After a short-lived experience with CNN+ that lasted just a shade over a month, Warner Bros. Discovery decided to shut it down last year. The culprit? Painfully low viewer numbers. Despite that failure, the belief in a live news streaming service from CNN hasn’t waned.
Starting September 27th, Warner Bros. Discovery will roll out CNN Max across all Max subscription tiers in the U.S., without squeezing an extra penny from subscribers’ pockets. The new 24/7 service will form part of an “open beta for news,” which, in layman’s terms, means it will act as a testing ground for experimenting with various product features, content, and new storytelling approaches. All this experimentation will be fine-tuned based on feedback from the Max community, according to a statement from WBD.
So, what’s on the menu at CNN Max? Original programming will take center stage, alongside live broadcasts from CNN US and CNN International. Fresh shows like CNN Newsroom with its star-studded line-up of Jim Acosta, Rahel Solomon, Amara Walker, and Fredricka Whitfield will be there. Also, let’s not forget CNN Newsroom with Jim Sciutto. CNN’s big names like Amanpour, Anderson Cooper 360, The Lead with Jake Tapper, and The Situation Room with Wolf Blitzer will also be part of the streaming channel.
But wait, there’s more! Warner Bros. Discovery will give Max’s CNN Originals hub a new identity, renaming it CNN Max. If you’re in the mood for non-news CNN programming, like indulging in the culinary adventures of Anthony Bourdain: Parts Unknown or taking a gastronomic tour with Stanley Tucci: Searching for Italy, it’s all available. Add to that a new 24/7 channel and a binge-worthy library of over 900 episodes of new and classic shows.
Is CNN Max a gamble? Maybe, but it seems like a safer bet for WBD compared to the ill-fated CNN+. While CNN+ was a celebrity-driven, high-cost endeavor, CNN Max seems more rooted in CNN’s traditional approach to news. By mixing CNN programming with original content, they might just hit the sweet spot, avoiding the blunders of the past, and keeping a keen eye on the bottom line. And who knows? It might even get the youth crowd, the geeks, and fans of sports, music, and technology to tune in.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about CNN Max
What is CNN Max?
CNN Max is a new 24/7 streaming service by Warner Bros. Discovery that will feature original programming and live shows from CNN US and CNN International. It’s set to be launched across all Max subscription tiers in the U.S. on September 27th.
When will CNN Max be available and at what cost?
CNN Max will be available starting September 27th to all Max subscribers in the U.S. at no extra cost.
What type of content will CNN Max offer?
CNN Max will host a mix of original programming, live broadcasts from CNN US and CNN International, and fresh shows like CNN Newsroom. It will also feature well-known CNN programs such as Anderson Cooper 360 and The Situation Room with Wolf Blitzer.
Will there be any non-news programming on CNN Max?
Yes, CNN Max will also offer non-news programming like Anthony Bourdain: Parts Unknown and Stanley Tucci: Searching for Italy, along with over 900 episodes of new and classic programming.
How is CNN Max different from the previous CNN+?
While CNN+ was more focused on personality-centric programming and had a higher cost structure, CNN Max aligns more with CNN’s traditional approach to news. The blend of CNN and original content is expected to keep costs down, making it a less risky endeavor for Warner Bros. Discovery.
More about CNN Max
- Warner Bros. Discovery Official Press Release
- CNN’s Official Website
- Max Streaming Service Information
5 comments
Why are they renaming CNN Originals to CNN Max…confusing but hey, at least no extra cost for subscribers, thas a plus!
Finally some good news content comin to Max! Bout time we had more choices, but will it be any good?
Can’t wait for CNN Max. Love me some Anderson Cooper and Amanpour. wonder how the original programming will turn out.
Great! More streaming. Just what we need, more channels to choose from… or maybe not. LOL
Not sure why they’d try this again after CNN+ failed so hard. Hope they’ve learned there lesson, but im not holding my breath.