HBO's streaming service faces yet another rebrand
HBO subscribers have been left feeling dizzy after Warner Bros. announced that its streaming service Max will return to its original name, HBO Max, in the summer. The network revealed the shock reversal at its star-studded Upfront event on Wednesday, and even joked that they can't wait to hear talk show hosts like John Oliver poke fun at the overhaul.
Speaking at the event held at The Theater at Madison Square Garden in New York City on Wednesday, Shauna Spenley (pictured), Global Chief Marketing Officer of Direct-to-Consumer, said: 'You're probably thinking, wow, these guys love to rebrand. 'Well, you know, it's been about two years so that's roughly our track record, so right now is probably the right time. 'And with all this momentum you've been hearing about, it is exactly the right time.'
Perhaps, unsurprisingly, subscribers have been left scratching their heads over the U-turn and many have questioned why the streamer ever changed its name in the first place. Taking to X, formerly Twitter, one wrote: 'So they realized getting rid of the HBO name was a dumb idea.'
A fourth continued: 'Seriously, how much did that consulting firm make just to suggest changing it to Max and then back to HBO Max? What a loop.' 'What was the point of changing names then?' asked another user. A sixth added: 'What's going on here?'
HBO Max dropped HBO from its brand name in 2023 in a divisive move. At the time, executives said HBO would be preserved as a brand within the Max fold, but that the re-branded service is designed to highlight child-friendly offerings. HBO is 'a brand that has been built over five decades' to stand for 'edgy, groundbreaking entertainment for adults,' said JB Perrette, president and CEO of global streaming and games for WBD said at the time.
'But it's not exactly where parents would most eagerly drop off their kids. 'And yet Warner Bros. Discovery has some of the best-known kids' characters, animation and brands in the industry. Not surprisingly, the category has not met its true potential on HBO Max.'
Want more stories like this from the Daily Mail? Visit our profile page and hit the follow button above for more of the news you need.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Daily Mail
21 minutes ago
- Daily Mail
Paige Spiranac sets pulses racing in revealing outfit as golf glamour girl previews US Open
Paige Spiranac has left fans in awe once again after previewing this week's US Open while wearing a very revealing outfit. The golf beauty offered her thoughts on the major championship over in Pennsylvania, where the likes of Scottie Scheffler and Rory McIlroy will battle it out at Oakmont Country Club. And just 24 hours out from the opening day, Spiranac - who boasts one million followers on X - took to the platform to preview this week's action in a stunning white and floral-patterned dress. She said in a video message: 'This is going to be a grueling test of golf. Oakmont is well bunkered with firm, fast greens and a thick rough thicker than a bowl of Oatmeal. It is going to be a true test from start to finish, every single shot.' When assessing her underdog picks for the tournament, Spiranac added: 'If you're looking at some dark horses, I'm liking Harris English and Ben Griffin. 'I'm looking for carnage this week and fingers crossed that we actually get an over-par winner.' US Open preview⛳️ — Paige Spiranac (@PaigeSpiranac) June 11, 2025 Spiranac has made a name for herself in the world of golf thanks to her eye-catching snaps in recent years, which has seen her gain a huge following online. But the social media sensation has landed herself a new gig after revealing last month that she will be stepping into a high-profile role in an up-and-coming golf league. The 32-year-old, who failed to make in on the LPGA Tour, is taking her golf knowledge to the Grass League - the first high-stakes par 3 golf league - where she will look to translate her social media success to the front office. In her typical glamorous fashion, the two-time Swimsuit Illustrated swimsuit model announced that she is now a 'suit' in a video on X. 'I got some big, high-powered executive job with Grass League, and they were like, "No, no, no, we see through your act. We know that you're a marketing and branding genius and that you pioneered this entire industry, and that you're actually good at golf,"' she joked in the video. 'And all this time I though I' just go down in history as the golf girl with a great set of t***,' she quipped.
Sky News
23 minutes ago
- Sky News
Boos and cheers for Trump as he visits Kennedy Center for Les Mis
Les Miserables, what else. The hit musical about anti-government protest is now showing at the Kennedy Center in Washington DC. Donald Trump was in the audience for Wednesday's performance for what amounts to a busman's holiday. The narrative explores issues of social justice, love, and the enduring power of human compassion amidst a backdrop of poverty and revolution. Not everyone shares the president's vision of those themes. Indeed his presence drew what can only be described as mixed reviews from his fellow theatre goers - cheers and boos in equal measure as he waved from the front row of the circle. The script of Les Miserables barely presents a break from the day job - Trump won't be the only one getting a sense of art imitating life, as the real thing plays out on the streets of LA. It is the first show the president has chosen to attend since he made sweeping changes at the iconic venue, prompting an outcry and accusations that he was politicising art and 'MAGAfying' the venerated institution. According to CNN, a number of Les Miserables cast members had planned to sit out the performance in protest. The Kennedy Center is a prestigious venue that showcases the best of American performance art. More than 2,000 shows per year include the famous honours ceremony, an annual event that celebrates artists who have made a significant contribution to US culture. Honourees through the years have included Joni Mitchell, Aretha Franklin, the Grateful Dead and Francis Ford Coppola. Following his election in November, Trump made himself chairman of the Kennedy Center's board and replaced members with political loyalists. Traditionally, the board has been made up of individuals from across the political spectrum; after his election, Trump got rid of 18 members and replaced them with political soulmates, including his chief of staff Susie Wiles and Fox presenters Laura Ingraham and Maria Bartiromo. Donald Trump signalled a change in artistic direction at the Kennedy Center when he wrote on social media of "Drag shows specifically targeting our youth", and said of its production schedule: "We didn't like what they were showing, we're going to make sure it's good and it's not going to be woke." His changes prompted a number of acts to cancel shows at the venue in protest. The touring production of Broadway hit Hamilton cancelled dates, as did actor and producer Issa Rae, writer Louise Penny and Pulitzer Prize-winning folk musician Rhiannon Giddens. 👉 Follow Trump100 on your podcast app 👈 Trump's attendance at the Les Mis performance was designed to boost fundraising, with donors paying up to $2m to attend a reception with the president. Ticket sales and subscriptions have, reportedly, slumped since Trump's changes although the centre's management points out its campaign to renew subscriptions has been launched later this year than last. Trump watched the performance of Les Miserables from the presidential box, in the company of his wife, Melania. Vice president JD Vance was also there. When he attended a performance by the National Symphony Orchestra in March with his wife, he was booed by members of the audience.
Daily Mail
an hour ago
- Daily Mail
How to wear five of this summer's hottest Gen Z fashion trends - when you're over 50: DINAH VAN TULLEKEN
From jelly shoes to Bermuda shorts, you may remember wearing many of this summer's trends the first time they were cool. But being older and wiser doesn't mean you have to let the 20-somethings, with their ironic attachments to kitsch from the 80s and 90s, have all the fun. With the right styling you can embrace these pieces, give your wardrobe a modern edge and prove that fashion doesn't have an age lim14802753it. Here's how to wear five of summer's boldest looks with elegance and ease...
