Could HBO Max become a new animation juggernaut?

Making a name in the animation game isn’t easy and few fail to understand that. As for streaming services though, things seem to ramp up even more as a lot of them have successful animated shows so it’s no surprise HBO Max jumped into the ring. Most notably, they could end up starting an entirely new era for the animation world.

Before HBO Max, there were just a few streaming platforms including Netflix, Hulu and even, Disney Plus. The first two on the list already had well-established platforms and had built themselves from that point. Netflix has had many successful animated shows in the past few years and still has a lot of its originals on-going. As for Hulu, its foray into the animation world didn’t really take off until 2020 with the platform offering only six original animated series.

However, Disney Plus changed the landscape for everyone as it featured all of Disney’s old animated TV shows and movies. The streaming platform has yet to really find its footing when it comes to original animated programs, though. No doubt Disney will find a way to best their competition but it seemed like Netflix and Hulu were at the forefront until HBO Max finally launched in May 2020.

Since HBO Max’s launch, the landscape for TV has changed once again and the company seems to be jumping on the animation train. With such a huge backlog of animated shows and more in the works, could HBO Max become the new animation king of streaming? While some could argue other platforms, HBO Max seems to be at the forefront in 2021 to become an animation juggernaut.

Will HBO Max become the next big animation streaming king in 2021?

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It would only be right to start things off by talking about how HBO Max isn’t afraid to keep with the same formula. Simply put, the streaming platform isn’t afraid to renew shows that networks might have given up on or need a new home. The platform has acquired the likes of Harley Quinn, Infinity Train, Young Justice, and Summer Camp Island. While these shows were popular on their own, HBO Max is now giving them a second wind and hopefully, allowing for their popularity to grow.

Renewing already existing shows is one thing, but trying to create new and original content is where things can go downhill. For HBO Max though, they’ve tried to perfect the formula and not rush things. One animated show they had in their library is Close Enough which is created by J.G. Quintel who also created The Regular Show. While it might not get nearly as much hype as his previous work, the show has a charm to it and it was an exciting start for them.

HBO Max doesn’t just focus on adult animation, though. There are plenty of shows available for kids to watch, too. Their reboot of Looney Tunes premiered when the platform did and they also decided to give Adventure Time a bit more storytelling. If you’re looking for some kid-friendly content, HBO Max has something for every age range and it’s surprising how no one seems to be talking about that.

Not only does HBO Max already have some solid original programming, but they also have a ton of projects in the works. There is going to be an animated series following Velma from Scooby-Doo, a reboot of Clone High and Fired on Mars which all have the potential to be hits for the service. Ultimately, HBO Max is making the most of what properties they have and trying to hopefully better them and introduce them to an entirely new market.

Even with all their plans for more original programming, it’s also worth noting that HBO Max has tons of incredible animated shows in their library already. While they might not be originals, there are lots of previously aired shows such as The Boondocks, We Bare Bears, Scooby-Doo, Justice League Unlimited, and Batman: The Animated Series. Once again, there is a little something for everyone.

Ultimately, HBO Max has all the resources to start trends in animation and change the landscape to fit their vision. Right now, it seems like we’ll be seeing a lot more animated shows coming from HBO Max than other streaming platforms. That’s not to discount the others out there, but HBO Max seems like it’s going to be one of the animation world’s newest forces.

What do you think about HBO Max’s future for animation? Share your thoughts in the comments below.