Announcement of WarnerMedia Streaming Service
WarnerMedia announced plans to launch a new streaming service, which would later become known as HBO Max, aiming to compete with other major streaming platforms.
2018
2019
HBO Max Officially Named
In July 2019, WarnerMedia officially named its upcoming streaming service HBO Max, highlighting its connection to the premium HBO brand.
2020
HBO Max Launch
HBO Max was launched on May 27, 2020, offering a vast library of content, including HBO's original programming, Warner Bros. films, and exclusive Max Originals.
2020
Friends Reunion Special Announced
In February 2020, HBO Max announced a highly anticipated Friends reunion special, which generated significant buzz and attracted subscribers.
2020
Partnership with Studio Ghibli
HBO Max secured exclusive U.S. streaming rights to Studio Ghibli's film library, making it the first time the beloved Japanese animated films were available on a streaming service.
2020
Wonder Woman 1984 Simultaneous Release
In December 2020, HBO Max released Wonder Woman 1984 simultaneously with its theatrical release, marking a significant shift in film distribution due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
2021
Day-and-Date Release Strategy
Warner Bros. announced that its entire 2021 film slate would be released simultaneously in theaters and on HBO Max, a groundbreaking strategy that attracted both praise and controversy.
2021
Launch of Ad-Supported Tier
In June 2021, HBO Max introduced a lower-cost, ad-supported subscription tier, making the service more accessible to a broader audience.
2021
European Expansion
HBO Max expanded its reach by launching in several European countries in October 2021, furthering its global footprint.
2022
Merger with Discovery+ Announced
In March 2022, WarnerMedia announced plans to merge HBO Max with Discovery+, combining content from both services to create a more robust streaming offering.
2022
House of the Dragon Premiere
HBO Max premiered House of the Dragon, a highly anticipated prequel to Game of Thrones, in August 2022, drawing significant viewership and critical acclaim.
2023
Rebranding to Max
In April 2023, WarnerMedia rebranded HBO Max as simply "Max," aiming to streamline the brand and emphasize the breadth of its content beyond HBO originals.
2023
Launch of Max Originals
Max introduced a new slate of original programming, known as Max Originals, including high-profile series and films exclusive to the platform.
2023
Integration of Discovery+ Content
Max integrated Discovery+ content into its library, offering a diverse range of programming from both WarnerMedia and Discovery's extensive catalogs.
2024
4K Streaming Expansion
Max expanded its 4K streaming capabilities in early 2024, enhancing the viewing experience for subscribers with compatible devices.
2024
Global Subscriber Milestone
In mid-2024, Max reached a significant milestone, surpassing 100 million global subscribers, marking a major achievement in its growth and market presence.
