hbomax.com
HBO is one of those networks that many people have come to know and love over the years. We all watch their shows together, sometimes because we are fans of the particular show, and other times because it is a show that everyone watches. Perhaps you were watching The Sopranos when it originally aired, or you are more familiar with Larry David's Curb Your Enthusiasm or John Oliver's Last Week Tonight. Regardless of which HBO show you are most familiar with, there is a good chance you have watched one of their other shows as well. Game of Thrones is their biggest and most well-known show yet, and it has been very popular among viewers.
First of all, HBO Max doesn't require a cable or satellite subscription. This means that it could be a great option for people who are looking to cut the cord or switch to a streaming service that doesn't have any contract restrictions. Secondly, HBO Max is already integrated with a number of other devices, including Xbox One and Playstation 4 consoles and certain smart TVs. This means that it's easy to access and use without having to spend time learning new software and interfaces. Finally, HBO Max offers more content than either of the older streaming services. This includes exclusive shows like Game of Thrones, Westworld, and Stranger Things as well as stand-alone movies and series like The Newsroom and Veep. So whether you're a fan of HBO content or just curious about what all the hype is about, you should definitely check out HBO Max!
HBO Go and HBO Now are only available to traditional cable subscribers who have paid extra for HBO.184 This decision leaves out a large portion of potential subscribers, particularly those in the younger demographic who are watching more TV.
Another reason HBO is launching HBO Max is because they plan on producing new, original HBO Max content that only max users can access. This content will be more exclusive and help HBO to boost their premium service. This puts HBO in direct competition with other streaming services like Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Prime Video, and Disney Plus.
But with so many streaming platforms vying for your attention, it can be hard to decide which one is right for you. And the competition isnât just from traditional cable networks; there are also a number of streaming platforms from Amazon, Apple, and other tech giants.
This crowded marketplace has made choosing a streaming platform more difficult than ever. There are so many great options out there, it can be hard to decide which one is right for you.
I worry that, before we know it, every streaming service will require a monthly subscription fee. Obviously, not everyone can afford to subscribe to every platform out there, which is precisely why StreamingSites is dedicated to providing comprehensive and thoughtful reviews of each and every streaming site and app on the market. Finally, a convenient, honest, and clear-cut way to determine whether a new streaming service is worth your hard-earned money.
With that in mind, is HBO Max worth it? Well, let's take a closer look at the service to determine for sure.
History
Back in October of 2018, Warner Media announced that it would be launching an Over The Top (OTT) streaming service in 2019. The plan originally included three subscription tiers and a scheduled 2019 launch. However, Warner Media has since announced that they have decided to delay the launch of the streaming service until later in the year.
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 known as 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 quite intuitive. It definitely outperforms the design of HBO Now, and HBO Go, both of which are notorious for their subpar and awkward designs. It seems, then, that HBO had something to prove with its development of the HBO Max app. And I think that they did a decent job.
Browsing the app, for instance, is very easy and intuitive. Content is separated by type or category, and at the very top of the app there is a carousel of featured movies and shows. Swipe horizontally through all of the featured offerings. Immediately below this, you'll find a section of HBO original series which you can swipe through without losing your placement on the page whatsoever.
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.
The main three menu tabs are 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
HBO Max does not disappoint when it comes to the quality of its content. This can be seen in the high ratings HBO Max receives, as well as the critical acclaim it has received from both viewers and critics alike.
One of the fan favourites when it comes to HBO Max's offerings is, without a doubt, Friends. It was a smart move on HBO Max's part to snatch up the syndication rights to Friends just before the launch of Max. They nabbed this massively popular and binge-worthy classic from Netflix just in time. 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?
HBO Max is a great source for finding your favorite HBO content. They have a wide variety of shows, including some of the most famous and beloved series on television. Additionally, HBO Max offers a large selection of syndicated content, making it an excellent choice for anyone looking for something to watch.
HBO has a variety of shows and movies for all tastes. You can watch your old favorites like The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, Casablanca, The Wizard of Oz, and Looney Tunes, or watch some newer hits like Rick and Morty, The Big Bang Theory, Adventure Time, and Crazy Rich Asians. HBO also has many classics like Rick and Morty, The Big Bang Theory, Adventure Time, and Crazy Rich Asians. Whether you're looking for a nostalgic trip down memory lane or want to check out some new TV shows and movies today, HBO has something for you!
The Max original series are definitely worth watching, 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 compatible with Chromecast, Apple TVs (4th gen and newer), PS4, Samsung TVs (2016+), and Xbox One. Unfortunately, though, HBO Max cannot be accessed 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.
I am sure that there will be a release of Roku and Amazon products eventually. I hope this happens!
Pricing and Plans
HBO Max is a more expensive premium streaming service that has discontinued the three-tier subscription model in favor of a single option. You would be paying $14.95/month for access to HBO Max if you do not already pay for HBO through your cable provider. If you do, it is complimentary service.
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