View source for Cinemax

{{Short description|American movie-focused pay television network}}
{{About|the American premium channel|other uses}}
{{distinguish|Max (streaming service){{!}}Max|Cinemex}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=July 2025}}
{{Infobox television channel
| name = Cinemax
| logo = [[File:Cinemax 2016.svg|frameless|class=skin-invert]]
| logo_caption = Current logo, which is a revision of 2011 logo, used since 2016.
| type = [[Pay television|Pay television network]]
| launch_date = {{Start date and age|1980|8|1|df=y}}
| parent = [[Home Box Office, Inc.]]
| key_people = {{Plainlist|
* Casey Bloys (President/Head of Programming, HBO/Cinemax)
}}
| picture_format = [[1080i]] ([[High-definition television|HDTV]])<br />(downscaled to [[letterboxed]] [[480i]] for the network's [[Standard-definition television|SDTV]] channel feeds)
| country = United States
| language = {{Plainlist|
* [[English Language|English]]
* [[Spanish Language|Spanish]] (Cinemáx; also as [[Second audio program|SAP]] option on all other channels)
}}
| area = Nationwide
| headquarters = [[30 Hudson Yards]], [[New York City]]
| sister_channels = {{collapsible list|
* [[HBO]]
* [[Adult Swim]]
* [[American Heroes Channel]]
* [[Animal Planet]]
* [[AT&T SportsNet]]
* [[Boomerang (TV network)|Boomerang]]
* [[Cartoon Network]]
* [[Cartoonito (American programming block)|Cartoonito]]
* [[CNN]]
* [[Cooking Channel]]
* [[The CW]] <!-- sale pending -->
* [[Destination America]]
* [[Discovery Channel]]
* [[Discovery en Español]]
* [[Discovery Family]]
* [[Discovery Familia]]
* [[Discovery Life]]
* [[Food Network]]
* [[HGTV]]
* [[HLN (TV network)|HLN]]
* [[Investigation Discovery]]
* [[Magnolia Network]]
* [[Motor Trend (TV network)|Motor Trend]]
* [[Oprah Winfrey Network]]
* [[Science Channel]]
* [[TBS (American TV channel)|TBS]]
* [[TLC (TV network)|TLC]]
* [[TNT (American TV network)|TNT]]
* [[Travel Channel]]
* [[TruTV]]
* [[Turner Classic Movies]]
}}
| timeshift_service = {{collapsible list|title=Cinemax timeshift channels{{refn|group="note"|name=Timeshift|Cinemax Hits, Cinemax Action, Cinemax Classics and Cinemáx each operate exclusively on an Eastern Time schedule.}}|
* Cinemax ([[Eastern Time Zone|East]] / [[Pacific Time Zone|West]])
* Cinemax Hits (East / West)
* Cinemax Action (East / West)
}}
| former_names = Max (2008–2011)
| website = {{URL|https://www.cinemax.com/|cinemax.com}}
| online_serv_1 = [[HBO Max]]
| online_chan_1 = {{Plainlist|
* {{URL|hbomax.com}}
* (subscription required to access content)
}}
| online_serv_2 = [[Apple TV (software)#Apple TV Channels|Apple TV Channels]]{{refn|group="note"|name=channelapps|A subscription or trial is required to access content on Cinemax's Apple TV, Amazon Video and Roku channels.}}
| online_chan_2 = Over-the-top TV
{{collapsible list|title=Available feeds|
* Cinemax (East)
* Cinemax (West)
}}
| online_serv_3 = [[Amazon Prime Video|Amazon Video Channels]]{{refn|group="note"|name=channelapps}}
| online_chan_3 = Over-the-top TV
{{collapsible list|title=Available feeds|
* Cinemax (East/West)
* Cinemax Hits (East)
* Cinemax Action (East)
* Cinemax Classics (East)
* Cinemáx (East)
}}
| online_serv_4 = [[Roku#The Roku Channel|The Roku Channel]]{{refn|group="note"|name=channelapps}}
| online_chan_4 = Over-the-top TV
{{collapsible list|title=Available feeds|
* Cinemax (East)
* Cinemax (West)
}}
}}

'''Cinemax''' is an American [[premium television]] network and service owned by [[Home Box Office, Inc.]], a subsidiary of [[Warner Bros. Discovery]]. Launched on August 1, 1980, as a "maxi-pay" service to complement the offerings of its sister premium network, [[HBO]] (Home Box Office), Cinemax initially focused on recent and classic films. Today, its programming primarily includes recent and classic theatrically released films, original series, documentaries, and special behind-the-scenes features.

It operates five 24-hour linear channels and offers a traditional subscription video-on-demand service called Cinemax On Demand. Cinemax previously provided a TV Everywhere streaming platform, Cinemax Go, which is no longer available. However, its linear channels are accessible through multichannel video programming distributors such as Apple TV, Amazon Video, and Roku.<ref>{{cite news |author=Todd Haselton |date=March 25, 2019 |title=Apple unveils streaming TV services |url=https://www.cnbc.com/2019/03/25/apple-tv-channels-streaming-tv-service-announced.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190325201440/https://www.cnbc.com/2019/03/25/apple-tv-channels-streaming-tv-service-announced.html |archive-date=March 25, 2019 |access-date=March 25, 2019 |website=[[CNBC]] |publisher=[[NBCUniversal Television Group#NBCUniversal News Group|NBCUniversal News Group]]}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |author=David Katzmaier |date=May 23, 2019 |title=Amazon Prime Video Channels: Everything you need to know |url=https://www.cnet.com/news/amazon-prime-video-channels-everything-you-need-to-know/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200610035913/https://www.cnet.com/news/amazon-prime-video-channels-everything-you-need-to-know/ |archive-date=June 10, 2020 |access-date=June 9, 2020 |website=[[CNET]] |publisher=[[CBS Interactive]]}}</ref>{{toclimit|3}}

==History==
Home Box Office, Inc., owned by [[Time Inc.]]'s [[Time Life|Time-Life Broadcasting]] unit, launched a movie-centered pay service called Take 2 on April 1, 1979, as a companion to HBO. However, Take 2 struggled with subscriber growth and was discontinued in February 1981.<ref name="Movie Duels">{{cite web |author=Bill Mesce |date=September 2, 2013 |title=It's Not TV: HBO, The Company That Changed Television: The Movie Duels |url=https://www.popoptiq.com/its-not-tv-hbo-the-company-that-changed-television-the-movie-duels/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151017013028/http://www.popoptiq.com/its-not-tv-hbo-the-company-that-changed-television-the-movie-duels/ |archive-date=October 17, 2015 |access-date=February 1, 2014 |publisher=Sound on Sight}}</ref> HBO then announced the launch of Cinemax, a "maxi-pay" network designed to complement HBO and compete with other movie network/premium services.<ref>{{cite news |author=Ann Ferrar |date=October 5, 1980 |title=Cinemax is launched despite Premiere |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/1992443/cinemax1-aug-1980/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201113193950/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/1992443/cinemax1-aug-1980/ |archive-date=November 13, 2020 |access-date=October 12, 2020 |newspaper=[[New Braunfels Herald-Zeitung]] |publisher=Taylor Communications |page=49 |via=[[Newspapers.com]]}}{{subscription required}}</ref> Cinemax debuted on August 1, 1980, focusing on theatrical films with no commercials or edits for content.<ref>{{cite magazine |date=June 28, 1976 |title=HBO adds a new service |publisher=Broadcasting Publications, Inc. |page=56 |periodical=Broadcasting}}<br />{{cite magazine |date=June 28, 1976 |title=HBO adds a new service |publisher=Broadcasting Publications, Inc. |page=56 |periodical=Broadcasting}}</ref>

