September 1981, extending its watershed policy to this time period.
1981: MTV's impact on HBO concerts
Following MTV's launch in 1981, HBO's "Standing Room Only" series reduced its concert productions, and HBO's concert broadcasts shifted focus towards major music events.
1981: Network-Level Free Previews
In 1981, HBO began offering network-level free preview weekends, initially for two days.
1981: End of USGF, AAU, and Non-NCAA Events
USGF, AAU, and select non-NCAA invitational events continued on HBO until early 1981, after which the network focused primarily on boxing and Wimbledon.
September 20, 1982: Debut of the "HBO in Space" Opening Sequence
On September 20, 1982, HBO debuted its iconic "HBO in Space" program opening sequence. This memorable sequence, created by Liberty Studios, featured a stop-motion flight over a cityscape and into space, culminating with the HBO logo.
1982: HBO Behind the Scenes
HBO Behind the Scenes, a series featuring behind-the-scenes footage and interviews, aired from 1982 to 1992.
1982: HBO Debuts Iconic Feature Presentation Sequence
HBO's notable feature presentation sequence first appeared in 1982.
February 1983: HBO Partners with Silver Screen Partners
HBO signed an agreement with Silver Screen Partners, gaining right of first refusal in film selection and 5% of profits from non-pay-cable distribution.
November 1983: HBO Introduces Variant of "HBO in Space"
In November 1983, HBO introduced a variation of its "HBO in Space" opening sequence. This new version replaced the opening apartment scene with a cloudscape that transitioned into the cityscape.
1983: Founding of HBO Premiere Films
HBO Premiere Films was founded in 1983 to produce original television movies and miniseries with high budgets and production values. The unit's first project was 'The Terry Fox Story.'
1983: HBO Enters Exclusive Licensing Agreements
In 1983, HBO signed exclusive output deals with Tri-Star Pictures, Columbia Pictures, and Orion Pictures, marking a shift in the premium cable industry toward exclusivity.
March 1984: HBO Forges Partnership with Universal
HBO's association with Universal began in March 1984 with a six-year non-exclusivity deal, marking the start of their longstanding partnership in content distribution.
1984: InterMissions Content Shifted to Comedy and Kids
By 1984, HBO's InterMissions primarily consisted of comedic shorts and children's programming.
1984: HBO Shifts Away from Exclusivity
HBO abandoned its focus on exclusive film output deals, citing subscriber indifference and a desire to invest in original programming.
1984: Cinemax Expands Programming Beyond Movies
Starting in 1984, Cinemax began incorporating music specials and limited original programming into its schedule, moving beyond its initial focus on movies.
1984: Focus on Independent Film Production
Starting in 1984, HBO Pictures scaled back its telefilm slate to concentrate on independent film production.
1985: Release of "Music Made for Television" Album
Ferdinand Jay Smith III, composer of the HBO feature presentation intro theme, released his album "Music Made for Television" in 1985. The album featured an extended pop rock version of the HBO theme, titled "Fantasy".
1985: Rebranding to HBO Pictures
In 1985, HBO Premiere Films was rebranded to HBO Pictures, expanding its focus to include independent film production.
January 1986: HBO Signs Non-Exclusive Deal with 20th Century Fox
HBO entered a non-exclusive agreement with 20th Century Fox in January 1986, securing the rights to films released between 1985 and 1988.
June 1986: Distribution Agreement with Warner Bros.
In June 1986, HBO signed a five-year distribution agreement with Warner Bros., covering films released between January 1987 and December 1992. The deal, valued between $300 million and $600 million, included options for exclusivity.
July 1986: HBO Strikes Output Deal with New World Pictures
HBO signed a three-year output deal with New World Pictures for up to 75 films that Showtime would not receive, costing $50 million.
August 8, 1986: HBO Partners with Lorimar-Telepictures
HBO signed a non-exclusive agreement with Lorimar-Telepictures for a package of theatrical films until 1989, with Lorimar-Telepictures also acting as a production partner on several HBO television movies.
September 1986: HBO Signs Deals with MGM/UA and Kings Road Entertainment
HBO secured agreements with MGM/UA Communications Co. for a five-year package of up to 72 films and with Kings Road Entertainment for eight films, including home video rights for HBO/Cannon Video.
November 1, 1986: HBO Discontinues Most Variants of Feature Presentation Intro
On November 1, 1986, HBO decided to discontinue most variations of its feature presentation intro sequence.
November 1986: HBO Partners with De Laurentiis Entertainment Group
HBO signed an agreement with De Laurentiis Entertainment Group for films between 1987 and 1990, including home video rights for HBO/Cannon Video.
December 1986: HBO Strikes Deal with Poseidon Films
HBO signed a pact with Soviet Union producer Poseidon Films for US and Canada rights to Soviet films over an unspecified period.
1986: Creation of HBO Showcase
HBO Showcase was created in 1986, which later became HBO NYC Productions, contributing to HBO's slate of original movies and drama series.
1986: First Comic Relief USA on HBO
HBO began broadcasting Comic Relief USA fundraising specials in 1986, supporting programs for America's homeless population.
1986: Showtime Championship Boxing Premieres
Showtime premiered its Showtime Championship Boxing telecasts in 1986.
January 1987: Start of Warner Bros. Film Releases
Starting in January 1987, HBO began airing films covered under its distribution agreement with Warner Bros.
March 1987: End of Watershed Policy Disclaimer
The special disclaimer indicating that R-rated films would only air during the designated watershed period was discontinued in March 1987.
May 24, 1987: Standing Room Only finale
HBO's "Standing Room Only" series concluded on May 24, 1987, with the premiere of "Liza in London", a Liza Minnelli concert special.
July 1987: HBO Secures Exclusive Rights to Paramount Pictures Films
HBO secured exclusive rights to 85 Paramount Pictures films set for release between May 1988 and May 1993, marking the end of their embargo on new film exclusivity deals.
August 15, 1987: HBO Comedy Hour debut
The "HBO Comedy Hour" debuted on August 15, 1987, with "Martin Mull: Live from North Ridgeville", a variety-comedy special.
1987: Take 2 and Festival Launch
HBO launched two more standalone premium channels, Take 2 and Festival, in 1987. Both channels would later cease operations.
