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.
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.
Manhattan Cable Television signed its first contract with Madison Square Garden in May 1969, marking the beginning of their broadcasting partnership.
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.
The broadcasting agreement between Manhattan Cable Television and Madison Square Garden was extended for an additional five years in November 1970.
In January 1971, Sterling Information Services, founded by cable television executive Charles Dolan, changed its name to Sterling Manhattan Cable Television.
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.
Madison Square Garden granted Sterling the rights to televise its sporting events to cable television systems outside New York City on November 1, 1972.
HBO, the first television service to directly transmit to cable systems, launched on November 8, 1972. This marked the beginning of modern pay television.
HBO Sports, an in-house production division, launched with HBO in November 1972, producing sports-related content and event telecasts.
Prior to Wimbledon, HBO broadcast the men's and women's rounds of the U.S. National Indoor Championships from 1972 to 1976.
On January 22, 1973, HBO aired its first boxing telecast, featuring the "The Sunshine Showdown" heavyweight championship bout.
In March 1973, HBO signed a $1.5 million deal to obtain the regional rights to a selection of ABA games for five years.
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.
HBO began airing Professional Bowlers Association (PBA) tournament events, starting with the Winston-Salem Open on June 10, 1973.
On June 18, 1973, HBO provided its first interconnected satellite demonstration broadcast with a heavyweight championship match.
In 1973, HBO began producing original programming, a novel concept for cable television at the time.
HBO pioneered the free preview concept in 1973, allowing participating television providers to offer potential subscribers a sample of HBO's programming.
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.
In September 1974, the FCC granted HBO temporary authorization to broadcast a limited number of Yankees games, citing their unavailability on broadcast television.
HBO acquired the rights to broadcast World Football League (WFL) games from the New York Stars and the Philadelphia Bell in 1974.
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.
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.
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.
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.
In September 1975, HBO expanded its reach nationally and internationally by becoming the first television channel to transmit 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.
HBO premiered its first stand-up comedy special, "An Evening with Robert Klein", on December 31, 1975.
HBO aired 18 WFL games over two seasons until the league abruptly folded in the middle of the 1975 season.
HBO premiered "On Location", a monthly anthology series showcasing stand-up comedy performances in their entirety, on March 20, 1976, starting with David Steinberg.
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.
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".
HBO's coverage of the U.S. National Indoor Championships lasted from 1972 to 1976.
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.
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.
From 1973 to 1976, HBO aired around 25 PBA tournaments, including eight that HBO co-sponsored.
"Standing Room Only", a monthly series featuring live concerts and stage performances, premiered on April 17, 1977, with "Ann Corio's 'This Was Burlesque'".
HBO's contract with the American Basketball Association (ABA) ended prematurely on July 1, 1977, due to the ABA's merger with the NBA.
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".
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.
HBO aired the NCAA Division I Baseball Championships from 1977 to 1978.
HBO also carried selected WTA Tour events from 1977 to 1979.
Through 1977, HBO carried a wide variety of sporting events from the Sterling Manhattan/Manhattan Cable sports channel, including World Hockey Association games, ECAC tournaments, World TeamTennis, and more.
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.
In September 1978, HBO began referring to the content shown between programs as "InterMissions."
From 1978 to 1979, HBO also carried the National Collegiate Boxing Association championships.
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.
In 1978, HBO scaled back its sports offerings, citing the regional appeal and abundance of similar events on commercial television.
Some cable providers began offering two-day free preview weekends of HBO as early as 1978.
HBO Sports began using its own team of commentators for Wimbledon coverage starting with the 1978 tournament.
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.
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.
Through 1979, HBO carried various National Golden Gloves competitions and aired boxing telecasts on various scheduled nights.
HBO's coverage of selected WTA Tour events ran from 1977 to 1979.
Cinemax, HBO's first standalone premium channel offering, was launched in 1979.
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.
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).
Around 1980, HBO's InterMissions were categorized into "Video Jukebox" for music videos and "Special" for short films.