Cinemax initially aired on 56 cable systems in the [[Eastern Time Zone|Eastern]] and [[Central Time Zone|Central]] time zones, with a West Coast feed launching on September 1, 1980.<ref>{{cite news |date=July 31, 1980 |title=2d Cable Movie Service From Home Box Office |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1980/07/31/archives/2d-cable-movie-service-from-home-box-office.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180723094029/https://www.nytimes.com/1980/07/31/archives/2d-cable-movie-service-from-home-box-office.html |archive-date=July 23, 2018 |access-date=March 29, 2009 |newspaper=The New York Times |issn=0362-4331}}</ref><ref>{{cite magazine |date=August 18, 1980 |title=Monitor: Paying the next pay way. |publisher=Broadcasting Publications, Inc. |page=61 |periodical=Broadcasting}}</ref> The network transitioned to a 24-hour schedule on January 1, 1981.<ref name="b&c-max24hours">{{cite magazine |date=September 1, 1980 |title=Monitor: Maximizing Cinemax. |publisher=Broadcasting Publications Inc. |page=42 |periodical=Broadcasting}}</ref><ref>{{cite magazine |date=November 12, 1979 |title=In Brief |publisher=Broadcasting Publications Inc. |page=32 |periodical=Broadcasting}}</ref><ref>{{cite magazine |date=June 8, 1981 |title=Showtime expands to 24 hours |publisher=Broadcasting Publications Inc. |page=64 |periodical=Broadcasting}}<br />{{cite magazine |date=June 8, 1981 |title=Showtime expands to 24 hours |publisher=Broadcasting Publications Inc. |page=68 |periodical=Broadcasting}}</ref> Cinemax offered uncut films and was marketed as a premium addition to HBO, often bundled with HBO for a discount. Since the 80s it has been the icon for prestige TV, with hard-hitting originals in the 80s, and then again in the 2000s and 2010s.

In October 1983, Cinemax faced a trademark infringement lawsuit from Tulsa 23 Limited Partnership over its promotional slogan, "We Are Your Movie Star."<ref>{{cite news |date=October 19, 1983 |title=Tulsa station files HBO suit |url=https://oklahoman.com/article/2043512/tulsa-station-files-hbo-suit |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201113193956/https://oklahoman.com/article/2043512/tulsa-station-files-hbo-suit |archive-date=November 13, 2020 |access-date=October 12, 2020 |newspaper=[[The Oklahoman|The Daily Oklahoman]] |publisher=Oklahoma Publishing Company |agency=[[Associated Press]]}}</ref> The court ruled in favor of Tulsa 23, and Cinemax was ordered to discontinue the slogan.<ref>{{cite magazine |date=November 28, 1983 |title=Cablecastings: A potentially costly error |publisher=Broadcasting Publications Inc. |page=10 |periodical=Broadcasting}}</ref><ref>{{cite magazine |date=December 12, 1983 |title=In Brief |publisher=Broadcasting Publications Inc. |page=137 |periodical=Broadcasting}}</ref>

As competition increased, Cinemax adjusted its programming strategy by including more adult-oriented films and launching the "Friday After Dark" late-night block in 1984. The network also introduced original programming and series, including ''[[Second City Television]],'' ''[[Richard Belzer|The Richard Bezler Show]]'' and ''[[The Max Headroom Show]]''. Some of the music programs aired on Cinemax were simulcast for free over a national FM radio network to provide stereo audio.<ref>{{cite web |last=Pareles |first=Jon |date=July 31, 1986 |title='Fats Domino and Friends' on Cable |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1986/07/31/arts/fats-domino-and-friends-on-cable.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170821004859/http://www.nytimes.com/1986/07/31/arts/fats-domino-and-friends-on-cable.html |archive-date=August 21, 2017 |access-date=August 20, 2017 |work=The New York Times}}</ref> In February 1988, the network premiere of ''[[Lethal Weapon]]'' became one of Cinemax's highest-rated broadcasts.<ref>{{cite web |last=Mitchell |first=Kim |date=September 3, 1990 |title=Cinemax shows strength as it turns 10 |url=http://www.highbeam.com/doc/1G1-8934460.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121105130814/http://www.highbeam.com/doc/1G1-8934460.html |archive-date=November 5, 2012 |work=[[MultiChannel News]]}}</ref>

On March 4, 1989, Warner Communications announced its intent to merge with HBO's parent company, Time Inc., for $14.9 billion. Despite legal challenges from [[Gulf and Western Industries|Paramount Communications]], the merger was completed on January 10, 1990, creating Time Warner (later WarnerMedia, now Warner Bros. Discovery), which remains the parent company of Cinemax and HBO.<ref>{{cite news |date=March 5, 1989 |title=Time Inc. and Warner to Merge, Creating Largest Media Company |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1989/03/05/us/time-inc-and-warner-to-merge-creating-largest-media-company.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200901012649/https://www.nytimes.com/1989/03/05/us/time-inc-and-warner-to-merge-creating-largest-media-company.html |archive-date=September 1, 2020 |access-date=June 9, 2020 |newspaper=[[The New York Times]]}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Time Inc. – Our History |url=http://www.timeinc.com/aboutus/history.php |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121019121509/http://www.timeinc.com/aboutus/history.php |archive-date=October 19, 2012 |access-date=October 5, 2012}}</ref> This was significant because it gave both networks, but especially Cinemax, access to Warner Bros.' major library, and gave them unlimited resources with the studio as well as with Time Warner. And WB would become a majority studio in the network's film catalog, with Cinemax, for instance, airing ''GoodFellas'' in its exclusive premiere in 1991.

In August 1991, Cinemax, along with HBO, was among the first American pay TV services to introduce multiplexed channels. Starting in 1992, Cinemax reintroduced television series development with adult-oriented scripted series, such as ''Erotic Confessions'', ''Hot Line'', ''[[Passion Cove]]'', [[Lingerie (TV series)|''Lingerie'']], and ''[[Co-Ed Confidential]]''.

