Overview of HBO Max and Its Popularity
HBO Max has established itself as one of the most popular streaming platforms in the United States. According to data from Flix Patrol, it ranks fourth among the most-subscribed platforms globally, trailing only Netflix, Amazon Prime, and Disney+. The platform is well-known for its high-quality content, a vast library of older favorite shows and movies, exclusive programming, and a diverse selection of shows, dramas, and both new and classic releases.
Despite its popularity, some subscribers have raised concerns about the streaming quality on certain devices or the prevalence of "reality" content. However, Warner Bros. Discovery's CEO, David Zaslav, believes that HBO Max offers good value and recently highlighted the service’s growing appeal. At the Goldman Sachs Communacopia + Technology Conference, Zaslav stated that people are beginning to appreciate HBO Max and that he thinks the service is currently "way underpriced." He also projected that HBO Max could reach over 150 million homes next year, citing the quality of the company’s motion picture and TV production as a key factor in its potential to increase prices.
Recent Changes Affecting HBO Max Subscribers
In more recent developments, Warner Bros. Discovery has delivered another blow to HBO Max subscribers. Starting November 17, the platform will no longer offer live CNN news programming. This decision comes just two years after the company introduced live CNN coverage, as reported by The Hollywood Reporter.
Alex MacCallum, CNN's executive VP of digital products and services, commented on the move, stating that the collaboration was beneficial for CNN. During the two years of offering live 24/7 news to HBO Max customers, CNN gained valuable insights into what audiences enjoy most. With the launch of its own new streaming subscription service later this fall, CNN looks forward to building on these lessons and expanding its audience through this unique offering.
It is important to note that while live CNN programming will no longer be available on HBO Max, the platform will continue to feature selected CNN originals such as:
- "Anthony Bourdain: Parts Unknown"
- "Stanley Tucci: Searching for Italy"
- "The Whole Story with Anderson Cooper"
Reasons Behind the Decision to Remove CNN from HBO Max
The removal of CNN programming from HBO Max is tied to CNN’s plan to launch a new direct-to-consumer streaming service later this year. This new offering is expected to provide access to original CNN programming and journalism, including a selection of live channels, catch-up features, and video-on-demand content, according to a May press release.
CNN has been a leader in video-led journalism since its inception, and the expansion of its subscription offering to include streaming reflects its commitment to innovation. As part of this strategy, Warner Bros. Discovery will sell subscriptions to CNN’s new streaming service as part of an All Access subscription that also grants access to paywalled articles on CNN’s website.
This change may also help improve demand for the new service, especially given that CNN has experienced declining ratings in recent periods. Additionally, Warner Bros. Discovery plans to split into two public companies by mid-2026. One company will focus on streaming and studios, including HBO Max, while the other will handle global networks like TNT Sports and Discovery. Some live sports programming currently available on HBO Max may also leave the platform as Discovery Inc. develops its own sports offering.
Reactions from HBO Max Subscribers
The decision to remove CNN from HBO Max has sparked significant discussion among users. A Reddit thread dedicated to the topic contains over 530 comments, reflecting a range of opinions. Some users, like celtic1888, expressed frustration, suggesting that the move could be a bad business decision. They argued that the company is alienating its existing audience while trying to attract a demographic that may not be interested in their content.
Other users questioned the viability of CNN’s new standalone streaming service, with user Mr_Baloon_hands noting that a similar effort had previously failed. Many subscribers were unaware they had access to CNN and indicated they would not pay for it now. User YoungRichBastard26s criticized the decision, calling for the CEO to be fired.
Overall, the sentiment on Reddit is largely negative, with many users doubting the value of CNN as an addition to their HBO Max subscription.
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