## Overview HBO Max is a leading American subscription video on-demand (SVOD) streaming service operated by Warner Bros. Discovery[1]. Launched in the United States on May 27, 2020, HBO Max aggregates content from a vast array of Warner Bros. Discovery brands—including HBO, Warner Bros., Discovery Channel, CNN, Cartoon Network, Adult Swim, Animal Planet, TBS, TNT, and Eurosport[1]. The platform offers a mix of original programming, legacy content from these networks, and licensed third-party shows and movies, positioning itself as a comprehensive entertainment hub[1]. ## History and Evolution Originally introduced as HBO Max, the service replaced earlier HBO streaming offerings like HBO Go and HBO Now[1]. In 2023, Warner Bros. Discovery rebranded the service as “Max” to broaden its appeal beyond HBO’s prestige programming and include Discovery’s unscripted content[3]. However, by 2025, the company reversed course, re-embracing the HBO Max name to leverage the brand’s longstanding reputation for quality and to signal a renewed focus on premium content[3][6]. This marked the fifth name change for the service in 15 years, reflecting the industry’s rapid evolution and internal corporate strategy shifts[3]. ## Key Achievements HBO Max quickly became the fourth most-subscribed streaming service globally, trailing only Disney+, Amazon Prime Video, and Netflix, with over 125.5 million paid memberships[1]. The platform is renowned for blockbuster originals such as *The Last of Us* and *The White Lotus*, which have driven significant subscriber growth and engagement[6]. In 2024–2025, HBO Max’s emphasis on fewer, high-budget, culturally resonant shows paid off with record engagement—users now average 2.8 hours per day on the platform, a 15% increase from 2023[6]. The service has