Cinemax was the exclusive premiere network of several blockbuster movies, such as ''[[GoodFellas]]'' and ''[[The Godfather Part III]]'' in 1991, ''[[Juice (1992 film)|Juice]]'' in 1993, ''[[The Fugitive (1993 film)|The Fugitive]]'' in 1994,  ''[[Any Given Sunday]]'', ''[[Eyes Wide Shut]]'', and ''[[The Matrix]]'' in 2000, and ''[[X-Men (2000 film)|X-Men]]'' in 2002. From 1992 to 1997, Cinemax featured daily movie showcases centered on specific genres, identified by pictograms.<ref name="Cinemax makeover">{{cite web |last=Granger |first=Rod |date=November 2, 1992 |title=Little brother Cinemax gets extensive makeover |url=http://www.highbeam.com/doc/1G1-13619333.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121105130753/http://www.highbeam.com/doc/1G1-13619333.html |archive-date=November 5, 2012 |access-date=August 20, 2017 |work=MultiChannel News}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Cinemax Monday Comedy Movie Intro |url=http://www.gatasi.com/video/ba9Ti7VboiY/cinemax-monday-comedy.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170820202245/http://www.gatasi.com/video/ba9Ti7VboiY/cinemax-monday-comedy.html |archive-date=August 20, 2017 |access-date=August 20, 2017 |work=Gatasi}}</ref> This practice ended in September 1997, with Cinemax adopting a simplified branding strategy that included "Max Hits at 8" and "Max Prime at 10."<ref name="MaxMovieFan">{{cite web |date=August 11, 1997 |title=Cinemax Pay TV Network to Cater to Movie Fan Viewers |url=http://www.thefreelibrary.com/Cinemax+Pay+TV+Network+to+Cater+to+Movie+Fan+Viewers-a019659870 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121022231456/http://www.thefreelibrary.com/Cinemax+Pay+TV+Network+to+Cater+to+Movie+Fan+Viewers-a019659870 |archive-date=October 22, 2012 |access-date=January 12, 2011 |via=The Free Library |agency=[[PR Newswire]]}}</ref>

In February 1994, Cinemax, HBO, Showtime, and The Movie Channel introduced a [[United States pay television content advisory system|content advisory system]] to inform viewers about program content.<ref>{{cite web |author=Ellen Edwards |date=January 11, 1994 |title=Cable Leaders to Develop Violence Ratings |url=http://www.highbeam.com/doc/1P2-870441.html |url-access= |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140611020259/http://www.highbeam.com/doc/1P2-870441.html |archive-date=June 11, 2014 |access-date=March 11, 2013 |newspaper=[[The Washington Post]]}}</ref> A revised system with content codes was implemented on June 10, 1994.<ref>{{cite news |author=Steve Weinstein |date=June 8, 1994 |title=Premium Cable Channels Adopt Content Labels |url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1994-06-08-ca-1867-story.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100709072622/http://articles.latimes.com/1994-06-08/entertainment/ca-1867_1_cable-channels |archive-date=July 9, 2010 |access-date=September 29, 2020 |newspaper=[[Los Angeles Times]]}}</ref>

In 1998, Cinemax began offering "sneak preview" blocks for its multiplex channels, ActionMax and ThrillerMax. Classic films, once a staple of the Cinemax schedule, were increasingly featured on multiplex channels like 5StarMax.

In February 2011, Cinemax shifted its focus to original programming, launching series to compete with other premium services, all of which were very popular: ''[[Banshee (TV series)|Banshee]],'' ''[[The Knick]]'', ''[[Hunted (2012 TV series)|Hunted]]'', ''[[Strike Back (TV series)|Strike Back]]''. and to rebrand its image from being primarily known for softcore pornographic content.[citation needed] [23] Cinemax shortened its name to just Max in 2008, but it was reverted 3 years later.

Following [[AT&T]]'s acquisition of Time Warner in 2018, Cinemax's focus shifted significantly. Adult programming on Cinemax and HBO's multiplexes, as well as on-demand services, nearly disappeared due to increased availability of such content online and competition from other providers.<ref>{{cite web |last=Battaglio |first=Stephen |date=August 28, 2018 |title=HBO is out of the adult entertainment business |url=https://www.latimes.com/business/hollywood/la-fi-ct-hbo-adult-20180828-story.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180828184141/http://www.latimes.com/business/hollywood/la-fi-ct-hbo-adult-20180828-story.html |archive-date=August 28, 2018 |access-date=August 28, 2018 |work=[[Los Angeles Times]]}}</ref>

In January 2020, WarnerMedia announced that with the upcoming launch of [[HBO Max]], Cinemax would cease commissioning original programming but would continue as a movie-focused service through existing distributors. Cinemax's original programming, although available internationally, was not included in HBO Max.<ref name=":0">{{cite web |last=Baysinger |first=Tim |date=January 15, 2020 |title=Cinemax Abandons Original Programming, Channel Will Not Be Part of HBO Max |url=https://www.thewrap.com/cinemax-programming-wont-be-on-hbo-max-channel-to-no-longer-produce-original-content/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200128031347/https://www.thewrap.com/cinemax-programming-wont-be-on-hbo-max-channel-to-no-longer-produce-original-content/ |archive-date=January 28, 2020 |access-date=January 27, 2020 |work=[[TheWrap]]}}</ref> Len Amato, the executive overseeing Cinemax and HBO's film and miniseries division, left WarnerMedia on August 14, 2020, marking the end of Cinemax's original programming efforts.<ref>{{cite news |last=Andreeva |first=Nellie |date=August 14, 2020 |title=Len Amato Exits As President Of HBO Films, Miniseries & Cinemax |url=https://deadline.com/2020/08/len-amato-exits-president-of-hbo-films-miniseries-cinemax-1203013918/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200814223810/https://deadline.com/2020/08/len-amato-exits-president-of-hbo-films-miniseries-cinemax-1203013918/ |archive-date=August 14, 2020 |access-date=August 15, 2020 |website=[[Deadline Hollywood]]}}</ref>

On May 17, 2021, AT&T and [[Discovery, Inc.]] announced a [[Reverse Morris Trust]] agreement, wherein WarnerMedia would [[Corporate spin-off|spin-off]] from AT&T and merge with Discovery for $43 billion. This merger, completed in spring 2022, resulted in the formation of Warner Bros. Discovery, led by [[David Zaslav]].<ref>{{cite news |author=Alex Sherman |date=May 16, 2021 |title=AT&T in advanced talks to merge WarnerMedia with Discovery, deal expected as soon as tomorrow |url=https://www.cnbc.com/2021/05/16/att-in-advanced-talks-to-merge-warnermedia-with-discovery.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220531031836/https://www.cnbc.com/2021/05/16/att-in-advanced-talks-to-merge-warnermedia-with-discovery.html |archive-date=May 31, 2022 |access-date=May 17, 2021 |website=CNBC |publisher=NBCUniversal News Group}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |author1=Steve Meredith |author2=Sam Kovach |date=May 17, 2021 |title=AT&T announces $43 billion deal to merge WarnerMedia with Discovery |url=https://www.cnbc.com/2021/05/17/att-to-combine-warnermedia-and-discovery-assets-to-create-a-new-standalone-company.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220120133629/https://www.cnbc.com/2021/05/17/att-to-combine-warnermedia-and-discovery-assets-to-create-a-new-standalone-company.html |archive-date=January 20, 2022 |access-date=May 17, 2021 |website=CNBC |publisher=NBCUniversal News Group}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |author=Jill Goldsmith |date=May 17, 2021 |title=AT&T's WarnerMedia And Discovery To Merge, Create New Company Led By David Zaslav |url=https://deadline.com/2021/05/att-discovery-merge-entertainment-assets-create-new-company-1234758218/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220823144817/https://deadline.com/2021/05/att-discovery-merge-entertainment-assets-create-new-company-1234758218/ |archive-date=August 23, 2022 |access-date=May 17, 2021 |website=Deadline Hollywood |publisher=Penske Media Corporation}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |author=Drew FitzGerald |author2=Cara Lombardo |author3=Joe Flint |date=May 17, 2021 |title=AT&T Agrees to Merge Media Business With Discovery |url=https://www.wsj.com/articles/at-t-to-combine-warnermedia-division-with-discovery-11621250928 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220823144818/https://www.wsj.com/articles/at-t-to-combine-warnermedia-division-with-discovery-11621250928 |archive-date=August 23, 2022 |access-date=May 17, 2021 |newspaper=The Wall Street Journal |publisher=News Corp.}}</ref> On May 23, 2023, the merged company's streaming service was rebranded as Max.