1987: HBO Boxing Telecasts Move to Saturdays
Starting in 1987, HBO boxing telecasts began airing exclusively on Saturdays.
January 1988: HBO's Tri-Star Deal Becomes Non-Exclusive
HBO's exclusive output deal with Tri-Star Pictures became non-exclusive in January 1988, but Showtime chose not to acquire titles from HBO's film rights partners.
May 1988: HBO's Exclusive Deal with Paramount Pictures Begins
HBO's five-year, $500 million deal for exclusive rights to Paramount Pictures films, signed in July 1987, came into effect.
September 1988: HBO Free Preview Show
From September 1988 to September 1994, HBO aired a 15-minute promotional "free preview show" each night during free preview events to showcase upcoming programming.
1988: InterMissions Largely Disappear
By 1988, InterMissions had mostly vanished from HBO.
1988: HBO Entertainment News
HBO Entertainment News, later renamed HBO News, aired from 1988 to 2011, featuring entertainment news and behind-the-scenes segments.
November 15, 1989: The Comedy Channel launch
HBO, through Time Inc./Time Warner, launched The Comedy Channel, a comedy-focused basic cable network, on November 15, 1989, featuring content from HBO's comedy library.
1989: Time-Warner Merger
The 1989 merger between Time Inc. and Warner Communications led to HBO and its film division becoming co-owned with Warner Bros. Entertainment, enhancing their collaborative efforts.
April 1990: Universal Opts for CBS Over HBO
In a notable move, Universal chose to partner with CBS in April 1990 for the pay-cable rights to ten of its 1989 film releases, bypassing a traditional deal with HBO.
December 1990: HBO Expands to Pay-Per-View Boxing
In December 1990, HBO created TVKO, a production arm for distributing and organizing marquee boxing matches on pay-per-view.
1990: Time Warner Sports management
Time Warner Sports assumed management of HBO Sports in 1990, reflecting a corporate restructuring within Time Warner.
April 1, 1991: Comedy Central launch
Comedy Central, a merger of The Comedy Channel and Viacom-owned Ha!, launched on April 1, 1991, inheriting HBO's comedy specials as part of its programming.
April 1991: Cinemax Launches MoreMax
MoreMax was launched in April 1991 as Cinemax 2, coinciding with the rollout of HBO2.
April 19, 1991: TVKO's First Boxing Event
On April 19, 1991, TVKO produced its first boxing event, the "Battle of the Ages" bout.
May 8, 1991: HBO Announces Multiplex Channel Plans
On May 8, 1991, Home Box Office Inc. revealed its plans to launch additional channels for both HBO and Cinemax, marking a pioneering move in subscription television.
August 1, 1991: HBO and Cinemax Launch Multiplex Channels
HBO and Cinemax launched their multiplex channels on August 1, 1991, offering subscribers in select markets access to additional channels like HBO2, HBO3, and Cinemax 2, each with distinct programming schedules.
August 1991: HBO Introduces Multiplex Channels
HBO and Cinemax introduced multiplex channels in August 1991, offering subscribers additional channels and programming options for no extra cost.
November 1, 1991: Cinemax 3 Launch Shelved
Although initially planned for a November 1, 1991 launch, Cinemax's third multiplex channel, Cinemax 3, was put on hold until 1996.
1991: HBO Europe Launches in Budapest
HBO Europe launched in 1991 in Budapest, Hungary, as a partnership between HBO and Sony.
1991: HBO Latin America Launches
HBO Latin America launched in 1991 through a partnership between Warner Bros. and Omnivisión (Ole).
1991: Home Box Office, Inc. Begins International Expansion
Starting in 1991, Home Box Office, Inc. spearheaded the expansion of HBO's service into international markets. They established three main subsidiaries in Latin America, Europe, and Asia. Additionally, they formed several distribution partnerships to syndicate HBO's programming to other broadcast networks, cable channels, and video-on-demand services outside the United States.
June 6, 1992: Weekly Pay Television Premieres Begin
On June 6, 1992, HBO began offering weekly pay television premieres of recent theatrical and original made-for-cable movies on Saturdays at 8:00 p.m. ET/PT. This move established a consistent slot for new movie premieres, enhancing HBO's programming strategy.
October 10, 1992: Michael Jackson: Live in Bucharest
HBO premiered "Michael Jackson: Live in Bucharest" on October 10, 1992, which became its highest-rated special ever, drawing 3.7 million viewers.
December 1992: End of Initial Warner Bros. Agreement
The initial distribution agreement between HBO and Warner Bros., signed in June 1986, concluded in December 1992.
1992: HBO Asia Launches in Singapore
HBO Asia launched in 1992 with its initial service in Singapore. This was established through a partnership with Singtel.
1992: HBO First Look Debut
HBO First Look, a series of 15-to-20-minute documentary-style interstitial specials promoting newer movies, debuted in 1992.
1992: HBO Begins Annual Bryant Park Summer Film Festival
HBO's annual Bryant Park Summer Film Festival, held near its former New York City headquarters, first took place in 1992.
May 1993: HBO's Exclusive Deal with Paramount Pictures Concludes
HBO's five-year deal for exclusive rights to Paramount Pictures films concluded.
September 1993: HBO Discontinues "Saturday Night Movie" and "Sunday Night Movie" Feature Presentation Variants
In September 1993, HBO discontinued the "Saturday Night Movie" and "Sunday Night Movie" variants of its feature presentation intro. The "Feature Presentation" variant was then applied to all films aired in early prime time.
1993: HBO Asia Expands to Thailand and the Philippines
HBO Asia broadened its reach in 1993 by expanding its services into Thailand and the Philippines.
January 1994: Promotion of 'Saturday Night Guarantee'
HBO began promoting its 'Saturday Night Guarantee' in January 1994, highlighting the promise of a new movie premiere every Saturday night.
January 1994: HBO Loses Exclusive Rights to Columbia Pictures Films
HBO's exclusive contract with Columbia Pictures for film rights transferred to Showtime.
June 16, 1994: HBO Comedy Half-Hour premiere
A spin-off series, the "HBO Comedy Half-Hour", premiered on June 16, 1994, with "Chris Rock: Big Ass Jokes", featuring 30-minute stand-up routines.
