When Final Week Tonight host John Oliver mercilessly mocked his present’s mother or father firm Warner Bros. Discovery again in Could over the umpteenth identify change for HBO’s streaming community, it was not solely a hilarious bit from the cheeky host a few boneheaded advertising determination — it was additionally an indicator that the distinction between HBO and what’s now HBO Max may nonetheless be a bit… puzzling, to say the least, to some viewers.
With so many names, rebrands, and mergers within the combine over the previous few years, it’s comprehensible if you happen to’re nonetheless not completely clear on what’s what. So right here’s a fast explainer to assist straighten all of it out.
What counts as HBO?
Each time anybody refers to HBO, they’re speaking concerning the legacy cable TV channel that’s been round for greater than 50 years. It’s recognized for status dramas (The Sopranos, Succession), authentic documentaries, and standup comedy. In case you’re watching Curb Your Enthusiasm or True Detective, for instance, you’re watching HBO. And whereas all HBO exhibits are additionally obtainable to stream, the important thing factor right here is that these titles have been created for the cable channel firstly. In case you’re watching HBO, in different phrases, suppose “watching TV.”
HBO Max: Extra than simply HBO
Right here’s the place issues can get a bit confounding. HBO Max is the streaming platform that launched in 2020 and has gone by way of a number of branding tweaks, most just lately returning to the HBO Max identify after a befuddling stint as “Max.” This streamer contains all the pieces from the HBO TV channel, but in addition much more (therefore, the “Max” within the title). In different phrases, the identify implies HBO supercharged with further content material. HBO Max additionally contains Warner Bros. motion pictures, some reside sports activities, and originals made completely for the streaming platform. Which brings us to at least one thing more price clarifying:
Max Originals: The HBO exhibits made only for streaming
Right here’s a distinction that journeys individuals up: It’s additionally vital to outline releases which can be branded as Max Originals, that are exhibits and films created particularly for HBO Max. In different phrases, these have by no means “aired” on the HBO cable community. That features streaming-only titles like The Flight Attendant, Love & Demise, and Tokyo Vice. The latest film Mountainhead from Succession creator Jesse Armstrong can also be a Max Authentic.
These are a part of the HBO Max library, however technically, they’re not HBO releases. I do know, I do know — it seems like splitting hairs.
Recapping the important thing variations
To wrap up, right here’s what to learn about the important thing variations between all these phrases:
In case you’re watching one thing branded merely as “HBO,” it’s a TV present or film that initially aired on the HBO cable community. If it says “Max Authentic,” it’s unique to the streaming service. And HBO Max is the umbrella platform the place all of it lives, together with a complete lot of different Warner Bros. Discovery content material. I’ll admit, it’s positively comprehensible that it may be complicated, nonetheless. However a minimum of now, the subsequent time John Oliver throws shade at his personal streaming dwelling, you’ll be in on the joke.