==Channels==
On May 8, 1991, Home Box Office Inc. announced plans to launch multiplexed companion channels for HBO and Cinemax, offering additional programming options at no extra charge. The test launch on August 1, 1991, introduced Cinemax2, HBO2, and HBO3 (now HBO Signature) to select TeleCable customers, providing distinct programming from their parent channels.<ref>{{cite news |author=Bill Carter |date=May 9, 1991 |title=THE MEDIA BUSINESS; HBO Planning to Add New Movie Channels |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1991/05/09/business/the-media-business-hbo-planning-to-add-new-movie-channels.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121111205314/http://www.nytimes.com/1991/05/09/business/the-media-business-hbo-planning-to-add-new-movie-channels.html |archive-date=November 11, 2012 |access-date=February 8, 2011 |newspaper=The New York Times |issn=0362-4331}}</ref><ref>{{cite magazine |date=May 13, 1991 |title=HBO, Cinemax to Split Services into Three Channels Each |publisher=Broadcasting Publications, Inc. |page=33 |periodical=Broadcasting}}</ref><ref>{{cite magazine |date=August 5, 1991 |title=HBO Releases Multiplex Schedule |publisher=Broadcasting Publications, Inc. |page=40 |periodical=Broadcasting}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |author=Jane Greenstein |date=May 13, 1991 |title=HBO: three channels are better than one |url=http://www.highbeam.com/doc/1G1-10807607.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110511211758/http://www.highbeam.com/doc/1G1-10807607.html |archive-date=May 11, 2011 |publisher=Fairchild Publications |periodical=Multichannel News}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |author=Kenneth R. Clark |date=May 9, 1991 |title=HBO to Pack in More ProgramingTO PACK IN MORE PROGRAMMING |url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/news/ct-xpm-1991-05-09-9102110030-story.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201113194002/https://www.chicagotribune.com/ |archive-date=November 13, 2020 |access-date=May 15, 2020 |newspaper=Chicago Tribune |publisher=Tribune Publishing}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |author=Jane Greenstein |date=August 5, 1991 |title=HBO begins to plex muscles; Home Box Office Inc. tests its multiplexing scheme |url=http://www.highbeam.com/doc/1G1-11151140.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090109204353/http://www.highbeam.com/doc/1G1-11151140.html |archive-date=January 9, 2009 |publisher=Fairchild Publications |periodical=Multichannel News}}</ref> John K. Billock, HBO's EVP of marketing, cited subscriber dissatisfaction with program scheduling as a reason for the multiplex expansion. A November 1991 [[ACNielsen]] survey showed positive impacts from the multiplex channels, including reduced negative opinions on pricing and improved overall usage.<ref>{{cite magazine |author=Sharon Morshavi |date=November 25, 1991 |title=HBO Multiplex Test Off to a Good Start |publisher=Broadcasting Publications, Inc. |page=36 |periodical=Broadcasting}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |author=Jane Greenstein |date=November 25, 1991 |title=TeleCable gives 'plex' good reviews |url=http://www.highbeam.com/doc/1G1-11673371.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130508044430/http://www.highbeam.com/doc/1G1-11673371.html |archive-date=May 8, 2013 |access-date=March 17, 2013 |periodical=Multichannel News |publisher=Fairchild Publications}}</ref>

In February 1996, Home Box Office announced plans to expand to twelve channels, including two additional Cinemax channels and a fourth HBO channel, projected for a spring 1997 launch.<ref>{{cite magazine |author=Rich Brown |date=February 5, 1996 |title=HBO divides to conquer |publisher=Cahners Business Information |page=49 |periodical=Broadcasting & Cable}}<br />{{cite magazine |author=Rich Brown |date=February 5, 1996 |title=HBO divides to conquer |publisher=Cahners Business Information |page=50 |periodical=Broadcasting & Cable}}</ref> The Cinemax multiplex expanded on December 1, 1996, with the launch of Cinemax 3, and the introduction of [[Mountain Time Zone]] feeds.<ref>{{cite magazine |date=September 30, 1996 |title=Pay services add value with multiplexing |publisher=Cahners Business Information |page=70 |periodical=Broadcasting & Cable}}</ref>

The Cinemax multiplex was marketed as "MultiChannel Cinemax" in September 1994, rebranded to "MultiMax" in April 1998, and later applied to the expanded four-channel package.<ref>{{cite web |author=Karen Anderson Prikios |date=March 19, 2001 |title=HBO: Digital to the Max |url=http://www.highbeam.com/doc/1G1-72291713.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110511211725/http://www.highbeam.com/doc/1G1-72291713.html |archive-date=May 11, 2011 |access-date=February 25, 2011 |publisher=Cahners Business Information |periodical=Broadcasting & Cable}}</ref> This included MoreMax (formerly Cinemax 2), ActionMax (formerly Cinemax 3), and the new ThrillerMax channel.<ref name="HBO digital networks">{{cite magazine |author=John M. Higgins |author-link=John M. Higgins |date=April 13, 1998 |title=HBO sets new digital networks |publisher=Cahners Business Information |page=12 |periodical=Broadcasting & Cable}} {{subscription required|date=March 2015}}</ref> [[File:Cinemax logo (1997 - 2011).png|thumb|Cinemax logo used from 1997 to 2011. "Cine" was removed from the logo in 2008.]]

On May 17, 2001, four additional themed channels were launched: OuterMax, WMax (later MovieMax), @Max (later Max Latino), and 5StarMax.<ref name="Plex" /><ref name="Four Plexes">{{cite web |author=Linda Moss |date=January 15, 2001 |title=Cinemax Branches Out with Four Plexes |url=http://www.highbeam.com/doc/1G1-69279493.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140611030159/http://www.highbeam.com/doc/1G1-69279493.html |archive-date=June 11, 2014 |access-date=March 13, 2013 |publisher=Reed Business Information |periodical=Multichannel News}}</ref> Max Latino was rebranded as Cinemáx on April 1, 2015, mirroring the flagship Cinemax schedule with Spanish-language dubs. MovieMax started as a family-oriented channel and later focused on recent and classic movies.<ref>{{cite web |date=May 23, 2013 |title=Rebrand Advisory |url=http://www.homeboxoffice.com/to/Recently_Updated/Rebrand_Advisory.pdf |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150402092140/http://www.homeboxoffice.com/to/Recently_Updated/Rebrand_Advisory.pdf |archive-date=April 2, 2015 |access-date=April 20, 2015 |website=Home Box Office Inc.}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |date=May 24, 2013 |title=Cinemax changing @MAX to Spanish-language MAX Latino |url=http://hd-report.com/2013/05/24/cinemax-changing-max-to-spanish-language-max-latino/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130623114855/http://hd-report.com/2013/05/24/cinemax-changing-max-to-spanish-language-max-latino/ |archive-date=June 23, 2013 |access-date=May 25, 2013 |website=HD Report |publisher=LinksThat}}</ref>