August 1994: Dolan family acquires Madison Square Garden
HBO founder Charles Dolan, along with ITT Corporation, purchased Madison Square Garden and its resident sports teams in August 1994.
September 1994: HBO Launches "MultiChannel HBO"
In September 1994, HBO began marketing its channel suite and coastal feeds as "MultiChannel HBO." This marked an expansion of HBO's offerings beyond its primary channel.
September 1994: End of HBO Free Preview Show
The 15-minute promotional "free preview show" that aired nightly during free preview events was discontinued in September 1994.
1994: HBO Europe Expands to Czech Republic
HBO Europe expanded its reach to the Czech Republic in 1994.
1994: HBO Brazil Launches
In 1994, HBO launched its dedicated channel in Brazil.
March 1995: HBO Strikes Deal with DreamWorks SKG
In March 1995, HBO signed a substantial deal with DreamWorks SKG, valued between $600 million and $1 billion, to secure the rights to their film releases from January 1996 to December 2006.
April 2, 1995: Premiere of "Real Sports with Bryant Gumbel"
On April 2, 1995, HBO premiered "Real Sports with Bryant Gumbel," a groundbreaking sports newsmagazine that would become a flagship program for the network. The show, hosted by veteran journalist Bryant Gumbel, focused on societal and athletic issues within the sports world.
July 1995: HBO Preemptively Signs Deal with Columbia Pictures
HBO secured a five-year deal with Columbia Pictures, effective January 2000, alongside a five-year extension of their existing agreement.
1995: Cinemax Launches ActionMax
Cinemax launched ActionMax as Cinemax 3 in 1995.
1995: HBO Asia Launches in Hong Kong and Malaysia
HBO Asia continued its Asian expansion in 1995 by launching its services in Hong Kong and Malaysia.
January 1996: HBO's Deal with DreamWorks SKG Begins
HBO's multi-million dollar deal with DreamWorks SKG commenced in January 1996, granting them exclusive rights to the studio's film releases.
February 3, 1996: HBO Boxing After Dark Premieres
On February 3, 1996, HBO Boxing After Dark premiered, featuring title fights in the junior featherweight and junior bantamweight classes.
February 1996: HBO Announces Plans to Expand Multiplex Services
In February 1996, HBO Inc. announced plans to significantly expand its multiplex offerings for both HBO and Cinemax, with a goal of reaching twelve channels, including the introduction of a fourth HBO channel and two new Cinemax channels.
June 1996: Restructuring of HBO NYC Productions
In June 1996, HBO NYC Productions was restructured. This unit occasionally produced drama series for HBO alongside its film projects.
June 1996: Introduction of 'Saturday Night Guarantee'
Starting in June 1996, HBO marketed its Saturday night movie premieres as the 'Saturday Night Guarantee,' promising a new movie premiere every Saturday night throughout the year.
December 1, 1996: HBO Family Launches
HBO expanded its multiplex offerings with the launch of HBO Family on December 1, 1996, a channel dedicated to family-friendly movies and shows geared towards younger audiences.
1996: Cinemax 3 Launch
Cinemax 3, originally slated to launch in 1991, finally launched in 1996.
1996: Disney Joins HBO Europe Partnership
Disney joined the HBO Europe partnership in 1996.
1996: HBO Implements Widescreen Filming for Future-Proofing
In a forward-thinking move, HBO began mandating that producers of its original series film their episodes in widescreen format starting in 1996. Although initially downconverted for standard definition broadcasts to accommodate the prevalent 4:3 television screens of the time, this strategic decision aimed to "future-proof" the content for eventual remastering in high-definition, demonstrating HBO's commitment to embracing technological advancements and preserving the quality of its programming for future audiences.
January 1, 1997: TV Parental Guidelines Implementation
When the TV Parental Guidelines were implemented on January 1, 1997, HBO's watershed policy was extended to include TV-MA-rated programs.
June 12, 1997: HBO Announces Plans for High-Definition Simulcast Feed
On June 12, 1997, HBO revealed its plan to launch a high-definition simulcast feed. The initial rollout was aimed at television providers and slated for as early as the Summer of 1998, coinciding with the anticipated retail release of the first HD-capable television sets by electronics manufacturers.
October 31, 1997: End of the "HBO in Space" Era
After 15 years of captivating viewers, the "HBO in Space" opening sequence was retired on October 31, 1997, marking the end of an era for the network's branding.
November 1, 1997: HBO Introduces New Imaging Package with Unique Logo Treatments
On November 1, 1997, HBO rolled out a new imaging package that showcased its logo in a variety of creative settings. These included the logo appearing as a fish in water, a celebrity arriving at a film premiere in a limousine, and a large neon sign on a skyscraper's roof.
November 1997: HBO Adopts Twelve-Note Musical Signature as Audio Logo
On November 1997, HBO adopted the twelve-note musical signature from its feature presentation intro as its official audio logo.
December 1997: End of HBO's Paramount Pictures Film Rights
HBO/Cinemax's rights to Paramount Pictures films ended.
1997: HBO Asia Expands to Other Southeast Asian Countries
Beginning in 1997, HBO Asia extended its services to additional Southeast Asian countries.
1997: HBO Europe Launches in Slovakia
HBO Europe expanded into Slovakia in 1997.
1997: HBO Multiplex Expansion
HBO had initially planned to launch its expanded multiplex services, including the fourth HBO channel and additional Cinemax channels, in the spring of 1997.
1997: Three-Day Free Preview Weekends
HBO's free preview weekends were extended to three days in 1997.
January 1998: Showtime Acquires Paramount Pictures Film Rights
Showtime obtained the pay-cable rights to Paramount Pictures films under a seven-year deal resulting from Viacom's 1994 acquisition of Paramount.
January 23, 1998: HBO Comedy Half-Hour finale
The "HBO Comedy Half-Hour" aired its last episode on January 23, 1998, concluding its run with a shorter format for stand-up comedy.
April 1998: "MultiChannel HBO" Becomes "HBO The Works"
HBO rebranded "MultiChannel HBO" as "HBO The Works" in April 1998. This new package name was applied to the four HBO multiplex channels and, later, to the three thematic channels that were launched afterward. HBO2 was also rebranded as HBO Plus, and HBO3 was relaunched as HBO Signature.
