HBO Max is set to discontinue its 24/7 CNN live news stream in the U.S. as of November 17, ahead of the anticipated launch of CNN’s new standalone streaming service this fall. This decision marks a strategic shift for Warner Bros. Discovery as the network prepares to unveil an upgraded product aimed at attracting younger viewers.
While the CNN Max livestream will no longer be part of HBO Max, subscribers can still access a variety of CNN Originals, including notable titles such as “Anthony Bourdain: Parts Unknown,” “Stanley Tucci: Searching for Italy,” and “The Whole Story with Anderson Cooper.” This move reflects a continued commitment to providing quality content, despite the transition of live news streaming.
CNN has plans to introduce its new streaming service in the fall of 2025, following lessons learned from its previous attempt with CNN+, which launched in March of 2022 but was dismantled just one month later. Labeled as less ambitious than CNN+, the upcoming service is designed to cater to a broader audience as CNN navigates its way through ongoing challenges in retaining a diverse viewer base.
Alex MacCallum, CNN’s executive vice president of digital products and services, expressed optimism about the change, stating that the experience gained from providing a live news feed on HBO Max has been invaluable. He emphasized the goal of using insights from subscriber preferences to enhance their new offering and expand their audience reach.
This evolution in CNN’s streaming strategy signals a hopeful future as they prepare to launch their platform, aiming to engage more viewers with tailored content that meets the demands of a shifting media landscape.