If you appreciate HBO Family, ThrillerMax, MovieMax, and OuterMax, we’re sorry to share the news. As per a notice from Spectrum, these four linear channels focusing on different demographics or programming genres will cease operation as of August 15th. A spokesperson for Warner Brothers Discovery, HBO’s parent company, did not comment further about the closure of these established specialty programming channels that have been running since the late ’90s and early 2000s. This shutdown decision comes after Warner Brothers Discovery announced plans to split its Studios & Streaming and Global Networks businesses into two distinct entities last week.
Since 1996, HBO Family has been a consistent fixture on cable television, offering family-friendly programming that ranges from educational shows like Sesame Street to movies such as We Bought a Zoo. In 1998, ThrillerMax made its debut, focusing exclusively on titles within the horror, suspense, thriller, and mystery genres. OuterMax, which came along in 2001, is another channel that specializes in science fiction, horror, and fantasy content. MovieMax, launched in the same year, caters to a younger adult audience with a female-skewing demographic. Unfortunately, these four channels are set to be discontinued, but HBO will continue to broadcast its multiplex channels such as HBO2, HBO Signature, HBO Comedy, HBO Zone, and HBO Latino. Meanwhile, Cinemax offers MoreMax, ActionMax, 5 Star Max, and Cinemáx.
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Fans Mourn Warner Brothers Discovery’s Latest Debt-Slashing Move
Warner Bros. Discovery’s decision represents a significant change in the landscape of traditional TV, as CEO David Zaslav aims to reduce the company’s substantial $37 billion debt. By separating Warner Bros. Discovery into two entities – Studios & Streaming and Global Networks (which will house the company’s conventional TV assets) – Zaslav is taking another step towards debt reduction. Given that Global Networks is expected to shoulder most of the debt, it’s evident that Zaslav is focusing more on the movie and streaming sector compared to linear television.
While eliminating HBO Family, ThrillerMax, MovieMax, and OuterMax might seem like a shrewd cost-saving decision, it doesn’t diminish the disappointment felt by fans who are still upset about losing these channels from their lineup.
User DanielNapoli120 selected a GIF depicting disappointment from Toy Story to convey his feelings about the recent news.
— Mario the Social Media Person (@DanielNapoli120) June 12, 2025
User @gumdrop79587 opted for Homer Simpson instead.
— Felix Gumdrop (@gumdrop79587) June 12, 2025
User @MarinToons asked a very timely question after learning the news.
WHAT IS UP WITH HBO!?
— Team Marin Toons Racing – International Womens Day (@MarinToons) June 12, 2025
The 37 billion dollars in debt that Zaslav’s company is dealing with is indeed a substantial sum, but his recent cost-cutting measures align well with the image he’s cultivated since becoming CEO of Warner Brothers Discovery in 2021. Lately, the corporation has announced more layoffs in its cable TV division. While investing in streaming and reducing linear television might seem progressive, it’s worth noting that some viewers have been unhappy about favorite series and films vanishing from Warner Brothers Discovery’s streaming services quickly. This suggests a need to maintain multiplex channels to help fill programming voids.
You should make the most of watching HBO Family, ThrillerMax, MovieMax, and OuterMax until August 15th, since that’s when they will no longer be available.
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2025-06-15 17:09