Controversy arose in 1980 surrounding daytime showings of R-rated films on competing premium services.
By June 1981, HBO fully discontinued the use of its 1975 logo, solidifying the 1980 version as the network's primary visual identifier.
HBO began offering 24-hour programming on weekends in September 1981, extending its watershed policy to this time period.
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.
In 1981, HBO began offering network-level free preview weekends, initially for two days.
USGF, AAU, and select non-NCAA invitational events continued on HBO until early 1981, after which the network focused primarily on boxing and Wimbledon.
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.
HBO Behind the Scenes, a series featuring behind-the-scenes footage and interviews, aired from 1982 to 1992.
HBO's notable feature presentation sequence first appeared in 1982.
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.
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.
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.'
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.
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.
By 1984, HBO's InterMissions primarily consisted of comedic shorts and children's programming.
Starting in 1984, Cinemax began incorporating music specials and limited original programming into its schedule, moving beyond its initial focus on movies.
Starting in 1984, HBO Pictures scaled back its telefilm slate to concentrate on independent film production.
HBO abandoned its focus on exclusive film output deals, citing subscriber indifference and a desire to invest in original programming.
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".
In 1985, HBO Premiere Films was rebranded to HBO Pictures, expanding its focus to include independent film production.
HBO entered a non-exclusive agreement with 20th Century Fox in January 1986, securing the rights to films released between 1985 and 1988.
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.
The U.S. Department of Justice approved HBO's exclusive output deals with Tri-Star Pictures, Columbia Pictures, and Orion Pictures. The Tri-Star deal became non-exclusive in January 1988.
HBO signed a three-year output deal with New World Pictures for up to 75 films that Showtime would not receive, costing $50 million.
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.
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.
On November 1, 1986, HBO decided to discontinue most variations of its feature presentation intro sequence.
HBO signed an agreement with De Laurentiis Entertainment Group for films between 1987 and 1990, including home video rights for HBO/Cannon Video.
HBO signed a pact with Soviet Union producer Poseidon Films for US and Canada rights to Soviet films over an unspecified period.
Showtime premiered its Showtime Championship Boxing telecasts in 1986.
HBO began broadcasting Comic Relief USA fundraising specials in 1986, supporting programs for America's homeless population.
HBO Showcase was created in 1986, which later became HBO NYC Productions, contributing to HBO's slate of original movies and drama series.
Starting in January 1987, HBO began airing films covered under its distribution agreement with Warner Bros.
The special disclaimer indicating that R-rated films would only air during the designated watershed period was discontinued in March 1987.
HBO's "Standing Room Only" series concluded on May 24, 1987, with the premiere of "Liza in London", a Liza Minnelli concert special.
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.
The "HBO Comedy Hour" debuted on August 15, 1987, with "Martin Mull: Live from North Ridgeville", a variety-comedy special.
HBO launched two more standalone premium channels, Take 2 and Festival, in 1987. Both channels would later cease operations.
Starting in 1987, HBO boxing telecasts began airing exclusively on Saturdays.
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.
HBO's five-year, $500 million deal for exclusive rights to Paramount Pictures films, signed in July 1987, came into effect.
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.
By 1988, InterMissions had mostly vanished from HBO.
HBO Entertainment News, later renamed HBO News, aired from 1988 to 2011, featuring entertainment news and behind-the-scenes segments.
HBO's "On Location", after a 13-year run, aired its final episode, "Billy Crystal: Midnight Train to Moscow", on October 21, 1989.
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.
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.
The merger between Time Inc. and Warner Communications in 1989 resulted in HBO gaining pay-cable exclusivity over newer Warner Bros. films.
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.
In December 1990, HBO created TVKO, a production arm for distributing and organizing marquee boxing matches on pay-per-view.
Time Warner Sports assumed management of HBO Sports in 1990, reflecting a corporate restructuring within Time Warner.
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.
MoreMax was launched in April 1991 as Cinemax 2, coinciding with the rollout of HBO2.
On April 19, 1991, TVKO produced its first boxing event, the "Battle of the Ages" bout.