===List of channels===
{{Redirect|ActionMax|the 1980s video game system|Action Max}}
{{For|the UK channel formerly known as ActionMax|Movies4Men 2}}
{{Redirect|MovieMax|the Canadian premium movie service formerly known as MovieMax!|Encore Avenue}}
{{Redirect-distinguish|5StarMax|5Star}}
Cinemax offers up to five 24-hour multiplex channels, available in both [[standard-definition television|standard]] and [[high-definition television|high definition]], with regional feeds based on time zones.<ref>{{cite web |title=Explore Cinemax - Learn About the Channel and All Its Platforms |url=http://www.cinemax.com/explore-cinemax.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130116151505/http://www.cinemax.com/explore-cinemax.html |archive-date=January 16, 2013 |access-date=February 18, 2013 |website=Cinemax |publisher=[[HBO|Home Box Office Inc.]]}}</ref> These channels include a [[video on demand|subscription video-on-demand]] service, Cinemax on Demand. Maintenance periods, ranging from 30 minutes to two hours, occur monthly during early morning hours before the 6:00&nbsp;a.m. ET/PT start of the broadcast day.

Cinemax, MoreMax and ActionMax transmit both Eastern and Pacific Time Zone schedules. The time zone-based feeds are usually packaged together, resulting in a maximum three-hour difference in local airtimes between geographic locations. The opposite-region feed serves as a [[timeshift channel]], allowing viewers to watch programs up to three hours later or four hours earlier than their local airtime. While most providers offer only the East and West Coast feeds of the main Cinemax channel, timeshifted feeds for other multiplex channels are available on platforms like DirecTV, [[YouTube TV]], and [[Hulu + Live TV]].
====Current channels====
{| class="wikitable" width="100%" style="text-align: center;"
|-
! Channel
! Description and programming
|-
| width="200" align="center"|[[File:Cinemax 2016.svg|200px|center]]<br />'''Cinemax''' || align="left"|The main flagship feed; Cinemax features blockbuster movies, foreign, [[independent film|independent]] and [[arthouse film]]s, first-run films, movie favorites and original programming. Cinemax commonly exclusively premieres new movies (debuting on the network within a lag of between eight months to one year on average from their initial theatrical release) on Saturday nights at 10:00 p.m.{{Citation needed|date=June 2025}} Eastern Time as part of "See It Saturday" and broadcasts a featured movie Sunday through Thursdays at 10:00 p.m. Eastern Time. Cinemax also runs original series on Friday evenings at 10:00 p.m. Eastern Time. Friday–Sunday are usually the days for exclusive and non-exclusive premieres or major blockbusters, as well as Saturday for programming events, and Sundays for series.
|-
| width="200" align="center" |[[File:Cinemax Hits Logo.png|200px|center]]<br />'''Cinemax Hits''' || align="left"|Launched in 1991, Cinemax Hits (formerly Cinemax 2 and MoreMax) is a channel with similar program content as Cinemax on a separate schedule. The service broadcasts a featured movie every night at 9:00 p.m. Eastern Time. MoreMax was originally named '''"Cinemax 2"''' until 1998. It originally used slightly different bumpers to distinguish itself from the original Cinemax, but by 1993, it had instead begun using a barebones "program grid" structure similar to the [[History of Pop (American TV channel)|Prevue Channel]] (also used by Cinemax 3, as well as by sister networks HBO2 and HBO3). With the rebrand to MoreMax, it gained a full on-air look once more. This channel serves as a repeat of all the programs, so that people who missed premieres can get a second chance to watch it on here, 24 hours later. MoreMax rebranded as Cinemax Hits on September 4, 2025.<ref name="rebrand">{{cite web|url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/tv/tv-news/why-hbo-is-rebranding-everything-max-cinemax-1236361365|title=Why HBO Is Rebranding Everything|last=Maglio|first=Tony|work=The Hollywood Reporter|date=September 4, 2025|access-date=September 5, 2025}}</ref>
|-
| width="200" align="center" |[[File:Cinemax Action Logo.png|200px|center]]<br />'''Cinemax Action''' || align="left"|Launched in 1998, Cinemax Action (formerly Cinemax 3 and ActionMax) broadcasts action movies including blockbusters, westerns, war pictures, martial arts, horror and adventure films; the channel has a prime time film block, "Heroes at 8", which carries a featured action movie at 8:00 p.m. Eastern Time nightly. ActionMax replaced '''"Cinemax 3"''', which existed from 1995 to 1997. ActionMax rebranded as Cinemax Action on September 4, 2025.
|-
| width="200" align="center" |[[File:Cinemax Classics Logo.png|200px|center]]<br />'''Cinemax Classics''' || align="left"|Launched on May 17, 2001,<ref name="Plex"/> Cinemax Classics (formerly 5StarMax) showcases modern classics, featuring award-winning films and timeless movie classics. The channel broadcasts a featured classic every night at 9:00 p.m. Eastern Time. It is the only Cinemax channel that did not air Max After Dark content. 5StarMax rebranded as Cinemax Classics on September 4, 2025.
|-
| width="200" align="center" |[[File:Cinemáx Logo.svg|200px|center]]<br />'''Cinemáx'''{{refn|group="note"|Alternately "Cinemax Spanish" or "Cinemax en Espanol" in program listings.}} || align="left"|Cinemáx is a Spanish simulcast of Cinemax (similar to HBO Latino, although without any programming differences), broadcasting Spanish-dubbed Hollywood films and original series; all of Cinemax's other multiplex channels otherwise do carry Spanish film audio on the [[second audio program]].<ref name=changes>{{cite press release|title=Cinemax Set to Tweak Its Lineup to Enhance Audience Appeal|url=http://news.directv.com/2013/05/23/cinemax-set-to-tweak-its-lineup-to-enhance-audience-appeal/|website=[[DirecTV]]|date=May 23, 2013|access-date=May 26, 2013|archive-date=June 8, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130608051748/http://news.directv.com/2013/05/23/cinemax-set-to-tweak-its-lineup-to-enhance-audience-appeal/|url-status=live}}</ref> The channel originally launched on May 17, 2001, as @Max,<ref name="Plex">{{cite web|title=Cinemax Keys HBO Plex Patrol|url=http://www.highbeam.com/doc/1G1-70493274.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121105151453/http://www.highbeam.com/doc/1G1-70493274.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=November 5, 2012|author=Mike Reynolds|periodical=Cable World |date=January 15, 2001|access-date=February 24, 2011}}</ref> targeted at young adults between the ages of 18 and 34 with programming focused on contemporary films, and movies with an exemplified attitude and unique ideas; under its current format, the channel was known as MaxLatino from June 1, 2013, to April 1, 2015, when it adopted its parent network's branding (with the "a" utilizing an [[acute accent|acute diacritic accent]] for pronunciation disambiguity).
|-
|}

