Warner Bros Discovery is set to expand its Max streaming service to new Asian markets, including Thailand, starting November 19, marking significant growth in an area where competitors like Amazon.com and Walt Disney are reducing their content investments.
The launch of Max in seven additional Asian markets will increase its availability to 72 countries and territories, according to the announcement made by the media company on Tuesday, October 15.
Warner Bros has stated that the service will feature popular content from its various brands such as HBO, Discovery, the DC Universe, Harry Potter, and Cartoon Network across countries like Thailand, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, Taiwan, and Hong Kong.
This news follows last month’s forecast by the company, projecting an increase of over 6 million subscribers to its Max platform during the third quarter.
Warner Bros Discovery relaunched the streaming service by broadening its programming and expanded its reach to European markets in May of this year, capitalizing on the anticipation of the Olympic Games hosted in Paris.
Included in Max’s offerings are high-quality programs from HGTV, The Food Network, the Discovery Channel, and other cable channels.
Following the initial launch in Japan through a collaboration with local streamer U-Next, Warner plans to introduce the service in Australia in the first half of the following year.
Warner is also facing challenges globally with a decreasing traditional cable audience and has recently decreased the valuation of TV networks such as CNN and TNT, indicative of a shift of viewers and revenue from cable to streaming platforms.
Recently, Prime Video and Disney+ have notably reduced their investments in Asia to bolster profitability, while Netflix has increased its production of original content.
Meanwhile, local streaming services are heavily investing in sports and local talent, contributing to the expansion of the market.
