Should You Get HBO Max?

There could scarcely be a better time for HBO, the pay TV network owned by WarnerMedia, to launch its new streaming video service, HBO Max.

Streaming customers are ready for something new to watch. But just what is HBO Max? How does it differ from the already existing streaming services HBO Go and HBO Now? Here’s what you need to know.

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HBO Max Explained

There are already two HBO streaming options: HBO Go and HBO Now. HBO Now is a standalone streaming service that does NOT require a cable TV package. HBO Go is included with your cable or satellite TV subscription, or a subscription you added onto another service such as Amazon or Hulu.  HBO Go and HBO Now offer only HBO shows. But the new HBO Max gives subscribers all HBO shows, plus 10,000 hours of added series and movies from AT&T–owned properties such as Warner Bros., CNN, TNT, TBS and TCM.

If you already have an HBO subscription through AT&T or Charter Communications, you’ll get HBO Max for free. If you subscribe to HBO Now, it will be included in your $15 monthly fee. And if you want to subscribe only to HBO Max, the cost is the same: $15. If you are an Amazon Prime subscriber and have an HBO subscription you can also find HBO Live content (but not HBO Max) through Amazon; the same is true of Hulu.

HBO content isn’t available on Netflix because, particularly with the introduction of HBO Max, the two streaming services are competing for a similar broad audience.

HBO Max puts several of TV’s most classic series all in one place

The cast of "Friends."

NBCU Photo Bank/NBCUniversal via Getty Images via Getty Images

Let’s begin with what’s grabbing all the headlines. Starting May 27, you’ll be able to see all 236 episodes of the beloved sitcom Friends, along with other old favorites such as The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air and The Big Bang Theory. The much-anticipated unscripted reunion the Friends stars, meant to launch the new service, was postponed by the coronavirus, but will ultimately be available on HBO Max.

Beyond those network darlings, you’ll also be able to binge some of HBO’s best-loved series, including The Sopranos, Big Little Lies, Sex and the City, Game of Thrones and The Wire.

HBO Max is also streaming original series

First up is Love Life, a rom-com anthology series that stars Up in the Air's Anna Kendrick. Each episode of Season 1 will chronicle one fling in her character's life, leading up to what we hope will be a happily-ever-after ending.