====Former channels====
{| class="wikitable" width="100%" style="text-align: center;"
|-
! Channel
! Description and programming
|-
| width="200" align="center" |[[File:ThrillerMax Logo.svg|200px|center]]<br />'''ThrillerMax''' || align="left"|Launched in 1998, ThrillerMax ran mystery, suspense, horror and thriller movies; the channel ran a prime time film block, "When the Clock Strikes 10", showing a different featured mystery, suspense or thriller at 10:00&nbsp;p.m. Eastern Time seven nights a week. Warner Bros. Discovery confirmed on June 13, 2025 that ThrillerMax, MovieMax and OuterMax along with HBO Family would close on August 15, 2025, with viewers directed to [[HBO Max]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Schneider |first=Michael |date=2025-06-13 |title=HBO Family, ThrillerMax and Other Multiplex Channels to Be Shut Down by Warner Bros. Discovery |url=https://variety.com/2025/tv/news/hbo-family-channels-shut-down-warner-bros-discovery-1236430009/ |access-date=2025-06-13 |website=Variety |language=en-US}}</ref>
|-
| width="200" align="center" |[[File:MovieMax Logo.svg|200px|center]]<br />'''MovieMax''' || align="left"|MovieMax broadcast films aimed at young adults between the ages of 18 and 34 years old (the format of the pre-relaunch @Max); it was previously formatted as a family-oriented service from June 2013 to January 2015. The channel originally launched on May 17, 2001, as WMax,<ref name="Plex"/> which was targeted at a female audience, and featured dramas, mysteries and classic romance films.
|-
| width="200" align="center" |[[File:OuterMax Logo.svg|200px|center]]<br />'''OuterMax''' || align="left"|Launched on May 17, 2001,<ref name="Plex"/> OuterMax ran science fiction, horror and fantasy films; the channel had a late-night film block, "Graveyard Shift", carrying a featured sci-fi or horror movie every night at midnight Eastern Time.
|-
|}

===Other services===
====Cinemax HD====
'''Cinemax HD''' broadcasts in [[1080i]] resolution with [[Dolby Digital]] 5.1 sound. Cinemax provides high definition simulcast feeds for its main channel and all four multiplex channels. Initially, from the 2008 expansion of HD simulcasts for the multiplex feeds, most pay television providers only offered the main Cinemax channel in HD, with HD availability for multiplex channels varying by market. As of 2025, most providers offer all five Cinemax multiplex channels in HD, either on a dedicated HD channel tier or as hybrid SD/HD feeds. The flagship network switched to exclusive high definition programming on September 1, 2008.<ref>{{cite web |author=Darren Murph |date=August 22, 2008 |title=Cinemax to go all HD September 1 |url=http://www.engadgethd.com/2008/08/22/cinemax-going-100-high-definition-on-september-1st/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081211183122/http://www.engadgethd.com/2008/08/22/cinemax-going-100-high-definition-on-september-1st/ |archive-date=December 11, 2008 |access-date=September 28, 2008 |website=[[Engadget]] |publisher=[[AOL]]}}</ref>

==== Cinemax On Demand ====
'''Cinemax On Demand''' is the network's companion subscription video-on-demand (SVOD) service, available at no extra charge to subscribers of the linear television service. Launched in 2002,<ref>{{cite web |author=Matt Stump |date=March 4, 2002 |title=SVOD Rollouts: So far, so good |url=http://www.highbeam.com/doc/1G1-83669463.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140611030427/http://www.highbeam.com/doc/1G1-83669463.html |archive-date=June 11, 2014 |access-date=March 2, 2013 |publisher=Reed Business Information |periodical=Multichannel News}}</ref> it offers VOD content through select virtual MVPD services such as [[DirecTV Stream]] and Hulu, as well as on Cinemax's dedicated OTT video channels via Apple TV Channels, Amazon Video Channels, and [[Roku#The Roku Channel|The Roku Channel]].<ref>{{cite book |author=Amanda D. Lotz |author-link=Amanda D. Lotz |title=The Television Will Be Revolutionized |publisher=New York University Press |year=2007 |location=New York City |page=132}}</ref>

====Cinemax Go====
[[File:MaxGO.svg|125px|right]]
'''Cinemax Go''' (formerly '''MAX Go''') was a [[TV Everywhere]] [[streaming media|streaming service]] for Cinemax subscribers, available as a desktop website and through apps for Apple and Google Play devices, as well as most digital media players and game consoles. Launched on September 13, 2010, it mirrored the content of Cinemax On Demand,<ref>{{cite web |author=Mike Allen |date=September 9, 2010 |title=HBO's Cinemax MAX GO launches online |url=http://www.hd-report.com/2010/09/09/hbos-cinemax-max-go-launches-online |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101226141219/http://www.hd-report.com/2010/09/09/hbos-cinemax-max-go-launches-online/ |archive-date=December 26, 2010 |access-date=January 12, 2011 |work=HD Report |publisher=LinksThat}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |author=Ben Drawbaugh |date=February 17, 2010 |title=Eyes-on with HBO GO |url=http://hd.engadget.com/2010/02/17/eyes-on-with-hbo-go/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120925090432/http://hd.engadget.com/2010/02/17/eyes-on-with-hbo-go/ |archive-date=September 25, 2012 |access-date=October 5, 2012 |website=[[Engadget]] |publisher=[[AOL]]}}</ref> excluding live simulcasts of the linear channels. New episodes of the network's original programming were available at the same time as their wireline release.

