Like Elmo leaves the HBO family, the HBO family too. The derivative canal, launched in December 1996 as a more suitable version of HBO children and family, will end on August 15. It is part of a wider Warner Bros. strategy. Discovery to reduce its large collection of “multiplex channels” – these additional linear channels which are generally included in the price of a HBO or Cinemax subscription.
In addition to cutting the HBO family, WBD also plans to stop operations on the Cinemax Thrillermax, Moviemax and Otermax multiplex channels. The details of Pare Down have been reported for the first time this week by Cord Cuters News, which learned when Spectrum alerted its customers according to which “effective on August 15, 2025, the HBO family, Thrillermax, Moviemax and Otermax will cease programming and will no longer be available”. Variety has since confirmed the news.
The linear premium channels were struck by major audience reductions while the public goes to streaming; The majority of audiences in the original HBO series are now on the HBO Max which will soon be named. And of course, the decision to reduce these networks comes as Warner Bros. Discovery himself announced his plans this week to reduce the company in two, the linear basic cable networks moving to a new derivative entity. (HBO is not part of this spin-off.)
Most multiplex channels are film reruns and prices for the mother vessel; The HBO family, however, broadcast an original program during their lifetime. And in recent years, while HBO has been suppressed its children’s programming from its main range, all the children’s children’s programs and the family specials have rather been found on the HBO family. According to its discount, the HBO family range did not include the R or TV-M-MA programming.
HBO continues to offer several additional multiplex channels, including HBO2, HBO Signature, HBO Comedy, HBO Zone and Latino HBO.
As for the Cinemax channels which will close, Thrillermax, which manages horror and thriller films, launched in 1998; Moviemax, intended for young viewers, was presented for the first time in 2001 as WMAX; And Otermax, which focuses on science fiction and fantasy, launched in 2001. Cinemax continues to program the MORPEX MOREMAX, ActionMax, 5 Star Max and Cinemáx channels.
