HBO Max will launch and begin streaming on May 27, 2020. While it was previously understood the service would launch around May, firm details on the actual date subscribers could begin streaming remained unclear.
HBO Max is a major bet by AT&T and WarnerMedia, with the companies hoping the service will attract tens of millions of subscribers. That is, tens of millions on top of the tens of millions already subscribing to HBO. To make the product as appealing as possible, WarnerMedia previously confirmed Max will launch at the exact same price existing HBO subscribers currently pay.
AT&T and WarnerMedia have now confirmed the HBO Max service will officially go live on may 27, 2020. In addition, AT&T and WarnerMedia also confirmed the Max originals that will be available to stream on launch day. While the list is not as long as some might be expecting, the service is banking on its extensive back catalog to be the real lure at launch. For example, WarnerMedia says “10,000 hours of premium content” will be ready to stream on day one.
Here’s the HBO Max originals available May 27:
- Love Life – scripted series starring Anna Kendrick
- On the Record – Sundance 2020 Official Selection feature documentary
- Legendary – underground ballroom dance competition series
- Craftopia – hosted by YouTube sensation LaurDIY
- The Not Too Late Show with Elmo – talk show hosted by Sesame Street’s Elmo
HBO Max banking on fan favorites
The list above doesn’t feel like much of a selection, and especially for what is a high profile new streaming service at launch. However, new content is only part of the HBO Max play. What AT&T and WarnerMedia are really looking to capitalize on, and especially in those early days while the service is padded out, is the vast content trove AT&T now owns, following its purchase of Time Warner.
For example, HBO Max will come with all of the movies and serials available through the standard HBO service, in addition to the HBO Max originals mentioned above. On top of all that, the service will also bring together fan favorites from multiple studios and production libraries, including Warner Bros., New Line, DC, Crunchyroll, Rooster Teeth, and Looney Tunes. As well as Turner properties, like Adult Swim, CNN, Cartoon Network, TBS, TNT, truTV, and Turner Classic Movies.
All of which comes together to form a streaming service with access to a vast and rich library of content, offered at the same price existing subscribers pay for just HBO shows and movies.
Source: WarnerMedia