The service was available to subscribers of AT&T U-verse,<ref>{{cite web |author=Richard Lawler |title=HBO GO, MAX GO now available on AT&T's U-verse |url=http://hd.engadget.com/2010/11/29/hbo-go-max-go-now-available-on-atandts-u-verse |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101201090428/http://hd.engadget.com/2010/11/29/hbo-go-max-go-now-available-on-atandts-u-verse/ |archive-date=December 1, 2010 |access-date=January 12, 2010 |website=Engadget |publisher=AOL}}</ref> Cox Communications,<ref>{{cite web |last=Robuck |first=Mike |date=May 10, 2011 |title=Cox makes TV Everywhere launch official |url=http://www.cedmagazine.com/News/2011/05/Cox-TV-Online-Everywhere-authentication-thePlatform-mpx-launch.aspx |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110514071731/http://www.cedmagazine.com/News/2011/05/Cox-TV-Online-Everywhere-authentication-thePlatform-mpx-launch.aspx |archive-date=May 14, 2011 |periodical=CED Magazine}}</ref> DirecTV,<ref>{{cite press release |title=DIRECTV to Launch HBO GO and MAX GO, April 12th |date=April 11, 2011 |url=http://investor.directv.com/releaseDetail.cfm?ReleaseID=568022 |access-date=April 11, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110417040127/http://investor.directv.com/releasedetail.cfm?ReleaseID=568022 |archive-date=April 17, 2011 |website=DirecTV}}</ref> [[Dish Network]],<ref>{{cite press release |title=Dish Network Offers HBO GO and MAX GO, Presenting More Than 1,800 On-Demand Movies and Original Series to Online Customers |date=April 21, 2011 |url=http://dish.client.shareholder.com/releasedetail.cfm?ReleaseID=571046 |access-date=April 21, 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110511193315/http://dish.client.shareholder.com/releasedetail.cfm?ReleaseID=571046 |archive-date=May 11, 2011 |website=Dish Network}}</ref> [[Suddenlink Communications]],<ref>{{cite web |author=Todd Spangler |date=April 26, 2011 |title=Suddenlink Takes HBO And Cinemax To Go |url=http://www.multichannel.com/news/cable-operators/suddenlink-takes-hbo-and-cinemax-go/327773 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150402104315/http://www.multichannel.com/news/cable-operators/suddenlink-takes-hbo-and-cinemax-go/327773 |archive-date=April 2, 2015 |access-date=April 20, 2015 |publisher=[[NewBay Media]] |periodical=Multichannel News}}</ref> and [[Charter Communications]].<ref>{{cite web |author=Todd Spangler |date=July 21, 2011 |title=Charter Officially Delivers HBO, Cinemax To Go |url=http://www.multichannel.com/news/cable-operators/charter-officially-delivers-hbo-cinemax-go/327529 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150402154833/http://www.multichannel.com/news/cable-operators/charter-officially-delivers-hbo-cinemax-go/327529 |archive-date=April 2, 2015 |access-date=April 20, 2015 |publisher=NewBay Media |periodical=Multichannel News}}</ref> The MAX Go app was discontinued on April 30, 2020, and the desktop website, renamed Cinemax Go, continued until July 31, 2022.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Man |first=TV Answer |date=June 1, 2020 |title=What Happened to Cinemax Go App? |url=https://tvanswerman.com/2020/06/01/what-happened-to-cinemax-go-app/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200903054138/https://tvanswerman.com/2020/06/01/what-happened-to-cinemax-go-app/ |archive-date=September 3, 2020 |access-date=September 3, 2020 |website=The TV Answer Man! |language=en-US}}</ref> The service was discontinued as Warner Bros. Discovery consolidated its streaming efforts under HBO Max, rebranded as Max on May 23, 2023, before reverting to HBO Max on July 9, 2025.<ref>{{cite web |date=April 28, 2022 |title=Cinemax GO - Sunset Notice |url=https://www.nctconline.org/index.php/members/resources/technical-notices/item/1844-cinemax-go-sunset-notice |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220812145106/https://www.nctconline.org/index.php/members/resources/technical-notices/item/1844-cinemax-go-sunset-notice |archive-date=August 12, 2022 |access-date=May 5, 2022 |publisher=National Cable Television Cooperative}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Maas |first=Jennifer |date=April 12, 2023 |title=Warner Bros. Discovery Unveils 'Max': Everything Revealed at Combined HBO Max-Discovery+ Streaming Presentation |url=https://variety.com/2023/tv/news/max-streaming-service-hbo-warner-discovery-1235579785/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230424071008/https://variety.com/2023/tv/news/max-streaming-service-hbo-warner-discovery-1235579785/ |archive-date=April 24, 2023 |access-date=April 24, 2023 |website=Variety |language=en-US}}</ref><ref name="rebrand"/>

==Programming==
Cinemax schedules movies for 20–24 hours daily on its main channel and 24 hours on its multiplex channels. Since June 2000, new theatrical and original movies have premiered every Sunday at 8:00&nbsp;p.m. ET/PT. First-run films typically debut 10 months to a year after their theatrical release and within six months of DVD or VOD release.<ref>{{cite web |date=December 6, 2007 |title=Cable Mavericks Collection: David Baldwin |url=https://www.cablecenter.org/media-room/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=157 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200719104601/https://www.cablecenter.org/media-room/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=157 |archive-date=July 19, 2020 |access-date=July 17, 2020 |website=The Cable Center}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |author=Jack Egan |date=August 24, 2003 |title=Hooray for Hollywood |url=https://variety.com/2003/scene/markets-festivals/hooray-for-hollywood-2-1117891251/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200718195059/https://variety.com/2003/scene/markets-festivals/hooray-for-hollywood-2-1117891251/ |archive-date=July 18, 2020 |access-date=July 17, 2020 |website=Variety |publisher=Reed Business Information}}</ref><ref>{{cite magazine |author=Rich Brown |date=August 8, 1994 |title=HBO trumpets Saturday night at the movies |publisher=Cahners Business Information |page=24 |periodical=Broadcasting & Cable}}</ref>

===Original programming===
{{main|List of Cinemax original programming}}On August 12, 2011, {{Citation needed|date=December 2024}} Cinemax expanded into original programming with the American premiere of the British action series [[Strike Back (TV series)|''Strike Back'']]. The series, which had originally aired in the UK, was produced in partnership with HBO {{Citation needed|date=December 2024}}. Cinemax's second original series, [[Hunted (2012 TV series)|''Hunted'']], premiered on October 19, 2012, in collaboration with [[BBC One]].<ref name="tvwise2">{{cite web |author=Patrick Munn |date=June 5, 2012 |title=Update: Cinemax's New Drama Series 'Hunted' To Premiere October 19th |url=http://www.tvwise.co.uk/2012/06/cinemaxs-new-drama-series-hunted-to-premiere-october-26th/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120621145711/http://www.tvwise.co.uk/2012/06/cinemaxs-new-drama-series-hunted-to-premiere-october-26th/ |archive-date=June 21, 2012 |access-date=June 22, 2012 |work=TVWise}}</ref> This was followed by [[Banshee (TV series)|''Banshee'']] in 2013,<ref>{{cite web |last=Andreeva |first=Nellie |date=August 11, 2011 |title=Cinemax Prepping Amish Country Series Executive Produced by Alan Ball |url=https://deadline.com/2011/08/cinemax-prepping-amish-country-series-executive-produced-by-alan-ball-156189/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111226101120/http://www.deadline.com/2011/08/cinemax-prepping-amish-country-series-executive-produced-by-alan-ball/ |archive-date=December 26, 2011 |access-date=August 11, 2011 |website=Deadline Hollywood}}</ref> and in 2014, ''Sandbox'' and ''[[The Knick]]''.<ref>{{cite web |last=Andreeva |first=Nellie |date=August 31, 2011 |title=Cinemax Developing Action Vigilante Drama |url=https://deadline.com/2011/08/cinemax-developing-action-vigilate-drama-165697/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111018142240/http://www.deadline.com/2011/08/cinemax-developing-action-vigilate-drama/ |archive-date=October 18, 2011 |access-date=August 31, 2011 |website=Deadline Hollywood}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last=Travers |first=Ben |date=May 16, 2014 |title=Steven Soderbergh's Cinemax Series The Knick (Finally!) Lands a Release Date |url=https://www.indiewire.com/article/television/steven-soderberghs-cinemax-series-the-knick-finally-lands-a-release-date |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140517172218/http://www.indiewire.com/article/television/steven-soderberghs-cinemax-series-the-knick-finally-lands-a-release-date |archive-date=May 17, 2014 |access-date=May 16, 2014 |work=[[IndieWire]]}}</ref>

