HBO Max has officially launched, bringing with it a large catalog of films and TV shows that are available to stream. But not all users have access to the content they want to see.
The streaming service made its long-awaited U.S. debut on Wednesday, May 27, and came packed with plenty of films and shows that are a mix of original programming, licensed material, and exclusive content.
But while HBO Max is currently available on a wide variety of platforms and devices including Apple TV, iOs and Android, Xbox One and PlayStation 4, it is not yet available for streaming on Roku or Amazon Fire TV.
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AT&T’s WarnerMedia has yet to reach a deal with Amazon and Roku – which control 70 percent of the US streaming-media player market, according to market research company, Parks Associates.
Chris Willard, vice president of communications for WarnerMedia told USA Today on Wednesday that there is currently no agreement on the table with the two companies.
“We don’t have an update to share,” said Willard. “As of now, there is no deal in place. If that changes we’ll let you know.”
HBO Max customers, including those who pre-ordered the service, took to social media to express their anger.
One user tweeted, “Grrr, I didn’t realize HBO Max and Roku hadn’t made a deal yet. I wouldn’t have signed up for HBO Max already if I knew that.”
Grrr, I didn’t realize HBO Max and Roku hadn’t made a deal yet. I wouldn’t have signed up for HBO Max already if I knew that.
— Eric Goldman (@TheEricGoldman) May 26, 2020
Another angry customer tweeted: “Hey @hbomax if you’re going to launch with a streaming service with a lot of popular titles, make sure you secure deals with the popular streamer companies first (e.g. Roku, Amazon Fire) before you launch it. Because now you have a very angry customer.”
Hey @hbomax if you’re going to launch with a streaming service with a lot of popular titles, make sure you secure deals with the popular streamer companies first (e.g. Roku, Amazon Fire) before you launch it. Because now you have a very angry customer
— Joey Witterstaetter (@wittontwitt87) May 27, 2020
WarnerMedia’s HBO Max joins rivals Netflix, Hulu, Disney Plus, and BET Plus. The newest entry is priced at $15 per month – making it the most expensive option yet in comparison to the other streamers.
HBO Max includes HBO’s entire content library, with hit shows like Game of Thrones and Succession, along with licensed programing such as the Harry Potter films, new originals series, the DC films Wonder Woman and Justice League, as well as The Lord of the Rings franchise and popular TV shows like The Big Bang Theory and Friends.
As Urban Hollywood 411 previously reported, other titles streaming on HBO Max include On the Record, the sexual abuse documentary detailing allegations against Russell Simmons. The service also boasts the scripted comedy Love Life starring Anna Kendrick; underground ballroom dance competition series Legendary; Craftopia with YouTube sensation LaurDIY; the all-new Looney Tunes Cartoons; and Sesame Workshop’s The Not Too Late Show with Elmo.
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