HBO Max: the new Max service, movies, TV shows, price and more explained

by #AI April 20, 2023 · Automatic

HBO Max won’t be around for much longer. Warner Bros Discovery’s (WBD) streamer is one of the most popular services in the US, but on Tuesday May 23, 2023, it will be replaced by an a new platform known as Max.
The good news is that you’ll still be able to enjoy one of the most impressive collections of movies and TV shows on the planet, as your HBO Max favorites will be moving over to the new-look Max, alongside “a selection of Discovery favorites”. The streamer has also announced a raft of exciting and exclusive new projects, including a new True Detective, spin-offs from The Batman, Game of Thrones and The Big Bang Theory, and a TV adaptation of the Harry Potter saga.
If you’re interested in signing up to one of the world’s best streaming services in the meantime, we’ve pulled together all the essential info you need on HBO Max subscription plans, availability, TV and movie offerings, and more.
We’ve also outlined what to expect when the platform becomes Max on May 23. If you want to know more, check out our in-depth guide to 7 things HBO Max fans need to know about the new streaming service.
Where is HBO Max currently available?
House of the Dragon is one of HBO Max’s biggest hits. (Image credit: HBO)
The first thing you need to know is where HBO Max is available. It originally launched in the US in May 2020, before releasing in South and Latin America the following June. Its rollout continued in October 2021 – the service arriving in Denmark, Sweden, Norway, Finland, Spain, and Andorra. Lastly, HBO Max debuted in 15 more European territories, including Croatia, Portugal, and Serbia, in March 2022.
As mentioned in our introduction, HBO Max’s worldwide availability will dramatically shift on Tuesday May 23, 2023, when it’s replaced by the new Max service. Although early reports suggested Warner Bros Discovery would combine HBO Max with Discovery Plus, however, that’s only half true. Discovery Plus will instead continue to exist as a separate service, while the new Max will replace the current HBO Max platform, adding “a selection of Discovery favorites” to the mix.
If you already have HBO Max installed, when the May changeover comes around you’ll either be updated automatically to Max or prompted to download the Max app. According to Max.com , the app “will have the HBO Max movies and series that you already love, plus an expanded catalog with favorites from Discovery”.
HBO Max price: how much does it cost?
There are plenty of reasons to serve the popcorn on HBO Max. (Image credit: Shutterstock / Ascannio)
Potential HBO Max subscribers have two tiers to choose from: the ad-free tier, which costs $15.99 per month (or $149.99 per year), and an ad-supported tier that’ll set you back $9.99 per month (or $99.99 per year). The ads-based plan give you access to the same library of movies and TV shows, but you can’t download content for offline viewing. Video quality is also capped at 1080p.
The ad-free tier plan puts HBO Max on the more expensive end of the streaming service spectrum. The price of Disney Plus is $7.99 (with ads) or $10.99 (without ads) per month. Meanwhile, Netflix‘s standard tier costs $15.49 a month. To learn more and compare the service to the competition, check out our dedicated HBO Max price guide.
It’s also worth noting that all existing direct HBO subscribers get HBO Max for free, as well as anyone who subscribes to HBO using the below platforms:
Altice One
Atlantic Broadband
Apple TV
AT&T TV
AT&T U-verse
Cox
DIRECTV
Optimum
RCN
Spectrum
Suddenlink
Verizon FIOS
WOW!
Xfinity
Hulu
If you’re subscribed to HBO through a third-party app or service, the HBO Max help center confirms users can get HBO Max ad-free for nothing. These services are: Amazon Appstore, Apple, Google Play, Roku Channel Store, Samsung TV, WarnerMedia, Consolidated Communications, Liberty, North State, Optimum, Service Electric Cablevision, Verizon Fios, and Ziply Fiber.
Subscribing to HBO through AT&T-related services lets you watch HBO Max content for no additional cost, too. AT&T now has a dedicated page on deals that include access to the streamer.
But what will you be paying when Max arrives in May? Existing HBO Max customers won’t see any changes to their subscription price, meaning they’ll continue to pay $9.99 per month ($99.99 per year) for Max Ad-Lite and $15.99 per month ($149.99 per year) for Max Ad-Free.
There is a catch, however. If you want to stream your favorite movies and TV shows in 4K UHD, the facility will only be available if you pay extra for the Max Ultimate Ad-Free plan, which will set you back $19.99 per month/$199.99 per year.
Max have also promised that existing subscribers “will still have access to their current plan features for a minimum of six months following launch”, which could mean pricing changes are possible later this year.
Is there an HBO Max free trial?
