When “Last Week Tonight” host John Oliver ridiculed Warner Bros. Discovery over the rebranding of HBO’s streaming service, it underscored the confusion surrounding HBO and HBO Max. Here’s a breakdown to elucidate the distinctions:
**HBO**: Pertains to the traditional cable television channel recognized for acclaimed dramas such as “The Sopranos” and “Succession,” original documentaries, and standup comedy. Programs like “Curb Your Enthusiasm” are developed for the cable channel first.
**HBO Max**: Introduced in 2020, this streaming service encompasses everything from the HBO TV channel in addition to more content, including Warner Bros. films, live sports, and originals exclusive to the platform.
**Max Originals**: These are series and films produced specifically for HBO Max, like “The Flight Attendant” and “Tokyo Vice,” and have never been broadcast on the HBO cable channel.
**Key Differences**: “HBO” pertains to content that was originally broadcast on the cable network. “Max Original” signifies exclusivity to the streaming service. HBO Max is the platform that provides all this content, as well as other offerings from Warner Bros. Discovery. Grasping these differences aids in understanding the content landscape and the recent changes in branding.
