TheTrotters t1_j9lsqtt wrote on February 22, 2023 at 10:08 PM

Reply to comment by Czarcasm21 in HBO’s Leading Man: Casey Bloys on Perfecting ‘The Last of Us,’ HBO Max Streaming Merger and Axing Shows by misana123

Yes, even on /r/television people are often confused about the difference between a HBO show and HBO Max show. It must have been even more common among more casual viewers.

notmyrealfarkhandle t1_j9lywq4 wrote on February 22, 2023 at 10:48 PM

Why does it matter, though? I watch all HBO shows through HBO Max, and all HBO Max shows through HBO Max. I don't have cable and there is functionally no difference in the product to me. If the argument is, "hey, we don't have to make as many high quality shows and we'll still retain that audience that wants high quality shows" - well, I get it, even if I don't agree as a consumer, but trying to lean into the bifurcation like people are going to pay for both HBO and HBO Max as separate entities feels unrealistic, or at least unlikely.

Czarcasm21 t1_j9mjq06 wrote on February 23, 2023 at 1:15 AM

They aren't trying to separate the two and charge for them independently, though. They're giving each of their 3 major original scripted content divisions - HBO, DC, & Max Originals - a clear programming directive and scheduling goals, which is a positive for all parties involved.