7 Secrets Your MAX Subscription Includes for Free

The harsh criticism of Max, the streaming service under Warner Bros. Discovery’s control, is now a thing of the past. Originally conceived as HBO Max, intended to be merely an addition to the streaming wars by HBO, it sparked ideas among its corporate leaders. Could we merge all our content properties and create one colossal streaming platform instead? And so, on May 23rd, 2023, Max made its grand entrance.

If you haven’t signed up yet for this streaming platform’s services, here’s what you need to know about the pricing: The ad-supported plan will cost you $9.99 per month, an ad-free version is $16.99 per month, and a premium ad-free option is $20.99 per month. You’ll have access to content from DC Comics, Warner Bros., CNN, A24, and TCM classics.

However, there are additional features on the platform that many users don’t take advantage of, and these won’t cost you a single cent extra than what you’re already paying for your subscription.

Podcasts Centered Around Your Favorite Shows

Instead of rewatching “The Sopranos” for the sixth time in five years, why not listen to “The Talking Sopranos Podcast” featuring Michael Imperioli and Steve Schirripa, who share behind-the-scenes stories from their time on the show? If you’re a fan of superheroes, give “Batman: The Audio Adventures” a try. For those hooked on shows like “The Last of Us,” “Succession,” “Real Sports,” and other HBO originals, check out podcast platforms or Max for a wealth of additional content.

I must say, there’s no other streaming service quite like Max when it comes to delving deep into the creation of their shows. Following in HBO’s footsteps, they’ve been consistently offering fascinating behind-the-scenes content for their hit series. And if a show finds success on Max, particularly those under the HBO umbrella, you can almost guarantee that its making will be discussed in an engaging podcast format. It’s a cost-effective approach compared to creating a full thirty-minute documentary about a show’s creative journey.

Almost Every Anthony Bourdain Show

In a straightforward and engaging manner: Anthony Bourdain’s unique spirit and extraordinary life journey, marked by global travels, delicious culinary experiences, and captivating television productions, cannot be replicated. Max is fortunate to host a wide array of his shows, such as “No Reservations” and “Parts Unknown,” which transport viewers across the globe through Bourdain’s eyes. These programs not only showcased his travels but also offered insights into his perspective on the world.

Sadly, Anthony Bourdain passed away in 2018, yet his spirit and impact continue to resonate, Max. Once you’ve devoured all the episodes of his captivating shows, I strongly recommend setting aside a couple of hours to watch the documentary titled “Road Runner” on CNN. This film offers an unprecedented glimpse into Bourdain’s professional and personal life, featuring never-before-seen footage.

A Lot of Live sports

When HBO Max rebranded as simply “Max,” it introduced numerous exciting new features. Initially, the streaming service faced challenges defining its unique identity, but live sports played a pivotal role in its transformation. While streaming services like on-demand video could potentially erode various aspects of cable television, they have been unable to replace live television. Over the past few years, it has become apparent that live TV is one aspect that streaming can’t replicate. As rivals such as Hulu and Netflix have entered the live sports arena, Max already had experience with NHL Hockey, MLB Baseball, and the NBA on its platform since its relaunch.

Given that Max is under the ownership of Warner Bros. Discovery, it was strategic to offer live sports broadcasts on networks such as TBS and TNT through their live streaming platform. It’s worth noting that Warner Bros. also owns Bleacher Report, a sports news platform that has found its niche on Max. However, in today’s business climate, profit often dictates decisions, and contracts can either be terminated or not renewed. Warner Bros. will relinquish their television rights to the NBA after this season, which is projected to result in financial losses for the company come next year.

Endless Amount of Triple D

The popular TV show “Diners, Drive-ins, and Dives” featuring Guy Fieri has been a significant landmark for 49 seasons. Indeed, this show has the power to transform someone who isn’t particularly fond of food into a culinary enthusiast. It’s debatably one of the most addictive shows available, with each episode taking Fieri on a journey across the country to discover hidden gastronomic gems and their signature dishes. On average, each episode runs for approximately 21 minutes.

People adore this show as it offers a unique snapshot of American culture through its culinary offerings, taking viewers on a journey from one coast to another and everywhere in between. Originally airing on the Food Network, the show’s current home is Max, following the merger of Warner Bros. and Discovery. It’s difficult not to appreciate the program’s charm. DDD stands for the bonding power of food, emphasizing that it doesn’t always need to be served in a high-end restaurant but instead, more frequently found in unassuming locations that are less flashy and more authentic.

All the Random, Weird Adult Swim Shorts that Air at 3 a.m.

Absolutely, you’re familiar with shows like Venture Bros., Aqua Teen Hunger Force, and Robot Chicken on Adult Swim. But have you recalled Mora Orel, Home Movies, or SuperJail!? These are some shows that some Adult Swim fans remember, but they might have slipped your mind if you’ve been diving deep into Cartoon Network’s late-night programming. Over time, some shows have left Adult Swim due to contractual issues, but there’s always hope that China, IL will return to the streaming platform soon. After all, it features voice talents like Hulk Hogan and Greta Gerwig – what more could you want?

A hidden gem on Max’s Adult Swim offerings is the calming show called Ambient Swim. If you struggle with sleep, give it a try. The program description reads, “Relaxing visuals and music for your peace of mind.” And that’s exactly what it delivers. The soothing visuals and tunes may appear odd at times, but they make for an engaging viewing experience.

All Kinds of Extras for Game of Thrones (and More)

In case you didn’t know, many TV shows produced by HBO have their own podcasts. By 2025, it’s no secret that there’s a podcast for just about anything, and this includes HBO’s popular shows. Since its debut in 2011, “Game of Thrones” has been a game-changer for the network. It has since birthed a successful spinoff, “House of the Dragon,” which is now two seasons into its run.

Beyond just the premiere of “House of the Dragon,” there’s also a making-of series called “The House that Dragon Built.” Each episode in this docuseries gives an inside look at the creation of the spinoff. Not to be missed is the two-hour film “Game of Thrones: The Last Watch,” which focuses on the final season of “Game of Thrones.” Regardless of whether you were satisfied with the show’s ending or not, it’s clear that this film offers a fascinating glimpse into the effort and work that went into making the series.

Extended and Directors Cuts of Lots of Movies

Max functions somewhat like a traditional media store but in the digital realm. It’s a streaming platform offering an abundance of extra content for its users. Moreover, it offers various editions of its movies, which means that users can choose from different “director’s cut” or “extended” versions of films to stream. Often, you might not have been aware that these alternative versions existed.

There are well-known extended versions of movies like “Zack Snyder’s Justice League” and the expanded cut of “Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice”, as well as all of Peter Jackson’s “Lord of the Rings” and “The Hobbit” films, which have extended editions on Max. Additionally, some movies that you might not have initially thought were necessary to watch also have alternate versions, such as “Terminator Salvation: Director’s Cut”, “Straight Outta Compton: Director’s Cut”, “Fever Pitch: Extended Red Sox Edition”, and “The Friday the 13th (2009): Extended Killer Cut”. It’s been argued that Warner Bros. doesn’t always prioritize its filmmakers, but Max appears to value the creative vision of directors by giving them the opportunity to fully express their ideas.

All of these services are currently available on Max.

2025-01-18 18:10