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.
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.
HBO and Cinemax introduced multiplex channels in August 1991, offering subscribers additional channels and programming options for no extra cost.
Although initially planned for a November 1, 1991 launch, Cinemax's third multiplex channel, Cinemax 3, was put on hold until 1996.
HBO Latin America launched in 1991 through a partnership between Warner Bros. and Omnivisión (Ole).
HBO Europe launched in 1991 in Budapest, Hungary, as a partnership between HBO and Sony.
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.
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.
HBO premiered "Michael Jackson: Live in Bucharest" on October 10, 1992, which became its highest-rated special ever, drawing 3.7 million viewers.
The initial distribution agreement between HBO and Warner Bros., signed in June 1986, concluded in December 1992.
HBO Asia launched in 1992 with its initial service in Singapore. This was established through a partnership with Singtel.
HBO First Look, a series of 15-to-20-minute documentary-style interstitial specials promoting newer movies, debuted in 1992.
HBO's annual Bryant Park Summer Film Festival, held near its former New York City headquarters, first took place in 1992.
HBO's five-year deal for exclusive rights to Paramount Pictures films concluded.
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.
HBO Asia broadened its reach in 1993 by expanding its services into Thailand and the Philippines.
HBO's exclusive contract with Columbia Pictures for film rights transferred to Showtime.
HBO began promoting its 'Saturday Night Guarantee' in January 1994, highlighting the promise of a new movie premiere every Saturday night.
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.
HBO founder Charles Dolan, along with ITT Corporation, purchased Madison Square Garden and its resident sports teams in August 1994.
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.
The 15-minute promotional "free preview show" that aired nightly during free preview events was discontinued in September 1994.
In 1994, HBO Asia further expanded its presence in the region by launching services in Taiwan and Indonesia.
HBO Europe expanded its reach to the Czech Republic in 1994.
In 1994, HBO launched its dedicated channel in Brazil.
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.
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.
HBO secured a five-year deal with Columbia Pictures, effective January 2000, alongside a five-year extension of their existing agreement.
HBO Asia continued its Asian expansion in 1995 by launching its services in Hong Kong and Malaysia.
Cinemax launched ActionMax as Cinemax 3 in 1995.
HBO's multi-million dollar deal with DreamWorks SKG commenced in January 1996, granting them exclusive rights to the studio's film releases.
On February 3, 1996, HBO Boxing After Dark premiered, featuring title fights in the junior featherweight and junior bantamweight classes.
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.
In June 1996, HBO NYC Productions was restructured. This unit occasionally produced drama series for HBO alongside its film projects.
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.
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.
Cinemax 3, originally slated to launch in 1991, finally launched in 1996.
Disney joined the HBO Europe partnership in 1996.
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.
When the TV Parental Guidelines were implemented on January 1, 1997, HBO's watershed policy was extended to include TV-MA-rated programs.
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.
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.
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.
On November 1997, HBO adopted the twelve-note musical signature from its feature presentation intro as its official audio logo.
HBO/Cinemax's rights to Paramount Pictures films ended.
HBO Europe expanded into Slovakia in 1997.
HBO's free preview weekends were extended to three days in 1997.
Beginning in 1997, HBO Asia extended its services to additional Southeast Asian countries.
HBO had initially planned to launch its expanded multiplex services, including the fourth HBO channel and additional Cinemax channels, in the spring of 1997.
Showtime obtained the pay-cable rights to Paramount Pictures films under a seven-year deal resulting from Viacom's 1994 acquisition of Paramount.
The "HBO Comedy Half-Hour" aired its last episode on January 23, 1998, concluding its run with a shorter format for stand-up comedy.
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.
HBO Europe expanded into Romania in 1998.
In 1998, electronics manufacturers prepared to launch their first line of high-definition television sets to the public.
Cinemax launched ThrillerMax in 1998.
HBO's agreement with Silver Screen Partners concluded upon the studio's closure in 1998.
HBO aired "You Are All Diseased", a George Carlin-headlined comedy special, on February 6, 1999, marking the end of the "Comedy Hour" banner.