Can you stream The Batman as part of a HBO Max free trial? (Image credit: Jonathan Olley/Warner Bros.)
The short answer is no – at least not directly with HBO Max. Potential subscribers used to be able to try HBO Max for seven days before deciding whether to sign up, but since December 2020 that’s not been an option.
As you can see in our HBO Max free trial article, however, it is possible to get seven-day trials with the service if you sign up through Hulu or Amazon Prime Video. But be warned – as soon as your week is up, you’ll be charged at $15.99 a month.
HBO Max movies: DCEU, Elvis, Dune and more
Dune: Part One is one of the many movie highlights available on HBO Max. (Image credit: Warner Bros.)
HBO Max is stuffed with plenty of critically-acclaimed and highly-rated movies. Netflix’s library might contain notable highlights from other studios (check out our pick of the best Netflix movies), but HBO Max offers tons of amazing films from Warner Bros’ own back catalog.
So, what’s on offer? For one, an eclectic range of movies based on DC Comics, including Batman (1989), Joker, The Dark Knight, Aquaman and Black Adam. Genre movies are generally well represented, with The Lord of the Rings and The Matrix trilogies also available. Take a look at our dedicated guide to the best HBO Max movies for our top-tier choices and our new HBO Max movies list for the newest movies to hit the platform.
One of HBO Max’s bespoke channels features Studio Ghibli movies, which gives subscribers access to every animated film from the legendary studio. Another channel – TCM (Turner Classic Movies) – delivers plenty of classics, such as Citizen Kane and All The President’s Men.
Unfortunately, you won’t get access to day-and-date movie releases – which saw the likes of Dune and The Matrix Resurrections released directly onto the streamer in tandem with their theatrical debuts – anymore. However, HBO Max still gives Netflix and Disney Plus a run for their money when it comes to blockbusters.
HBO Max shows: Succession, The Last of Us and more
Succession‘s fourth and final season is now on HBO Max. (Image credit: HBO)
HBO’s original series are some of the best around, with The Wire, The Sopranos, Game of Thrones, Chernobyl just four of its most popular offerings.
HBO isn’t only known for its riveting dramas, though. Comedies including Curb Your Enthusiasm and Veep exist on the platform alongside documentaries like McMillions and The Case Against Adnan Sayed. HBO’s rich history of stand-up specials is also showcased, with some of the biggest US comedians’ live shows available to stream.
Older shows from Warner’s archive (and beyond) help supplement the HBO offering. HBO Max has the exclusive US rights to all 10 seasons of Friends and all 26 seasons of Friends. The Big Bang Theory, The Middle, Young Sheldon, The Nanny, and The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air are among the sitcoms you can enjoy as well.
Great animated shows like Batman: The Animated Series is a ’90s classic, the Superman show and the more futuristic Batman Beyond can be beamed right into your living room, too. And, if you’re after some anime, Crunchyroll has a channel on HBO Max that offers a broad selection. Access to Cartoon Network encompasses shows like Steven Universe and Dexter’s Laboratory, while the channel’s more grown-up cousin, Adult Swim, supplies shows like Rick and Morty, Robot Chicken and Aqua Teen Hunger Force.
Import shows include crime drama Gomorrah, I Hate Suzie and recent seasons of Doctor Who. However, the BBC’s Time Lord is heading to Disney Plus some time in 2023 following a new agreement, so it’s unclear whether it’ll warp away from HBO Max later this year.
Euphoria has been one of HBO Max’s edgiest – and most acclaimed – dramas of recent years. (Image credit: HBO)
Finally, HBO Max has numerous critically-acclaimed and award-winning original series of its own. Succession, Euphoria, House of the Dragon, The Last of Us, The White Lotus and The Flight Attendant are just a few of the streamer’s premium TV gems. For more recommendations encompassing HBO Max’s delightful suite of TV content, check out our comprehensive guide to the best HBO Max shows.
What’s coming to HBO Max in April 2023?
Here’s a brief selection of the newest and biggest movies and TV shows still to come to HBO Max in April 2023:
– Doctor Who: Power of the Doctor (TV special, April 23)
– Somebody Somewhere season 2 (HBO TV show, April 23)
– The Dog House: UK season 4 premiere (Max Original TV show, April 27)
– Love & Death (Max Original TV show, April 27)
– Warner Bros 100 Years premiere (Max Original docuseries, April 28)
– Moonage Daydream (Movie, April 29)
HBO Max vs HBO: what’s the difference?
