Warner Bros Discovery (WBD) has refreshed the branding of some of its HBO and Cinemax channels, less than a month after closing a handful of linear channels associated with both movie networks.
Starting this week, three HBO channels and three Cinemax channels are adopting new names, a move that is likely intended to streamline the offerings of its linear networks as WBD prepares to spin out its cable networks business into a separate company.
The new names for the channels are:
- HBO Drama (formerly HBO Signature)
- HBO Hits (formerly HBO 2)
- HBO Movies (formerly HBO Zone)
- Cinemax Action (formerly Action Max)
- Cinemax Classics (formerly 5 Star Max)
- Cinemax Hits (formerly More Max)
Last month, WBD closed its HBO Family channel and three Cinemax channels — Outer Max, Movie Max and Thriller Max — in an effort to consolidate its offerings, the company said.
HBO and Cinemax typically air each other’s licensed movies and shows throughout the year, though each brand also has its own slate of original content that is unique to their channels. HBO is targeted to general audiences, while Cinemax programs its channels to reach younger, mostly male viewers.
Both multiplex movie networks are available on cable and satellite platforms — generally, HBO is more available on pay TV and third-party streaming services, though Cinemax is available through a handful of streaming marketplaces, including Apple TV and Amazon’s Prime Video Channels.
WBD is in the process of separating its cable networks business from its film studio and streaming, the latter of which will adopt the “Warner Bros” name, while the linear networks will comprise a new company that takes on the Discovery title.
