HBO MAX
The New Streamer with Love Life, Friends + more
A new streaming platform, HBO Max, launches on May 27, but it has many asking an essential question: “What makes this different from HBO Now?” Though the name only implies that three letters are different, it’s more than that. The soon-to-be streaming service is a platform for WarnerMedia’s content — and the AT&T-owned company has a lot to bring to the table.
WarnerMedia owns HBO, Cinemax, TNT, TBS and TruTV. On top of that, it now has access to the Friends catalog plus The CW show portfolio. Hello bingeing! If you already have HBO Now, HBO Max is yours at no extra cost. Just download the new app and you’re good to go.
As far as content, the production companies of Reese Witherspoon and Greg Berlanti will roll out a feature film in its first year. The King of Sci-Fi J.J. Abrams will also join the lineup. HBO Max is producing original programming set to drop upon its debut.
LOVE LIFE
The biggest of them is the Anna Kendrick-led series Love Life. The romantic comedy follows Kendrick’s character as she looks for love in The Big Apple. She makes mistakes, but its heart and overall theme will leave you loving the series.
LEGENDARY
Also in the pipeline is the ballroom voguing competition Legendary. The reality series features Jameela Jamil, Megan Thee Stallion and Law Roach as judges. It’s going to be an epic display of pure talent.
ON THE RECORD
On The Record premiered at Sundance, but hasn’t been released yet. The documentary is about victims of sexual abuse and harassment, produced by Def Jam co-founder Russell Simmons. It was originally going to Apple TV+, but when former EP Oprah Winfrey pulled her name off, she took the streaming deal with her. (Because Oprah has the power to do stuff like that.) That’s when HBO Max grabbed it.
REBOOTS AND SPINOFFS
Gossip Girl fans rejoice! HBO Max acquired the rights and is working on a reboot. It’s a 10-episode series that follows a new generation of Upper East-Siders. Could it feature the children of the original cast? We’ll have to wait to find out.
Also included is a Grease spinoff that returns to Rydell High. Yes, it is a musical. Then there’s Dune: The Sisterhood, related to the upcoming Denis Villeneuve movie starring Timotheé Chalamet and Zendaya. The series, though, focuses on the vision of a mysterious group, The Bene Gesserit.
With plenty of content to go around, HBO Max may be HBO elevated to the next level. Don’t miss out, PROVOKRs.