Is HBO Max worth investing in over HBO? (Image credit: Shutterstock)
The difference comes down to the range of programming you can access. Subscribing to HBO will allow you to stream every original series and movies that the premium channel has. Meanwhile, HBO Max gets you more than double the content. You won’t only gain access to HBO Max’s originals line-up, but you’ll get everything on HBO and numerous other channels, such as Adult Swim.
Essentially, there’s no reason to get HBO over HBO Max. They cost the same, but you get more stuff with the latter.
What devices is HBO Max available on?
There’s no shortage of specialist channels on the HBO Max platform. (Image credit: Future)
Want to know what devices support HBO Max via web browsers or its app? Read the list below:
Android (5.0 or later)
Android TV
Apple TV 4K or HD
Chromecast
Chrome/Firefox/Microsoft Edge
Cox Contour 2 and Contour Stream Player
iOS (12.2 or later)
PlayStation 4 and PlayStation 5
Roku (OS 10.0 and later)
Samsung smart TVs (2016 models or later)
Xbox One and Xbox Series S/X
Xfinity X1 and Flex
There’s no limit to how many devices you can use with the streaming service. However, it’s worth noting that, for security reasons, the number of simultaneous streams permitted is currently capped at three.
This will change slightly when Max launches on May 23. The previously mentioned Max Ad-Lite and Max Ad-Free packages will be cut back to two concurrent streams. You will, however, get four concurrent streams if you pay extra and opt for the 4K UHD service offered by the Max Ultimate Ad-Free package.
HBO Max app: what features are available?
There are plenty of ways to personalize HBO Max. (Image credit: HBO Max)
HBO Max lets you download content for offline viewing. It also has a PIN system for parental control, personalized profiles, and brand-based content hubs similar to how Disney Plus categorizes Star Wars content and Marvel films. As mentioned earlier, these include TCM, Studio Ghibli, DC, Crunchyroll, Looney Tunes, and Sesame Workshop.
Subscribers can ‘co-view’ homepages that represent the tastes of multiple people in your home, too. The homepage also has themed selections of content to enjoy, if you’re a little sick of Netflix’s algorithmic recommendations.
Does HBO Max support 4K streaming?
The Last of Us can be streamed in 4K on compatible devices. (Image credit: Liane Hentscher/HBO)
Yes. HBO Max supports 4K streaming on a selection of compatible devices. However, you’ll have to subscribe to the ad-free tier to watch shows and movies with this video quality. You’ll also only be able to stream in 4K on one of the below devices:
Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K and Fire TV Cube
Android TVs, including AT&T Streaming Box
Apple TV 4K
Google Chromecast Ultra and Chromecast with Google TV
PlayStation 5
Roku Ultra 4800x, Roku 4k TVs, Roku Premiere, and Roku Streaming Stick Plus
Xbox Series X
Xfinity X1 (Xi6) and Flex
It’s worth bearing in mind that HBO Max doesn’t stream every show in 4K resolution, as older offerings tend to be limited to 1080p HD. But Warner Bros Discovery has promised that “all Warner Bros movies released this year and going forward will also be available in 4K UHD when they arrive on Max”.
Is HBO Max worth the money?
Is HBO Max the world’s best streaming service? (Image credit: monticello / Shutterstock.com)
HBO is a name synonymous with prestige TV. With HBO Max, that association is equally as big of an asset to Warner Bros Discovery, with the streamer building on some of the best TV of the last two decades and providing a home for WBD’s 100-year-plus catalog of content. Not all streaming services will survive this content war, but HBO Max has a lot in its corner, especially with its big investment in blockbuster movies.
It’s already a great streaming service, but the question is whether its originals make it stand out in an overpopulated US streaming landscape, especially when the price of entry is still relatively high.
For us, HBO Max’s superb TV line-up makes the streamer worth the price, though that may change when Max launches in May – especially as we’ll have to pay extra to watch our favorite movies and TV shows in HD.
The new Max service: what you need to know
Max is coming to the US on May 23. (Image credit: Warner Bros. Discovery)
The new-look Max service will launch in the US on Tuesday May 23, 2023. The three Max packages will look like this:
Max will feature existing content from HBO, HBO Max and “a selection of Discovery favorites”, along with new TV shows and movies exclusive to the platform.
And Max has some seriously big hitters in the pipeline, including the Jodie Foster-starring fourth season of True Detective, The Batman spin-off The Penguin and new TV shows set in the worlds of The Conjuring andThe Big Bang Theory. Perhaps the most headline-grabbing news, however, is that Max will be the home of both a new Game of Thrones prequel series (currently titled A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms: The Hedge Knight) and a big-budget TV adaptation of JK Rowling’s Harry Potter series: