hbomax.com
One of the most well-known and popular networks in the world, HBO, has been around for nearly 50 years and continues to produce some of the best TV shows out there. Whether you're a fan of crime dramas like The Sopranos or comedies like Curb Your Enthusiasm or Last Week Tonight, chances are you've at least tuned in to one episode of Game of Thrones.
If you're a big fan of HBO, you'll probably be excited to hear that there's a new premium streaming service out called HBO Max. HBO Max is different from the other two streaming services that HBO offers, because it's a paid service. However, there are some good reasons for HBO to create this new service. First of all, old versions of the apps HBO Go and HBO Now still have a lot of users. Secondly, people who already pay for cable might want to sign up for this new service so they can watch more content without having to change their TV providers. So while it may seem like there are no good reasons to get HBO Max, in reality there are several reasons why it might be worth considering.
HBO Go and HBO Now are not exclusive to cable subscribers. In the age of cord-cutting, it makes sense for HBO to make their content available to as many people as possible, no matter what their subscription source is. This includes those who have traditional cable providers, as well as those who subscribe through streaming services like Netflix and Hulu.
Another reason HBO Max was created is because they have new, original HBO Max content that only users can access. This way, HBO Max can boost their premium service and make it more exclusive for their users. This also puts HBO into direct competition with other streaming platforms like Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Prime Video, and Disney Plus - a move that officially enters the 21st century media marketplace.
But we both know that the premium streaming service industry is becoming increasingly congested 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 and expensive version of cable, at least if you want to be able to access all of your favorite content.
I'm worried that, before we know it, every streaming service is going to require $10 to $15 per month to access. Obviously, not everyone can afford to subscribe to every platform out there, which is precisely why StreamingSites is dedicated to providing you with 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.
So, is HBO Max worth it? Well, let's take a look at the service to find out once and for all, okay?
History
However, in a recent press release, the company has since announced that the OTT streaming service will now launch in 2020 instead. The planned three subscription tiers have been scrapped in favor of a single all-inclusive package which will cost $19.99 per month.
However, Randall L. Stephenson, chairman and CEO of AT&T, changed the script on everyone in May of 2019, indicating that this service would be utilizing HBO's brand name, 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 finally announced that the service would be known as HBO Max and it would launch in 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 really intuitive. It beats the design of HBO Now, and HBO Go quite easily. It seems like HBO had something to prove with its development of the HBO Max app. And I think they did a decent job.
For example, in the scrolling carousel of featured movies and shows at the top of the app, I found a section of HBO original series that was immediately below. I could scroll through it without losing my 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.
At the bottom of the app, you will find three main menu tabs: Home, Search, and Account. I like how stripped-down HBO Max has decided to make this app. Everything is simplified, streamlined, and natural. There isn't any excess or clutter, which is a common downfall for streaming apps such as this one.
Content and Features
Many people might be skeptical about whether or not HBO Max is able to uphold the high quality standards that HBO has been known for. However, after watching some of the shows and movies that are available, it appears as though they definitely do.
Many people consider Friends one of the fan favorites when it comes to HBO Max?s offerings. It was smart of HBO Max to snatch up the syndication rights to Friends just before the launch of Max. 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. There are other great options available through HBO Max, like Game of Thrones and Westworld. What else does this service offer?
Oh, HBO Max also has any and everything when it comes to original HBO content. They have all of your favorite series (and mini-series), like Chernobyl, The Wire, The Sopranos, Game of Thrones, Barry, Last Week Tonight, Real Time with Bill Maher, West World, etc. This is of course to be expected. And HBO has never been a network to settle for meeting expectations. They always go above and beyond too, offering a very impressive selection of syndicated content (I mean in addition to just Friends).
There are a lot of different programs and movies to watch on HBO, Max. If you want to get nostalgic, watch some of your old shows like The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, Casablanca, The Wizard of Oz, or Looney Tunes. Then you can switch to some more modern hits like Rick and Morty, The Big Bang Theory, Adventure Time, and Crazy Rich Asians. There is something for everyone on HBO!
And you definitely can't forget about 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 accessible, of course, on iOS and Android devices. It is also compatible with Chromecast, Apple TVs (4th gen and newer), PS4, Samsung TVs (2016+), and Xbox One. However, though, 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
Unless you already have HBO services through your cable provider, HBO Max will cost you $14.95/month.
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