Max Pulls CNN Max from Ad-Supported Plans, Requires Ad-Free Subscription for News Access

In a big change for Warner Bros. Discovery’s streaming service Max, CNN Max, including its 24/7 live news channel, has been removed from the ad-supported subscription tier. Starting on March 30, 2025, subscribers on the basic plan with ads won’t have access to the live CNN content they’ve enjoyed since Max’s launch in September 2023. To keep watching CNN Max’s continuous news feed and exclusive programming, viewers will need to upgrade to one of Max’s ad-free plans – either the Standard tier at $17 per month or the Premium tier at $21 per month, as announced back in February.

Warner Bros. Discovery confirmed this decision recently, ending nearly two years of offering CNN Max to all Max subscribers regardless of their plan. CNN Max was initially introduced as part of an “open beta” to bring live news to the platform, offering a mix of programming from CNN US and CNN International, along with original shows designed for streaming audiences like CNN Newsroom with Jim Acosta and The Lead with Jake Tapper. This move sets Max apart in the streaming world by combining top-tier entertainment with real-time news without an additional cost.

A spokesperson for Warner Bros. Discovery explained the change as part of a larger strategy to enhance the value for subscribers. By saving CNN Max and its live news features for Standard and Premium plans, they aim to elevate the ad-free experience while still offering a wide entertainment selection across all tiers. This shift aligns with recent updates to Max’s sports content, where live B/R Sports events also became exclusive to ad-free plans starting March 30, 2025.

For ad-supported subscribers, losing access to CNN Max’s live feed means turning to other news sources or on-demand CNN Originals like The Whole Story with Anderson Cooper and Anthony Bourdain: Parts Unknown, available across all plans. But the removal of the 24/7 channel has left some users disappointed, missing the convenience of getting breaking news alongside Max’s entertainment lineup.

This change reflects Warner Bros. Discovery’s ongoing efforts to adapt to the evolving streaming landscape and the digital future of their news division. CNN Max was seen as a follow-up to the short-lived CNN+ service that closed in 2022 after a brief run. Unlike its predecessor, CNN Max utilized Max’s existing platform to reach a wider audience at a lower cost. However, restricting live news to higher-tier plans indicates a shift towards offering premium experiences, likely to increase revenue in a competitive market.

Subscribers on the ad-supported tier, priced at $9.99 per month, can still enjoy Max’s extensive library of HBO originals, Warner Bros. films, and Discovery content. But those looking for CNN’s live coverage will now need to upgrade. Users can visit max.com to change their plans, with immediate effect for new subscribers and at the next billing cycle for current ones. With streaming services dividing their offerings into basic and premium tiers, Max’s decision highlights the growing gap between these experiences in digital entertainment.