HBO Max is introducing a new type of podcast to its arsenal: scripted audio originals. In addition to this exciting new format, HBO Max also unveiled "look-back" series and other upcoming exclusives.
More Exciting Podcasts Are Coming to HBO Max
HBO Max's Podcast Program houses upwards of 25 podcasts, the majority of which are companion podcasts that stem from HBO shows, like Lovecraft Country and Chernobyl. But now the platform plans on diversifying its Podcast Program by throwing some new formats into the mix.
According to a press release by WarnerMedia, HBO Max is kicking off its new scripted audio originals with the release of Batman: The Audio Adventures in the fall of 2021. The series is modeled after the classic 1960s Batman TV series, and stars Jeffery Wright as the Dark Knight himself.
HBO Max is releasing a look-back podcast to commemorate the 20th anniversary of Band of Brothers as well. The series will premiere on September 9, 2021, and will feature an exclusive interview with executive producer Tom Hanks. We Stay Looking is another podcast set to debut in fall 2021, a sequel to Issa Rae's Looking for Latoya.
Also among those slated for release are "branded" podcasts, which offer behind-the-scenes perspectives on HBO-made series. HBO Max Movie Club is just one of those branded podcasts, and will premiere in fall 2021. It promises to deliver insightful discussions about the Warner Bros. flicks coming to HBO Max, and will feature the actors, producers, and directors of those films.
Joshua Walker, the chief strategy officer at HBO Max, commented on HBO's efforts to improve its library of podcasts. He highlighted the importance of taking viewers' thoughts into consideration, stating:
Our viewers tell us that, more than any other streaming platform, they want to discuss and dissect HBO Max programming with friends and family to extend the emotional experience after finishing an episode. Our fans are at the center of everything we do, so we’re following their lead by increasing our investment in podcasting, building on our successful and award-winning podcast program to deliver even more engaging, thoughtful content.
With podcasts becoming just as popular as TV series, it's no wonder that HBO Max is investing more time into them.
The Era of Podcasts Has Only Just Begun
The podcast competition is only getting more heated. HBO Max is digging deeper into the medium, while Apple, Google, Amazon, and Spotify already have a solid foothold. That said, HBO will really have to create some solid original content if it wants to keep up.