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Max, formerly known as HBO Max, is a subscription-based video streaming service owned and operated by Warner Bros. Discovery. Its content library consists of shows and movies from HBO, Warner Bros., Cartoon Network, Adult Swim, Discovery Channel, DC Entertainment, Turner Classic Movies, and Max Originals.
Unfortunately, due to geo-restrictions and licensing issues, Max is not available in Canada. It is only available in the US and select European regions. If you want to access Max, you must subscribe to a VPN provider. Follow these simple steps to watch Max in Canada.
- Connect your VPN to a server in the US or Europe. (ExpressVPN is our top VPN recommendation)
- Sign up for a Max account and subscribe to any of its membership plans.
- Browse for a show or movie in its library, hit play, and enjoy streaming!
Table of Contents
Why Can’t I Watch Max in Canada?
Max is not available in Canada due to licensing issues.
At the moment, Warner Bros. Discovery has no plans of launching Max in Canada. However, the company did give Canadians a consolation prize in the form of a licensing agreement with Crave, which promises to bring Max’s content onto the Canadian platform.
Through this deal, Crave subscribers can now stream most of Max’s content without the hassle of using a VPN to access Max.
However, some of Max’s licensed content is not included in this deal. Instead, Crave subscribers get all the original content but no access to films or shows that already have licensing agreements in the US.
Therefore, if you’re expecting to get everything on Max in Canada through Crave, be aware that, unfortunately, that won’t be the case. But don’t worry, its entire HBO library, which include complete seasons of legendary shows like “Game of Thrones” and “The Sopranos” can still be streamed on Crave.
If you are trying to access Max while outside of the US, you can use a VPN to unblock the Max app. While some countries have laws in place that make it illegal to use a VPN, Canada is not one of them. Using a VPN is legal in Canada; in every province and territory, it’s 100% legal to use a VPN so you don’t have to worry about breaking any laws by signing up for a VPN. VPNs are used to create secure, private connections.
VPNs come in various formats from dozens of companies, and there are many cheap VPNs available. The best companies charge an affordable monthly fee, and you can often find deals online for deep discounts on annual and multi-year packages. However, despite VPNs being reasonably priced, there is still a huge demand for free VPN services. Also, mobile VPNs are available for download to Apple and Android devices for an affordable monthly subscription, and home networks and small businesses can also use VPN routers that cover all the devices that connect to them.
Max In Canada Overview
Max first launched as HBO in May 2020 as a subscription-based streaming service. In 2023, the platform signed a deal with Discovery Plus and officially rebranded as Max.
Max boasts an extensive library, which includes TV shows, movies, and original content from networks like HBO, Warner Bros. Studios, Discovery Channel, CNN, Adult Swim, and more.
Max captured nearly 13 million subscribers by the end of December 2020, with the company describing its rollout as “flawless.” Now, Max has 95.6 million paying subscribers, with 54 million based in the US, according to Business of Apps.
What are the Best Shows on Max?
Max has some of the best series and movies available online. Its content library is extensive and comparable to the Disney Plus archive.
Additionally, the streaming service has classic and current HBO movies and shows, as well as new originals (Max Originals).
Some of Max’s top rated titles include the following:
- “Succession”
- “Gossip Girl”
- “Westworld”
- “Game of Thrones”
- “The Big Bang Theory”
- “Doctor Who”
- “The Sopranos”
- “South Park”
- “Friends”
- “The Wire”
- “Euphoria”
- “The White Lotus”
- “The Last of Us”
Max subscribers also get sneak previews of exclusive content.
Max also offers select movies and shows from other WarnerMedia brands, such as Turner Classic Movies, CNN, DC Entertainment, Adult Swim, Cartoon Network, and much more.
Some of the best shows you can watch from these studios are:
- “Adventure Time”
- “Doom Patrol”
- “Perry Mason”
- “Frayed”
- “The Dog House”
- “Harley Quinn”
- “Gotham”
Sure, we get that HBO’s current original offering might not be enough to counter those from Netflix and Prime Video.
However, the company is investing in new content, with many new projects in the works with its in-house and external content partnerships with leading studios.
Unlike other streaming services such as Apple TV Plus, Max relies on past content to attract prospective subscribers.
You also have options for viewing shows on the broader AT&T-owned media landscape.
All video streaming services need a comprehensive library of on-demand films.
Max is a winner in this category as well, offering you hundreds of top-quality titles.
