Warner Bros. Discovery has reversed its decision to change the name of its flagship streaming service from Max to HBO Max, sparking confusion and frustration among fans and critics alike. On Sunday’s episode of “Last Week Tonight With John Oliver,” the host expressed his outrage over the move, calling it a “corporate walk of shame.”
Oliver had previously slammed Warner Bros. Discovery for making the change in 2023, stating that it was a misfire that damaged the brand. He also took aim at the company’s decision to delay the release of full episodes of “Last Week Tonight” on YouTube, which he found frustrating.
The move back to HBO Max has been attributed to the service’s growing popularity, with CEO David Zaslav citing the quality of programming as a key factor in its success. However, Oliver remains skeptical, questioning the company’s judgment and implying that they may have changed their minds due to public backlash.
The decision comes after Warner Bros. Discovery’s upfront event last week, where the company announced the switch back to HBO Max. The move has been met with relief from some fans, who had grown tired of the name change. However, it remains to be seen how this decision will impact the company’s overall strategy and branding efforts.
Source: https://variety.com/2025/tv/news/john-oliver-mocks-hbo-max-rebranding-1236400982