Ahead of the new season premiere Max, the price of the streaming service has increased, are fans ready for this change?
The wait is over, but not all fans may be celebrating. House of Dragons, the series that once again immerses us in the wonderful world of Westeros, is about to start its long-awaited second season. However, this enthusiasm comes with some not-so-good news: an increase in subscription fees for the Max streaming service.
Just when spirits were at their peak, Warner Bros. Discovery has announced a price increase for the Max platform, coinciding with the series premiere. Starting June 4, the ad-free plan in the US will see an increase from $15.99 to $16.99 per month, while the annual plan will see a jump from $149.99 to $169.99. On the other hand, the “Ultimate” option without ads increases by $1 per month to $20.99 and $10 per year, totaling $209.99 per year.
Pricing strategy in a competitive environment
These changes to the pricing structure are intended to not only sustain but also drive profitability in a growing market for streaming services. The decision appears to be designed to encourage value-conscious users to opt for ad-supported subscriptions. In the first quarter, the company reported a decline in its streaming segment of $2.46 billion and earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization of $86 million.
The second season promises to take the plot to another level, to the Targaryen civil war when more powerful battles and dark secrets are revealed. Emma D’Arcy returns as Princess Rhaenyra, along with Matt Smith as Prince Daemon and Olivia Cooke as Queen Alicent Hightower. Not only does the series continue the legacy of its first season, which earned a 93% critical rating on Rotten Tomatoes and took home a Golden Globe, it also surpasses the phenomenal success of Game of Thrones.
Is it worth the new price?
This price increase may cause some backlash among fans, especially those who have been evaluating the value of their subscription investment for multiple platforms. When the series airs on June 16, existing subscribers will get a grace period when they are notified 30 days before their renewal will reflect the new price. However, the real question for many will be whether the performance that Dragon House promises will justify the extra cost.
With these adjustments, Warner Bros. Discovery is looking to develop a long-term streaming strategy that not only balances the books, but also delivers unique content that will keep fans glued to their screens. Only time will tell if Targaryen fans will get every penny worth of following this dragon’s flame.
In addition to the strength of Dragon House, Max is preparing a series of armor that promises to keep fans on the edge of their seats. Notable among them is Flight Attendant, a mix of drama and comedy, starring Kaley Cuoco, whose second season has been praised for its sophisticated plot and amazing performances. Another popular title is Ridley Scott’s epic science fiction series Raised by Wolves, which explores artificial intelligence and the complexities of extraterrestrial life.
These additions underline its commitment to high-quality content diversity to cater to a wide and diverse audience, making the platform a must-see destination for series lovers.