1998: HBO Europe Launches in Romania
HBO Europe expanded into Romania in 1998.
1998: HBO's Agreement with Silver Screen Partners Ends
HBO's agreement with Silver Screen Partners concluded upon the studio's closure in 1998.
1998: Electronics Manufacturers Prepare to Launch HD Television Sets
In 1998, electronics manufacturers prepared to launch their first line of high-definition television sets to the public.
February 6, 1999: You Are All Diseased
HBO aired "You Are All Diseased", a George Carlin-headlined comedy special, on February 6, 1999, marking the end of the "Comedy Hour" banner.
March 6, 1999: HBO Launches High-Definition Simulcast Feed
On March 6, 1999, HBO made history by becoming the first American cable television network to launch a high-definition simulcast feed of its programming.
March 1999: HBO HD Launches as HBO HDTV
HBO HD, originally called HBO HDTV, launched in March 1999, offering a high-definition simulcast of HBO in the 1080i resolution format.
May 6, 1999: HBO Launches HBO Comedy and HBO Zone
On May 6, 1999, HBO added two new thematic channels: HBO Comedy and HBO Zone. HBO Comedy features comedic feature films, comedy series from HBO's original programming library, and recent and archived HBO comedy specials. HBO Zone, aimed at young adults, offers theatrical movies; comedy and alternative series; documentaries from HBO's original programming library; and music videos.
June 25, 1999: HBO Ends Wimbledon Coverage
On June 25, 1999, HBO Sports announced it would not renew its contract with Wimbledon after 25 years of broadcasting the tennis tournament.
October 1999: Formation of HBO Films
In October 1999, HBO Films was formed by consolidating HBO Pictures and HBO NYC Productions, creating a unit focused on producing high-quality original television movies and miniseries.
November 4, 1999: HBO Retires Telezign-Designed Feature Presentation Bumpers
On November 4, 1999, HBO retired a series of six-second feature presentation bumpers designed by Telezign.
November 5, 1999: HBO Introduces CGI Feature Presentation Bumper
On November 5, 1999, HBO introduced a new CGI feature presentation bumper, designed by Pittard Sullivan as a nod to the 1982 intro sequence.
1999: HBO Europe Launches in Moldova
HBO Europe expanded into Moldova in 1999.
January 2000: New HBO-Columbia Pictures Deal Takes Effect
HBO's new five-year deal with Columbia Pictures, signed in July 1995, came into effect.
January 23, 2000: Turner Broadcasting and NBC Obtain Wimbledon Rights
On January 23, 2000, Time Warner, HBO's parent company, kept the Wimbledon broadcasting rights within the company by having subsidiaries Turner Broadcasting and NBC reach a joint agreement for the broadcasting rights.
May 6, 2000: KO Nation Premieres
On May 6, 2000, HBO premiered a new boxing program, KO Nation, which attempted to incorporate hip-hop music and attract a younger audience.
November 1, 2000: HBO Launches HBO Latino
On November 1, 2000, HBO launched HBO Latino, a Spanish-language network. The channel features a mix of dubbed simulcasts of programming from the primary HBO channel as well as exclusive Spanish-originated programs.
2000: HBO South Asia Established as Subsidiary
HBO South Asia was established in 2000 as a subsidiary of HBO Asia.
January 14, 2001: HBO Debuts Original Programming in High-Definition
HBO marked a significant milestone on January 14, 2001, by commencing high-definition broadcasts of its original programming. The network began with a 13-week Sunday "encore" presentation of The Sopranos' second season, remastered in 1080i HD. This move signified HBO's commitment to delivering a superior viewing experience to audiences equipped with HD technology.
January 2001: Bob Zitter Discloses HBO's Strategy for HD Rollout
In January 2001, Bob Zitter, HBO's then Senior Vice President of Technology Operations, shed light on the network's strategic approach to rolling out high-definition programming. Speaking to Multichannel News, Zitter revealed that HBO's decision to delay offering original series in HD stemmed from a desire to ensure both sufficient consumer adoption of high-definition television sets and widespread availability of HDTV equipment in the retail market. This calculated approach underscored HBO's commitment to a successful and impactful HD transition.
January 2001: KO Nation Moves to Saturday Late Nights
In January 2001, KO Nation was moved from Saturday afternoons to Saturday late nights in an attempt to improve ratings.
May 2001: Cinemax Launches MovieMax, Cinemáx, 5StarMax, and OuterMax
May 2001 saw the launch of several new Cinemax channels: MovieMax (originally launched as the female-targeted WMax), Cinemáx (a Spanish language simulcast feed, which originally launched as the young adult-focused @Max), 5StarMax, and OuterMax.
July 1, 2001: HBO Launches HBO on Demand, the First SVOD Service by an American Premium Service
HBO achieved another groundbreaking milestone on July 1, 2001, with the launch of HBO on Demand in Columbia, South Carolina, through its then sister company, Time Warner Cable. This innovative service marked the first subscription video on demand (SVOD) offering by an American premium television channel. HBO on Demand was designed to provide subscribers with unparalleled control and flexibility over their viewing experience, allowing them to access HBO's extensive library of programming at their convenience.
August 11, 2001: KO Nation Ends
On August 11, 2001, KO Nation was canceled due to low ratings.
2001: HBO Expands HD Content to Include 60% of Feature Films
By 2001, HBO had significantly broadened its high-definition content to encompass around 60% of its available feature film output. This expansion reflected the growing demand for HD programming and the network's commitment to delivering a premium viewing experience.
2001: HBO Europe Launches in Bulgaria
HBO Europe expanded into Bulgaria in 2001.
2001: HBO and NFL Films Launch "Hard Knocks"
In 2001, HBO partnered with NFL Films to launch the documentary series "Hard Knocks." This series provides an inside look at an NFL team's training camp and pre-season preparations each season.
2001: HBO Family Becomes Primary Destination for Kids' Content
Starting around 2001, most family-oriented programming shifted to HBO Family.
September 2002: HBO Plus Reverts to HBO2
In September 2002, HBO Plus was renamed back to "HBO2."
2002: End of Hosted Interstitials During Free Previews
HBO discontinued the use of hosted interstitials promoting the service during free preview weekends in 2002.
2002: CNN/SI Shut Down
In 2002, CNN/SI was shut down, and its Wimbledon broadcasts were moved to CNNfn.
