Binge is about to lose a bunch of content: What subscribers need to know
Foxtel and Binge are set to lose a raft of TV shows and movies to new streaming service Max, including hugely popular titles from Warner Bros. and HBO.
Warner Bros. Discovery has announced the imminent arrival of new streaming service Max in Australia.
The launch has caused havoc to existing licensing agreements, with Foxtel's Binge set to lose popular HBO shows including The White Lotus, The Last Of Us, House Of The Dragon and Euphoria.
But there's a sliver of good news for Foxtel customers, who will gain access to the Max channel for free.
Here's what existing Binge and Foxtel subscribers need to know about Max and how it will impact them.
What is Max?
Formerly known as HBO Max, Max is a video on-demand subscription streaming service run by Warner Bros. Discovery (WBD).
In addition to the Warner Bros. movie catalogue, it owns the licensing rights to a range of entertainment subsidiaries, including HBO, Discovery, CNN, Cartoon Network, Adult Swim and Animal Planet.
There will be 3 different "tiers" available, similar to other streaming services in Australia.
Confirmed Max plans
| Plan | Features | Pricing |
|---|---|---|
| Basic with Ads |
| TBA |
| Standard |
| TBA |
| Premium |
| TBA |
When does Max launch in Australia?
Max will be available in Australia from 31 March, 2025.
How much does Max cost?
Warner Bros. Discovery has not disclosed pricing for Max at the time of writing.
In the US, the pricing is as follows:
- Max Basic with Ads: $US9.99/month or $US99.99/year
- Max Standard: $US16.99/month or $US169.99/year
- Max Premium: $US20.99/month or $US209.99/year
We expect Max will have roughly similar pricing in Australia, once exchange rates are factored in.
I'm a Binge subscriber. What happens to my existing library?
Unfortunately, Binge customers are set to lose out big time, with multiple movies and TV shows migrating to Max.
Future seasons of HBO favourites such as The Last Of Us, House of The Dragon and Euphoria will no longer be streaming on Binge.
The same goes for popular Warner Bros. movies, including Barbie, Dune: Part Two, Mad Max Fury Road and the Harry Potter franchise.
I'm a Foxtel subscriber. What happens to my existing library?
Foxtel customers with a compatible IQ box will receive a free subscription to Max Basic as part of their existing plan.
Effectively, this means you will still be able to access the removed content at no extra cost, but with commercial breaks added.
Should I stick with Binge or subscribe to Max instead?
With most HBO content leaving Binge at the end of next month, alongside multiple Warner Bros. films and subsidiary programmes, there is no question that Binge's bang-for-buck has taken a serious hit.
If you're particularly invested in HBO shows, making the switch to Max might be the way to go, depending on how much it costs in Australia.
On the other hand, Binge still holds the exclusive rights to Aussie TV shows such as Colin from Accounts and live sports including rugby league, Aussie rules footy, cricket, netball and golf.
So the decision ultimately comes down to which type of programming you prefer - homegrown sports and dramas, or Warner Bros. movies and HBO shows.
Alternatively, you can switch from Binge to Foxtel and get Max for free.
10-day free trial of Foxtel Now
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