hbomax.com
HBO is one of those networks that hardly needs any introduction, as we have all come together to watch and enjoy their shows over the past nearly fifty years. Perhaps you tuned in weekly during The Sopranos' run, or are more familiar with Larry David thanks to Curb Your Enthusiasm or Last Week Tonight? Either way, it's likely you've watched Game of Thrones at least once.
HBO Max is a new premium streaming service that HBO has released. If someone likes what they see about HBO Max, they might be excited to learn that HBO also has older streaming services like HBO Go and HBO Now. These older services might still be popular, so HBO may want to continue offering them in addition to the newer service. There are also a few reasons why HBO would want to create a new service instead of just continuing to offer its older ones. For one, the new service would have its own name and logo, which can help draw in new customers. Additionally, the new service might have more content than the other two, which could make it more enjoyable for users. So while it may seem like there are no good reasons for HBO Max, there really are a few reasons behind the decision.
Since HBO Go and HBO Now are only available to those with paid subscriptions through cable providers, many cord-cutters have been left out in the cold. This decision is not in the best interest of either HBO or the cord-cutters themselves, as younger viewers are the ones who are watching the most TV anyway.
Another reason HBO Max was launched is to produce new, original HBO Max content. This content only exists on HBO Max and makes the service more exclusive and valuable. This helps HBO to further separate Max from its other streaming apps, as well as place it in direct competition with Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Prime Video, and Disney Plus - HBO has officially entered the 21st century media marketplace with their new HBO Max service.
We are well aware of the congestion in the premium streaming service industry these days. With nearly every cable network wanting a piece of the streaming platform pie (NBC, too, has their own streaming platform coming out soon called Peacock), the world of streaming seems to be quickly turning into a more elaborate, more expensive (if more convenient) version of the cable, at least if you want to be able to access all of your favorite content.
I worry that, before long, every network will have its own streaming service that requires $10 to $15 per month to access. Obviously, not everyone can afford to subscribe to every platform out there, which is precisely why StreamingSites exists to provide in-depth and thoughtful reviews of each and every streaming site and app on the market. Finally, a convenient, honest, and clear-cut way to decide whether a new streaming service is worth your hard-earned money.
Is HBO Max worth it? Let's take a deeper dive into the service to find out once and for all.
History
Warner Media has announced that it will be launching an Over The Top (OTT) streaming service in 2019. The service is scheduled to launch in three subscription tiers and include content from Warner Media's various entertainment brands.
However, Randall L. Stephenson, chairman and CEO of AT&T (Warner Media's parent company), changed the script on everyone in May of 2019, indicating that this service would be utilizing HBO's brand name and tying in cable providers (as HBO cable subscribers would automatically have access to the service). A beta of the service was to be expected by the final quarter of 2019, with a launch early on in 2020.
In July of 2019, Warner Media announced that the service would be called HBO Max and that it would launch in the Spring of 2020. Reese Witherspoon's Hello Sunshine was signed on as an initial production deal; a deal was also struck with acclaimed writer, producer, and director, Greg Berlanti. HBO Max officially launched on May 27th, 2020, with plenty of content and original productions to its name.
Design
The HBO Max app design is intuitive. It far surpasses the design of HBO Now, and HBO Go, and it seems that HBO had something to prove with their development of the HBO Max app. I think that they did an okay job.
As you browse through the app, content is separated by type or category. The top of the app has a carousel of featured movies and shows. Swipe horizontally to view all of the featured offerings. Immediately below this, you will find a section of HBO original series. You can swipe through this without losing your place on the page.
Keep scrolling to find more archives - Max originals, featured movies, Harry Potter (all eight films), HBO series: editors picks, buddy comedies, family content, edgy animation, civil rights documentaries, LGBTQ+ content, musicals, true crime. The library of shows and movies seems to go on forever, all while being very easy to navigate and browse.
You will find three main menu tabs at the bottom of the app: Home, Search, and Account. I appreciate how HBO Max has simplified this app by removing excess clutter and focusing on what is essential. Everything is streamlined and natural which makes it easier to use. There is no unnecessary clutter which is a common issue for streaming apps.
Content and Features
HBO Max is widely respected for its high quality programming. This has always been an advantage for HBO Max, as they offer some of the best series and movies available. Do their latest offerings hold up to this standard? I believe they do.
HBO Max has been enjoying a lot of popularity as one of the fan favorites when it comes to HBO Max's offerings. It was very smart, I think, of HBO Max to snatch up the syndication rights to Friends just before the launch of Max. They nabbed this mammothly popular and binge-worthy classic from Netflix just in time. However, I'm not sure if Friends alone is going to be enough, though, to convince people to jump on board with a monthly HBO Max subscription fee. What else does this service offer?
Indeed, HBO Max offers a comprehensive array of original HBO content as well as a great selection of syndicated programming. This includes hits like The Wire, The Sopranos, Game of Thrones, and more. Additionally, HBO Max goes beyond meeting customer expectations; their selection is truly impressive.
There is something for everyone on HBO, Max. Get nostalgic by watching shows and movies from your childhood such as The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, Casablanca, The Wizard of Oz, or Looney Tunes. Pair that with some modern hits and classics like Rick and Morty, The Big Bang Theory, Adventure Time, and Crazy Rich Asians to have the perfect streaming service.
And, of course, don't forget the Max original series such as Love Life, Legendary, On the Record, and The Not-Too- Late Show with Elmo.
Mobile and Desktop Experience
HBO Max is available on iOS and Android devices, as well as Chromecast, Apple TVs (4th gen and newer), PS4, Samsung TVs (2016+), and Xbox One. However, you cannot access HBO Max with Roku, Firestick, or Amazon products. This is a huge disappointment considering that myself and most of the people that I know use something like a Roku or Firestick to access their streaming apps. I think it was likely a huge mistake not to include at least a Roku build with the launch.
That being said, I'm sure a Roku and Amazon release is coming eventually - I hope!
Pricing and Plans
HBO Max is a more expensive premium streaming service that has abandoned the three-tier subscription model in favor of a single option. You would pay $14.95/month for access to HBO Max. If you have HBO already paid for through your cable provider, then it is complimentary.
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