In 2020, Cinemax announced it would stop commissioning original programming to focus on HBO Max.<ref name=":0" /> The martial arts drama ''Warrior'' was the last original series on Cinemax, with its third season moving to HBO Max in April 2021.<ref name=":1">{{Cite magazine |last=Sepinwall |first=Alan |date=October 1, 2020 |title='Warrior' Season 2 Ends an Era of Ass-Kicking Pulp at Cinemax |url=https://www.rollingstone.com/tv/tv-features/warrior-season-2-cinemax-pulp-strike-back-banshee-1065116/ |access-date=April 14, 2021 |magazine=Rolling Stone |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Petski |first=Denise |date=April 14, 2021 |title='Warrior' Renewed For Season 3, Moving From Cinemax To HBO Max |url=https://deadline.com/2021/04/warrior-renewed-season-3-moving-from-cinemax-to-hbo-max-1234734339/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210414191247/https://deadline.com/2021/04/warrior-renewed-season-3-moving-from-cinemax-to-hbo-max-1234734339/ |archive-date=April 14, 2021 |access-date=April 14, 2021 |website=Deadline Hollywood |language=en-US}}</ref>

====Max After Dark====
Cinemax's late-night block, '''Max After Dark''', featured softcore pornographic films and original series with TV-MA or R ratings, primarily for strong sexual content and nudity. This block, which began on May 4, 1984, as "Cinemax Friday After Dark", expanded to seven nights a week by the late 1990s.<ref name="Cinemax makeover" /> Programs included ''[[Lingerie (TV series)|Lingerie]]'', ''[[Life on Top]]'', [[Femme Fatales (TV series)|''Femme Fatales'']], and ''Topless Prophet''.<ref>{{cite web |last=Lengel |first=Allan |date=June 9, 2014 |title='Topless Prophet:' The Latest Detroit Entry in the TV World |url=http://www.deadlinedetroit.com/articles/9542/topless_prophet_the_latest_detroit_entry_in_the_tv_world |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170802002559/http://www.deadlinedetroit.com/articles/9542/topless_prophet_the_latest_detroit_entry_in_the_tv_world |archive-date=August 2, 2017 |access-date=August 1, 2017 |work=Deadline Hollywood Detroit}}</ref> The block was known for its lenient scheduling around mainstream films and series and was often humorously referred to as "Skinemax".<ref name="skinemax">{{cite web |last=Burr |first=Ty |author-link=Ty Burr |date=February 19, 2006 |title='70's soft-core brought safe sex to cinemas |url=https://www.proquest.com/docview/404992424 |access-date=August 1, 2017 |work=[[Boston Globe]] |id={{ProQuest|404992424}}}}</ref>

The adult content was not limited to the main Cinemax channel but also aired on multiplex channels like MoreMax, ActionMax, ThrillerMax, and OuterMax. However, channels like MovieMax and 5StarMax avoided adult programming. The block's presence, alongside other HBO channels, was partly due to the FCC's content regulations not applying to cable networks.

By 2013, Cinemax began reducing Max After Dark content to focus more on original programming, as internet porn's prevalence made the block's content seem relatively tame compared to HBO's original series.<ref name="Stealth">{{cite web |last=Shain |first=Michael |date=February 14, 2011 |title=HBO's stealth plan to kill off 'Skinemax' |url=https://nypost.com/2011/02/14/hbos-stealth-plan-to-kill-off-skinemax/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170711155259/http://nypost.com/2011/02/14/hbos-stealth-plan-to-kill-off-skinemax/ |archive-date=July 11, 2017 |access-date=August 18, 2017 |work=[[New York Post]]}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last=Grobart |first=Sam |date=October 14, 2013 |title=Goodnight, Skinemax: The Death of Soft-Core Porn |url=https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2013-10-14/goodnight-skinemax-the-death-of-soft-core-porn |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160418203319/https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2013-10-14/goodnight-skinemax-the-death-of-soft-core-porn |archive-date=April 18, 2016 |access-date=August 1, 2017 |work=Bloomberg}}{{subscription required}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last=Shire |first=Emily |date=October 15, 2013 |title=The demise of Cinemax After Dark: How the internet killed softcore porn |url=https://theweek.com/articles/458896/demise-cinemax-after-dark-how-internet-killed-softcore-porn |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170801235012/http://theweek.com/articles/458896/demise-cinemax-after-dark-how-internet-killed-softcore-porn |archive-date=August 1, 2017 |access-date=August 1, 2017 |work=The Week}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last=Steinberg |first=Brian |date=October 8, 2013 |title=Cinemax Has Become Uncomfortable in Its Skin |url=https://variety.com/2013/biz/news/cinemax-has-become-uncomfortable-in-its-skin-1200703748/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170802002955/http://variety.com/2013/biz/news/cinemax-has-become-uncomfortable-in-its-skin-1200703748/ |archive-date=August 2, 2017 |access-date=October 8, 2013 |work=[[Variety (magazine)|Variety]]}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last=Sampson |first=Mike |date=October 8, 2013 |title=RIP Skinemax: Cinemax Looking to Ditch "After Dark" Softcore Porn |url=https://screencrush.com/rip-skinemax/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190402002609/https://screencrush.com/rip-skinemax/ |archive-date=April 2, 2019 |access-date=October 9, 2013 |work=ScreenCrush.com}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last=Andreeva |first=Nellie |date=December 9, 2016 |title=Cinemax Returns To Action, Pulpy Series & Co-Prods In New Programming Strategy |url=https://deadline.com/2016/12/cinemax-returns-action-drama-series-co-productions-new-programming-strategy-strike-back-rellik-outcast-warrior-1201864870/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170817234809/http://deadline.com/2016/12/cinemax-returns-action-drama-series-co-productions-new-programming-strategy-strike-back-rellik-outcast-warrior-1201864870/ |archive-date=August 17, 2017 |access-date=December 9, 2016 |work=Deadline Hollywood}}</ref>

==International distribution==
===Latin America===
A Latin American version of Cinemax was launched on September 5, 1993, airing movies old and new, as well as television series and miniseries. Starting June 1, 2010, it became an ad-supported basic cable channel in the region. Original series would air on [[HBO Latin America Group#Operating channels|HBO's premium suite]] in [[Latin America]].

===Asia===
{{main|Cinemax (Asian TV channel)}}
Cinemax began broadcasting in 1996, featuring action, comedy, science fiction, and western movies. The channel was known as '''Max''' from 2009 to 2012.

===Central Europe===
Launched in February 2005, Cinemax focused on festival, indie, European, and classic films. '''Cinemax''' and '''Cinemax 2''' are available in Bulgaria, the Czech Republic, Hungary, Poland, Romania, and Slovakia, and expanded to certain [[Balkan peninsula|Balkan]] countries in 2009. Initially a timeshift channel, '''Cinemax 2''' started airing a distinct schedule from 2016.

==Additional notes==
Many Cinemax Original Series and programming events are usually available on [[Amazon Prime Video|Amazon on Demand]], which has often outperformed rival [[HBO Max]]. ''Banshee,'' ''Strike Back,'' ''[[Warrior (TV series)|Warrior]],'' ''[[Jett (TV series)|Jett]],'' ''The Knick,'' ''Hunted'' are among the Originals available on the service. In fact, Cinemax-on-Demand is semi-official via Amazon.

==References==
{{Reflist}}

===Notes===
{{reflist|group="note"}}

==External links==
{{Commons category| Cinemax}}
* {{Official website|https://www.cinemax.com/}}

{{Cinemax}}
{{U.S. movie television channels}}
{{U.S. premium television services}}
{{HBO}}
{{WarnerMedia Studios & Networks}}
{{Authority control}}

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