January 2003: Boxeo De Oro Premieres on HBO Latino
In January 2003, HBO Latino premiered Oscar De La Hoya Presenta Boxeo De Oro, showcasing up-and-coming boxers represented by Golden Boy Promotions.
2003: HBO Family Reduces Original Children's Programming
By 2003, HBO Family had scaled back its production of original children's programming.
2003: ESPN Acquires Wimbledon Cable Rights
In 2003, ESPN acquired the cable rights to broadcast Wimbledon.
September 25, 2004: HBO Upgrades Sports Telecasts to High-Definition
On September 25, 2004, HBO elevated its sports programming by broadcasting its first live event in high-definition. The event, an HBO World Championship Boxing match featuring Roy Jones Jr. and Glen Johnson, marked a significant step in the network's adoption of HD technology and its dedication to providing a premium viewing experience for sports fans.
2004: "Real Sports" Wins Sports Emmy for Investigative Report
In 2004, "Real Sports with Bryant Gumbel" won a Sports Emmy Award for "Outstanding Sports Journalism" for its investigative report on child slavery and torture in camel racing in the United Arab Emirates.
2005: HBO Asia Launches in Vietnam
HBO Asia expanded its reach to Vietnam in 2005.
April 2006: HBO HDTV Renamed HBO HD
HBO HDTV was renamed to HBO HD in April 2006.
April 2006: Generación Boxeo Premieres
In April 2006, Generación Boxeo, a second boxing series, premiered on HBO Latino.
September 2006: End of 'Saturday Night Guarantee'
The 'Saturday Night Guarantee' promotion, which began in June 1996, concluded in September 2006. This marked the end of HBO's promise to premiere a new movie every Saturday night.
December 2006: HBO's Deal with DreamWorks SKG Concludes
December 2006 marked the end of HBO's decade-long agreement with DreamWorks SKG for film distribution rights.
2006: HBO Europe Expands to Serbia, Montenegro, and Bosnia and Herzegovina
HBO Europe further expanded its reach in 2006, launching in Serbia, Montenegro, and Bosnia and Herzegovina.
2006: "Real Sports" Wins DuPont-Columbia Award
In 2006, "Real Sports with Bryant Gumbel" received the prestigious Alfred I. duPont-Columbia University Award for "Outstanding Broadcast Journalism." This award recognized the show's impactful reporting on child slavery within the camel racing industry in the UAE.
2006: Starz Encore Claims Largest Subscriber Base
Starz Encore, owned by Lionsgate subsidiary Starz Inc., held the distinction of having the largest subscriber total among American premium channels from 2006 to 2018.
2007: HBO Entertainment News Renamed
HBO Entertainment News was renamed to HBO News in 2007.
January 2008: HBO on Broadband Launches as a Prototype Service
In January 2008, HBO launched a prototype streaming service called "HBO on Broadband." This early iteration, made available to Time Warner Cable subscribers in Green Bay and Milwaukee, Wisconsin, allowed users to access HBO content online. This trial run paved the way for the subsequent development and nationwide rollout of HBO Go, demonstrating HBO's early recognition of the growing demand for online streaming options.
February 2008: "Inside the NFL" Ends its HBO Run
In February 2008, "Inside the NFL" ended its run on HBO after 31 seasons. The program, known for its post-game analysis and interviews, would later move to Showtime.
September 1, 2008: HBO Launches High-Definition Simulcast of Six Multiplex Channels
On September 1, 2008, HBO significantly expanded its high-definition offerings by launching HD simulcast feeds of six of its multiplex channels. This expansion, made possible through a partnership with DirecTV, included HBO2, HBO Family, HBO Signature, and HBO Latino, allowing a wider audience to enjoy HBO's diverse programming in high definition.
September 2008: "Inside the NFL" Moves to Showtime
Following its cancellation by HBO, "Inside the NFL" was acquired by Showtime and began airing on the rival premium channel in September 2008.
December 2008: Showtime's Paramount Pictures Film Rights End
Showtime's hold on Paramount Pictures film rights concluded.
2008: Sony and Universal Exit HBO Asia Partnership
Both Sony and Universal left their partnership with HBO Asia in 2008.
2008: Four-Day Free Preview Weekends
By 2008, HBO's free preview weekends were further extended to a "four-day weekend" format, running from Friday to Monday.
2008: "Friday After Dark" Becomes "Max After Dark"
Cinemax renamed its late-night adult programming block from "Friday After Dark" to "Max After Dark" in 2008, reflecting its expansion to a nightly block.
2008: George Carlin's final HBO special
George Carlin's 12th and final stand-up comedy special for HBO aired in 2008, marking the end of his long-standing relationship with the network.
2008: HBO Begins HD Simulcasts for Multiplex Feeds
HBO began offering high-definition simulcasts for its multiplex feeds in 2008.
March 2, 2009: HBO Briefly Returns to Professional Tennis
On March 2, 2009, HBO briefly returned to broadcasting professional tennis when it aired the BNP Paribas Showdown as a one-off special presentation.
October 2009: Epix Takes Over Paramount Pictures Film Rights
Epix, a joint venture between Paramount/Viacom, Lionsgate, and MGM, acquired the pay television rights to Paramount Pictures films upon its launch.
2009: HBO Europe Launches in Northern Macedonia
HBO Europe launched in Northern Macedonia in 2009.
January 2010: Relaxation of Watershed Policy
In January 2010, HBO began to relax its watershed policy, allowing TV-MA-rated original series, movies, and documentaries with strong profanity or non-graphic violence to air during daytime hours on weekends.
February 18, 2010: HBO Go Launches Nationwide
On February 18, 2010, HBO Go, the network's streaming platform, was officially launched nationwide. Initially offered to existing HBO subscribers signed with Verizon FiOS, the service aimed to provide a TV Everywhere experience, granting users access to HBO's content on various devices. This launch marked a significant step in HBO's digital evolution and its adaptation to the changing landscape of television consumption.
2010: Last Comic Relief USA on HBO
HBO aired its final Comic Relief USA fundraising special in 2010, concluding its run of supporting the charity through these events.
2010: HBO Acquires Sony and Disney's Shares in HBO Europe
HBO purchased the shares of both Sony and Disney in HBO Europe in 2010.
