Warner Bros. Discovery has announced that HBO Family and several other channels will shut down on August 15, 2025. This decision is part of the company’s plan to reduce its number of multiplex channels, which are smaller, extra channels offered with HBO and Cinemax subscriptions.
HBO Family first launched in 1996 as a family-friendly version of HBO. It mostly showed kids’ shows, family movies, and specials, avoiding R-rated or adult content. In recent years, it became the main home for children’s programming after HBO removed those shows from its main channel.
Along with HBO Family, Warner Bros. Discovery will also close three Cinemax channels: ThrillerMax, MovieMax, and OuterMax. ThrillerMax aired horror films, MovieMax showed movies for younger audiences, and OuterMax focused on sci-fi and fantasy.
This move comes as more viewers choose streaming over traditional TV channels. Most people now watch HBO shows on its streaming service, HBO Max, which will soon get a new name.
HBO will still keep some of its multiplex channels, including HBO2, HBO Signature, and HBO Latino. Cinemax will also continue with channels like MoreMax and ActionMax.
The shutdown reflects a larger shift in how people watch movies and TV, with Warner Bros. Discovery adjusting its strategy to keep up with the streaming era.
