When HBO Max debuts on May 27, it could come with a twist: Users may be able to click past the opening credits. The option to skip credits and scenes from past episodes or avoid promos is a plus for viewers more interested in the shows than the lead-in.
“That’s where we are going,” said Andy Forssell, general manager of WarnerMedia’s direct-to-consumer business. “We’re not precious about it,” told Bloomberg.
Part of the proposed move is an attempt to keep pace with the times. Also, the service targets various demos — kids to adults. And it’s a reality check: Rival Netflix already offers viewers the fast-forward option.
At launch, HBO Max subscribers get the cabler’s full library and classic movies from the Warner Bros. vault, as well as top sitcoms, such as “Friends” and “The Big Bang Theory.” There is also a new cooking show from Selena Gomez. And much like the original HBO, it will release shows weekly, rather than in an all-at-once format.
HBO Max has announced it will stagger debuts of original shows and movies, including Seth Rogen’s comedic film “An American Pickle.” Rogen stars as “a struggling laborer” in 1920 who “falls into a vat of pickles and is brined for 100 years.” The streamer is also rebooting the 1986 ABC comedy “Head of the “Class.”
In addition, it just sealed distribution deals with seven new partners: Altice USA, Cox Communications, Microsoft Xbox, Samsung, Sony PlayStation, Verizon and the National Cable Television Cooperative.
Come 2021, the streamer will exclusively world premiere Zack Snyder’s director’s cut of the Warner Bros. Pictures/DC feature film “Justice League.” Since 2017, fans have been actively pushing the #ReleaseTheSnyderCut movement.
HBO Max runs $15/month. The 34 million current HBO subscribers in the U.S. get it for free, so will select AT&T customers.