Warner Bros. Discovery's Max streaming service has arrived
HBO Max and Discovery+ have merged into one streaming service.
Credit:
HBO / Discovery+
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In April, Warner Bros. Discovery execs came together to announce the impending arrival of Max, the new combined streaming service that incorporates catalogs from HBO and Discovery+. Max is intended to function as one-stop-shop for all your HBO, HBO Max, and Discovery viewing needs.
The combined service has been lingering on the horizon for about a year, ever since Warner Bros. and Discovery merged into one entity. Max officially debuted on May 23, 2023, in the U.S. We've broken down everything you need to know about Max, including pricing, any issues you might encounter during the transition, and catalog info.
How much does Max cost?
Max prices don't differ from what you might have paid for an HBO Max subscription. You can sign up for Max through the website, or download the app to supported devices through your TV, digital, or mobile provider. A standalone Max subscription starts at $9.99/month or $99.99/year for the Ad-Lite tier. To get the Ad-Free tier, you'll pay $15.99/month, or $149.99/year. Both the Ad-Lite and Ad-Free tiers allow streaming on two devices at once. There is also a third "Ultimate Ad-Free" tier that allows users to stream on four devices at once, which will cost $19.99 per month.
The Ultimate Ad-Free tier includes up to 100 offline downloads within its cost, so if you're a fan of predownloading streaming content, that might be the tier for you. It's also the only tier that allows you to stream in 4K, or stream with Dolby Atmos.
How can you sign up for Max?
You can sign up for Max today. Max is currently only available in the United States and certain U.S. territories, and can be accessed with an internet connection through Android products, Roku, Chromecast, iOS, some gaming consoles, and certain smart TV platforms.
Max will also be available to cable subscribers through AT&T, Hulu, Cox, Xfinity, Verizon, DirecTV, Prime Video channels, and other services. If you subscribe to HBO, your account credentials will simply transfer to the new service.
We'll update this information if new providers are announced in the future.
What if I already subscribe to HBO or Discovery+?
If you're an HBO Max subscriber, you won't have to do anything to transition to Max, as your current account will carry over. Either the account will automatically update, or you may be prompted to download the Max app and use your same subscription credentials. Your Discovery+ subscription can still function as a standalone subscription (at its current price of $4.99/month), but HBO Max subscribers can only access HBO Max plan features for six months after Max debuts.
If you're signed up for both HBO Max and Discovery+ at the time of the Max transition, you may want to cancel the Discovery+ account, given that all the same content will appear on Max.
What can you watch on Max?
Max is home to catalogs from HBO, HBO Max, and Discovery+. That means subscribers have access to HBO films and series, Max Original series and films, HGTV series, Food Network series, Animal Planet films and series, DC movies and shows, TCM content, the Adult Swim Collection, Studio Ghibli films, Cartoon Network’s vast catalogue, the Sesame Workshop collection, Looney Tunes, and much more. You'll get access to new series like The Last of Us, House of the Dragon, and Barry as they premiere.
In tandem Max's arrival, Warner Bros. Discovery announced a massive slate of new shows, among them new footage from Colin Farrell's The Penguin, a Game of Thrones prequel series, and a Harry Potter reboot. Additionally, you'll be able to catch Warner Bros. movies in 4K UHD when they arrive on Max following their theatrical releases.
Check out the full list of reveals and announcements:
- The Regime
- The Conjuring series
- A The Big Bang Theory related series
- Fixer Upper: The Hotel
- Peter and the Wolf
- True Detective: Night Country
- The Sympathizer
- Welcome to Derry (An IT prequel series)
- Gremlins: Secrets of the Mogwai
- Barbie Dreamhouse Challenge
- A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms: The Hedge Knight
- Harry Potter reboot
