Are You Streaming Too Much? What the Discovery+/HBO Max Mashup Means
Fewer original scripted series? Maybe. And maybe it’s time to unsubscribe.
- (opens in new tab)
- (opens in new tab)
- (opens in new tab)
- Newsletter sign up Newsletter

If that ever-growing cable and streaming services bill has you thinking twice, the latest news out of media giant Warner Bros. Discovery may put you over the edge – and considering cutting back on your media consumption.
Right now, Warner Bros. Discovery has two streaming services as it competes against Netflix, Disney+ and others: Discovery + and HBO Max. By summer 2023, the two will be folded together. No name has been announced – and neither has a monthly subscription price for the combination.
As it stands now, HBO Max customers pay $9.99-$14.99 a month to get HBO products, including HBO Max, with or without commercials. To fans of newer and classic movies on demand, as well as original scripted continuing and limited series – including “Succession,” “The Flight Attendant,” “Euphoria,” “Station Eleven,” “Hacks” – HBO Max is a haven.

Sign up for Kiplinger’s Free E-Newsletters
Profit and prosper with the best of expert advice on investing, taxes, retirement, personal finance and more - straight to your e-mail.
Profit and prosper with the best of expert advice - straight to your e-mail.
Currently, Discovery+ subscribers pay $4.99 a month (with limited ads) to $6.99 a month (ad-free) for the app. Discovery+ is home to popular HGTV, Food Network, and Discovery channel reality series, as well as Magnolia Network with its shows from fixer-uppers Chip and Joanna Gaines. It is also home to a slew of nature shows as well as paranormal series. Combined, the services have 92 million subscribers.
The merger of the two streaming services HBO Max into Discovery+ was a bombshell announcement in a call about the parent company’s second-quarter earnings. Another announcement that rattled the entertainment world: Warner Bros. Discovery said it was removing “Batgirl” from its release schedule – after spending roughly $90 million in its production.
So how does this all play out for you? It will be a year of waiting and wondering if the combined offering will be worth it to you. Expect scattershot announcements about the new app coming from Warner Bros Discovery. But the announcement of the marriage and Warner Bros. Discovery’s willingness to axe product has series producers on edge, though David Zaslav, CEO of Warner Bros. Discovery, praised the high quality of HBO Max.
Bob is a Senior Online Editor at Kiplinger.com. He has more than 40 years of experience in online, print and visual journalism. Bob has worked as an award-winning writer and editor in the Washington, D.C., market as well as at news organizations in New York, Michigan and California. Bob joined Kiplinger in 2016, bringing a wealth of expertise covering retail, entertainment, and money-saving trends and topics. He was one of the first journalists at a daily news organization to aggressively cover retail as a specialty, and has been lauded in the retail industry for his expertise. Bob has also been an adjunct and associate professor of print, online and visual journalism at Syracuse University and Ithaca College. He has a master’s degree from Syracuse University’s S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications and a bachelor’s degree in communications and theater from Hope College.
-
-
As Fed Raises Rates 0.25%, Savings Rates Set to Rise, Too
Some experts say now would be a good time to lock in a much better savings rate on your accounts.
By Erin Bendig • Published
-
Medical Tourism Can Get You Healthcare Bargains Abroad
Millions of Americans partake in medical tourism each year. If you can’t afford a medical procedure in the U.S., consider investigating options overseas.
By Emma Patch • Published
-
Best Cash Back Credit Cards March 2023
Smart Buying Looking for the credit card that pays the most cash back? These lenders may pay hundreds of dollars, with minimum hassle.
By Lisa Gerstner • Last updated
-
I-Bond Rate Is 6.89% for Next Six Months
Investing for Income If you missed out on the opportunity to buy I-bonds at their recent high, don’t despair. The new rate is still good, and even has a little sweetener built in.
By David Muhlbaum • Last updated
-
What Are I-Bonds?
savings bonds Inflation has made Series I savings bonds enormously popular with risk-averse investors. How do they work?
By Lisa Gerstner • Last updated
-
Netflix Password Sharing Crackdown: What Will It Cost You?
After threatening to limit the popular practice of password sharing for months, the streaming giant has outlined a plan to make it happen.
By David Muhlbaum • Last updated
-
Your Guide to Open Enrollment 2023
Employee Benefits Health care costs continue to climb, but subsidies will make some plans more affordable.
By Rivan V. Stinson • Published
-
Watch Out for Flood-Damaged Cars from Hurricane Ian
Buying & Leasing a Car In the wake of Hurricane Ian, more flood-damaged cars may hit the market. Car prices may rise further because of increased demand as well.
By Bob Niedt • Last updated
-
What You Need to Know About Life Insurance Settlements
life insurance If your life insurance payments don’t seem worth it anymore, consider these options for keeping the value.
By David Rodeck • Published
-
Best Travel Rewards Credit Cards March 2023
credit cards Business road warriors and leisure travelers can use travel rewards credit cards to turn miles logged into other things — including more travel.
By Lisa Gerstner • Last updated