2010: Disney and Sony Leave HBO Latin America Partnership
In 2010, both Disney and Sony ended their partnership with HBO Latin America.
2010: HBO First Look Name Dropped
While HBO officially stopped using the "First Look" name for its "making of" specials in 2010, they are still identified under the banner for program listing purposes.
January 3, 2011: HBO Pioneers VOD Content in 3D
HBO continued its tradition of innovation on January 3, 2011, by becoming the first pay television network to offer video-on-demand (VOD) content in 3D. Initially accessible to linear HBO subscribers of Time Warner Cable, Comcast, and Verizon FiOS, this groundbreaking offering encompassed a selection of theatrical feature films available in the immersive 3D format. HBO's pioneering move marked a significant step in the evolution of home entertainment and showcased the network's commitment to delivering cutting-edge viewing experiences.
April 1, 2011: HBO Retires CGI Feature Presentation Bumper
HBO retired its CGI feature presentation bumper on April 1, 2011.
April 2, 2011: HBO Introduces Minimalist Feature Presentation Intro
On April 2, 2011, HBO began using a minimalist feature presentation intro.
August 2011: Cinemax Premieres "Strike Back"
Cinemax premiered its first original action series, "Strike Back," in August 2011, marking the beginning of a push into original programming.
2011: End of Behind-the-Scenes Interstitials
HBO stopped airing "behind-the-scenes" interstitials during promotional breaks in 2011.
January 2012: Expansion of Daytime R-Rated Movie Airings
Starting January 2012, HBO began occasionally airing R-rated films on Sunday afternoons as part of its weekly encore showing of the Saturday movie premiere.
August 15, 2012: HBO Renews Deal with 20th Century Fox
HBO renewed its first-run film output agreement with 20th Century Fox for ten years on August 15, 2012. This deal notably allowed Fox to release its films on digital platforms during HBO's licensing period.
2012: ESPN Gains Full U.S. Television Exclusivity for Wimbledon
By 2012, ESPN had gained full U.S. television exclusivity for broadcasting Wimbledon.
2012: HBO Europe Partners with Ziggo for Dutch Launch
In 2012, HBO Europe partnered with the Dutch cable operator Ziggo to launch its service in the Netherlands.
January 6, 2013: HBO Renews Universal Output Deal
HBO and Universal Pictures renewed their output deal for ten years on January 6, 2013, giving HBO the right of first refusal for Universal's film releases.
2013: Start of A24 Library Rights
HBO and HBO Max gained library rights to A24's films starting from 2013 as part of their deal secured in 2022.
2013: HBO PPV Rebranded as HBO Boxing Pay-Per-View
In 2013, HBO PPV was rebranded as HBO Boxing Pay-Per-View
2013: Paramount Pictures Sub-Run Agreement
In 2013, HBO established a sub-run agreement with Paramount Pictures, covering television and streaming licensing of films released prior to that year.
April 2014: HBO Discontinues On-Screen Bugs for Thematic Multiplex Channels
In April 2014, HBO stopped displaying on-screen logo bugs for its six thematic multiplex channels. These bugs had been a feature during promotional breaks.
April 2014: HBO Introduces Cascading Screenshots Feature Presentation Intro
In April 2014, HBO unveiled a feature presentation intro featuring cascading screenshots from films in its library. This intro was one of two brief sequences used between April 2, 2011, and March 3, 2017, that were inspired by the network's graphical imaging.
October 15, 2014: HBO Announces Plans for Standalone OTT Streaming Service
On October 15, 2014, HBO announced its intention to launch a standalone over-the-top (OTT) subscription streaming service in 2015. This service, later named HBO Now, aimed to provide cord-cutters with direct access to HBO's programming without requiring a traditional cable or satellite television subscription.
2014: HBO Brings Back Short Films
In 2014, HBO resumed airing short films during its overnight and early morning programming.
February 2015: Starz Encore Surpasses HBO in Subscribers
According to Nielsen estimates from February 2015, Starz Encore had surpassed HBO in terms of subscriber count, boasting 40.54 million subscribers compared to HBO's 35.8 million.
March 9, 2015: HBO Now Unveiled
HBO officially unveiled its standalone streaming service, HBO Now, on March 9, 2015. The service was designed to target cord-cutters and provide them with an independent avenue to access HBO's library of original programming and theatrical films.
April 2015: HBO CEO Discusses Binge-Watching
In April 2015, HBO CEO Richard Plepler stated that he did not want HBO to become synonymous with binge-watching like Netflix.
August 2015: HBO Acquires "Sesame Street" Rights
In August 2015, HBO secured a deal for the first-run broadcast and streaming rights to "Sesame Street."
2015: HBO on Demand Launches in the United Kingdom
In 2015, HBO expanded the reach of its on-demand service to the United Kingdom. Partnering with IPTV provider TalkTalk TV, HBO on Demand became available to TalkTalk TV subscribers, providing access to HBO's acclaimed programming through YouView set-top boxes via a dedicated VOD subscription. This expansion reflects HBO's global ambitions and its commitment to delivering premium content to a wider audience.
2015: James L. Dolan assumes ownership
James L. Dolan, son of Charles Dolan, became the owner of the New York Knicks and Rangers through The Madison Square Garden Company in 2015.
January 2016: "Sesame Street" Debuts on HBO
The 46th season of "Sesame Street" premiered on HBO in January 2016.
March 1, 2016: HBO Extends Deal with Summit Entertainment
On March 1, 2016, HBO renewed its first-run output deal with Summit Entertainment for an additional four years, solidifying its position as the studio's exclusive pay-cable partner.
2016: Comcast Xfinity Begins Downconverting HBO HD to 720p60
Comcast Xfinity began downconverting HBO, Cinemax, and other cable channels transmitting in 1080i to 720p60 in 2016.
2016: HBO Europe Ends Ziggo Partnership, Exits Dutch Market
HBO Europe ended its partnership with Ziggo in 2016, leading to its exit from the Dutch market.
2016: HBO Returns to Children's Programming
HBO returned to children's programming between 2016 and 2020, driven by a deal with Sesame Workshop.
March 3, 2017: HBO Retires Minimalist Feature Presentation Intro
On March 3, 2017, HBO retired its minimalist feature presentation intro.
