Warner Bros. Discovery cuts key feature for certain HBO Max users

Over the past few months and amid an ongoing takeover saga, Warner Bros. Discovery (WBD) has made several moves that frustrated subscribers. 

In September 2025, WBD CEO David Zaslav said he believes the service is currently “way underpriced” because of the high quality of its shows (like “The Last of Us” and “Euphoria”). The statement served as a warning to subscribers that another price hike is likely. 

“We think we’re way underpriced. We’re going to take our time, because we’re really growing now and people are spending more and more time with us. But we think that there’s real upside to that. And it’s hard to replace quality content that people love,” Zaslav said at the Goldman Sachs Communacopia + Technology Conference, according to the conference transcript from Seeking Alpha.  

The following month, the price-hike prediction came true. HBO Max increased prices across all tiers.

• With Ads: $10.99/mo. ($109.99/yr.)
• Standard (No Ads): $18.49/mo. ($184.99/yr.)
• Premium (4K/No Ads): $22.99/mo. ($229.99/yr.)
• Monthly rates increased by $1-$2, while annual plan prices grew by $10-$20.
  Source: Variety 

Additionally, the streamer service provider became more aggressive about password sharing, and also removed live CNN programming from the platform as CNN’s announced plan to launch a new direct-to-consumer streaming offering later in 2025.

Now, the streaming giant is making another move that might upset certain subscribers. 

Warner Bros. Discovery removes access to certain live HBO channels 

WBD has begun removing access to certain live HBO linear channels from select ad-supported bundles on its Max streaming service, reported Cord Cutters News. 

The subscribers primarily affected by this change include those who combine Max with Disney+ and Hulu, relying on single bundle deals. Currently, HBO Max customers on standalone ad-free plans seem to have retained access to the HBO live channels. 

Users started noticing the change recently, and on an X (formerly Twitter) thread, one Hulu customer asked why the channels are no longer accessible.  

“Sorry for any confusion!” Hulu responded. “HBO Max no longer offers live HBO channels as part of your HBO Max add-on or Bundle, so you will no longer see those channels on Hulu. You’re still able to watch all of your favorite HBO Max content on-demand directly on Hulu.”

The change started appearing to some subscribers earlier, in late 2025, reports Cord Cutters News. 

Historically, channels such as HBO Family, ThrillerMax, MovieMax, and OuterMax were part of cable packages, but they were later added as “live” options within streaming bundles like the Disney+/Hulu/Max trio. 

WBD and Disney teamed up in 2024 to create a “triple bundle” to compete with rival giants such as Netflix and Amazon Prime. A major feature of this bundle was the ability to watch live HBO channels directly within the Hulu app. Now, that major selling point is removed, and only the key on-demand Max library remains unchanged. 

Why Warner Bros. Discovery is removing live HBO channels from bundle offerings 

WBD is pulling the plug on these live HBO channels across bundles to “optimize its portfolio amid declining linear TV viewership,” according to Cord Cutters News. As more people switch to streaming, running live TV channels becomes more expensive. 

Channels such as HBO Family (launched in 1996) and the niche Cinemax channels lost most of their viewers to on-demand services including Disney+. By removing them, the company can save money on “live” broadcasts and reallocate it to making new original shows that could attract more subscribers. 

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Subscribers mostly affected by these changes are those with ad-supported plans. Users with ad-free tiers retained access to various premium features, including 4K streaming and live sports add-ons, while the basic with-ads options have experienced various reductions. 

“This pattern suggests a deliberate strategy to upsell subscribers to higher tiers, where revenue from fewer ads and premium pricing can offset content investments,” explains Cord Cutters News. 

Affected users can upgrade to ad-free bundles for about $29.99 per month for full access, including any remaining live channels. 

Warner Bros. Discovery is not losing subscribers, despite price hikes 

Despite recent price hikes and offering changes, WBD has not lost subscribers. Moreover, the company’s Q3 2025 earnings report, released in November, revealed 128 million subscribers, up 2.3 million quarter over quarter.  

Additionally, some Wall Street analysts remain optimistic about the company’s stock. In late January 2026, MoffettNathanson upgraded its outlook for Warner Bros. Discovery to “buy” and raised its price target to $31 from $26, reported MarketBeat.

The earnings report also confirmed “continued domestic linear pay TV subscriber declines,” explaining the rationale behind the latest decision. 

Warner Bros. Discovery recently also upgraded its offering 

Still in the thick of its takeover saga as Netflix and Paramount continue to bid for it, WBD is constantly working to retain and attract subscribers, and when necessary, to optimize its portfolio.  

I previously covered how, in December 2025, HBO Max surprised its subscribers with the launch of new curated channels. Instead of having to scroll through thousands of titles and pick a specific episode (which can lead to “decision fatigue”), these channels run popular shows such as “Friends,” “Game of Thrones,” and the “Harry Potter” movies 24/7, similar to traditional cable TV.

When you click on a channel, you jump into whatever episode is currently playing. However, you still have “streaming control,” meaning you can restart the episode or skip to the next one if you want. This feature is being rolled out to help users find something to watch quickly without the stress of choosing.

New HBO Max channels:

• Binge-worthy classics: “Friends,” “The Big Bang Theory,” and “Sex and the City”
• Epic worlds: Harry Potter, World of Westeros (“Game of Thrones” and related content), and Middle-earth (“The Lord of the Rings” and “Hobbit” movies)
• Specific genres: True crime, adult animation, and the DC Universe

As we eagerly wait to see which company will acquire the company behind many of the best cinematography achievements, WBD is not hitting pause on its offering, but is trying to improve and streamline it.

Whether it will continue to do so under new management remains to be seen. 

Related: YouTube TV offers to lower prices