The Warner Bros. Discovery streaming service will launch on April 25, 2019 for $19.99 per month. It will offer a variety of content from both HBO Max and Discovery+, including new seasons of some popular shows like Stranger Things, Westworld and Veep. In addition to traditional TV programming, the service will also feature exclusive content from producers like Ridley Scott, David Lynch and Star Trek: Discovery’s Alex Kurtzman.
Max is a streaming service that focuses on original content. The service will debut in the United States on May 23 and will eventually be available in Latin America next year, followed by Europe next year. Max offers a variety of channels, including comedy, lifestyle, and entertainment. It is promising new content each month to keep subscribers interested.
The WBD brand is undergoing a new and exciting phase with their tagline, “One to watch.” The bright blue color of their logo reflects this, as well as the innovative nature of the company. Max has created an exciting environment for employees and customers alike, with unique products and a dedication to quality.
It is unclear why the company believed HBO would dissuade potential subscribers, though it likely had to do with Max Original’s partnership with HBO. The division produces original programming that is exclusive to the service, and would presumably compete against shows on Netflix and other cable networks.
Prior to the Paramount+-Showtime merger, both brands had strong reputations and were likely to keep them after the merger. Paramount+ boasted a loyal fanbase that preferred it over Showtime, while Showtime had a more established reputation. The new name choice for Netflix’s streaming service is likely meant to contrast with rival Paramount+, which merged with Showtime in January and kept both brands’ names. It’s possible that Netflix is hoping its new brand will attract newer viewers who haven’t heard of either of the other services.
Looking to continue watching HBO content without any ads? Max offers a premium plan with no ads for $15.99 per month, but note that this price also includes access to the network’s on-demand library and app. For those who don’t mind seeing commercials, the ad-supported tier will cost $9.99 per month.
With the new subscription plan, PS4 gamers will be able to experience 4k HDR video quality, more concurrent streams and the ability to download 100 titles. This is a great option for gamers who want to have access to more content without having to pay full price.
With Netflix’s ever-growing influence in the streaming industry, it was only a matter of time before WBD felt the need to compete. Their new $19.99/month premium plan with Ultra HD video quality seems like an excellent way to do just that.
According to 9to5Mac, WBD is planning to offer a premium subscription that includes features such as ad-free browsing and the ability to save articles for offline reading. This service would cost more than the current subscription plan, which charges users $4 per month. The company is likely banking on enticing subscribers who are willing to pay more for these premium features.
With Discovery+ remaining as a standalone streaming service in the U.S., it means that Discovery+ subscribers don’t have to switch to a higher-priced subscription if they don’t want to. The $4.99/month for ads and $6.99/month for no ads option is still available for those who subscribe to the service.
Some parents may be concerned about how kids are using Max, as the app is geared more towards older audiences. The new updates will aim to make the experience easier for parents to monitor and manage, as well as give kids a more simplified profile.
With Max, HBO subscribers gain instant access to a library of thousands of titles from scripted and unscripted series from Discovery+, as well as classic HBO programming. Whether watching hit shows like Succession and Euphoria or addictive reality shows like Fixer Upper, Max offers something for everyone.
This new programming will include shows like “The Walking Dead” and “Game of Thrones.” These acclaimed series will be available to watch on the WBD service, as well as on other devices including TVs and mobile devices.
- The Penguin: Batman spinoff series featuring Colin Farrell as the notorious villain.
- The Big Bang Theory project (unnamed): a new comedy series based on the popular IP.
- The Conjuring project (unnamed): a drama series based on the films in New Line Cinema’s “The Conjuring” universe.
- True Detective: Night Country: spinoff series starring Jodie Foster and Kali Reis as lead detectives.
- How to Be a Bookie: TV series starring comedian Sebastian Maniscalco.
- Smartless on the Road: TV series about actors Will Arnett, Jason Bateman and Sean Hayes going on tour for their podcast, “SmartLess.”
- Fixer Upper: The Hotel: new series featuring Chip and Joanna Gaines who will renovate a historic building in downtown Waco.
- Love & Translation: TLC relationship series that has three American men trying to connect with 12 international women who don’t speak English.
- And more.
HBO is certainly remaining busy in 2019! The network has revealed a slew of upcoming projects, including sequels for some of its most popular shows, as well as newly-announced series for fans of A Song of Ice and Fire and Sherlock Holmes.Adding to the growing list of excitement is the confirmation that HBO Max will be returning with new seasons of fan-favorite programs like House of Dragons, The Last Of Us and White Lotus. It’s clear that there’s never been a better time to be an HBO subscriber!
If the first WBD Harry Potter Max Original series is a big success, it’s safe to assume that there will be more. According to reports, the network is in talks about a possible Harry Potter Max Original series centered around Dumbledore. Assuming the negotiations go well and
The four members of Congress, who are from different parts of the country, suggest that the merger could lead to higher prices for consumers, as Warner Bros. gains greater power over content production and distribution. They say that DOJ should investigate potential anti-competitive behavior to prevent such a scenario from occurring.
The Democratic representatives claim that the merged company, which is now called Disney, enabled it to harm workers and heighten barriers to entry in the media and entertainment industry. The accusations are based on research conducted by Senator Warren and her colleagues, who believe that the company’s interests have gone contrary to those of its employees and consumers.
The large debt load incurred by WarnerMedia following its acquisition of Discovery was a major concern for lawmakers. However, in April 2022, the company implemented a number of cost-cutting measures in order to reduce its debt burden. These included the shutdown of CNN+, the removal of titles on HBO Max as well as many layoffs.
Apparently, the success of HBO Max and Discovery+ has not been enough to make either of those platforms profitable. In addition, WBD’s fourth-quarter results were quite dismal, with a net loss of $2.1 billion. Poor performance from these three divisions may signal that there is little room for growth in the streaming market at this time.
The overwhelming number of bipartisan members of Congress who have voiced concerns about the DOJ’s unwillingness to aggressively pursue antitrust cases against Google has yet to result in tangible change. In a letter sent less than two years ago, nearly 30 members of Congress implored then-Attorney General Eric Holder to take action against the search engine giant. While that letter has had some impact, recent reports suggest that the DOJ is still not taking actionslag in prosecuting companies like Microsoft and Google for their anticompetitive practices.
The lawmakers’ concerns appear to have been well founded, as the merger has led to price hikes for consumers and reduced competition in the media and entertainment industry. Decreased competition has enabled Facebook and other tech giants to grow increasingly powerful, at the expense of smaller companies and job creators.
