Here is when the most recent value hikes for HBO Max are set to kick in

Only a few weeks after Warner Bros. Discovery CEO David Zaslav acknowledged that he believes HBO Max is ” way underpriced,” the corporate has introduced a direct value hike for the streaming service.

As of October 21, HBO Max’s month-to-month value has elevated by $1 to $2, relying in your plan (through Variety). The Fundamental plan with adverts now prices $11 per thirty days, a $1 hike; its annual plan has risen to $110, a $10 improve.

Its mid-tier plan, Commonplace (ad-free), is getting a $1.50 improve to $18.50 per thirty days, up from $17. The annual model can be rising to $185, a $15 improve.

HBO Max’s top-tier Premium plan is getting a $2 value improve, going from $21 per thirty days to $23, with its annual plan leaping to $230, a $20 hike.

For brand spanking new prospects, all of those value will increase are already in impact, whereas current subscribers will see them beginning on their subsequent billing date on or after November 20. In the event you’re subscribed to an annual plan, you will not see the worth improve till your plan is due for renewal, and you will be notified 30 days prematurely.

This value hike comes as no shock

HBO Max now joins different streamers which have elevated their costs this 12 months

Whereas it is at all times unlucky to see a streaming service jack up its costs — one thing all too frequent these days — this specific value hike appeared inevitable.

In September, Warner Bros. Discovery CEO David Zaslav mentioned that the company believes the standard of its content material, each TV and movement image, is so good that “all of us suppose that offers us an opportunity to boost costs,” and that “We expect we’re means underpriced.” On the time, it was unclear when a value hike would possibly occur, as Zaslav mentioned, “We will take our time.” It seems which means just a bit over a month.

The final time HBO Max raised costs was in June of 2024, so it has been over a 12 months for the reason that final value improve. HBO Max now joins the lengthy listing of streaming providers which have already raised costs this 12 months, together with Netflix, Disney+, Peacock, and Apple TV.

Along with elevating its costs, Warner Bros. Discovery mentioned in a press release it had acquired “unsolicited curiosity” from “a number of events” thinking about shopping for out the corporate. So, whereas it’s elevating costs itself, it appears the media and leisure big can be placing up a for-sale signal.

“It is no shock that the numerous worth of our portfolio is receiving elevated recognition by others out there,” CEO David Zaslav mentioned in a press launch. “After receiving curiosity from a number of events, we have now initiated a complete assessment of strategic options to establish the very best path ahead to unlock the total worth of our property.”

It appears to me that Zaslav’s assertion is only a fancy means of claiming the corporate is reviewing its value and is thinking about listening to affords.

Earlier this 12 months, Warner Bros. Discovery introduced that the corporate would cut up into two separate corporations by mid-2026: a Streaming & Studios firm (overlaying movie and TV manufacturers) and a World Networks firm (overlaying sports activities and TV information manufacturers). The corporate additionally reverted the name of HBO Max again to HBO Max in Might after it had been referred to as Max for 2 years.