HBO changes the names of its 6 major TV channels, details explored

It seems 2025 is all about name changes for HBO. The pay television service changed the name of its streaming service from HBO Max to just Max two years ago, only to change it back to HBO Max in May 2025. Now, the television service is changing the names of its channels.

Almost everyone who has grown up watching television has watched programs on several HBO channels. As Variety reports, the television service is changing the names of six of its television channels to reflect what each channel offers in a more accurate manner.

HBO TV channels will now have new names

The network has made several changes from 1972 to the present time, including changing and then reverting to the original name of its streaming service and changing the names of several of its channels, many of which are no longer there. Out of the ones active, the names of six channels are changing.

HBO2, which was launched on August 1, 1991, and features theatrical films, original made-for-cable movies, specials, and series, is now HBO Hits. HBO Signature was also launched on August 1, 1991, as HBO 3 but was later changed to HBO Signature in 1998, and focuses on programming designed with women in mind. It is now an HBO Drama.

HBO Zone was introduced on May 6, 1999, as part of the HBO channel lineup. The network primarily features movies and original HBO programming designed more towards younger adult audiences. It is now called HBO Movies.

The television service is also bringing back the Cinemax name to its Max channels. MoreMAX was launched in 1991 and began as a companion channel to Cinemax, offering similar programming but on its own schedule. Until 1998, it was known as "Cinemax 2," later adopting the MoreMax name during a rebrand. The channel showcases a featured film every night at 9:00 p.m. ET. MoreMax is now called Cinemax Hits.

ActionMax launched in 1998, replacing Cinemax 3 (1995–1997). The channel specializes in action-packed films, offering blockbusters, westerns, war dramas, martial arts, horror, and adventure. Its hallmark programming is ''Heroes at 8," a nightly primetime feature showcasing an action movie at 8:00 p.m. ET. ActionMax is now called Cinemax Action. 5StarMax launched on May 17, 2001, and it airs award-winning films and timeless modern classics at 9:00 p.m. ET, excluding all "Max After Dark" programming. 5StarMax is now called Cinemax Classics.

As we mentioned before, this isn't the first time HBO has changed the names of its channels or streaming service. For some reason or other, the television service keeps bringing changes. Besides, based on how they have been making changes in 2025, it wouldn't be completely wrong to expect another sudden change in the name of a channel or the streaming platform.

Regardless of changes, HBO continues to produce quality shows and films, owning some of the most well-viewed television channels and streaming services in the world. In 2025, the network and Max, together, have managed to score 142 Primetime Emmy Nominations. This is even better news for the network and its long-running shows because the number of Primetime Emmy Nominations has increased from 91 in 2024 to 142 this year.

This change in the name of the channels will also be applicable to the "channels" section of HBO Max. All your favorite HBO shows and movies are streaming on HBO Max.

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