The Vergecast HBO's no good very bad rebrand
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May 16, 2025 The rebranding chaos of HBO Max takes center stage, exposing the ludicrous strategies behind corporate name changes. In lighter moments, the hosts share anecdotes about luxury cars and the absurdity of gender reveal parties. Streaming giants like Netflix and Apple are scrutinized for their tough choices in theatrical releases and sports licensing. Meanwhile, Apple's CarPlay Ultra sparks debates on user experience, while controversies surrounding regulatory challenges in telecom and the future of Airbnb add another layer of intrigue.
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Stalking Aston Martin Owner Anecdote
- David Pierce is curious about an Aston Martin in his neighborhood and considers asking the owner questions directly.
- Nilay Patel suggests a gentle approach, starting with neighborhood chat before asking about the car.
HBO Max Rebrand Failure
- Warner Bros. Discovery's rebranding of HBO Max to Max was widely criticized as a bad move.
- They eventually reversed course, reverting to HBO Max and removing Discovery content due to poor reception.
Warner Bros. Returns to HBO Quality
- Warner Bros. Discovery finally embraces HBO's legacy of quality entertainment after failed experiments.
- The network's strength lies in its high-quality shows, a strategy they had abandoned but now return to.