March 4, 2017: HBO Debuts New Feature Presentation Intro with Homage to 1982 Sequence
On March 4, 2017, HBO introduced a new feature presentation intro designed by Imaginary Forces. The sequence, set within a metropolis formed by the HBO letterforms, paid homage to the 1982 intro by featuring glimpses of its "space station" segment.
2017: Increased Flexibility in R-Rated Movie Airings
By 2017, HBO allowed R-rated movies to air in random afternoon timeslots any day of the week on its main channel.
2017: Partnership with A24 Begins
In 2017, HBO began its partnership with A24, producing selected original series and specials, starting with the comedy special 'Jerrod Carmichael: 8'.
September 2018: HBO Shortens Feature Presentation Intro
In September 2018, HBO shortened its feature presentation intro to an eight-second variant.
September 2018: HBO Reaches 35.656 Million U.S. Households
By September 2018, HBO's programming was available in approximately 35.656 million U.S. households with a multichannel television subscription, solidifying its position as the premium channel with the largest subscriber base in the United States.
September 27, 2018: HBO Announces End of Boxing Telecasts
On September 27, 2018, HBO announced that it would discontinue its boxing telecasts after 45 years, marking the end of live sports on the network.
December 8, 2018: HBO Airs Final Boxing Match
On December 8, 2018, HBO aired its last boxing match, marking the end of an era for the network.
December 2018: End of HBO Sports event telecasts
HBO Sports ceased producing selected sports event telecasts for HBO in December 2018, marking a shift in its focus.
December 2018: Discontinuation of HBO's Boxing Telecasts
In December 2018, HBO discontinued its boxing telecasts, impacting the scheduling of Saturday night movie premieres. Previously, live boxing events occasionally caused variances in the movie start times.
2018: Cinemax Removes "Max After Dark" Content
In 2018, Cinemax removed all "Max After Dark" content from its linear and on-demand platforms, as part of a broader shift away from adult programming.
February 2019: HBO Now Surpasses 8 Million Subscribers
By February 2019, HBO Now had achieved significant subscriber growth, surpassing 8 million paying customers. This milestone highlighted the increasing popularity of standalone streaming services and the demand for HBO's premium content.
April 2019: Discovery Announces New Venture to Replace DIY Network
In April 2019, Discovery announced its new venture that would replace DIY Network. This new venture would eventually become Magnolia Network.
October 2019: Sesame Workshop Content to Move to HBO Max
In October 2019, it was announced that "Sesame Street" and other Sesame Workshop content would migrate to HBO Max.
2019: A24's Showtime Exclusivity Agreement
In 2019, A24 had an exclusivity agreement with Showtime for the distribution of its films, which concluded at the end of 2023.
2019: HBO Airs "World Premiere Presentation" Intro Variant
In 2019, HBO used a rarely aired "World Premiere Presentation" variant of its feature presentation intro for the stand-up comedy special "Dan Soder: Son of a Gary".
2019: "HBO Plus" Brand Modified to "HBO+" in Latin America
The "HBO Plus" brand was modified to "HBO+" in 2019 for a multiplex channel of HBO Latin America. This channel primarily features theatrical movies previously carried on its parent feed.
May 2020: HBO Max Launches
HBO Max, a new streaming service, launched in May 2020.
May 2020: HBO Max Launches with Four-Second Feature Presentation Intro
When HBO Max launched in May 2020, it used a four-second variant of the feature presentation intro to open films on its main HBO content portal.
June 12, 2020: WarnerMedia Announces Discontinuation of HBO Go Mobile and Digital Media Player Apps in the U.S.
WarnerMedia made the decision to discontinue HBO Go's mobile and digital media player apps in the United States on July 31, 2020. This move was driven by the increasing adoption of HBO Max, WarnerMedia's newer streaming platform, and the company's focus on consolidating its streaming services. While HBO Max became the primary platform for accessing HBO content, certain providers continued to offer HBO Go access through the desktop website, primarily those who had not yet secured distribution deals for HBO Max, such as Altice USA's brands, Mediacom, smaller cable providers, and some closed-circuit university television systems.
September 2020: Reduction in Theatrical Premieres
Due to COVID-19-related postponements of theatrical releases, HBO reduced the frequency of its scheduled theatrical premieres in September 2020. The Saturday 8:00 p.m. slot began featuring original specials, documentaries, and older movies.
November 2020: HBO Max Replaces HBO Streaming Service on Amazon Fire and Fire TV Devices
In November 2020, HBO Max replaced the existing HBO streaming service on Amazon Fire and Fire TV devices. This transition marked a further expansion of HBO Max's reach and reinforced its position as HBO's primary streaming platform.
December 2020: HBO Now Rebranded as HBO
In December 2020, HBO Now, HBO's standalone streaming service, underwent a name change and was simplified to just "HBO." This rebranding strategy aimed to create a more cohesive brand identity for HBO's streaming offerings.
December 2020: Airings of Older Hit Movies
Since December 2020, HBO has filled the Saturday 8:00 p.m. slot with airings of older hit movies, mainly from 1979 to 2015, during weeks without new premieres.
December 17, 2020: HBO Streaming Service Discontinued on Roku Devices
The HBO streaming service, formerly known as HBO Now, was discontinued on Roku devices on December 17, 2020. This decision followed an agreement with WarnerMedia, paving the way for HBO Max to become available on the Roku platform, further consolidating HBO's streaming presence.
2020: Most Providers Transmit All Seven HBO Multiplex Channels in HD
By 2020, most providers were transmitting all seven HBO multiplex channels in HD, either on a dedicated HD channel tier or as hybrid SD/HD feeds.
2020: HBO Reduces Focus on Children's Programming
HBO's focus on children's programming decreased after 2020.
2020: HBO Asia Closes Operations in Several Southeast and South Asian Countries
In 2020, HBO Asia ceased operations in several Southeast and South Asian countries.
2020: Launch of HBO Max
In 2020, HBO Max launched as an expanded streaming platform, featuring HBO's content alongside original programming and content from other Warner Bros. Discovery properties.
2020: Ole Communications Exits HBO Latin America Partnership
Ole Communications left its partnership with HBO Latin America in 2020.
