Warner Bros. Discovery (WBD) has announced plans to shut down several multiplex channels, including HBO Family and Cinemax’s ThrillerMax, MovieMax, and OuterMax, effective August 15. This decision is part of WBD’s strategy to streamline its channel offerings as viewers increasingly shift to streaming platforms. HBO Family, which launched in 1996, offered a kid- and family-friendly version of HBO, while the Cinemax multiplex channels focused on specific genres like horror, sci-fi, and action. Despite some original programming on HBO Family, the channel and others are being phased out due to declining viewership of linear premium channels. HBO will continue to operate other multiplex channels such as HBO2, HBO Signature, and HBO Latino. — new from variety.com
