Everything You Need to Know About Max (Formerly HBO Max)

No longer is Netflix the only streaming service on the block; tons of competitors are trying to take the top spot. Recently, streaming services like Apple TV+ and Disney Plus dropped, with others on the way.

As you figure out which streaming services you want, here’s everything you need to know about Max.

What is Max?

Max launched on May 23, 2023. HBO Max was the biggest streaming service that arrived in 2020 from Warner Media.

How much is Max?

As far as pricing is concerned, Max plans start at With Ads – $9.99/month or $99.99/year, Ad-Free – $15.99/month or $149.99/year, and Ultimate Ad-Free – $19.99/month or $199.99/year. Competitors in the streaming wars include Netflix ($9.99+), Disney Plus ($7.99), and Hulu ($6.99+). However, Max’s price tag is the same price as the HBO service that is offered through cable providers, only with more content.

When does Max launch?

A ton of details about HBO Max were revealed back in October 2019. The streaming service launched in May 2020 in the United States. Max was first launched in other countries as HBO Max at a later date. The service has rebranded to Max and was first launched in the U.S. on May 23, and in different regions throughout 2023 and 2024.

What is Max? Is it different from HBO Max?

It will blend the existing HBO Max library with content from Discovery+.

What will Max offer?

Max is the exclusive home to many brands Warner Bros. has access to beyond HBO, including DC, Cartoon Network, Adult Swim, TNT, TBS, CNN, and other select programs from Turner Network’s libraries, such as The CW and DC Universe. Some notable TV shows and movies that are available on the service include:

TV shows and movies

• The Last of Us
• The Sopranos
• Succession
• House of the Dragon
• The Banshees of Inisherin
• The Menu
• The Batman
• Black Adam
• Don't Worry Darling
• Elvis

Original TV Shows and Movies

In addition to content from other libraries, there are exclusive Max originals. Many of these projects are in various stages of development with release dates unknown. Here are some of the Max original TV shows and movies available on the service:

• The Flight Attendant
• Peacemaker
• Our Flag Means Death
• Doom Patrol
• Tokyo Vice

Is Max the same as HBO?

HBO (Home Box Office) is an American premium television network. The programming featured on the network consists primarily of theatrically released motion pictures and original television shows, along with made-for-cable movies, documentaries and occasional comedy and concert specials.

Existing HBO subscribers on AT&T-owned television providers (including DirecTV) also received Max at its launch.

Is Max included with HBO subscription?

Existing HBO subscribers on AT&T-owned television providers (including DirecTV) also received Max at its launch, although it is unknown if this is only a promotional offer.

Click here to see the content available on Max.

Is Max included with HBO Now?

Get Max with HBO NOW. HBO NOW subscribers who are billed directly through HBO will also get access to WarnerMedia's new offering, Max, at launch for no extra cost.

HBO Now via third-party distributors (such as Apple TV and Roku) is still subject to negotiation and customers have been advised to wait for further details.

Is Max on Hulu?

According to Hulu, you can add an HBO subscription to your account, and “You’ll even have the option to create an HBO Now account using your Hulu credentials.” Max is included with HBO Now.

You can binge some of the most talked-about HBO favorites on the Hulu app and access additional shows, movies, and Max Originals on the Max app with the Max Add-on. Hulu also offers the classic HBO on Hulu Add-on, which does not include access to the Max app. 

How much is Max on Hulu?

Try Hulu with Max free for one week, then just $14.99/month. 

Is Max replacing HBO GO?

Read Variety's article explaining the differences in the plans.

Can I get Max through Amazon?

Max isn't available as an add-on with Prime Video, Prime subscribers looking to hang on to Max will have to sign up with HBO directly or bundle HBO with another streaming service like YouTube TV or Hulu + Live TV.

How is Max Different Than HBO Max?

According to NPR, “The company is promising over 35,000 hours of programming, along with an average of 40 new projects or seasons of TV every month. According to a spokesperson, subscribers get access to all the programming from HBO Max and “a majority of Discovery+.” This includes “Discovery favorites,” or the top shows from HGTV, Food Network, TLC, ID, Magnolia, and Discovery.

How do I get Max?

Max providers no longer offer a free trial to new subscribers.

Will Max be free?

Max has been launched, with subscription rates starting at $9.99 (or $99.99 a year) for the Max Ad-Lite plan. The mid-tier Ad Free plan, which doesn't include 4K streaming, costs $15.99 a month ($149.99 a year), while the Ultimate Ad Free plan with 4K streams goes for $19.99 a month, or $199.99 a year.

Why doesn't my HBO Max app work/ Do I need to download the new Max app?

Subscribers who already had HBO Max are supposed to see their app automatically update to Max, but if not, you will need to download the new app separately (which is what happened to me). Discovery+ subscribers can choose to stay on the old platform or move over.

Do HBO Max Users Have to Do Anything to Switch to Max?

Many HBO Max subscribers will automatically be migrated to Max with profiles, settings, and watch histories moving to the new platform. Subscribers who already had HBO Max are supposed to see their app automatically update to Max, but if not, you will need to download the new app separately.

Will Max have ads?

Since Max comes with three tiers — ad light, ad-free, and ultimate ad-free, there will be no ads in Max's streaming service on ad-free and ultimate ad-free services.

What if I get a “Can't Connect” screen on Max?

If you're using Max and get this message:

“Can’t Connect

We’re having issues connecting to Max right now. Please try again.”

If you're searching for a title on Max that has been removed, you will likely get this error message.

That’s everything you need to know about Max’s original content before it launches, but there will surely be more programming based on their existing IP so they can compete with the likes of Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, and Disney Plus in the future.

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