2020: Madison Square Garden Entertainment spin-off
The Madison Square Garden Company spun off its non-sports entertainment assets into Madison Square Garden Entertainment in 2020.
2020: Launch of Magnolia Network's Linear Television Component Delayed
The launch of Magnolia Network's linear television component, initially planned for 2020, was delayed until 2022 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
January 4, 2021: Magnolia Network Programming Debuts on Discovery+
Some Magnolia Network programming premiered on January 4, 2021, as part of the launch of the Discovery+ streaming service.
March 2, 2021: HBO's Deal with Summit Entertainment Set to Expire
It was announced on March 2, 2021, that HBO's output deal with Summit Entertainment, effective since 2013, would reach its conclusion at the end of 2022.
July 6, 2021: Universal Announces Streaming Plans with Peacock
On July 6, 2021, Universal Filmed Entertainment Group revealed plans to release its theatrical films on Peacock following the conclusion of its exclusivity agreement with HBO at the end of 2021.
November 2021: HBO and Disney Extend and Amend 20th Century Studios Deal
WarnerMedia and Disney announced in November 2021 the extension of the existing output deal with HBO for 20th Century Studios films through 2022. The amendment allowed for a split distribution arrangement between HBO Max, Disney+, and Hulu.
2021: Fluid Enforcement of Watershed Policy
As of 2021, HBO employed a more fluid enforcement of its watershed policy, varying based on the daily programming schedule.
2021: Cinemax Linear Multiplex Service as of 2021
As of 2021, the Cinemax linear multiplex service includes the primary feed and seven thematic channels: MoreMax, ActionMax, ThrillerMax, MovieMax, Cinemáx, 5StarMax, and OuterMax.
2021: Cinemax Shifts Back to Movie-Exclusive Programming
Following WarnerMedia's reallocation of programming resources towards HBO Max, Cinemax ended its foray into original scripted programming in early 2021. The channel then returned to its original format as a movie-exclusive premium service.
2021: End of A24 Library Rights
The library rights deal between HBO, HBO Max, and A24, secured in 2022, included films released up to 2021.
January 5, 2022: DIY Network Transitions to Magnolia Network
The linear DIY Network officially transitioned to the Magnolia Network on January 5, 2022.
April 7, 2022: Magnolia Network Leadership to Report to HBO and HBO Max's Chief Content Officer
Following the Warner Bros. Discovery merger, it was announced on April 7, 2022, that Magnolia Network leadership would report to HBO and HBO Max's chief content officer Casey Bloys.
April 2022: HBO Asia Continues with HBO Go for On-Demand Video
As of April 2022, HBO Asia continued to use its older HBO Go platform for on-demand video programming in Southeast and South Asia.
April 2022: Discovery Inc. Merges with WarnerMedia to Form Warner Bros. Discovery
Discovery Inc. and WarnerMedia merged in April 2022, forming Warner Bros. Discovery.
July 18, 2022: HBO and HBO Max Deal with A24
On July 18, 2022, HBO and HBO Max secured a deal with A24, granting them library rights to the studio's 2013–2021 releases. This partnership also included the continuation of A24's production of original series and specials.
2022: Universal Pictures Sub-Run Agreement
HBO entered into a sub-run agreement with Universal Pictures in 2022, covering films released prior to that year.
November 2023: HBO's Programming Schedule
As of November 2023, HBO's programming schedule primarily features theatrically released movies and adult-oriented original series, including dramas, comedies, and topical satires.
December 6, 2023: Multi-Year Output Deal with A24
On December 6, 2023, A24 announced a multi-year output deal with HBO and Max, allowing their films to be distributed on these platforms following their theatrical release. This agreement succeeded A24's previous exclusivity deal with Showtime.
December 19, 2023: "Real Sports with Bryant Gumbel" Concludes
After 29 seasons and numerous accolades for its investigative journalism, "Real Sports with Bryant Gumbel" aired its final episode on December 19, 2023.
2023: HBO Max Rebranded as Max
HBO Max underwent a rebranding in 2023, becoming simply Max. Despite the name change, it continues to serve as the streaming home for HBO's content and other Warner Bros. Discovery programming.
2023: Summit Entertainment Sub-Run Agreement
In 2023, HBO made a sub-run agreement with Summit Entertainment for films released prior to that year.
2024: Exclusive Licensing Agreements
As of 2024, HBO and Cinemax, along with their streaming platforms, maintain exclusive licensing agreements for first-run and library film content from various studios.
2024: HBO Max Planned for Launch in Asia
HBO Max is scheduled to be launched in Asia in late 2024.
2024: "HBO Go" Brand to Be Replaced by "Max" in Select Asian Markets
HBO plans to further unify its streaming brand globally by rebranding "HBO Go" to "Max" in select Asian markets in the fall of 2024. This change reflects a global strategy to consolidate streaming services under the "Max" brand, streamlining the user experience and enhancing brand recognition.
Mentioned in this timeline
Basketball is a team sport played by two teams of...
Roku Inc is an American company that owns the Roku...
CBS Broadcasting Inc or CBS is a prominent American commercial...
Sony Group Corporation is a Japanese multinational conglomerate based in...
College basketball is played by student-athletes at universities and colleges...
The Union of Soviet Socialist Republics USSR or Soviet Union...
Trending
42 minutes ago All Whites Clash with New Caledonia for a FIFA World Cup 2026 Spot
43 minutes ago New Orleans Firefighters Combat Lower 9th Ward Blaze; Dogs Rescued from Rubble
2 hours ago Funeral Directors Reflect on Lockdown, COVID Impact, and Face Violent Crime.
2 hours ago Lyme-A-Palooza Boosts Lyme Disease Awareness, Animal Shelter Improves Testing in South Carolina
43 minutes ago Ellen DeGeneres and Portia de Rossi Relocate to UK, Sell US Homes
3 hours ago Michael Jordan's Mansion: Rental Price Reduced, Buyer Problems, and Timeshare Offering.
Popular
LeBron James nicknamed King James is an American professional basketball...
Simone Biles is an American artistic gymnast renowned as the...
Ben Folds is an American singer-songwriter and pianist known for...
An autopen is a mechanical device that automates the signing...
Michael Jordan also known as MJ is a celebrated American...
Cristiano Ronaldo widely considered one of football's greatest captains both...