WarnerMedia has announced that Roku users will be able to stream HBO Max on their devices beginning today. This is a pretty big deal not only for consumers but for Warner’s parent company, AT&T, as it desperately seeks to grow HBO Max’s comparatively lukewarm subscriber base. The more than 100 million Roku users out there should certainly help with that.
“We believe that all entertainment will be streamed and we are thrilled to partner with HBO Max to bring their incredible library of iconic entertainment brands and blockbuster slate of direct to streaming theatrical releases to the Roku households with more than 100 million people that have made Roku the No. 1 TV streaming platform in America,” said Scott Rosenberg, Senior Vice President, Platform Business, Roku.
“Reaching mutually beneficial agreements where Roku grows together with our partners is how we deliver an exceptional user experience at an incredible value for consumers and we are excited by the opportunity to deepen our longstanding relationship with the team at WarnerMedia.”
WarnerMedia hasn’t elaborated on why HBO Max failed to launch with Roku support, but users can go ahead and enjoy the streaming service’s biggest hits on devices such as the Roku Ultra and Roku Express starting today. On a side note, HBO Max has also been added to the PlayStation 5.
The upcoming year should be a huge one for HBO Max, as Warner Bros. has opened the gates for its entire slate of 2021 blockbusters to debut simultaneously via theatrical and streaming avenues. The first of these will be Patti Jenkins and Gal Gadot’s Wonder Woman 1984, which premieres on Christmas Day in 4K (the HBO Max app will presumably be getting an Ultra HD update before that date).