Did you wake up with a wallet that feels a little lighter this morning? That’s because while you were sleeping, the price of HBO Max subscription prices rose. The changes went into effect Oct. 21, the same day the previously announced price increase on Disney+ bundles featuring HBO Max kicks in. If you’re a pre-existing subscriber, you’ll be getting a note about the price change 30 days before your next billing date, when the new price will kick in.
While this new increase isn’t a massive one, it will certainly add up over time. Across the board, subscriptions are rising between $1-$2 per month, with small savings if you are an annual subscriber.
The change in prices breaks down like this:
- Monthly basic with commercials: was $9.99, now $10.99
- Annual basic with commercials: was $99.99, now $109.99
- Monthly standard: was $16.99, now $18.49
- Annual standard: was $169.99, now $184.99
- Monthly premium: was $20.99, now $22.99
- Annual premium: was $200.99, now $229.99
The price hike comes ahead of the release of one of HBO’s most anticipated shows of the year. It: Welcome to Derry debuts on the service Oct. 26, just in time for a scary Halloween binge. The series is a prequel set before the events of It and It Chapter 2, exploring even more of the horrifying world created by Stephen King. Welcome to Derry comes from Andy Muschietti, the director of the films.
Another important HBO Max original series that likely shares some of the responsibility for the price change is the medical drama The Pitt. The Noah Wyle-starring series has been a hit with audiences and critics, racking up trophies with wins at the Television Critics Association awards and the Primetime Emmys. The show will return in January for its second season.
If that doesn’t interest you, though, there are still some intriguing things on the way via HBO Max, including new entries in the DC Universe. Both Booster Gold and Lanterns are in the works. Something we’re waiting to hear about, though, is what the plan is next for Peacemaker, after its season 2 cliffhanger.
