Goodbye to HBO Family: A Change in Warner Bros. Discovery’s Strategy
The HBO family, a spinoff channel of HBO that was launched in December 1996 as a more child and family-friendly version, is set to close on August 15th. This decision is part of a larger strategy by Warner Bros. Discovery to streamline its collection of "multiplex channels," which are additional linear channels usually included in the price of an HBO or Cinemax subscription.
What’s Happening to the Multiplex Channels?
In addition to shutting down HBO Family, Warner Bros. Discovery also plans to discontinue the operation of several Cinemax multiplex channels, including Thrillermax, Moviemax, and Outermax. These channels will stop programming after August 15, 2025, and will no longer be available to viewers. This news was first reported by Cord Cutters News and has since been confirmed by Variety.
The Reason Behind the Change
The decline of linear premium channels has been significant, with many viewers shifting to streaming services. As a result, Warner Bros. Discovery has decided to focus on its streaming platform, HBO Max, which offers a wide range of original series and content. The decision to shut down these multiplex channels is also part of the company’s plan to spin off its linear basic cable networks into a new company.
What Made HBO Family Unique
HBO Family was known for broadcasting some original programs throughout its life, and in recent years, it became the home for all of HBO’s children’s programming after the main HBO channel removed its kids’ shows. The channel’s lineup did not include any R-rated or TV-MA programming, making it a safe and family-friendly destination for viewers.
What’s Next for HBO and Cinemax
HBO will continue to offer several other multiplex channels, including HBO2, HBO Signature, HBO Comedy, HBO Zone, and HBO Latino. Cinemax will also continue to program its remaining multiplex channels, including Moremax, Actionmax, 5-Star Max, and Cinemáx. The shutdown of HBO Family and the Cinemax channels is a significant change, but it’s part of the evolving media landscape as companies adapt to the shift towards streaming.
A Look Back at the Cinemax Channels
The Cinemax channels that are being discontinued have a rich history. Thrillermax, which launched in 1998, focused on horror and thriller films. Moviemax, which debuted in 2001 as Wmax, targeted a younger audience. Outermax, which also launched in 2001, focused on science fiction and fantasy films. While these channels will no longer be available, their content will likely be available on other platforms, including HBO Max.