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.
HBO HD, originally called HBO HDTV, launched in March 1999, offering a high-definition simulcast of HBO in the 1080i resolution format.
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.
On June 25, 1999, HBO Sports announced it would not renew its contract with Wimbledon after 25 years of broadcasting the tennis tournament.
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.
On November 4, 1999, HBO retired a series of six-second feature presentation bumpers designed by Telezign.
On November 5, 1999, HBO introduced a new CGI feature presentation bumper, designed by Pittard Sullivan as a nod to the 1982 intro sequence.
HBO Europe expanded into Moldova in 1999.
HBO's new five-year deal with Columbia Pictures, signed in July 1995, came into effect.
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.
On May 6, 2000, HBO premiered a new boxing program, KO Nation, which attempted to incorporate hip-hop music and attract a younger audience.
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.
HBO South Asia was established in 2000 as a subsidiary of HBO Asia.
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.
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.
In January 2001, KO Nation was moved from Saturday afternoons to Saturday late nights in an attempt to improve ratings.
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.
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.
On August 11, 2001, KO Nation was canceled due to low ratings.
Starting around 2001, most family-oriented programming shifted to HBO Family.
In 2001, TVKO was rebranded as HBO PPV.
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.
HBO Europe expanded into Bulgaria in 2001.
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.
In September 2002, HBO Plus was renamed back to "HBO2."
HBO discontinued the use of hosted interstitials promoting the service during free preview weekends in 2002.
In 2002, CNN/SI was shut down, and its Wimbledon broadcasts were moved to CNNfn.
In January 2003, HBO Latino premiered Oscar De La Hoya Presenta Boxeo De Oro, showcasing up-and-coming boxers represented by Golden Boy Promotions.
By 2003, HBO Family had scaled back its production of original children's programming.
In 2003, ESPN acquired the cable rights to broadcast Wimbledon.
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.
HBO's output deals with Columbia and TriStar concluded, and Sony Pictures transferred the exclusive pay-cable rights for their films to Starz.
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.
HBO Asia expanded its reach to Vietnam in 2005.
HBO HDTV was renamed to HBO HD in April 2006.
In April 2006, Generación Boxeo, a second boxing series, premiered on HBO Latino.
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 marked the end of HBO's decade-long agreement with DreamWorks SKG for film distribution rights.
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.
HBO Europe further expanded its reach in 2006, launching in Serbia, Montenegro, and Bosnia and Herzegovina.
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.
HBO Entertainment News was renamed to HBO News in 2007.
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.
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.
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.
Following its cancellation by HBO, "Inside the NFL" was acquired by Showtime and began airing on the rival premium channel in September 2008.
Showtime's hold on Paramount Pictures film rights concluded.
By 2008, HBO's free preview weekends were further extended to a "four-day weekend" format, running from Friday to Monday.
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.
HBO began offering high-definition simulcasts for its multiplex feeds in 2008.
Both Sony and Universal left their partnership with HBO Asia in 2008.
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.
On March 2, 2009, HBO briefly returned to broadcasting professional tennis when it aired the BNP Paribas Showdown as a one-off special presentation.
Epix, a joint venture between Paramount/Viacom, Lionsgate, and MGM, acquired the pay television rights to Paramount Pictures films upon its launch.
HBO Europe launched in Northern Macedonia in 2009.
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.
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.
HBO aired its final Comic Relief USA fundraising special in 2010, concluding its run of supporting the charity through these events.
HBO purchased the shares of both Sony and Disney in HBO Europe in 2010.
In 2010, both Disney and Sony ended their partnership with HBO Latin America.
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.
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.
HBO retired its CGI feature presentation bumper on April 1, 2011.
On April 2, 2011, HBO began using a minimalist feature presentation intro.
Cinemax premiered its first original action series, "Strike Back," in August 2011, marking the beginning of a push into original programming.
HBO stopped airing "behind-the-scenes" interstitials during promotional breaks in 2011.
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.
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.
