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The opening weeks of 2024 have been tough for fans of Max originals.
So what exactlyisgoing on?
Well, some of this is just a coincidence of timing.
But while the why now?
part of this story is pretty straightforward, the answer to the why cancel at all?
question and the matter of what it means for Maxs future programming plans is a bit more layered.
Back then, Max Originals were overseen by the streamers original launch team of Bob Greenblatt and Kevin Reilly.
Discovery CEO David Zaslav.
But the path laid out early on during the Greenblatt-Reilly era simply wasnt sustainable.
After all, Max is still making original series, and handing out green lights to new projects.
But as part of the broader Zaslav reset at Warner Bros.
Discovery, like the upcoming DC-brandedThe Penguinor the Harry Potter series now in the works.
But whats not in the works at Max are shows likeJuliaorRap Sh!t.
Folks who are convinced Zaslav and Warner Bros.
Discovery are hell-bent on abandoning HBOs prestige brand will take this as proof their fear is well-founded.
But this strategic shift actually isnt evidence of that at all.
And thats why you didnt get many things that were broadening out from HBO.
(As one person familiar with the situation puts it, A good show is a good show.)
The problem is, according to industry insiders, that ratings growth didnt come.
Worse, there also werent any signs shows such asJuliaorOur Flag Means Deathwere poised to join the awards-season conversation.
A show has got to work from a price perspective, too.
But once something is going, its hard to kind of undo.
Thats not about David Zaslav; thats just television 101.
Well Always Have HBO …
But such setbacks are not at all unusual for HBO, which has always hadcreative betsthatdidntpayoff.
And that seems to be the right place for a general-entertainment streamer like Max.
Worse, itcosta lot of money to make.