Content partnerships with leading in-house studios like Warner Bros. keep a steady stream of new movies flowing to Max subscribers. As mentioned, Warner Bros. is investing in launching its movies on Max, just a few months after their theatrical windows.
The response is due to the pandemic and how it’s changing consumer behavior.
With theaters shuttering during the pandemic, there were fewer releases in recent years than in the last 20-years of filmmaking.
However, Max intends to make up for that in 2021, giving the audience the chance to watch their favorite movies in the theater or at home on Max.
Some of the top theatrical releases from Max include: “Dune,” “Suicide Squad,” “Wonka,” “Barbie,” and more.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will Max Ever Come to Canada?
There are no plans to release Max in Canada as of now. However, the service is confirmed to expand to other parts of Europe and Asia in 2024.
While Max has not been released in Canada yet, there are other streaming services that you can use. Netflix, for example, is available in both the United States and Canada. Hulu is also available in the United States, but it is not yet released in Canada.
If you’re looking for a streaming service that offers a wide range of content, including current seasons of popular TV shows and movies, then Netflix would be your best option. If you’re more interested in watching older movies and TV shows, then Hulu might be a better choice for you. Alternatively, you can use a VPN to unblock Max and watch Max in Canada.
How Much Does Max Cost?
Max’s ad-free starting plan costs $15.99, which is significantly more expensive than most streaming services. However, it is important to note that Max will include access to all of HBO’s content, including past and current series, as well as a library of licensed movies. Max also has original programming that is exclusively available on the platform.
Can I Access Max on Amazon Prime Video?
Yes. You can access Max on Prime Video, only if you subscribe to it as an add-on channel on top of your standalone Prime Video subscription. You can also avail of a 7-day Max free trial on Prime Video if you’re a new user.
Can I Watch Max Content on Max?
Yes. Bell Media and Max have an existing agreement that allows Max’s content to be available on Crave. This deal enables Crave subscribers to watch Max’s content in Canada, including shows and movies from HBO, Warner Bros., DC Entertainment, and more. Access to Max’s content is included in your standalone Crave subscription and does not require any additional fees.
Why is Max Not Available in Canada?
Max is not available in Canada because of licensing restrictions. The company that owns Max, Warner Bros. Discovery, has a licensing agreement with Bell Media that only allows HBO Max to be broadcast in the United States. This means that Canadians cannot watch HBO Max unless they use a virtual private network (VPN) to access the service. While VPNs can be used to get around geographic restrictions, they can also be used to protect your privacy online.
Other Top Streaming Services
YouTube TV
YouTube TV is a live TV streaming service owned by Google that offers more than 100 local and international channels. YouTube TV also offers a Cloud DVR feature, which enables users to record the content they want to watch. However, YouTube TV is only available in the United States, though you can bypass this restriction by using some of the best VPN services.
Discovery Plus Canada
Discovery Plus Canada is a streaming service launched by Discovery Inc. Its library include shows, movies, documentaries across various genres, including lifestyle, home improvement, cooking, nature, reality TV, and more. You can watch Discovery Plus in Canada by visiting their site and signing up for an account. And if you want to watch the American version of Discovery Plus, you can use a VPN.
Paramount Plus
Paramount Plus is a video streaming platform from ViaCom CBS. It offers shows and movies from studios like Paramount Pictures, CBS, MTV, Comedy Central, and more. Paramount Plus is a great way to watch movies and TV shows online, with a library of titles that includes new and classic releases.
Hotstar
Hotstar is an Indian video streaming service owned by the Star network. Its library consists mostly of Bollywood TV shows and movies. With more than 100,000 hours of content in nine languages, they have a wide selection of content, including live cricket matches and all major sporting events. The Canadian version offers a limited selection of shows and movies, but VPNs are a great way to get around regional restrictions.
Sling TV
Sling TV is a live streaming service that provides access to select channels for a monthly fee. The service offers various packages such as ESPN, AMC, TNT, HGTV, HBO and Cinemax. Sling TV can be watched outside of the US by using a VPN, which will allow you to stream Sling TV content without any restrictions.
ESPN Plus
ESPN Plus is a popular streaming services that specializes in sports content. ESPN Plus mostly covers niche sports such as MMA, Boxing, Lacrosse, Canadian Football, and many more. Sadly, ESPN Plus is not currently available for Canadians.
Peacock TV
Peacock TV is a video streaming service from NBC Universal. It is home to popular shows like “30 Rock” and “The Office.” Its library also includes sports coverage like Premier League soccer matches. Unfortunately, Peacock TV is only available in the US. But you can always access it in Canada through a VPN.
