As Rust Cohle said in the famous HBO show real detective“Time is a flat circle.” So it's perhaps not a big surprise that Max is the latest service to bring linear cable channels to a premium streaming service.
It is beginning to test such channels in the United States. Some ad-free subscribers will see a Channels option on the home page of adult profiles. This will take you to a selection of 24/7 streaming HBO programming, including simulcasts of HBO and HBO 2. Other channels will show prestigious dramas, comedies, and classic HBO shows, movies, and documentaries.
The channels operate much like any linear television network of the modern era. You can restart programs, rewind and fast forward. On select devices, you'll be able to switch between channels directly in the player, without having to return to the channel center.
This initial launch lays the foundation for more themed channels, which will begin arriving next year. According Max may even offer custom streaming channels in the future.
These channels could help you avoid wasting time instead of scrolling through Max while deciding what to watch. If you're in the mood for a laugh, maybe just put on HBO Comedy. Warner Bros. Discovery (WBD) will surely hope that networks increase engagement and continue using the streaming service. After all, many people simply turn on shows like CBS because they want to watch something and they trust the network's brand enough to offer a program that suits their needs.
Max already offers linear channels in Europe. Crave, a Canadian streaming service that has exclusive rights to the HBO library in that market, also offers simulcasts of HBO and HBO 2. WBD notably includes western world and The Nevers from Max a couple of years ago. Roku and Tubi with HBO shows and other WBD programming.
Rivals also have their own linear channels, including Disney+ and Peacock. amazon, for its part, is moving its programming to Prime Video.
As if it weren't evident enough that media conglomerates are trying to recapture the heady success that cable had for decades, they are partnering with each other through streaming packages. One offers you $30 per month, while Comcast offers a package for $15 per month.
Save you money (compared to subscribing to these services separately) while dumping a bunch of programming you don't care about into your lap? Actually, all of this is just 2.0 cable.