By 2012, ESPN had gained full U.S. television exclusivity for broadcasting Wimbledon.
In 2012, HBO Europe partnered with the Dutch cable operator Ziggo to launch its service in the Netherlands.
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.
In 2013, HBO established a sub-run agreement with Paramount Pictures, covering television and streaming licensing of films released prior to that year.
In 2013, HBO PPV was rebranded as HBO Boxing Pay-Per-View
HBO and HBO Max gained library rights to A24's films starting from 2013 as part of their deal secured in 2022.
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.
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.
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.
In 2014, HBO resumed airing short films during its overnight and early morning programming.
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.
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.
In April 2015, HBO CEO Richard Plepler stated that he did not want HBO to become synonymous with binge-watching like Netflix.
In August 2015, HBO secured a deal for the first-run broadcast and streaming rights to "Sesame Street."
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.
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.
The 46th season of "Sesame Street" premiered on HBO in January 2016.
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.
Comcast Xfinity began downconverting HBO, Cinemax, and other cable channels transmitting in 1080i to 720p60 in 2016.
HBO Europe ended its partnership with Ziggo in 2016, leading to its exit from the Dutch market.
HBO returned to children's programming between 2016 and 2020, driven by a deal with Sesame Workshop.
On March 3, 2017, HBO retired its minimalist feature presentation intro.
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.
By 2017, HBO allowed R-rated movies to air in random afternoon timeslots any day of the week on its main channel.
In 2017, HBO began its partnership with A24, producing selected original series and specials, starting with the comedy special 'Jerrod Carmichael: 8'.
In September 2018, HBO shortened its feature presentation intro to an eight-second variant.
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.
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.
On December 8, 2018, HBO aired its last boxing match, marking the end of an era for the network.
HBO Sports ceased producing selected sports event telecasts for HBO in December 2018, marking a shift in its focus.
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.
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.
In 2018, AT&T acquired Time Warner, leading to a realignment that included folding TNT into WarnerMedia Entertainment alongside HBO.
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.
In April 2019, Discovery announced its new venture that would replace DIY Network. This new venture would eventually become Magnolia Network.
In October 2019, it was announced that "Sesame Street" and other Sesame Workshop content would migrate to HBO Max.
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".
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.
In 2019, A24 had an exclusivity agreement with Showtime for the distribution of its films, which concluded at the end of 2023.
HBO Max, a new streaming service, launched in May 2020.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
The launch of Magnolia Network's linear television component, initially planned for 2020, was delayed until 2022 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Ole Communications left its partnership with HBO Latin America in 2020.
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.
In 2020, HBO Asia ceased operations in several Southeast and South Asian countries.
HBO's focus on children's programming decreased after 2020.
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.
The Madison Square Garden Company spun off its non-sports entertainment assets into Madison Square Garden Entertainment in 2020.
Some Magnolia Network programming premiered on January 4, 2021, as part of the launch of the Discovery+ streaming service.
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.
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.
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.
The library rights deal between HBO, HBO Max, and A24, secured in 2022, included films released up to 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.
As of 2021, HBO employed a more fluid enforcement of its watershed policy, varying based on the daily programming schedule.
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.
The linear DIY Network officially transitioned to the Magnolia Network on January 5, 2022.
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.
As of April 2022, HBO Asia continued to use its older HBO Go platform for on-demand video programming in Southeast and South Asia.
Discovery Inc. and WarnerMedia merged in April 2022, forming Warner Bros. Discovery.
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.
HBO entered into a sub-run agreement with Universal Pictures in 2022, covering films released prior to that year.
As of November 2023, HBO's programming schedule primarily features theatrically released movies and adult-oriented original series, including dramas, comedies, and topical satires.
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.
After 29 seasons and numerous accolades for its investigative journalism, "Real Sports with Bryant Gumbel" aired its final episode on December 19, 2023.
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.
In 2023, HBO made a sub-run agreement with Summit Entertainment for films released prior to that year.
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.
HBO Max is scheduled to be launched in Asia in late 2024.
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.