In a significant move for the entertainment industry, HBO Family will cease operations on August 15, following the departure of its beloved character, Elmo, from the HBO family. Launched in December 1996 as a kid- and family-friendly alternative to the main HBO channel, HBO Family has been a staple for family-oriented programming. This closure is part of a broader initiative by Warner Bros. Discovery (WBD) to streamline its expansive array of “multiplex channels.”
The decision to shut down HBO Family is not an isolated incident. In addition to this change, WBD is set to discontinue several other multiplex channels, including Cinemax offerings such as ThrillerMax, MovieMax, and OuterMax. The news was first reported by Cord Cutters News, which revealed that Spectrum had notified its customers about the impending channel closures. According to Spectrum, “effective on or after August 15, 2025, HBO Family, ThrillerMax, MovieMax, & OuterMax will cease programming and will no longer be available.” This information has since been confirmed by Variety.
Linear premium channels like HBO Family have witnessed a dramatic decline in viewership as audiences increasingly turn to streaming platforms for their entertainment needs. Most of the viewership for HBO’s original series has transitioned to the soon-to-be-renamed HBO Max. This shift in viewer habits has prompted Warner Bros. Discovery to reconsider its strategy, leading to the decision to cut these channels. Notably, HBO itself will not be part of the new spinoff entity that will focus on linear basic cable networks, as announced this week.
Throughout its history, HBO Family primarily provided reruns of movies and content from HBO's main channel. However, it also featured some original programming. As HBO phased out its children's content from its primary lineup, HBO Family became the go-to destination for kids’ programming and family specials. Importantly, HBO Family's content was curated to exclude R-rated and TV-MA programming, ensuring a safe viewing environment for younger audiences.
In addition to HBO Family, several Cinemax channels will also be shutting down. ThrillerMax, which specializes in horror and thriller films, first launched in 1998. MovieMax, aimed at younger viewers, debuted in 2001 under the name WMax. OuterMax, focusing on sci-fi and fantasy content, also launched in 2001. Despite these closures, Cinemax will continue to offer other multiplex channels, including MoreMax, ActionMax, 5 Star Max, and Cinemáx, catering to a variety of viewer preferences.
The closure of HBO Family and other multiplex channels marks a pivotal moment in the evolution of television programming. As Warner Bros. Discovery adapts to the changing landscape of viewer habits, the focus will increasingly shift towards streaming services, leaving traditional cable networks to adjust or face the risk of extinction. As we look ahead, it will be interesting to see how these changes shape the future of family entertainment and programming on various platforms.
